Chateau De La Tour

The villa

If you are hoping to experience the real France, away from the tourist trail, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Loire Valley, Château de la Tour could be just what you are looking for.

Originally dating back to the 17th century, the château is full of history with so many original features including the Louis XIII - style roof and tufa stone features. What’s more, when the nearby Château de Richelieu was demolished in 1805, one of the only remaining original bell towers was transported brick by brick to Château de la Tour and now stands proudly as part of this remarkable castle.

Its new owners, one an interior designer, have given Château de la Tour a completely new lease of life. The château has been restored both beautifully and sensitively, always respecting its rich heritage whilst adding contemporary touches. Original features, period furnishings and ornate detail will impress guests alongside the welcoming ambience across its eight bedrooms sleeping 15 guests. Furthermore, an annexe has also been wonderfully restored to sleep a further 10 guests (and two additional children).

The heated swimming pool now features an elegant poolside terrace alongside a fantastic summer kitchen and shaded terrace, allowing for long leisurely lunches or evening feasts with friends and family. 30 hectares of parkland and woods surround the château where deer roam freely and guests can appreciate the privacy and solitude all around them. Look out for blossoming fruit trees, summer roses, beehives and autumnal chestnuts - the estate is perfect for all seasons.

In the surrounding villages you will come across some great restaurants specialising in the delicious local cuisine. It’s just 10km to the historic town of Richelieu where you can take a walk around the gardens of the town’s former castle or head to medieval Chinon standing majestically on the River Vienne to admire the fairy - tale castle, sample local wine in the town’s caves or spend a day paddling on the river.

Indeed, the Loire Valley is a remarkable region filled with magical castles and idyllic towns such as Saumur, Tours and Blois, all of which can be visited for the day. Discover walking trails across the region or hire bikes to follow some unforgettable routes. Golf lovers won’t be disappointed by the choice of impressive courses nearby and it goes without saying that this is a wonderful region for horse - riding. If you are feeling particularly adventurous why not take a hot air balloon ride across the verdant landscapes.

That said, with such remarkable space in and around your own historic château, you won’t have to venture far to experience the beauty of this captivating region.

Set in 30 acres of parkland and woods, where wild deer roam free, this is a beautiful setting in the Loire Valley, in the southern part of the Indre - Loire department, near the border of Vienne. The château is easily reached, just off the main road Richelieu (10km) and Châtellerault (21km). Indeed, the 17th century town of Richelieu is just 10 minutes by car where you will find large supermarkets, a pharmacy, restaurants and most town facilities you may need. Take a beautiful walk through the grounds of the former Château de Richelieu, knowing that one of the original towers now stands at Château de la Tour.

Resting on the banks of the Vienne River is the medieval town of Chinon (30km). Follow the winding streets full of little shops and restaurants up to the castle and appreciate the history all around you. It’s also a wine producing town so be sure to stop off in one of the town’s caves where you can sample some local produce!

The vibrant town of Saumur (63km), resting on the Loire River, has a reputation for its excellent restaurants, its famous equestrian school Cadre Noir and the delicious sparkling white wine which you can sample in the area. Visit the fairy - tale château, take a boat up the Loire river or hire canoes. Combine with a visit to the Fontevraud Abbey (51km) or the fascinating Troglodyte caves in Rochemenier (77km).

Tours (66km) is perhaps one of the best known cities in this region and a wonderful place to visit not only for its fascinating history but also high - end gastronomy with some amazing markets across the city. Combine with a visit to one of the archetypal castles in this part of the valley including Château de Villandry (55km), Château Royal d'Amboise (85km) and Château de Chenonceau (80km). A little further but worth the drive is Château de Chambord (140km) which should be combined with a visit to the utterly beautiful town of Blois (127km).

There are plenty of hiking routes in this area or you can hire bikes to follow some wonderful trails both locally and further afield such as parts of the Loire à Vélo, a cycle route which follows the Loire river. Golf lovers have a choice of stunning courses within an hour's drive near Saumur or Fontevraud whilst closer to home there is horse - riding in the countryside and canoe hire in Chinon.