Exceptional former abbey in Tournai, offered through a share deal

Invest in heritage: become the owner of an exceptional former abbey in the heart of Kain. 

A unique opportunity to invest in exceptional heritage through a share deal or to develop a project that honors the rich history of this special place. 

This former abbey was originally founded in 1238 and is now housed in a remarkable 18th-century building, designed in the classical style and consisting of 10 bays. The building is connected to the former abbey chapel, where communion wafers were still being made until the end of the 20th century. 

The grounds of Le Saulchoir Abbey, completely walled, are today a true oasis of tranquility where heritage and nature converge. The grounds feature various buildings, as well as beautiful remnants and ruins scattered throughout the garden. The property offers a very spacious living area, as well as exceptional potential for an investor, heritage enthusiast, or entrepreneur looking to create a unique destination here. 

A heritage site with a rich history 

The history of this place dates back to 1238, when the abbey was founded by 13 Cistercian nuns. 

In 1708, Duke Louis of Burgundy stayed here. He decided to support the sisters and also asked the magistrates of Tournai to do the same. 

In 1797, during the French Revolution, the nuns were expelled. The abbey was subsequently sold and partially dismantled. 

In 1904, the White Fathers, a French Dominican order, settled here with their extensive library. They remained there until 1939, after which they returned to Paris. Their new library in Paris was subsequently named “Le Saulchoir,” a name that is still associated with their documentation center in Paris today. 

During World War II, a real estate speculator sold off various plots of land and building materials, leading to a new phase of the building’s dismantling. 

From 1942 until the end of the 20th century, the Carmelite Sisters, in turn, took up residence in the building, near the Saint-Bernard Fountain, which is known for its healing properties. 

Since 1997, the building has consisted of two apartments and a shared residence with 23 rooms, developed based on values such as ecology and solidarity. 

A property with numerous possibilities 

The property also features extensive vaulted cellars, four reception rooms, a chapel with a view of Mont-Saint-Aubert, as well as an additional building that can be further developed. 

Renovation work was carried out in 2007 and 2022, combining the site’s authentic character with modern comforts. Among other things, the living areas of the apartments were insulated, and a pellet boiler, a 13,000-liter rainwater cistern, and a fire suppression system were installed. 

The future owner can consider various uses for this exceptional property: residential living, a tourism project, a B&B, a hotel, subdivision, or the creation of multiple units, subject to the required permits. 

Its ideal location in the heart of Kain, just 2 km from Tournai and close to the E42 Lille–Liège highway, also makes it a strategic site for a residential, tourism, or heritage project. 

A Purchase via a Share Deal 

The property is being offered via a Share Deal, whereby the real estate company that exclusively owns the property is being acquired. Among other benefits, this structure allows for optimizing the purchase and avoiding registration fees. 

A rare property, an exceptional history, and remarkable potential: a unique opportunity to help write the next chapter in the history of this iconic heritage site in the Tournai region. 

For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact us at +32 479 900 427 or by email at laurence@stonememoryestate.com. 

EPC for multi-family dwelling: E – 346 kWh – 20250722-007923