Domaine du Petit Guilhem
Historic Equestrian Estate
A rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional historic French estate featuring an elegant 18th-century residence set on 107.5 acres of predominantly level, mostly fenced land. The grounds include a 25-acre park, a 2.5-acre lake, a historic fountain, a swimming pool, and established equestrian facilities, all for private use.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the historic centre of Nérac, a town with royal connections in southwestern France, Petit Guilhem combines period character with the comfort of a meticulous, high-quality restoration. The residence offers 9,365 square feet of living space, with original period paintings and impressive ceiling heights. A former wine storehouse has also been converted into a luxurious, self-contained apartment.
The grounds encompass expansive meadows, pastures, and woodland, with centuries-old trees providing natural shade throughout the park. Trails offer opportunities for horseback riding within the estate and in the surrounding countryside. The equestrian facilities include a barn with an open stable fitted with rubber matting, paddocks, field shelters, a dressage arena, and a round pen. A caretaker’s house is located close to the stables.
Distinguished by its history, scale, and equestrian facilities, Petit Guilhem offers an exceptional setting for life in southwestern France. Equally suited to a private equestrian retreat or an elegant family residence, it can serve as a permanent home or a seasonal getaway. The estate combines privacy and natural beauty with convenient access to the shops, restaurants, markets, and daily life of historic Nérac.
An 18th-Century Country House
At the heart of Petit Guilhem stands an elegant, fully restored 18th-century residence with 20 rooms, including 12 spacious bedrooms.
Generous proportions, high ceilings, and abundant natural light define the interiors. Several beautifully decorated living rooms feature original period paintings, while 12 fireplaces and carefully preserved architectural details reflect the house’s historic character. The restoration combines these period features with the comfort of contemporary living.
An efficient heating system combining heat pumps and solar panels optimises energy use and reduces running costs. These improvements have helped achieve a Class C rating under France’s Energy Performance Certificate (DPE) system.
Swimming pool 17 × 6 metres
A particular highlight is the oval dining room, inspired by Empress Joséphine’s dining room at the Château de Malmaison. Its painted decoration creates a distinctive setting for entertaining and reflects the house’s architectural heritage.
Meadows and Mature Trees
107.5 acres of predominantly level land provide space for grazing and riding, while mature trees offer natural shade.
The Private Lake
A private lake of 2.5 acres adds to the estate’s varied landscape and sense of space.
Space for a Natural Way of Life
The property offers an open stable and paddock arrangement, a tack room, and an outdoor wash area. This setup gives horses room to move freely, enjoy ample turnout, and follow a more natural, outdoor way of life. The existing facilities offer scope for adaptation to individual stalls if preferred. A caretaker’s house is located close to the stables.
Captured by the security camera: two horses resting together in the paddock.
The Riding Arena and Round Pen
The 20-by-40-metre riding arena has drainage and a sprinkler system supplied by one of the property’s own wells.
A round pen 20 metres in diameter completes the training facilities.
Private Equestrian Facilities
The estate offers an appealing environment for horses, with extensive meadows, mature trees providing natural shade, and timber field shelters.
Nérac and the Surrounding Region
Nérac lies roughly midway between the international airports of Bordeaux and Toulouse.
Estimated driving times from the estate:
Bordeaux Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes
Toulouse Airport: 1 hour 20 minutes
The 18-hole Golf d’Albret course is about a 15-minute drive away.
Pôle Hippique Lou Chibaou, about 10 minutes away in Barbaste, is a well-known equestrian centre and competition venue hosting regional, national, and international show jumping and dressage competitions. Its calendar includes international show jumping competitions (CSI1*, CSI2*, and CSIAm-A), the Grand National de CSO, and French Amateur and Pro competitions. The centre hosts more than 30 events annually, along with clinics and other equestrian gatherings. Horseball is also represented.
The estate is just a few minutes’ walk from the historic centre of Nérac, on the River Baïse in Gascony. Its arcaded streets, riverside walks, and lively markets offer the pleasures of French country life within reach of larger regional centres. The town is closely associated with Henri of Navarre, who later became King Henri IV of France.
The Château de Nérac and Parc de la Garenne recall the town’s Renaissance history. The surrounding fortified towns, villages, vineyards, and châteaux invite exploration throughout the year. Farmers’ markets, orchards, Armagnac, local wines, and traditional Gascon cooking are central to life in the region.
Local producers and restaurants add to the region’s appeal for both extended stays and year-round living. The Baïse Valley greenway offers a traffic-free route for cycling and walking through Nérac, while the wider V82 cycling itinerary extends towards the Gers and the Canal de Garonne.
At a Glance
The owners are selling to move closer to their grandchildren and spend more time with family.
Domaine du Petit Guilhem combines a restored historic residence, extensive private grounds, and established equestrian facilities, just a short walk from Nérac. Whether as a private retreat for horse enthusiasts or an elegant family residence, the estate brings together historic character, natural beauty, and the French art of living.
Asking price: €2,800,000 (about £2,340,000)
We are seeking an estate agent who specialises in luxury properties (with equestrian facilities).
Contact us directly: bio@petit-guilhem.com
