Château du Fey, originally constructed in the 17th century and now an official French Historic Monument, is one of the most magnificent properties currently for sale anywhere in France. It is appealing not only an ay idyllic private residence but also as a sophisticated bed-and-breakfast with an established revenue stream.
The estate, originally developed by a counselor to the court of Louis XIII, has around 30,000 m2 (32,300 sq. ft.) of living space, including outbuildings, on a magnificent 38-hectare (91-acre) terrain in the rolling fields of northwest Burgundy. Despite its bucolic setting, the château is only 90 minutes from Paris by car, and 75 minutes by train. Its classic architectural features have been rigorously preserved since the first stone was laid in 1640. The current owners, the seventh over a period of 370 years, have added a 5 m X 14 m (16.5' X 46') heated swimming pool and an all-weather tennis court. In a project running almost 25 years, the owners, in a tasteful and environmentally conscious way, have also brought the château and its mechanical systems to 21st-century standards of comfort and efficiency. These elements combine to make this estate a truly rare opportunity for the sophisticated buyer who seeks a classic French property in a beautiful region convenient to Paris, and in turnkey condition with no major renovations to be done.
Location
Château du Fey is situated a few kilometers from the town of Joigny, which lies five minutes north of exit 18 on the Autoroute (A 6) from Paris to Dijon. A charming Burgundian town typical of the region, Joingy is also the home of Côte Saint-Jacques, Michelin-rated three-star restaurant of celebrated chef Jean-Michel Lorain.
The estate is approached by an alley of trees that terminates at the imposing wrought-iron entrance gate to the main courtyard. From the grounds there are views to the horizon over the Yonne River and its valley, as well as of the surrounding woods and fields. The view also includes nine different villages, all of them picturesque little communities with shops, restaurants and other amenities.
The château grounds are completely isolated from any road noise or other disturbance. Walking paths lead through landscaped grounds and woods. Centuries-old oak trees - some older than the château itself - line the walkway to the vegetable garden, or potager.
Potager
In former times the one-hectare (2.5-acre) walled potager employed dozens of workers who tilled the fertile Burgundian soil and provided food for residents and the labor force of the domain. The current potager, its sections divided by hedges, is set out in four squares, one of which includes an all-weather tennis court.
Sheltered by high walls and rows of trees, the potager has a long growing season because it is several degrees warmer than outside the walls. The deep topsoil, enriched by centuries of composting, produces flavorful fruits and vegetables that are fully organic.
Outbuildings in the cour d'honneur (main courtyard)
There are several buildings around the main courtyard, all in very good condition.
The gatehouse offers comfortable living quarters separate from the château. The structure has a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom and a well-equipped kitchen.
Next to the gatehouse is a huge pigeonnier, orpigeon house. An architectural curiosity and a masterpiece of technical invention, the pigeonnier was built to house up to 10,000 birds. In former times an owner was allowed by law to keep five pigeons per hectare of land. This fact is reflected in a land plan of the property dated 1751, which shows that at that time the estate covered some 2,000 hectares, or more than 5,000 acres.
On the left side of the courtyard are various workshops and stables, as well as a garconnière, a charmingly appointed independent guest house with a living room, kitchen, and, on the upper level, a bedroom and bath.
Behind the stables is a comfortable cottage with a living room, equipped kitchen, four bedrooms and two baths. The cottage currently serves as the home of the estate's caretakers, a young couple who look after the property and supervise the staff. The couple has provided excellent service to the current owners for several years, and would be pleased to serve new owners after the sale.
On the right side of the cour d'honneur is another set of connected buildings, all in good structural condition, that offer potential for refurbishment. One part has already been modernized into a 150 m2 (1,615 sq. ft.) house with a living room, kitchen, four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
In the center of the courtyard is a well that dates to the Middle Ages. The well, some 90 meters (almost 300') deep, still produces potable water, although it is preserved more for decorative purposes and does not contribute significantly to the château's water supply.
The château
Château du Fey stands on the edge of a chalky plateau and was originally constructed on the foundations of a fort from the 14th century. The influence of the Louis XIII era is recognizable in the mix of rose-colored bricks and buff Burgundian stone of the château facades.
The living space is concentrated in the two long wings, with the central part between the two wings being only a room deep. Rather than being in the central part of the château, as is more traditional, the magnificent staircases are located in each wing, which allows a clear visa, or enfilade, through the main rooms on the ground floor. Thanks to large windows throughout the château is bathed in natural light all day.
The southern facade, which has a wide terrace with panoramic views over the countryside, reflects the strict symmetry characteristic of noble 17th-century architecture. By contrast, the design of the roofs, towers and entrances on the northern side of the château reveals interesting deviations that lend character and charm to the architecture.
The château itself has 1,000 m2 (10,760 sq. ft.) of living space that includes spacious reception rooms, a professional kitchen and 13 bedrooms, nine of them with ensuite baths. The impeccably preserved interior is characterized by period features such as parquet and terra cotta floors, marble fireplaces, finely crafted wood paneling, wall frescoes and high ceilings.
Unlike many vintage French properties of noble lineage, Château du Fey has been exceptionally well maintained and is ready to occupy without any major renovations. Following are some important details on its overall condition:
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All roofs are in good repair.
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The plumbing and electrical systems throughout the structure have been modernized.
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A new septic tank and soak-away system has been approved by local authorities and is in the process of being installed
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The newly installed gas central heating system is quiet and environmentally optimized.
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The heating system has zone controls for different parts of the château.
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The entire property enjoys preferential electric and gas rates.
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The beautiful central courtyard fountain is fully functional.
Other modern features are:
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WiFi and internal phone communication in all main rooms.
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Automated irrigation system for most lawns and gardens.
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Heated swimming pool with a new thermal cover that meets new French government safety standards.
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Newly refurbished tennis court.
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Remotely controlled front gates and security system covering the main courtyard.
Below is a summary of the distribution of rooms in each part of the château:
Ground floor/east wing
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Library (30 m2, 308 sq. ft.)
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Small bedroom/office
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Corner master bedroom suite (35 m2, 377 sq. ft.)
Ground floor/central part
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Entrance hall (50 m2, 540 sq. ft.)
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Living room (80 m2, 860 sq. ft.)
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Dining room (70 m2, 753 sq. ft.)
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Kitchen (20 m2, 215 sq. ft.)
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Bathroom (stall shower) with WC
Ground floor/west wing
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2nd dining room with ensuite kitchenette (30 m2, 323 sq. ft.)
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Large professional kitchen divided into 2 rooms (60 m2, 645 sq. ft.)
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Laundry room and WC
First floor/west wing
In the tower:
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Bedroom with ensuite bath (shower) and WC (25 m2, 270 sq. ft.)
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Small bedroom with ensuite full bath (13 m2, 140 sq. ft.)
First floor/central part
Bedroom with ensuite full bath (20 m2, 215 sq. ft)
Bedroom with ensuite full bath (26 m2, 280 sq. ft.)
Living room (16 m2, 172 sq. ft.)
Bedroom (20 m2, 215 sq. ft.)
Bathroom
Laundry room with shower
Room to renovate (20 m2, 215 sq. ft.)
First floor/east wing
Bedroom (16 m2, 172 sq. ft.)
Corner master suite with antechamber, library
and ensuite bathroom (60 m2, 645 sq. ft.)
Bedroom with ensuite bath (30 m2, 323 sq. ft.)
Bedroom (14 m2, 151 sq. ft.)
In the tower
Attic with exposed beams, etc. for renovation (70 m2, 753 sq. ft.)
