Built in the 11th century, the castle of Couloumé-Mondébat has stood the test of time without too many scratches. Owned by the commune of Istres (Bouches-du-Rhône), with a living area of 2000 m2, it is now on sale for the sum of 2,100,000 euros. Explanations.
Despite an environment conducive to educational stays, children, teachers and accompanying persons ended up no longer visiting the building. “Due to various regulations, but also because of the distance from Istres, we found ourselves, over time, with a very expensive and under-exploited establishment,” explains the director.
Thus, since September 2023, the property has been on sale for the sum of 2.1 million euros. That is the price of a beautiful villa on the Basque coast… In the hands of The Palace Agency The Gers building is looking for a buyer.
1.3 million euros of renovations
And the arguments are solid. Built in the 11th century, the castle offers more than 2,000 m2 of living space, on eight hectares of land. Reception room, meeting room, suite, offices, workshops: the 40-room building overlooks the typical Gers countryside.
Over the last two decades, this castle has undergone a radical transformation, with more than 1.3 million euros invested to modernize its infrastructure, improve comfort and expand its activities. “First, we started with the various and varied compliances required by the regulations and to enhance the site, make it more attractive,” explains the director. Thus, the large reception room, called the press room, then the courtyard, called the round courtyard, adjoining the castle were renovated. A swimming pool was also added to this jewel of Gers tourism. Upstream, the kitchen and the dining room had already been renovated, as well as the entire roof.
“We did not organize this sale to have a return on investment”
Despite these many assets, the building is being put up for sale at a “low” price for a castle of this size. “We did not organize this sale to get a return on investment,” explains Nicolas Davini. “We did it so that we no longer have to manage the equipment and preserve public funds so as not to lose any. The municipality is not there to carry out financial operations, but to provide a public service. It has provided this for several decades and today it is no longer able to do so given the lack of attendance of the city’s children.”
Despite this need to stop spending on the building, it is with regret that the municipality has decided to sell it. “It is a beautiful facility that was very much appreciated, but its use means that we are obliged to part with it,” adds Nicolas Davini, recalling the good times spent for the children of the municipality.
Today, the building offers its services for different types of events: seminars, holidays or school trips, weddings, professional meetings, etc. Located approximately one hour from the Mont-de-Marsan and Tarbes train stations, and the Lourdes and Pau airports, the Château de Couloumé-Mondébat is waiting for its buyer.