Five Luxury Gites at Chateau de Barres

The Coachman's Lodge details

The Chateau and swimming pool

Home description

This extensive luxury accommodation with large heated pool is situated within the grounds of a prominent Château in the heart of the Loire Valley.

The region has become one of the most popular in France because of the many Chateau and vineyards. There are superb restaurants all within easy driving distances.

You will love the warm, sunny climate, which at this point becomes much more continental. The apple orchards come alive in the spring, which normally arrives a good month earlier than in the UK. The summer is generally warm and dry and ablaze with sunflower fields.

The Chateau des Barres, Coachman's Lodge, Gardener's Cottage, Blacksmith's Cottage and The Stable were built in 1851 for 'Le Maitre' who was in charge of building the railways in the area. Le Maitre lived in the Chateau and his servants lived in what is now the Coachman's Lodge, Gatekeeper's Cottage, Gardener's Cottage, Blacksmith's Cottage and the Stable.

The Chateau was built as a show of wealth and power and drew together an eclectic style of architecture which in essence reflected the renaissance taste of the Louis Philippe period of opulence and romanticism and are steeped in history. At one stage the Chateau served as a base for occupying German officers but thankfully survived the war unscathed.

The Chateau retains its own magnificent private entrance off the Rue de la Mairie, with sweeping drive, private parking and private entrance to the pool. Beautiful gardens surround the Chateau containing mature trees and Buxus hedges 100 year old and scented lavender and rose banks. There is a enclosed children's safe play garden with swings, 18' trampoline and teddy-bear picnic area. 

The Lodge and Cottages are nestled in the stone walled grounds of the Chateau each having their own private garden, private parking and communal enclosed childrens play area. They are all lavishly furnished with all modern facilities and the use of a large luxurious heated pool.

External features on site

• Garden
• Scenic views
• Swimming pool (shared use)

Accommodation detail

The Coachman's Lodge

Once the coachmen would reside here ready to ferry the nobility to their destination. Today, life is much more relaxed. You will have private access to the lodge, which you will find to be tastefully furnished and complete with all modern conveniences.

Ground floor

• Country Kitchen/dining room with access to the private garden. There is a separate eating area.
• Lounge
• Bedroom one - with bunkbeds
• Bedroom two - with double bed
• Shower room with WC
  

First floor

• Bedroom three - with double bed
• Bedroom four - with king bed and ensuite bathroom
• Bedroom five - with king bed
• Bedroom six - large room with 3 single beds and a cot
• Bathroom and WC

The Coachman's Lodge can be rented as a 3 or 4 bedroom gite as 'The Coachmans Cottage' (subject to availability).

There is a 12m x 6m heated pool within the gardens to the rear of the chateau.

The Coachman's has its own private garden and garden furniture, parasol, deckchairs and barbecue as well as use of the communal play/games area (table tennis, 18' trampoline, boules etc).

About the location

The historic town of Saumur, regarded as one of the prettiest along the Loire and famous for it's fairytale like chateau, wonderful sparkling wines and cavalry school, is only minutes away.

Why not visit some of the caves, excavated to build the houses, now being used to grow much of France's mushrooms and ancient underground troglodyte dwellings, which are still in use today.

The château and enclosed buildings dominate the sleepy village of Vernoil and is built in the traditional gleaming white finely carved tuffeau stone, unique to this region of France. You will be free to make use of the private picnic area situated a mile out of the village amongst acres of woodland and pasture.

The village conveniently has it's own supermarket, pharmacy, restaurant and bars, as well as the other traditional shops you would expect.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities nearby

Theme parks, Walking, Cycling, Swimming

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

You will find this property located midway between Angers and Tours, 5 miles from the A85 motorway exit at Saumur. Approximately 7 hours easy drive from Calais and 3.5 hours from Caen. Or fly directly to Angers in only one hour.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.