Magnificent Large Period Town House, Character Features, Established Gardens, Parking, Walk to Shops

Property Description

Our ref- AI4883
This beautiful house really has to be seen to be appreciated - it is ideally situated within a short walk of the town centre but is totally private. It has been beautifully renovated while maintaining character features and provides a large comfortable home with mains gas central heating and double glazing throughout
The house is built on the hillside overlooking the valley of the River Lien which flows into the Charente River outside of town so from its elevated position there are views towards the old quarter and its chateau. The rear terrace outside the kitchen sits atop what is believed to have been a guard tower on the original town walls. From the terrace, lovely stone steps lead down to the garden which is walled and very private and has gated access from the road behind for extra parking if required
To the front, there is an archway with large wooden gates leading to a cobbled and parking area in front of and inside the old coach house. To one side is a covered dining area with a barbecue built into the old fireplace. There are some small outbuildings for storage and on the level above these, the current owners have started converting a large space for extra living accommodation or for use as a studio
The house has two entrance halls, one direct from the street and one from the parking area.
The property comprises in detail:
Main entrance hall- 14m2 accessed through the original door - we're told over 300 years old
There are stairs leading down to two levels of cellars below with the first lower level being the original house kitchen. A beautiful wide curved staircase leads to the first floor from this end and on up to the attic and the former maid's room. There is a door into:
Lounge - 22m2 which has original floorboards and a pretty fireplace. Double doors then lead into:
Dining room - 31m2 also with original floorboards and a fireplace and a door into the kitchen
Office - 10m2 and with new floorboards. This room is believed to have been the serving pantry as there is an old door leading directly onto the staircase down to the former kitchen
Kitchen - 27m2 with fitted cupboards and having views over the garden. From this room you can directly access the paved terrace which is perfect as a dining area with its vines and climbing plants providing natural shade
Back entrance hall - 4m2 with the back staircase and door leading out to the parking area and covered terrace
Utility/shower room - 15m2 with shower, washbasin and a laundry area. Separate WC under the stairs
1st floor:
Landing and central corridor - 15m2 with exposed floorboards and providing access to all the rooms
Bedroom 1 15m2
Bedroom 2 - 20m2
Bedroom 3 - 24m2 with an adjoining nursery bedroom of 10m2
Through a door at the end of the corridor is bedroom 4 - 10m2
All the bedrooms have been renovated and designed in keeping with the character of a house of this age
Shower room - 22m very impressive with double wash hand basins, shower and separate WC. From this room there is access to an annex of 21m2 which is part renovated to create further accommodation. There are French windows here leading out to a balcony overlooking the garden. Adjoining this and accessible from it is the area above the outbuildings of 41m2 which is also part renovated. With some more work this could be a separate apartment or just simply more bedrooms
There is an attic across the whole 2nd floor level but with limited head height and one little room which we are told was the maid's bedroom
Cellars:
There is an extensive set of rooms on the two lower levels which include the original kitchen, a boiler room, a vaulted cellar and a wine cave as well as various store rooms. There are entrances to the lower level from each side of the garden so potential for conversion in parts but also ample workshop and storage space
Outside:
On the upper level there are the two terraces, one covered with a barbecue at the front and one behind the house atop the old guard tower which has vines, numerous climbing plants and planted borders. There is also a small glass fronted shed for winter storage of plants and pots
The garden is laid out to areas of gravel, shrubs, and there is even space for a vegetable plot if desired with a well to provide free water. There is a small stone barn for storage with a chicken shed and fenced run. There are an abundance of trees and shrubs throughout so plenty of shade and ample space for a pool as well
The town of Ruffec has all commercial, cultural and leisure amenities and even has a hospital and train station with services connecting to the TGV express train system at Angouleme to the south and Poitiers to the north. The N10 arterial route between Poitiers and Bordeaux is easily accessible and provides access to the airports at Bordeaux and Poitiers with other airports at La Rochelle and Limoges to the west and east
This is a magnificent home with possibilities to increase the living space, provide a large studio space or separate rental accommodation and has to be viewed to understand how much is on offer here
Habitable space - 229m2
Total plot size - 1198m2 CLASSE ENERGIE: C
As we are a French company, French law requires us to publish the following
Prix 299 250 euros honoraires d'agence inclus.
Prix honoraires d'agence exclus 285 000 euros.
Honoraires d'agence de 5,00% ttc à la charge de l'acquéreur.