Other buy in Tours Centre-Val de Loire

This impressive 19th century chateau has been improved and maintained by the current owners of the last 2 decades during which they have been resident. Historically a family home and today offering guest accommodation (boutique hotel) this impressive property has commanding views over the valley and village below. A very short drive will see you in the heart of Tours (Julius Cesar's '2nd Rome', birthplace of the modern French language and ex-capital of France). A buoyant university city with all the trappings of 'French Cafe' lifestyle on your doorstep, renowned for its gastronomic excellence not to mention the famous 'Loire Valley' wines that we are spoilt with choice for. THE CHATEAU The chateau is double fronted with stone steps leading to both front and rear terraces. The formal entrance is via the porch next to the parking, this leads you directly into the entrance hall, a welcoming informal area with period wood paneling, feature fireplace, soft seating, reception desk and original wooden stairs leading to the upper floors. The entrance hall provides direct access to all the reception rooms on this floor. The main reception room (100 sqm) is triple aspect with ornate parquet flooring and great views over the park and beyound. All the ceiling on this floor are circa 4.5m high and have period features. The breakfast room leads directly to the front terrace allowing for al-fresco dining during the warmer months. The third reception room is a lounge with feature fireplace and separate 'tower room' study area. A practical kitchen is placed on this floor with dumb waiter linking to the professional kitchen in the basement. Below the main floor is the 'garden floor' with professional kitchen (this kitchen is not currently used but could be put back into service - it provided the meals when a restaurant was run on site), working cold store rooms, laundry, boiler room, various storerooms, wine cellars, workshops and even a games room. Rising the elegant staircase to the first floor we have a sizeable landing with storage cupboards and a linen room and then a central corridor with 8 double bedrooms distributed on both sides each one with en-suite facilities and views over the park and beyond. Each room is individual in decoration and size with impressive views and private en-suite facilities. The upper floor has another 6 guest bedrooms all again doubles with en-suite facilities. at one end of this floor, including the tower room, we have an apartment over 2 floors, with 3 bedrooms and a shared bathroom : ideal guardian's quarters perhaps. OUTSIDE The chateau is located on the top of a hill with it's 15 hectares surrounding it. The views over the park with its selection of mature trees and on to the valley beyond are splendid and it is difficult to imagine how close we are to the centre of Tours. The formal entrance drive is gated and the tarmac drive sweeps up through the trees to a sizable parking area to the rear of the chateau. Also located discreetly to the rear of the chateau at the end of one of the tree lined alleys is the pool area, with terrace and swimming pool. There are several paths within the park permitting the owner and guests alike to wander and relax. The chateau is situated on the edge of a village but remains private and secluded with no overseeing properties. A unique castle in excellent condition and rare in it's proximity to amenities, trains, airport, etc. whilst still retaining a secluded and private sizeable estate. Environment & Surroundings Near Airport/Ferries? Near to Shops? Near to Schools? Public Transport? Near to a Golf Course? And Before You Ask Exposure: South Year of Renovation: 2000 Condition: Very good Heating System: Central heating (oil) Reason for selling: Familial reasons Currently lived in: Yes Condition of Roof: Very good condition Nationality of Owners: French