Herault Mansion

A Gilded 18th-Century Estate

This magnificent estate has been artfully preserved with a graceful sense of history and cultural significance down to the smallest of detail. We love the classical Italianate architecture and the stunning 18th-century gardens. Elegant, romantic and timeless, this luxury villa in France recalls the splendor and grandeur of history. 

Situated on almost 40 acres of vineyards, park land and beautifully designed formal gardens, this luxury villa in France is a prime example of the gilded 18th-century estates of the period.

Purchased following the war, the property has been in the same family ever since and was originally influenced by Italian architecture and the Tuscan region. 

The elegant pale pink facade gives way to interiors of impressive scale and stately bearing, with sliding wooden doors opening onto an arched enfilade of interconnecting rooms including two sitting rooms, a music room with a grand piano (reportedly played by Franz Liszt himself) and multiple windows overlooking the gardens. 

A thorough renovation has restored the original layout and decorative details, including original ceiling moldings, marble, wrought iron and tile with a palette of soft hues and gilded accents. As a representative with one of the oldest fine art auction houses in France, the owner is passionate about contemporary art and has carefully blended eras with an eclectic mix of period antiques, and modern pieces.

On the first floor are five large bedrooms, four with en suite bathrooms and  a dormitory style bedroom with a shared family bath. On the second floor are two double bedrooms and a playroom and one small additional bathroom. Each of the rooms are cheerful and sunny and designed according to subtle themes.

The large country style kitchen is fully equipped to handle entertaining inside or, out on the south facing terrace with it's large covered dining area. There is also a summer kitchen off to the side of the pool perfect for seasonal dining.  

The gardens were designed in the 18th century in the spirit of French gardens with boxwood arabesques, and multiple basins and fountains all powered by natural water sources. 

Ideally suited for large families or groups of up to 16, this stunning estate immerses you into the soul and grandeur of the 18th century.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Wifi throughout, satellite cable TV and DVD player. Fully-equipped modern kitchen, linens and bath amenities. Private parking.

AROUND

Located forty minutes from Montpellier, this property is situated in an ideal location to discover the great cultural variety of the Languedoc region. Just outside of the town of Clermont l'Herault (the capital of the Languedoc Roussillon region), the area is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves among gentle rolling hills.

Don't miss a trip to the Lac du Salagou with its "ghost village" and red shores, or the strange and beautiful limestone formations of nearby Cirque de Moureze to the west of Clermont l'Herault. While in Montpellier, don’t miss the medieval center or Ecusson, where a  network of narrow alleyways, elegant mansions and stately commercial buildings makes for an ideal walking tour of the pedestrian-only Rue de la Loge where you can peruse the antiques and craft shops and stroll the nearby port.

As home to the 13th-century Université de Montpellier, the town has a vibrant and contemporary youth culture and a mix of multicultural influences from North Africa and around the world. The Sète Halle indoor market is the spot for local delicacies and the beaches of Les Aresquiers, Frontignan Plage, Marseillan Plage are a short drive away. 

LOCATION

Herault, France. Nearest Airport: Montpellier Méditerranée Airport (45 mins) or Béziers Airport (40 mins)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round or Spring through Fall for the best weather