8 rooms
- 6 Beds
- 2 Baths
| Floor 274m²
| Ext 306m²
€179,000
- £154,602**
8 rooms
- 6 Beds
- 2 Baths
| Floor 274m²
| Ext 306m²
St Béat historic 6-bedroom home and garden – birthplace of Marshal Gallieni, full of potential
Maison Gallieni is a rare opportunity to own and restore a piece of French history in the heart of the picturesque village of St Béat, just 10 minutes from the Spanish border. Birthplace of General Joseph Gallieni on 24 April 1849, this distinguished figure was a French military officer, colonial administrator, and posthumously named Marshal of France.
The house retains many original features – marble fireplaces, parquet floors, elegant staircases – and offers spacious, light-filled rooms across several levels. In need of renovation, it is perfect for someone ready to breathe new life into a grand family home, B&B, or holiday rental. It also includes a small barn ripe for conversion and a gated rear garden with parking and roof terrace with views.
From your doorstep, enjoy skiing, hiking, cycling, rafting, and mountain views.
Le Mourtis Ski Resort is 16 minutes away, Superbagnères 22 minutes, and Peyragudes 45 minutes.
A unique chance to make history your own in the Pyrenees.
Standing proudly in the heart of Saint-Béat, Maison Gallieni is more than just a property – it is a piece of French history. A plaque on the façade records its significance as the birthplace of Marshal Joseph Gallieni, born here on 24 April 1849.
The house is generously proportioned, filled with light, and retains a wealth of original features – marble fireplaces, parquet floors, decorative tiles, and an elegant staircase. While it requires renovation and modernisation, its good bones and authentic charm make it an exciting opportunity for someone ready to restore it to its former glory.
With large, airy rooms spread over multiple levels, Maison Gallieni would make a wonderful family residence, a boutique Bed & Breakfast, or a character-filled holiday home.
GROUND FLOOR
A wide, impressive entrance door opens into a vestibule, leading into the main entrance hall with:
• Double-glazed windows, traditional shutters
• Attractive patterned tiled floor
• Space that could also serve as a second living area
Living Room
• Double-glazed windows with village views
• Ornate tiled floor
• Shutters for privacy
• Marble fireplace
• Connecting doors to the dining room
Dining Room
• Two double-glazed windows overlooking the garden
• Original wooden fireplace
• Tiled floor
• Light and airy atmosphere
• Original doors leading to the hallway
Kitchen
• Spacious and situated at the rear
• In need of modernisation – a blank canvas for your dream kitchen
Also on this level:
• WC
• Storage area with boiler and hot water cylinder
• Laundry/storage room
• Second entrance to the side road
• Access to a small garden with parking space
FIRST FLOOR
Reached by a beautiful original wooden staircase, the first floor offers:
• Long hallway with wooden flooring and a garden-facing window
Reading Room / Office (or bedroom)
• Three windows for excellent light
• Original parquet floor
• Beautiful fireplace
• Potential as an additional bedroom
Bedroom
• Wooden floor, built-in cupboards
• Two windows overlooking the garden
Bedroom
• Original wooden floor
• Marble fireplace
• Separate dressing room – both with windows towards the village
Also:
• Shower room
• Separate WC
SECOND FLOOR
• Hallway with wooden floor and access to a balcony overlooking the garden
Bedroom
• Wooden floor
• Village view
• Small adjoining area with wash basin and bidet
Bedroom
• Marble fireplace
• Wooden floor
• Built-in cupboards
• Connecting single bedroom (potential dressing room) with its own wash basin and bidet
Bedroom
• Three windows
• Bathroom with bath, wash basin, and bidet
Also:
• Separate WC
ATTIC
The top floor is a large, light-filled attic with:
• Three full-size windows and a roof window
• Potential for conversion into living space, games room, or further bedrooms and bathrooms
• Potential roof terrace (approx. 30 m²) with mountain views, overlooking the 12th-century castle and chapel – perfect for watching the annual fireworks.
OUTBUILDINGS
Two-level barn/outbuilding:
• Ideal for workshop or storage
• Subject to permission, could be converted, needs attention
• Currently houses the oil tank for the central heating
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Oil central heating – new boiler (2013)
• New hot water cylinder (2013)
• Ground floor electrics rewired (2014)
• Original features throughout – fireplaces, floors, staircase, doors
• High ceilings
• Current septic tank – mains drainage planned for the village
• Historical artefacts in the house (journals, maps, paintings) that may be of interest
REGION
Saint-Béat enjoys a superb location just 10 minutes from the Spanish border, with easy access to the Pyrenees for year-round activities:
• Skiing – Le Mourtis (16 min / 11 km), Superbagnères (22 min / 20 km), Peyragudes (45 min / 35 km)
• Walking, hiking, and cycling, including Tour de France climbs
• Rafting, canoeing, horse riding, fishing, hunting
• Paragliding and mountain biking
• Lakes for swimming, plus the village outdoor pool (summer)
• Nearby spas – Luchon, Balnéa, and Lès (Spain)
• Rich history, local markets, and traditional restaurants
• On the village outskirts: a scenic lake with panoramic views
Transport and amenities:
• Toulouse, Tarbes/Lourdes, and Pau airports within 1 hr 20
• Montrejeau train station 25 min (direct services to Toulouse, Pau, Bayonne)
• Regular train from Marignac station (5 min away)
• Saint-Béat offers primary and secondary schools, a medical centre, bakery, newsagent/tabac, small supermarket, and bar/snack in the centre. Intermarché supermarket 5 km away
AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIVE A PIECE OF HISTORY
Maison Gallieni is not a turnkey home – it requires renovation, updating, and above all, someone with vision and affection to bring it back to life. In return, it offers an abundance of space, original period details, historical significance, and a prime location in a vibrant mountain village. Whether you see it as a grand family home, a welcoming guesthouse, or a unique holiday retreat, the potential is immense.
Contact Carole for more information – carolemcgregor@leggett.fr
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Information about risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Géorisques website : https://www.georisques.gouv.fr
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