This 17th-century chateau in Normandy is a historic monument and an escapist, romantic retreat

Would-be chatelains take note: an architectural jewel of the Grand Siècle is on the market. This Normandy chateau, offered through Christie’s International Real Estate, was a precursor to the Palace of Versailles and stands as an authentic testament to the 17th-century style of Louis XIII. Set amidst a green retreat of 19 hectares in France’s Eure Valley, the estate is a listed historic monument that has been restored with care under the supervision of the Architectes des Bâtiments de France as well as the Ministry of Culture — and it’s just one hour’s drive from Paris.

Built between 1620 and 1627 on the site of a former Benedictine abbey, the chateau is representative of the emerging Grand Siècle, when prosperity brought with it a distinctively French decorative style, infusing the reigning Italian Baroque with elements of classicism and antiquity. Situated at the end of a long lime-tree-lined approach, it’s a breathtaking presence: with a hipped gable roof of slate tiles punctuated by pediments and a symmetrical facade composed of brick and stone detailing.

Those who have visited Versailles will recognise affinities with the original hunting lodge of King Louis XIII built in 1634, which later expanded into the Palace of Versailles. It’s a style that has been copied to a lesser effect by many later 19th-century chateaux, while well-preserved examples from the 17th century like this one are exceedingly rare.

Inside, the atmosphere of illustrious craft is everywhere evident. Daylight illuminates the Grand Salon lined with 18th-century boiserie of the Louis XV style. A grand stone staircase with its original 1620 wrought iron banister leads up to the nine bedrooms, several of which feature painted frescos. The domed rotunda library can be transformed into a salon miroir, like the Galerie des Glaces of Versailles.

Since its founding in 690 as the Benedictine Abbey of La Croix, the estate has witnessed incredible history, including a Viking invasion, the arrival of Saint Louis, and the Wars of Religion. One of its abbots served as a juror at the trial of Joan of Arc. Later the Abbot de Baudry, from the ancient Norman Mailloc family, commissioned the chateau as the abbey residence.

Stepping onto the grounds is like venturing into another world. French formal gardens with curved box hedges and antique sculptures frame a replica of the Grille d’Honneur of Versailles (signalling its link to the esteemed palace). Beyond the formal gardens — with a little help from landscape designer Clotilde Duvoux — paradise unfolds in an enchanting wood of majestic centennials as well as newly planted trees, an Italian formal garden with fountains, an orchard and a beautifully restored greenhouse. A branch of the river Eure winds through the property, with charming bridge crossings reminiscent of Monet’s garden in Giverny.

Across the estate, a series of characterful outbuildings wait to be discovered: the former monastery promenade and its stone chapel with vaulted cellar; a fully restored tithe barn with gable roof, exposed timber and a huge fireplace; as well as a restored cart shed with 12 arched bays and two defensive turrets on the kilometre-long perimeter wall of flint and lime mortar. Behind the wall, the local village is within walking distance for the necessities of any retreat: baguettes, coffee and newspapers.

In addition to the chateau’s scrupulous restoration, the architect Yves Marcotte de Sainte Marie renovated and updated the estate for modern life. There is a swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as potential for further development — especially across the outbuildings that increase the number of bedrooms to 17.

This Normandy chateau is not only a witness to history and a testament to heritage preservation; it also offers an array of exciting possibilities to its future custodians. Whatever their imprint might be — from hospitality to culture, sculpture, music, education or even a botanical and biodiversity endeavour — it will no doubt be the adventure of a lifetime.