Impressive 13th-century Cistercian monastery with abbot's palace and extensive grounds

Set in a stunning location at the confluence of three valleys, this Cistercian Abbey, founded in 1152, is an exceptional historical property featuring magnificent remains of a 13th-century abbey church. The site includes a 52-meter-long nave, a 17th-century abbey palace, a Louis XIII pavilion, a functioning bell tower, and eight scenic ponds. 

The ruins of the abbey church, dating back to the early 13th century, are in the shape of a Latin cross and feature a 52-metre-long nave. Among its most remarkable features are the beautiful rose window in the south transept, the triforium, the chapels, and the Romanesque portal. 

The convent building, which resembles an abbey palace, was constructed in the mid-17th century, around 1650. Its symmetrical facade houses the refectory, dormitory, library, kitchen, part of the vaulted cloister, and a monumental staircase that mirrors the Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières (1612–1628). Built from brick and stone, the structure boasts chain patterns, cornices, ribbed vaults in the cloister, and a monumental projecting front. The total length of the building is 90 metres, with the main building comprising 45 metres. 

On the ground floor, you will find a grand staircase hall, a vaulted gallery, a chapel, a drawing room, a dining room, the monks’ kitchen with its original fireplace, and a maisonette apartment. The first floor features a large hall, a gallery, a billiards room, and six rooms with wood paneling, alcoves, and low wainscotting. The attic space is accessible. Additionally, a restored apartment has been integrated into the lower wing of the building, adjoining the abbey’s main structure.

The abbot’s residence is currently undergoing renovation, with a newly replaced roof. The bell tower, still in use today, houses a fully functional clock.

The property includes a former farm with barns and a residential house, which is currently occupied under a lifelong usufruct right granted to an individual born in 1968. This right is strictly personal and non-transferable. There are numerous outbuildings, including barns, workshops, stables, and garages, as well as a charming Louis XIII pavilion situated by one of the ponds.

The estate is rich in water resources, with springs, ponds, wells, and streams at the confluence of three valleys. The water here has been renowned for its purity for centuries. The property spans 56 hectares, comprising approximately 7.5 hectares of parkland, 31.5 hectares of leased agricultural land, 10 hectares of woodland, and around 7 hectares of ponds (totaling 8 ponds).

The ruins of the abbey church are listed as a Historical Monument (Monument Historique).

Located 200 km from Paris, 150 km from Lille (Airport), and 40 km from Charleville-Mézières (TGV station), the property offers excellent transport connections, with Paris just 50 minutes away by train and 2h13 by car. Belgium is just 20 km away (15 minutes), while Rozoy-sur-Serre (shops, services, supermarkets) is 15 km away, Hirson is 23 km away, and Laon is 67 km away.

The property is priced at €1,500,800 (including agency fees, payable by the seller), with an option to purchase a total of 161 hectares for €2,733,600.

Risk information related to this property is available on the Géorisques website: www.georisques.gouv.fr.