France (1266) Loire (9) Near Le Mans (1)

Near le Mans [10 miles southeast]; walk into nearby village

Chateau Rouvaine

sleeps up to: 19

Fifteen hectares of orchard, woodland and a large lake provide the secluded setting for this chateau, which is still protected by a moat. Cross the stone bridge and you will find a dovehouse, stables and a gazebo, and the relaxing sight of waterfowl busy fishing at the lake – a view that you can also enjoy from the large tiled terrace. The neat formality of the garden is maintained by a professional gardener. If you can bear to leave this peaceful haven, there is a small and charming village on the doorstep, and beyond are the many fascinations of the Loire......Valley. You can indulge in sport, art, culture, gastronomy and oenology, and then come home to your own personal castle Chateau Rouvaine has been restored with comfort, relaxation, and the needs of children in mind. It has the welcome of a warm family home, full of nooks and crannies to explore, and places to ruminate upon the glorious views. The renovation has been achieved with brio, combining tapestries, paintings and stained glass, antique and contemporary furniture. Ground Floor: The Living room: Large, light and airy with French windows front and back looking out onto the moat and lake, parquet floor and elegant but comfortable seating. The large marble fireplace comes into its own on winter evenings. The Dining Room: Conveniently sited next to the kitchen, the dining room is bright and contemporary with a black and white tiled floor, the white walls dominated by an enormous modern painting, the chandelier hanging from......oak beams and illuminating a large dining table and chairs boldly upholstered in red. It can seat up to 18 guests, who can also wander through the French doors on summer evenings to enjoy the sound of the fountain in the courtyard. The terrace is designed for outdoor eating. The Kitchen: Well equipped and up to date, running along the western side of the courtyard. The Breakfast Room: Beside the kitchen this room has a stone fireplace and a great view of the swimming pool – it is an ideal choice for a casual meal. Beyond this is the Terrace Wing looking out over the moat. The Family Room: This contains much to keep a family occupied, from TV, VCR, DVD player and Hi-fi to an exercise machine. Bedroom 1: which has its own bathroom. All the bedrooms in the chateau have been beautifully decorated and all have new mattresses. First Floor: The Office: Situated in one of the towers, next to the library, this is equipped with a fax machine and internet access. The Library: This is situated next to the office, a tranquil haven with comfortable seating, polished parquet floor, stained glass panels in the door, a fine fireplace, and a collection of books in French and English. The perfect place for a game of chess in the quiet of the evening. Second Floor: Bedroom 2: Twin plus another single bed with en suite bathroom. Bedroom 3: Twin that can convert to king size with en suite bathroom. Bedroom 4: Double (queen size) with en suite bathroom. Bedroom 5: The master bedroom (king size) in one of the towers. It has a shower room and a luxurious two person sunken bathtub. Third Floor: Bedroom 6: Double (queen size) with en suite bathroom. Bedroom 7: Double (queen size) with en suite bathroom. Bedroom 8: Double (queen size) with en suite bathroom. Guesthouse: A private apartment, close to the swimming pool and just 30 metres from the main building, with a small kitchen, a multi-purpose living room cum diner. Bedroom 9: Double (queen size) with en suite bathroom. Grounds: Surrounded by a terrace with all the garden furniture you could require for outdoor eating and sunning, there is a large, cleverly designed T-shaped swimming pool, with a wide shallow stepped area where small children can play in safety, combined with a long lane for more serious swimmers who want to do their laps. There is a warm outdoor shower close by. Elsewhere in the chateau you can find table football, fishing rods, badminton sets, bikes, croquet mallets and boules. The garden is a small paradise, with walks and allees, an orchard, linden trees with their delicious fragrance, and quaint buildings set against a peaceful background of moat, lake, woodland and meadows. There are plenty of well-signposted walks Nearest airport: Paris (180km). Rennes (170km). Nearest train station: Le Mans (20km). Nearest port: Caen (170km). There is a charming village within walking distance, where you can buy all the necessities of life, and watch the world go by, over a coffee. Of course, this is the heart of castle country and there are plenty to visit. There are abbeys celebrating their millennium, with monks whose sonorous chanting leaves an indelible memory. There are wine cellars to be investigated and fine restaurants to patronise. For the more energetic, there is horse-back riding, golf and mountain biking. And if you want to see the Loire from a new perspective, there is hot air ballooning, helicopter excursions, or a quiet river cruise with lunch or dinner.< prevnext >

Sleeps up to   19 Bedrooms   8 Baths   8 Pool   private Within walking distance of   village/town		typical pricing (per week) June 4, 2011 — June 18, 2011   $11950 Pricing for all other times of year on request. Prices are subject to change; call us to confirm current pricing.