Charming 19th century manor house with swimming pool and caretaker's cottage between the Marais Poitevin and La Rochelle

Nestled in Benon, this castle-like manor offers an enchanting escape into a world of wonder, where every detail weaves the narrative of your own fairy tale. Built at the end of the 19th century, it once served as the vacation haven for the Delmas family, esteemed ship owners from La Rochelle. Nestled discreetly amidst verdant, pastoral surroundings, a tree-lined pathway leads you to this majestic property. Initially, the manor house takes center stage, followed by the caretaker's lodge, nestled within five hectares of meticulously manicured English-style gardens, bordered by tranquil ponds and winding canals, maintaining its serene atmosphere. At a distance from the main residence, a charming swimming pool, embraced by a sun-drenched terrace, invites relaxation in this picturesque setting, serenaded by the melodies of birds. Nature has intertwined itself with this 1860 residence, with ivy embracing the bignones, imbuing it with a tangible romantic allure. While its size and slate roofs classify it as a château, its layout, timbering, and façades evoke the charm of cottage-style villas. Adorned with projecting eaves, the mansion boasts two primary fronts. Careful restoration ensures the manor retains its illustrious history and authenticity. Upon entering the ground floor, a foyer leads to two luminous reception rooms, offering captivating views of the parklands through ample windows, seamlessly transitioning to a grand dining area overlooking the ponds and rear grounds. Across the foyer, a cozy parlor bathed in natural light extends a warm welcome, providing panoramic views of the blossoming countryside from its petite terrace enclosed by a semi-circular natural stone balustrade. This leads to an elegant bedroom with a bathtub at the foot of the bed and a shower room nestled within one of the turrets. Ascending a majestic original staircase, one reaches the expansive first-floor landing, granting access to four spacious bedrooms, each elegantly appointed with its own en-suite bathroom, exuding individual charm with clawfoot tubs and sweeping park views. Further ascent to the second floor reveals two more splendid en-suite bedrooms, exquisitely adorned and commanding uninterrupted views of the surroundings. A third bedroom, currently undergoing transformation in the former attic, is flanked by a turret undergoing restoration. The lower level of the manor, accessible independently from the grounds, houses storage cellars, a fully-equipped kitchen ideal for grand receptions, and a scullery opening onto a spacious living area with original flooring. The property includes a substantial stone-built caretaker's lodge exuding timeless allure, comprising a living space, fitted kitchen, and refurbished shower room. An internal staircase ascends to a spacious through-bedroom with dressing facilities, alongside a second bedroom and study above the tower. Adjacent to the caretaker's lodge stands an annex, presently utilized as a workshop but originally serving as stables, offering undeniable potential for conversion, seamlessly complementing this unique property. Reflecting the hallmark features of a 19th-century residence, from meticulously maintained original parquet floors to marble fireplaces, double French windows, whitewashed walls, and ornate moldings, the entire edifice epitomizes timeless elegance. Renovated in harmony with its heritage, the manor stands as an epitome of architectural preservation. Ideally suited for a family residence yet equally poised for commercial utilization as a luxurious bed and breakfast, the estate zealously guards its privacy without isolation, eagerly anticipating your visionary endeavors! Maxwell-Baynes Christie's International Real Estate 27 Quai Valin 17000 La Rochelle France International Real Estate - Immobilier international La Rochelle - Ile de Ré - Royan - Île d'Oléron