French Chateau With An 18-Hole Golf Course: It’s An Ace

What more could an avid golfer want? This castle-like chateau in southwest France comes with an 18-hole course, a driving range and a pitching green.

Set near the rural village of Navarrenx, in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, the 321-acre estate centers on a more than three-story stone house that dates to the 19^th century. A turret on top of a corner rotunda extends above the rest of the roofline, which is dotted with chimneys. Gray shutters frame the tall windows.

The chateau has 650 square meters, nearly 7,000 square feet, of living space including three reception rooms, a loggia, an office, 11 bedrooms and four bathrooms. A club room contains a wooden bar and stone fireplace.

Accompanying the main house are an office that could be renovated, several outbuildings and a picnic gazebo.

The golf course itself, with bunkers, water features and expanses of lawn, has been well maintained. An automatic watering system services the fairways and greens.

The 350-meter (1,150-foot) partially-covered driving range features a lighted tee line. There’s also a practice putting green and a 14-hole miniature golf course.

Pierre de Luzan of Groupe Mercure is the listing agent for the property, which is priced at 10.5 million euros or about US $12.9 million.

The estate, about an hour drive away from the seaside town of Biarritz, is surrounded by woodlands and takes in views of the Pyrenees mountain range. The forested area is home to deer, mink, foxes and hares.

Dating to the 1^st century, Navarrenx is one of the oldest settlements in France and was its first fortified town. The remaining ruins contributed to it being named one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The designation identifies country hamlets that have retained their cultural heritage.

For centuries, it has been a stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, where the remains of the Apostle James are believed to be buried.

Navarrenx attractions include exploring nearly intact 16^th century ramparts, visiting the local interpretive center and touring what was once a wartime internment camp.

Basque food and culture have heavily influenced the region. An assortment of taverns, sports bars and bistros serve the area. There’s even a local brewery.

And golf isn’t the only sport to be found in Navarrenx. The Gave d’Oloron is a draw for salmon fishermen. Rafters and canoers also enjoy the river.

Groupe Mercure is a founding member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.