Exceptional Castle in Provence, France

Price: 9 000 000 €  |  $ 9,630,000	Type of property: Residential
City: La Verdière, Provence, France	Built Area:   3 000 m2 | 32,300 sq. ft.

EXCEPTIONAL CASTLE IN PROVENCE, FRANCE

The castle was originally built in the 10th century as a fortress to defend the major road crossing Provence. Throughout the centuries it was owned by major noble families (Castellane, Vintimille and Forbin). Since the medieval times, the castle underwent several modifications, the major one being in the mid-18th century by Louis-Roch de Forbin d’Oppède who enlarged it to its current stage and transformed it in an outstanding Italian style palace with exquisite décor known as the most beautiful ones in Provence.

Classified as an historic monument, the castle offers 32 300 sq. ft. of living space including several outbuildings. During the French Revolution, the castle was seized but the Forbin family got it back in 1815 and conducted the necessary restorations. After the death of the last Marquis de Forbin d’Oppède in 1900, his cousin, Palamède de Forbin-La Barben inherited the castle and his grandson sold it, for the first time of its history over a thousand years, in 1985. The château de La Verdière was bought by the current owners in 2003 and was, back then in a dreadful condition. Over 15 years of meticulous restorations were necessary to bring it back to its former glory. Today, the château de La Verdière is considered one of the most outstanding castle of the region and a testimony of the history of Provence.

The castle is features over 50 rooms with several kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, boudoirs, reception rooms and 25 bedrooms (with a potential of 10 more), each of them with independent bathrooms. Over the past 20 years, every main constituent of the castle has been restored and renovated: roof, walls, windows, shades, including electrical appliances, plumbing, heating and air conditioning. Four tanks filled with rain allow watering of the gardens throughout the summer period. In addition to several staircases, an elevator provides easy access to all four floors of this property. In the park, luxury lodges can complement a potential prestigious hotel complex. The 40 acres park with over 2.5 acres of olive tree, producing an average of 250 liters each season, offers the possibility to plant 25 acres of vines. This vineyard would sublimate the property. The outdoor facilities are full of charm offering two swimming pools, terraces, French garden…