Château de Galinières in Aveyron wins Mercure-VMF 2009 award
In addition to traditional real estate negotiation, the Mercure group is driven by a genuine passion for France’s historic and architectural heritage. Mercure has joined forces with the Vieilles Maisons Françaises association to create the Prix MERCURE – V.M.F, an annual award for the successful restoration of a characterful home.
After reviewing the dossiers of some thirty manor houses and châteaux nominated for the 2009 Prix de Sauvegarde, Groupe Mercure has chosen to support the remarkable restoration work of Mr. and Mrs. Denoual, owners of Château de Galinières in Pierrefiche. More than just an award, the Mercure-VMF 2009 award also recognizes the work of the Dénoual.
Over the past 25 years, these owners have undertaken major works, most of which they have carried out themselves, to renovate this former 12th-century Cistercian monastic barn and its magnificent keep, which over the centuries had become a fragmented agricultural hamlet suffering from fire, ruin, demolition and transformation.
It’s a real renaissance for Galinières that Mr. and Mrs. Denoual are going to pursue, thanks to a grant from Groupe Mercure, which will enable them to restore the sheepfold and the woodkeeper’s dwelling.
