Tarn. This listed fortified castle houses a unique museum in France, it is for sale

It is sold at the price of a house in Toulouse, but everything distinguishes it from a simple property. It’s a 12th century fortified castle^e century and it houses a museum unique in the country. THE Magrin castlein the Tarnis on sale.

It is an exclusive from the illustrious house Sotheby’s, which can be found on several luxury real estate ad sites, such as bellesdemeures.com.

Listed as a Historic Monument

“Architectural elements which make this property a unique property and classified as a Historic Monument: very rich Renaissance facades, mullioned windows, monumental stone staircase, etc. “, underlines the agency, which specifies: “It includes three architectural parts of different periods and styles: the medieval enclosure (XII^e and XIII^e centuries), the Renaissance facades (thanks to pastel) and the 18th century candy dryer^e century “.

“Originally, Magrin Castle was built on an ancient Celtic oppidum, on the highest hill in the area. At an altitude of 330 meters, you can enjoy a grandiose panorama of the Pyrenees and the Black Mountain. and Grésigne under the Romans, it was consolidated under the Visigoths, in their enterprise of founding an empire stretching from Orléans to Seville. It took its current form as a medieval fortress, curiously asymmetrical, in the 12th and 13th centuries. centuries”.

A falling price

The “habitable” part, which can still be converted, is 400 m² (for nine pieces). The land is 4,330 m². Its cost: €527,000. A very low price. Put on sale about ten months ago, it was still expected to fetch 690,000 euros in 2023…

Its other particularity: it is open 80 days a year to the public. Because it is also a museum! THE first pastel museum in France.

A shelter for the Cathars? For Henry IV for sure

The castle is therefore preparing to experience a new chapter in its eventful history. The first written record of the castle dates back 800 years. In 1224. The Albigensian crusade then agitated the region. It might have served as a refuge for them Later, during The hundred years wara trucking company uses the building as a rear base to carry out its raids in the surrounding area.

In 1585, King Henry III of Navarre (future Henry IV) ambushed and takes refuge there. The castle launched into the thriving pastel trade. He will thank his host, once he becomes king of France, by banning indigo, the main competitor of pastel…

Restored since the 1970s

Undoubtedly sold and partially burned during the Revolution, like many other castles, it has nevertheless been able to survive the centuries.

In 1971, it was bought by Patrice Rufino, who saved it from ruin by offering it a beautiful restoration. It was he who launched the museum after discovering milk drying racks in the attic of his property. Patrice Rufino died in 2022.

A real treasure…

Finally, for those who are not yet convinced by all these qualities, the legend will perhaps end up taking them before the notary. Because the castle, it is said, houses several underground passages. And one of them would house… the treasure of the Cathars.

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