Guarding a
wooded bluff overlooking the valley of the River Creuse, the Château enjoys
panoramic views across the surrounding countryside. The great Stone Age megalith
or menhir on the lawn in front of the château stands silent testimony that this
has been a sacred site for over five thousand years. Small and intimate, the
château dates mainly from the XIVth Century, when it was the home of Gallehaut
d’Alogny, Chamberlain to Louis XI. However, it also incorporates parts of a much
earlier castle dating back to William the Conqueror in the XIth Century. The new
wing, with its large Renaissance window and fine fireplace, was added in the
XVIth Century. The château is set in its own grounds, surrounded by attractive
gardens, which include a large, completely private swimming pool.
Accommodation
Nine hundred years of romantic history lie sealed within the château walls. Its
past now a distant memory, the chateau has been lovingly restored to meet
contemporary standards of comfort and convenience, without sacrificing its
historical integrity. The house enjoys modern facilities that include a well
equipped kitchen and under floor central heating, yet it retains to the full its
mediaeval character, with massive stone walls, beamed ceilings and huge
fireplaces in the interconnecting rooms. The four levels are united by a large
stone spiral staircase within the semi-octagonal tower. Tastefully furnished, it
contains a variety of books on many subjects, including history, architecture
and travel. Kitchen: Discreetly placed and well-designed (with induction
stovetop, convection oven, microwave and dishwasher etc.), it conveniently
adjoins the dining room without distracting from the mediaeval ambiance. Dining
Room/Living Room: A spacious, high beamed room with massive XIVth Century
fireplace and refectory table. The property has five double bedrooms, and so
readily accommodates ten guests. In addition, the large family room, which is
particularly suitable for young people, contains another four beds if needed.
Most bedrooms include a spacious sitting area. There are three bathrooms and
four toilets. Tower Room: A lofty room with double bed at the top of the tower,
enjoying superlative views over the Val de Creuse. Master Bedroom: A large room
with double bed, with sweeping views across the valley. En suite bathroom
(Jacuzzi and shower, separate toilet). Private access to the east terrace. Salon
Bedroom: A magnificent room with twin beds. En suite bathroom (shower) and
separate toilet. Private access to the circular north Terrace.
Large West Terrace Bedroom: A spacious room at the foot of the tower, with
double bed. Private access to the west terrace. A short flight of steps leads
down through a curtained Norman archway to the cellar alcove, a cool, tranquil
retreat in hot weather. Shared en suite bathroom (shower) and toilet. Small West
Terrace Bedroom: An attractive room of great character, with French windows onto
the terrace. Double bed. Shared en suite bathroom. Family Room: A large sitting
room/games room containing a TV, VCR and computer. Two beds provide overflow
accommodation when needed.
The Region
The property, only an hour’s drive from the magnificent châteaux of the Loire
Valley, lies in tranquil, unspoilt surroundings, but enjoys numerous
attractions. The healing waters of La Roche Posay, an easy bike ride from the
castle, have drawn visitors since Roman times. In addition to specific
therapies, guests can enjoy a variety of massage and other treatments. The town
also possesses a famous casino, an equestrian centre and a racetrack, in
addition to all regular shops and facilities. Walkers, cyclists, horse back
riders and naturalists enjoy the network of ancient trails and footpaths that
weave through the surrounding woods and fields, while the local rivers provide
delight to swimmers, kayakers and canoeists. The villages, hamlets and farms
that dot the landscape are filled with picturesque buildings and unexpected
architectural delights. Writers in this peaceful, undiscovered heart of France
are touched by its timeless magic, while artists discover at first hand the
inspiration of the French impressionist painters through the subtle interplay of
ever-changing light and shadow as the seasons progress. Historic sites abound in
the region, some dating back to Palaeolithic times. The château at Le Grand
Pressigny houses a fine museum of prehistory. The abbey of St. Savin, and nearby
village church at Antigny, possess some of the finest mediaeval frescos in
Europe. Angles-sur-l’Anglin, with its striking ruined cliff-top château, is
widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and
attracts many artists. Monks at the ancient abbey of Fontgombault are renowned
for their Gregorian chant. Less than an hour away, near the historic city of
Poitiers, is Futuroscope, the extremely popular theme park devoted to the moving
image, in which the latest film and computer-graphics technologies may be
experienced. Only a little further away is the attractive seaport of La
Rochelle, famed for its seafood. For the gourmet, the Château provides an
idyllic base. A focus of gastronomic excellence, there are several restaurants
of exceptional quality (and modest price) within easy distance. Weekly markets
in nearby towns offer an endless profusion of tantalising delicacies, including
local wines, cheeses and pâtés, together with a wealth of fresh fruits,
vegetables and seafood.
Travel
The Château lies between the historic cities of Tours and Poitiers. The nearest
large town, Chatellerault, is a 20-minute drive away, and can be reached by TGV
(high-speed train) from Paris (Montparnasse) in an hour and twenty minutes.
There is also TGV service to Poitiers direct from the airport (CDG). Ryanair has
regular flights from London (Stansted) to Poitiers.
