A Little Piece of Paradise in the Haute Vienne Countryside
There are properties that tick boxes, and then there are properties that stop you in your tracks. This stunning isolated estate near Chateauponsac is firmly in the latter category. Set in over 1.5 hectares of lush countryside, bordered by a river on two sides, the centrepiece is a beautiful private lake — stocked with a substantial head of carp and koi carp — around which the entire property has been lovingly arranged. The main bungalow is built right out onto the lake itself, meaning the terrace becomes a ringside seat for one of nature’s finest daily shows: fish swirling and surfacing as they are fed by hand. Inside, the home is generous and thoughtfully designed, with a spacious living and dining room featuring a parquet floor, two sets of double doors opening directly onto the lakeside terrace, a well-appointed kitchen with a five-ring hob overlooking the water, two double bedrooms, a main bathroom and a private washroom. Everything sits on a single level, making the home as practical as it is beautiful. Solar panels already contribute to electricity costs, and there is real scope to expand on this for a more sustainable setup.
Income-Ready Gîtes and Exceptional Rental Potential
Alongside the main house, the estate includes two fully self-contained gîtes that have been welcoming guests for many years — with a loyal clientele who return season after season, testament to the magical atmosphere of this unique retreat. Gîte 1 features a conservatory lounge, an open-plan dining kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom. Gîte 2, a charming wooden chalet, offers an open-plan living, kitchen and dining area, a bedroom and a bathroom of its own. A separate summer kitchen, currently divided into two rooms — one with a WC — could very easily be converted into a third gîte, unlocking further income potential. There is also a garage and ample off-street parking. Whether you are looking to run an established gîte business from day one, explore bed and breakfast possibilities, or simply have the space for extended family and friends, this property delivers in abundance.
The Lake: A Fisherman’s Dream and Family Paradise
The private lake is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of this remarkable estate. Stocked with a healthy population of carp and koi carp, it provides a wonderful setting for relaxed family fishing, with guests staying in the gîtes able to cast a line in beautiful, peaceful surroundings. While the lake is not intended for commercial fishery use, it is ideally suited to the kind of gentle, unhurried angling that makes a French holiday so special. The wider grounds extend to over 15,000 square metres, with the river boundary adding another dimension of natural beauty. A charming summer house sits beside the river — the perfect spot to settle in with a glass of local wine and watch the long summer evenings drift slowly by. Wildlife abounds throughout the estate, creating a genuine sense of sanctuary.
Living the Dream in the Haute Vienne
Despite the profound sense of seclusion this property offers, you are never far from the conveniences of daily French life. The market towns of Chateauponsac and Bellac are both within easy reach, offering shops, restaurants, markets and local character in abundance. For bigger city needs, Limoges — with its international airport, excellent rail links, fine dining and cultural attractions — is approximately 35 minutes by car. The Haute Vienne is one of the lesser-discovered gems of the Limousin region, celebrated for its rolling green countryside, medieval villages, clear rivers and relaxed pace of life. This is France as it was meant to be experienced: unhurried, unspoilt and utterly captivating.
Getting There
Nearest Train Station: Chateauponsac has a local train station, approximately 5 km from the property. Limoges-Bénédictins station, a major hub with connections to Paris and beyond, is approximately 40 km away (around 35 minutes by car).
Nearest Airport: Limoges – Bellegarde Airport (LIG) is approximately 40 km from the property, roughly a 35-minute drive, offering flights to the UK and other European destinations.
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