Chateau Brinon

The setting could not be more restful or beckoning. This three-suite B&B is part of a 17th-Century château that sits on 55 acres of land with expanses of grass, flowers, trees, a pond and river. The suites are quiet, large and well appointed with fine linens and the highest quality mattresses. Each suite has a private, modern bathroom. The owners are knowledgeable about the area's wine, cuisine and culture, and are more than generous with their time while still respecting the privacy guests desire. The breakfasts are bountiful with cereals, yogurts, omelets, fresh croissants and rich coffee and juice. For a little extra, you can request dinner in the inviting kitchen/dining room, where host Irene Schnaer, a Parisian, will whip up a French feast before your eyes and share her recipes. Her husband Mike, a former Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance participant, owns classic cars and loves to talk about them and the car rallies he has hosted on the property. I would recommend it for couples, car guys, girlfriend getaways, families (lots of nearby golf, horseback riding, boating, tennis and hot air ballooning), those seeking history (da Vinci spent his last years nearby) and everyone who could benefit from relaxing days in the French countryside.