Le Clos Saint-Paul, a Country House on the Edge of the Woods

Property Description

MANOR HOUSE IN A WOODED PARK IN BESANÇON

Just a few minutes from the centre of Besançon, Le Clos Saint-Paul evokes a unique atmosphere: that of a grand residence set back within its landscape, whilst remaining closely linked to the city. Built in 1771, this stately home covers approximately 590 m² within a 1.5-hectare enclosed park, dotted with century-old trees and opening out onto the forest. Behind its stone façades, the spacious rooms offer comfort and privacy. Light floods into the reception rooms, whilst parquet flooring, marble, a bespoke bookcase and large windows preserve the elegance of a historic architectural style that has been reinterpreted over time. A heated swimming pool, outbuildings and a detached house round off the possibilities offered by this estate with its many potential uses.

A HISTORIC RESIDENCE BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE FOREST
You must take the Chemin du Fort Benoît and gradually leave the urban rhythm behind to truly appreciate Le Clos Saint-Paul. Here, Besançon remains close by, whilst the landscape is already taking on a different character. Walls, hedges and tall trees outline the boundaries of a 1.5-hectare estate, bordering the forest. Amidst this lush greenery, the house comes into view. Built in 1771 from stone, then extensively restructured in 1961, it retains that distinctive presence characteristic of old houses whose proportions have stood the test of time. Its exposed stone façades, its openings and certain windows with an almost British feel give it the silhouette of a manor house, sitting naturally within its grounds. The flat, fully enclosed plot complements the house in every respect. Mornings invite you to take a stroll beneath the trees later in the day, the south-facing stone terrace becomes an extension of the living areas. Just a few steps away, the 10-by-5-metre heated outdoor swimming pool creates another, more summery setting, opening out onto the garden.

HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE BATHE IN LIGHT
Inside, the 590 m² of living space is spread over two levels. The sense of space is immediately apparent: high ceilings, generous views and abundant light give the rooms a spaciousness particularly suited to family life and entertaining. The living room, measuring approximately 50 m², enjoys a south-west facing aspect. The materials tell the story of the house's different eras: solid or contemporary parquet flooring, marble, stretched fabrics and a bespoke bookcase combine to create an atmosphere where the old dialogues with more recent additions. The Poggenpohl kitchen has a contemporary design. Marble worktops, a large central island and a dining area make it a living space in its own right, extended by a utility room. The property currently comprises five bedrooms, with the potential to create up to seven, including a spacious suite with an en-suite bathroom. This layout offers great flexibility: a family home spanning several generations, a place to welcome loved ones for the long term, or a residence designed to combine private life with entertaining.

A PROPERTY WITH MANY POSSIBILITIES
Le Clos Saint-Paul also stands out for what surrounds the main house. A detached house of approximately 110 m², arranged as a duplex within an outbuilding, provides a space for family, friends or guests to stay in their own quarters. A barn of approximately 240 m² and attic spaces of approximately 250 m², partially converted, further expand the possibilities. The estate also offers, as an option, equestrian facilities, with existing structures suitable for keeping horses a stud farm situated on the same property could be considered as a further addition. This versatility gives the place a unique depth. One can envisage a large family home where everyone has their own space, a heritage property destined to be passed down through the generations, but also a hospitality venture where the main building and outbuildings would take on a new function. The town remains within easy reach. Shops are just a few minutes' walk away, Besançon-Viotte station is about ten minutes' drive away, and the A36 motorway towards Marchaux is approximately fifteen minutes' drive away. Le Clos Saint-Paul thus strikes a rare balance between two rhythms: that of a park, with its trees and the neighbouring forest and that of a town which one encounters almost as soon as one passes through the gate.

THE AGENT'S PERSPECTIVE
?What struck me first was the scale of the estate and the way the house stands at the heart of its grounds. Once inside, it is the spaciousness and the light that take centre stage. The large windows, with their subtle British flair, give the house the air of a manor house and play a key part in its character. There is a real sense of serenity here. It's easy to imagine morning walks beneath the trees, followed by a return to this spacious home. In Besançon, I know of few places that combine such an expansive estate, such distinctive architecture and such close proximity to the city. I