Atlantic notion W
hen people told Hannibal that it was impossible to cross the Alps
by elephant, he is said to have replied: “I shall find a way or make one”. Whether the Carthaginian general really did utter those words more than 1,200 years ago will probably forever remain a mystery. Likewise, I can’t tell you
why his catchphrase in Latin – ‘Aut viam inveniam aut faciam’ – is carved into the stone above the door of this stunning home in Charente- Maritime, which is a long way from the Alps. However, it does seem a fitting inscription for a historic building that has clearly been lovingly built, restored and maintained. Dating back to the late 18th-
century, the property was once the presbytery of Aigrefeuille d’Aunis, a small town just 20 minutes from the Atlantic coast and 30 minutes from the historic port of La Rochelle. In more recent times, it
has benefited from a quality
renovation by none other than the Compagnons du Devoir, a highly respected artisan guild that dates back to the Middle Ages. True to the Hannibal-
inspired inscription, the artisans have found a way to preserve the past while also making their own mark on the property. The result is 480m2
of living space par
excellence that combines character with modern-day comforts. Presumably no elephants were involved. In total, there are 21
rooms, including seven large bedrooms, five bathrooms and multiple reception rooms, plus a wine storehouse that could be converted into further accommodation. With two staircases leading
to the first floor, the layout gives everyone the freedom to be private or connected. The same goes for the property itself, which is enclosed by a 1,805m2
walled garden in
the very heart of town – a private setting yet with shops,
18 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 2024
French
A period property par excellence near La Rochelle has Ruth Wood dreaming of sunny days in Charente-Maritime
restaurants, schools and other amenities only steps away. A lofty entrance hall with
parquet flooring gives access to the two main living rooms, one a traditional affair with elegant fireplace and wood panelling, the other a more informal space housed in a rotunda overlooking the garden. Stepping through the smart
dining room with its high windows and elegant built-in cabinets, we come to a modern, minimalist kitchen-diner with central island, sleek units and quality appliances. Beyond is a cloakroom and
utility room connecting to the double garage. Among the many
showstopping features of the property is the vast covered terrace overlooking the pool. Made from padauk, a reddish hardwood, it creates 90m2
of
alfresco space, complete with summer kitchen, all shaded from the famous Charente- Maritime sunshine. Another space with the wow factor is a long room on the
property dreams
top floor with custom-built floor-to-ceiling shelves and cupboards. It’s more than capable of accommodating a teenage den, library, office, games room and gym all at once – though that could cause arguments! Luckily, there’s no shortage
of things to do in the area. To the west and south lie the charming Atlantic towns of La Rochelle and Rochefort with dreamy islands such as Ile de Ré beyond. To the north lies the magical
marshland of the Marais Poitevin and less than 20 minutes to the east is the market town of Surgères, which has fast train links to Poitiers, Paris and ultimately London. La Rochelle also has direct flights from the UK or it’s a day’s drive from Calais. So it’s easy to make your way to this Atlantic jewel of a property. Absolutely no need to travel by elephant! ■
On the market for €1.99m
coldwellbanker.com
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