Profitable Ecotourism Business And Large Renovated Residence For Sale

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Property Information

Real Estate:

Real Property Included

Living Accommodation:

A Grand, Detached 1904 Stone Residence (renovated farm)

Unlike many commercial properties, the living accommodation is a substantial, independent character home (approx. 300m²) that has been renovated to an exceptional standard, offering total privacy from the business operations.

Main Residence: A grand stone house featuring 5 large suites, each with its own private, modern bathroom. The layout is ideal for a large family or for a high-end Bed & Breakfast activity. Spacious and private living quarters with exposed oak beams, and original stone features.

Master/Owner Suite: 1-bedroom suite (two rooms, bathroom, wc) with its own external access. While it currently shares the main kitchen, it is ideally configured to be converted into a fully self-contained studio or "Gîte" with the simple addition of a kitchenette.

Kitchen & Living: A large, professional-standard kitchen, a dining area and a comfortable private lounge.

The residence is centrally heated throughout, complemented by a wood-burning stove in the lounge - perfect for ambiance and quick warmth when needed.

Garden & Privacy: The house sits within the 2-acre private parkland, featuring private terraces and seating areas that remain secluded from the museum's public flow.

Location:

Strategic Location near Lac de Vassivière

The business is perfectly positioned to benefit from the high volume of visitors drawn to Lac de Vassivière, one of France’s largest and most popular inland lakes (1,000 hectares), located just a short drive away.

A Major Tourist Hub: As a key attraction in the immediate area, the business acts as a primary destination for the thousands of families, hikers, and nature lovers who stay in the campsites and holiday rentals surrounding the lake.

Heart of the PNR Millevaches: Nestled in the protected Millevaches Regional Natural Park, the location offers a unique "nature retreat" atmosphere that is highly sought after by modern eco-tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Village Convenience: While situated in a tranquil, wooded setting, the property is within walking distance of the village of Nedde, providing easy access to essential amenities including a local bakery, primary school, and services.

Regional Catchment: Located at the intersection of three departments (Haute-Vienne, Creuse, and Corrèze), the site serves a wide geographical audience and is an established landmark for regional tourism.

The business also benefits from a high-volume, captive audience thanks to its proximity to a major 'VVF Holiday Village' (a 65-unit resort) located just 3 km away. This resort brings hundreds of new families into the immediate vicinity every week throughout the season, providing a constant stream of walk-in customers for the museum and snack bar.

Premises Details:

Freehold Property – Comprehensive Museum & Residential Complex

The business is housed within a significant property portfolio consisting of several distinct, high-quality buildings set on a 2-acre (8,000m²) private plot.

1. The Museum & Commercial Facility (approx. 660m²):

Exhibition Space: A two-story stone building featuring 10 themed galleries and a dedicated vivarium.

Reception & Retail: Includes a professional entrance hall, a high-turnover gift boutique, and a snack bar.

2. The Private Residence (approx. 300m²):

Character Home: A large, detached 19th-century stone house, fully renovated to a high standard.

Accommodation: Currently configured with 5 spacious suites (each with private bathrooms).

Living Spaces: Large professional-standard kitchen, grand dining room, and comfortable private lounges.

3. The Exterior & Grounds:

Ecological Park: 8,000m² of themed gardens (Forest Garden, Cultivated Garden, Pond, Stream, Theatre) designed for visitor flow.

Outdoor Venues: Includes a theatre for films and conferences, and an amphitheatre for live demonstrations and events.

Parking: Dedicated on-site parking for cars and coach tours.

Condition: All buildings have been meticulously maintained with no major structural work required. The sale includes all fixtures, fittings, and the extensive museum collection.

Business Operation

Management type:

This business is owner operated.

Expansion Potential:

Growth Opportunities for Increased Revenue

While the business is currently stable and profitable, several high-value avenues for expansion exist for a motivated owner-operator:

Hospitality (Chambres d’Hôtes): The main residence features 5 high-quality suites. While currently used as a private home, these were designed for hospitality. Re-launching as a boutique Bed & Breakfast would provide a lucrative secondary income stream with virtually no additional infrastructure cost.

Catering & Snack Bar Expansion: The current snack bar operates during museum hours. There is significant untapped demand from museum visitors for an expanded café/bistro offering, evening tapas, or a tea room.

Events & Workshops: The 2-acre grounds, featuring a theater and amphitheater, are perfect for hosting nature-themed weddings, corporate team-building, or educational workshops during the shoulder season (Spring/Autumn).

Retail Growth: The boutique already performs well, but creating an online store could drive year-round revenue beyond the physical opening dates.

Competition / Market:

The business enjoys a unique position with no direct competitors in the region. As a specialized muséographic site with a 25-year reputation, it serves as a 'destination attraction.' Rather than competing with local businesses, it benefits from synergies with the nearby Lac de Vassivière, a holiday resort in the local village, and local campsites, which provide a consistent, captive audience of tourists seeking unique family activities.

Reasons for selling:

After 21 successful and rewarding years of creating and managing this unique site, the current owners are looking to retire. They are committed to finding the right successor to build upon the legacy of this local landmark.

Trading hours:

April-November, 10:30 - 19:00. Open 7 days a week.

Employees:

The business is designed for efficient, low-stress management using a turnkey seasonal staffing model. Currently managed by an owner-operator couple, the site utilizes a professional staffing agency (Groupement d’Employeurs) to provide experienced personnel, which significantly simplifies all administrative and HR responsibilities. Staffing levels are flexibly scaled to match seasonal demand: the team typically includes three members from April through June, increasing to five during the peak July and August period, and returning to one staff member for the autumn months of September and October. This 'plug-and-play' solution allows new owners to focus entirely on hospitality and business growth rather than complex payroll administration.

Years established:

More than 25 years

Other Information

Support & training:

Comprehensive Handover and Ongoing Mentorship

The current owners are dedicated to ensuring the continued success and legacy of the business. To facilitate a smooth and confident transition, we are offering an extensive support package included in the sale:

On-Site Handover: We will provide a full, immersive training period (duration to be agreed upon) covering all aspects of daily operations, including museum management, boutique sourcing, and snack bar logistics.

Specialized Training: No prior experience with entomology is required. We will provide detailed training on insect husbandry, vivarium maintenance, and the educational aspects of the collection.

Administrative Guidance: We will personally introduce you to our established network of partners, including the seasonal staffing agency, local tourism boards, and key suppliers, ensuring all "French systems" remain seamless.

Extended Remote Support: To ensure your first season is a success, we will remain available via phone and email for a mutually agreed period to answer questions and provide advice as you settle in.

Our goal is to pass the "keys to the kingdom" to a successor who will enjoy this unique lifestyle as much as we have for the past 21 years

Website:

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