It’s a story Norman of almost half a century that is coming to an end. After four decades of breeding in Orne (61), the family of the shipowner Stavros Niarchos, who died in 1996, who planned to reorganize his equestrian activities abroad, has decided to part with his French fiefdom that he had owned since 1979.It is heartbreaking for them because they were not used to selling and they had a strong attachment to this stud farm which was also a major place for family reunions.“, confides to the Figaro Cyrille Maupas, director of Sotheby’s Normandy offices (Deauville, Pays d’Auge, Rouen and Bayeux).
Located in Neuvy-au-Houlme, less than 50 kilometers south of Caen (Calvados) and 15 minutes from Falaise where William the Conqueror’s castle is located, one of the largest stud farms in the world, dedicated to gallopers, has seen seven jockeys win the prestigious Arc de Triomphe PrizeIn 2015, the Niarchos family completely renovated the 640 m² castle located at the heart of the stud farm.
Interested “big French bosses”
Around this 18th century building, future buyers will be able to count on a 5-hectare park. The estate also includes two other residences of “grand standing» – 525 and 235 m² – as well as 23 lodgings spread across the entire property for guests and staff. The current owners have also expanded the stud farm: land, stables and a training track have been added to the estate. In addition, the paddocks are thus equipped with stables comprising approximately 200 boxes located on the main property.
Future buyers will thus be able to acquire a “sumptuous historic residence and a world-renowned equestrian facility, worthy of a “Wellington International” (Florida city recognized as the world capital of horse riding)”. What buyer profiles? «We are currently in oral discussions with major French bosses who are looking for a certain art of living in an exceptional property.says Cyrille Maupas. Some people have a desire for permaculture or vines and could exploit the land differently.“But the current owners will be”vigilant“so that the domain remains”a place full of history» and linked to horse riding. This is why buyers who are knowledgeable about the equine world and want to «perpetuate the successes of the stud farm and combine multiple equine activities with a hotel activity as I imagine it“, could also win the bet.
