A fervent advocate of the preservation of historical and architectural heritage, the Mercure real estate group has been associated with the Vieilles Maisons Françaises heritage protection association since 2003, with the creation of the Groupe Mercure-VMF Prize. The aim of the prize is to support the renovation and preservation of exceptional properties. The Groupe Mercure-VMF 2022 award is a way for the group to demonstrate its commitment to protecting France’s heritage and legacy.
For the 20th anniversary of the Groupe Mercure-VMF prize, the château de Saint-Bauzille was chosen. The Vieilles Maisons Françaises association is organizing a visit to this heritage-rich site on July 8. An opportunity to learn more about its history and to meet the Mercure real estate group’s agents, who are responsible for the transmission of heritage in the Hérault region.
Groupe Mercure-VMF 2022 : Château de Saint Bauzille, a blend of classical style and eclecticism
A fortress of character, Château Saint Bauzille is typical of the “châteaux pinardiers” typical of the Béziers region, surrounding wine estates. The building, a listed historic monument, dates from the 19th century and is located in Béziers, on the road leading to Bessan.
Château Saint Bauzille is a listed historic monument, and was first rebuilt between 1881 and 1897 on a Gallo-Roman and medieval site by the architect Louis Garros, a graduate of the Beaux-Arts in Paris. The first complex included a covered winter garden, while the interiors borrowed as much from the Renaissance as from the Gothic, Classical and Troubadour styles.
Left derelict after part of the roof collapsed in 2008, the château was bought back for renovation. The chapel roof, roof frame, staircase, entrance gate, outbuildings, joinery, plasterwork and plumbing were all restored. To complete the restoration of this heritage jewel, the glass roof was also restored. The latter can be admired from the château’s courtyard.
Owned by Michel and Florence de Warren, this first restoration project was financed entirely from their own funds. The Groupe Mercure – VMF 2022 of 5,000 euros recognizes their commitment and supports the major project of redeveloping the park, as well as the restoration of the exterior rendering.
“The Mercure Group is committed to preserving its heritage, particularly that which has played a part in the region’s winegrowing dynamic. We are particularly delighted to be able to contribute, once again this year, to the preservation of this great estate by supporting its restoration, in line with our own commitment”, says Olivier de Chabot-Tramecourt, Managing Director of the Mercure Group.
