Built in the 12th century, Mane citadel has been tirelessly restored stone by stone by its current owner. This Haute Provence masterpiece is listed for sale with BARNES Pays d’Aix Alpilles Luberon. SoBARNES takes you on a private tour of this historic fortification.
A home that embodies a life’s work. When the current owner of Mane citadel purchased the property 60 years ago, it was practically in ruins, which makes the perseverance demonstrated by this man in returning the citadel to its former glory all the more extraordinary. Carved in stone at the top of the village of Mane, just a crossbow’s shot from Forcalquier, it has become somewhat of an icon of France’s Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. François Le Troquer, Director of BARNES Pays d’Aix Alpilles Luberon. And so have we.
“It’s the only feudal fortification in Haute Provence that is both privately owned and in immaculate condition,” explains François Le Troquer. “It was built by the Counts of Toulouse to defend the village thanks to its double helix wall, the outer layer of which stands over 11m (36ft) high”. Mane citadel is famous, and is visible for miles around. Its outer walls are also lit by spectacular night-time illuminations, funded by the village of Mane as part of its efforts to showcase this exceptional historical heritage.
The 360° view is naturally breathtaking, spanning from the quaint little village of Mane to the Luberon, which can be seen on the western horizon. “This is the Provence of French author Giono, who took much of his inspiration from the region,” adds François Le Troquer. “And this citadel steeped in History is the jewel in its crown. Although the exterior is imposing, as befitting any stronghold, once inside the walls the scale is a much more ‘human’ one.” We have no trouble admitting our infatuation with the rampart walk and the moat that bring back childhood memories of playing the knight in shining armour heroically saving the damsel in distress.
But enough of that, let’s get to the description of the property itself: the 365 sq.m. (3,930 sq ft) of living space comprise 15 rooms over two floors including 6 bedrooms, as well as an endless number of nooks and crannies within the main residence and its towers. Its owner has taken care to retain the historic character of this dwelling built in stone and wood. The décor and home comforts may need updating, along with the cleverly concealed swimming pool, but the place is certainly not lacking in soul.
In agreement with the master of the house, François Le Troquer will only be showing the property to potential buyers who wish to continue the magnificent preservation and restoration works he has undertaken over the last 60 years. Which is why there are no photos of the interior for now. So you’ll need to convince the Director of BARNES Pays d’Aix Alpilles Luberon if you want to be one of the happy few. We can, however, let you in on the price tag for this marvel: €1,695,000.
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Contact :
BARNES Pays d'Aix Alpilles Luberon - 1, rue du 4-Septembre, 13100 Aix-en-Provence - FRANCE
Tél. : +33(0)4 42 53 54 55 - BARNES Pays d’Aix Alpilles Luberon
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