Majestic viewpoint: Castle life reinvented in the heart of a charming village

Perched atop the Old Village, overlooking the Valence plain and the confluence of the Rhône and Drôme rivers, this exceptional estate offers a timeless artistic and historical journey. Built at the end of the 11th century by the bishops of Valence and later reinterpreted in the 17th century, this unique architectural ensemble masterfully combines the noble austerity of its medieval origins with the boldness of a meticulous contemporary renovation. The estate comprises 870 square meters of living space within a large, wooded park of nearly 8,000 square meters, entirely enclosed by a majestic stone wall that ensures absolute privacy. The main stone building boasts a superb stone and lime-plastered façade, flanked by a square tower and a round pepperpot tower, and offers approximately 620 square meters of living space. From the moment you enter, the atmosphere is theatrical: the ground floor houses four main rooms, listed as Historical Monuments for their sumptuous period murals painted with mineral pigments. These exceptional decorations interact with spectacular volumes, solid wood French-style ceilings, and antique fireplaces. The upper floors, renovated with a distinctive style, contain bright, interconnected salons and spacious bedrooms offering hushed comfort. The characterful suites combine herringbone parquet flooring, patinated woodwork, and bathrooms with a minimalist design. Venturing into the castle’s hidden corners, the magic continues, transporting you back in time. As you ascend a flight of stairs, you discover a surprising cellar, complete with an antique stone vegetable garden, or a monumental fireplace that, in bygone eras, undoubtedly witnessed countless roasts of venison and other spit-roasted meats for aristocratic banquets. At the turn of another hidden staircase, the building reveals vast attic spaces with majestic beams, just waiting to be transformed into additional living areas. The past is glorious, but the future remains entirely to be imagined. The estate also boasts exceptional outbuildings that enhance the art of outdoor living. A former orangery has been magnificently transformed into an independent suite with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a private jacuzzi. A charming little chapel adds a touch of historical soul to the property, while a long swimming pool blends with rare elegance into the park, perfect for balmy summer days. Completely independent yet perfectly integrated into the whole, a second house of 250sqm of living space on two levels ideally complements the property. Completely renovated in a distinctly contemporary style, it benefits from a separate entrance and a large double garage with direct street access. Inside, this modern home reveals, among other things, a vast living room bathed in light from a skylight and warmed by a central suspended fireplace, a modern kitchen with a central breakfast bar, and a superb bedroom nestled beneath an original vaulted ceiling. Whether for an intergenerational family project, a high-end hospitality business, or a space for pure creative expression, this place of absolute expression will appeal to aesthetes seeking uniqueness, history, and wide-open spaces.