Permanent Property Swap: 1780 Presbytery

France - Nouvelle-Aquitaine - Haute-Vienne

Rub shoulders with a chateau more than 1000 years old
Dream the life | Live the dream

Dream what life would be at Le Presbytere in the beautiful Limousin village of Coussac-Bonneval. Spend halcyon days discovering the finer things of life for which the area is famous. It offers gourmet treats like foie gras from nearby Thiviers, rich cassoulets, apples, cider, and Flognarde, the local specialty dessert. The foodie town of Perigueux is a short drive away, passing through countryside filled with Read More wild flowers and the famous gently grazing local Limousin cattle.

There are 18 villages along the Richard the Lionheart Route – each with their own chateau.
Coussac-Bonneval is no exception. The village, set in the south of Haute Vienne, is dominated by the Château de Bonneval which has belonged to the Comtes and Marquis de Bonneval for over 600 years. The original 11th century fortress was destroyed in the 100 Year War. It was rebuilt in the 15th century and updated throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. The stuff of fairy tales right in front of you.

Le Presbytere was completed in 1780, and 245+ years later it stands proudly next to the 15th century church of St Saturnin. It was the home of the Coussac-Bonneval priests until the end of the 20th century. The architectural plans, drawn up by the Limoges-based architect Martial Chateau in 1777, are still in existence and are kept in the archives of the notary Maleyx.

The local area has irresistible appeal for those whose passions are walking, horse riding and cycling. History buffs, writers, and painters will all find inspiration, returning to Le Presbytere to recount their experiences over a bottle of wine. The Big House, as it is known by the locals, is a relaxing and a charming retreat. Coussac-Bonneval offers local dining and day to day shopping necessities, a market in Place aux Foires every Thursday, and other farmer’s markets and supermarkets all nearby.

Transport links are very good, with the closest airport being Limoges (LIG) Airport which is 40.7 km away – an easy 45-minute drive. Other airports are Brive (BVE) (42.1 km), Bergerac (EGC) (99.4 km), Clermont-Ferrand (CFE) (146 km), and Bordeaux (BOD) (175.9 km). There are also regular train services from Limoges to Paris Austerlitz taking approximately 3.5 hours (214 miles / 344 km).

Now that you’re dreaming the life, imagine being able to shape and transform Le Presbytere to your perfect home. An elegant townhouse, it stands at the centre and oldest part of the village. It has been developed to a stage where all the difficult and unseen work (like plumbing, drains, and all the boring bits) has been completed. It is at the perfect point for creating a bespoke interior. It offers a large welcoming entrance hall from which the beautiful original curving staircase takes you to the upper two floors. On your left is an intimate dining room in shades of Chinese Red. On your right is the well-appointed chef’s kitchen panelled in Sage Green with cabinetry of elegantly washed oak, Beckton surfaces, and stainless-steel appliances (Bosch dishwasher, cabinet refrigerator, and large range). Straight ahead is the substantial living room with large windows at both ends and a commanding fireplace in the centre of a very attractive exposed brick wall. Unique double doors provide easy access back to the kitchen.

Each of the two upper floors have two bedrooms and spaces for two bathrooms, one of which has plenty of room for a laundry/utility area. All the bathroom fittings and laundry appliances are in situ. The house has beautiful original floors and elegant doors throughout. Be cool in summer and cosy in winter with the installation of the top of the range efficient air-pump heating/cooling system.

Enjoy al fresco dining in the two walled courtyards providing private tranquil spaces while being in the centre of the village. The house has a new roof as well as an adjacent barn which is ripe for conversion to a one-bedroom gite or a standalone apartment.

It's not hard to imagine Le Presbytere as your new French address where you can be justifiably proud as the owner of an elegantly appointed historic residence. It has the elegant and understated charm of the 18th century, yet with all the creature comforts of 21st century living. Dream the life. Live the dream.
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Property details

Property reference:	PS0482290
Location/Address:	1-3 Rue Duguesclin, 87500 Coussac-Bonneval, France
Property type:	Residential Property
Property subtype:	Townhouse
Swap Value Range:	€225,000 - €200,000
Swap country:	Italy
Number of stories:	3
Number of rooms:	11
Bedrooms:	4
Purchase year:	2021
Ground ownership:	Privately Owned
State of the property:	Regular
Description:	Mid renovation. New kitchen and bathroom. Recent roof.
Owner / Vendor username:	Charlie (#532)
Language by owner / vendor:	English (UK)