Princess Adelaide, sister of King Louis Philippe d’Orléans, enjoyed spending free time at her Vichy hunting lodge in France. The lodge, built in 1830 on the site of a 13th-century Templar command post, was later converted into a chateau and is now known as Chateau de Maulmont. Located on the outskirts of the Domaine Royal de Randan, the estate is a listed historic monument visited by tourists, wedding guests, and those attending seminars and events.
The Chateau de Maulmont boasts a castle-like appearance with its Gothic arch-topped entry, turreted rotundas on the wings, and patterned brick façade in the Troubadour style. The U-shaped layout surrounds a central courtyard offering views of the Allier Valley hills and forests. The interior features a ground-floor reception hall with a cathedral ceiling, elaborate ceilings, woodwork, and herringbone parquet flooring in the wood-paneled bar and dining room that opens to a terrace.
With 1,575 square meters of living space spread across three levels, the chateau includes 33 rooms, an office, a fully equipped professional kitchen, 23 bedrooms, 21 bathrooms, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The property also encompasses 37 acres of formal gardens, three ponds, a helipad, a golf practice range, and woodland. Currently on the market for €2.9 million, the owner of a listed historic property in France must maintain it as required, with any renovation work needing approval from a ‘monuments historiques’ architect.
Buyers of the Chateau de Maulmont could use it as a personal residence, for professional purposes, or a combination of both. It is common to see a mix of private home and activity like weddings or a bed and breakfast to cover maintenance costs. While the property is expected to attract interest mainly from French buyers, international purchasers from North America, the U.K., Benelux, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Australia, or South Africa may also be interested. The chateau is located near Vichy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its thermal spas, cultural offerings, and architectural heritage.
Situated 8 kilometers from local shops and services, with Vichy center 15 kilometers away, the Chateau de Maulmont is conveniently located for a blend of rural and city living. Paris can be reached by train in three hours, and Lyon is just two hours away. The property offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of French history with tax advantages for residents and the potential for various uses including private residence, professional activity, or a combination of both.