On the market with Arrière Cour Immobilier for €850,000, this 19th-century maison de maître (manor house) in Pexonne was built in 1890 for Théophile Fenal, founder of the Badonviller faience factories. Once home to one of Lorraine’s most influential ceramic manufacturers, the manor today combines the scale of a grand family residence with the historical weight of a region that shaped France’s decorative arts.

A Legacy of Lorraine’s Ceramic Industry

The faïenceries of Badonviller, established by Fenal at the end of the 19th century, became one of the leading producers of French faience—decorative tableware exported across Europe and now prized by collectors. Alongside Baccarat’s crystal works, the factory helped place Lorraine on the cultural and industrial map.

The manor reflects that legacy, its construction mirroring the rise of the ceramics industry and the industrialists who defined the region’s architectural character.

What is Badonviller faience?
Badonviller faience refers to patterned French ceramics produced in Lorraine from the late 19th to mid-20th century. Known for their floral and geometric motifs, these pieces remain highly collectible today.

Space and Grandeur

Offering 5,252 sq. ft. (488 m²) of living space across 14 rooms, this French country estate balances historical character with modern amenities. The six-bedroom manor retains period details—parquet floors, marble fireplaces, diamond-point woodwork, pale stone finishes, and wrought-iron accents—while also featuring a private cinema, billiards room, and multiple reception halls for entertaining.

This combination of heritage architecture and modern comfort makes the home as practical as it is grand.

A Botanical Setting

Set within 3 acres (12,276 m²) of landscaped parkland, the property includes a collection of oak, Japanese maples, walnut, witch hazel, and fruit trees. The gardens are both bucolic and curated, offering quiet retreats beneath the canopy. A sheltered swimming pool provides year-round leisure.

Location

Pexonne is a commune in Meurthe-et-Moselle, at the edge of Lorraine’s lake district and near the Vosges mountains. The area is known for the forested landscapes around Lake Pierre-Percée, a destination for hiking and water sports. From the village, Nancy—with its UNESCO-listed Place Stanislas—is a 45-minute drive, while Strasbourg, the European capital, is just over an hour away.

Where is Pexonne?
Pexonne is located in the Lorraine region of northeastern France, (discover more of our features on France here).” part of the Grand Est, and is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountain foothills.

An Estate with Potential

With its generous scale, historic provenance, and tranquil parkland, the property offers scope for both private and hospitality uses. At €850,000, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire a heritage manor house in Lorraine that blends industrial history with family-scale grandeur.