Vosges, Fontenoy-le-Château

A Unique Historic Sanctuary in the Southern Vosges: The Forge-Moulin du Grurupt (Fontenoy-le-Château)

A Unique Historic Sanctuary in the Southern Vosges: The Forge-Moulin du Grurupt (Fontenoy-le-Château)
Nestled in the heart of the Southern Vosges (approx. 65 km from Gérardmer and 25 km from Épinal), this extraordinary historic estate served as a subsidiary forge to the Royal Manufacture of Falatieu. Listed in the Base Mérimée, the site offers a perfect combination of monumental heritage, industrial authenticity, and absolute peace.

The House:
Historic Character and Modern Comfort
The main residence is a forge of approximately 90 m², fully renovated in 2013, blending period features with contemporary comfort.

Layout & Rooms:
4 rooms in total, including 2 bedrooms (a master suite with private bathroom and separate toilet, and a second independent bedroom), plus an additional bathroom.

Atmosphere & Amenities:
A cozy living room featuring a massive monumental period fireplace, solid wood parquet floors, convenient built-in wardrobes, a study nook, and an alarm system. The home is wood-heated.

Indoor Extras:
A cellar directly accessible from the interior, and a jacuzzi installed on the ground floor to fully enjoy the tranquility. Completely private with no overlooking neighbors.

The Estate & Industrial Heritage
The property spans a private plot of 5,100 m² (approx. 1.25 acres) set within a fully secluded, green, and wildlife-rich environment.

Imposing Barn:
A massive natural stone building of roughly 280 to 300 m² with a magnificent oak framework, awaiting restoration and offering immense potential for any large-scale project.

Industrial Relics:
Rare historic elements have been preserved, including sections of railway tracks, a turntable, and a water channel housing a period turbine that once powered the sawmill.

Historic Water & Hydropower (Fondé en Titre): The estate benefits from sovereign water rights (fondé en titre dating back to the Duchy of Lorraine / Royal Court era), a historic open water channel (frequented by trout), and a 3,000 m² historic pond waiting to be restored. This provides unique legal security and remarkable potential for hydroelectric power generation.

Outdoor Living:
A beautiful terrace, complete privacy, and direct access to hiking trails along the Canal des Vosges (Eastern Canal).

Historical Background
The history of the Forge du Grurupt is closely intertwined with European history. Following destruction by Swedish troops in the 17th century during the Thirty Years' War, the site was rebuilt and officially structured in 1733 as an iron-refining workshop supplying the Royal Manufacture of Tinplate in Bains-les-Bains. It was subsequently inhabited by influential master ironmasters, such as the Beuchot family and later the Falatieu family.

Due to its unique history and architecture—including the elevated furnace relative to the canal and the perpendicular layout linking the structure and the water—this property qualifies for official Historic Monument (Monument Historique) status.

At a Glance
• Living Space: Approx. 90 m² (fully renovated in 2013)
• Plot Size: Approx. 5,100 m² (fully surrounded by forest, absolute tranquility)
• Layout: 4 rooms, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms/shower rooms, cellar, terrace
• Outbuildings: Imposing stone barn of approx. 280-300 m²
• Key Features: Historic pond (3,000 m²), sovereign water rights, jacuzzi, fireplace, wood floors, alarm, complete privacy
• Location: Directly along canal hiking trails; ski resorts approx. 60 km away; Geneva approx. 45 minutes / A40 motorway close by.
• Target Audience: Ideal as a unique private residence or as a starting point to apply for Historic Monument recognition.