Louis XIV's royal gift, the marquisate of Château-Gontier in the Mayenne

Magnanimous, the Sun King knew how to be generous. Annuities, titles, lands, seigneurial homesteads, châteaux, he picked at will amongst the wide array of properties belonging to the crown to offer superb properties, everywhere in France, to those who knew how to make themselves useful to the kingdom. Thus he bequeathed the château de Magnanne, a 17th century gem, to one of his faithful courtesans.

A marquisate offered by Louis XIV

Located in the township of Ménil, in the Mayenne department, the property was raised to the dignity of marquisate by Louis XIV, in a peaceful countryside. Alongside a French-style garden that opens up on a former vegetable garden, it is surrounded by moats, with 2 sides closed around the courtyard of honor. This prestigious estate of 71 hectares comes with many outbuildings.

Ornamented with period wood-panelling and frescoes, the reception room hosted many beautiful gatherings overs the centuries. © DR

In winter, the living room space is centered around the fireplace. © DR

A royal gift located in Mayenne

Each level 3 spans 500 m² of liveable surface, plus 2 wings of 200 m² on the ground. The entrance leads into reception rooms ornamented with wood panelling, a living room of 110 m² and a dining room. The master staircase, in pink marble, leads to 7 bedrooms and an attic under the rafters. And for the modern touch, an indoor pool has been installed inside the building. Royal, no?

Quite unusual in this historical building, an indoor pool extends a contemporary living room. © DR