Description
Nestled in peaceful countryside of the enchanting Loire Valley, close to Chinon, Saumur and one hour from Angers and Tours, this meticulously restored manor house, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, has elegant terraced gardens and a vineyard. Located just a short 25-minute journey from the picturesque Loire River and charming villages such as Montsoreau, flea markets, restaurants, cafes, and majestic chateaux, this property is a true gem.
While the manor's origins trace back to the Middle Ages, its cellars reveal traces of civilization predating the 13th century. The ground floor features a welcoming guest bedroom and a series of splendid reception rooms adorned with expansive windows that offer captivating garden vistas in every direction. The kitchen, featuring a La Cornue stove and an expansive La Cornue island, is a design masterpiece worthy of a cooking show setting.
Ascending the original spiral stone staircase, you'll discover three generous bedrooms and two bathrooms, each adorned with remarkable architectural elements, such as double mullioned windows and fireplaces. Continuing up the spiral stairs leads to an immense 2nd-floor loft space beneath a cathedral-like canopy of roof beams, which could readily be converted into two additional ensuite bedrooms.
Within the park, two elegant structures await your exploration: a loggia and an orangery. The loggia is comprised of two levels, with a lower-level living area and an upper-level bedroom connected by a magnificent 17th-century staircase. The orangery, nestled within the gardens, has been beautifully restored and can be adapted for a variety of uses, including as an entertainment space, artist's studio, games room, gym, or guest house.
The owners have spared no expense in restoring the estate to its former glory while seamlessly integrating modern creature comforts, including a Bang and Olufsen sound system, i-lighting, state-of-the-art central heating with a low-temperature heat pump, and a spa bath.
This region has long been hailed as the "Garden of France," and this property epitomizes that title. The manorhouse is enveloped by its own land on all sides. The swimming pool and loggia grace an upper terrace, while a grand stone staircase descends to the "à la Française" garden below, featuring formal box-lined parterres, roses, pleached lime trees encircling the house to the west and north. On the eastern side, a formal garden in an Anglo-Japanese style beckons, complete with a rose-covered pergola, lawns, and an arboretum boasting rare and precious mature trees. To the south, you'll find the vineyard itself, nestled amidst a serene forest.
The 2 hectares of Chenin blanc vines, some over 40 years old, bear the coveted Saumur AOC "appellation controle" classification, a rarity highly sought after by local winemakers. The vineyard is expertly managed by a talented and amiable local winemaker, allowing the owners to savor their own vintages without the hassles of vineyard management.
Located just 1.5 hours from Paris via the TGV train, and a convenient 1-hour drive from Tours and 2-hour drive from Nantes, both boasting international airports, this property offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern convenience in one of France's most picturesque regions.
