La Ménagerie, situated in a charming hamlet with water mills and a horse farm, was formerly the residence of the overseer of Château de Renancourt. The Louis XIII-era manor house, built in 1610, was recently updated with the highest quality materials and amenities.
The 745 m2 (8,000 sq. ft.) main house has six bedrooms, six modern baths plus a guest lavatory, large light-filled reception areas, seven fireplaces, high ceilings with exposed beams, antique terra cotta tile floors and many other tastefully restored period features.
The property is surrounded by exotic plantings and is set at the foot of a white cliff with grottos and caves. The one-hectare (2.5-acre) terrain also has a 280 m2 (3,000 sq. ft.) outbuilding that could be converted into an indoor pool, guest house or caretaker residence. Additionally, there is a small house for equipment storage next to a tennis court that needs resurfacing.
The manor house
The manor house consists of three wings:
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a central three-story wing with reception rooms, library and bedrooms;
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a northern wing, which faces a white cliff, with a heated winter garden (orangerie); and
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a southern wing with kitchen, which faces a country lane, with an apartment for staff or additional bedrooms.
The house is set in a large circular courtyard paved with Belgian cobblestones and planted with yew tees and boxwood topiary shaped into cones, pyramids and squares.
Mechanical systems
The house is in turnkey condition. The electrical installations, plumbing, heating and roof are all new.
Heating. A subterranean furnace room houses a new de Dietrich boiler, hot water heater and Culligan water softener. The new fuel tank has a capacity of 8,000-10,000 liters.
There are approximately 40 Acova radiators for seven individually controlled hearting zones. Reception rooms have custom-made radiator covers in old oak. A special pump controls the flow of hot water. The orangerie has under-floor radiant heating.
Plumbing. All plumbing is new. Each bedroom has its own bath with tub, and the master suite has a Jacuzzi. Most toilets are suspended for ease of cleaning. All fixtures are of the highest quality.
Electricity. There are separate electrical installations, including transformers and circuit breakers, for each of the three wings of the house. Most rooms have recessed halogen lighting, with dimmers for most rooms and individual transformers for each spotlight.
Exterior lighting is divided into three zones, which are controlled from the house. Lighting at the entrance to the caves and the ice house can be controlled from the house as well.
Security
There is a video security system connecting the manor house to the main gate, which operates electronically. The house is protected by a Diethelm alarm system with multiple zones and radar. Every window and door except those on the third floor is equipped with an automatic alarm contact. Windows and doors on the ground floor have custom grillwork or antique interior shutters.
Roof
The roof as well as all chimneys and surrounding windows and brickwork have been redone in their entirety. The roof consists of individual tiles.
Kitchen
The kitchen is equipped throughout with Gaggenau appliances, including a large refrigerator with freezer, a small refrigerator, two dishwashers, an oven and a microwave, all included in the purchase price. The appliances are custom fitted into high-quality oak cabinets. The Lacanche professional-level stove has eight burners plus an oven and platewarmer.
All counters are granite, and the two sinks are made of copper patina. An antique fireplace has its own copper exhaust hood and functions as an inside barbecue.
Grounds
The grounds around La Ménagerie are sumptuously landscaped with extensive gardens set in terraces and planted with rare and exotic plants. The tennis court needs to be resurfaced. Another striking feature is a series of white cliffs with grottos and caves, which can be illuminated. The seven-zone automatic watering system is controlled by a panel in a small greenhouse.
Outbuildings
There is a 280 m2 (approximately 3,000 sq. ft.) building which could house an indoor pool, sauna and/or caretaker residence. Additionally, there is a large glacière (ice house) which can serve as a wine cellar, and a small structure for equipment storage next to the tennis court.
Proximity to Paris
La Ménagerie is less than an hour's drive from central Paris. It is 46 minutes by train from Paris to Dreux (8 km), the nearest station. Paris Orly Airport is 90 km, and Paris CDG 120 km, almost all by Autoroute.
Price: 2,990,000 € | Rental potential: Excellent.
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