Chateau de La Barre

From the minute you turn into the park and its curving road, past the gate-keeper’s lodge, past the sheep grazing under the huge old trees, and arriving at the white gravel courtyard of Chateau de la Barre you enter into a different time-space. The mere fact that this property has been owned by just one family since 1404 – that’s 606 years! – makes a stay here more than special. But that is not the main reason: it is the warm welcome of Guy and Marnie, the owners ...

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From the minute you turn into the park and its curving road, past the gate-keeper’s lodge, past the sheep grazing under the huge old trees, and arriving at the white gravel courtyard of Chateau de la Barre you enter into a different time-space. The mere fact that this property has been owned by just one family since 1404 – that’s 606 years! – makes a stay here more than special. But that is not the main reason: it is the warm welcome of Guy and Marnie, the owners Count and Countess de Vanssay, that really make you feel like you are old friends dropping in for rest and relaxation from reality.

I have stayed there three times by now: Every time in a different bedroom. These are all generous in space and feature hand-ironed real linen bedding, genuine antiques everywhere you look and fresh flowers from the garden. Truly a place where one can enjoy the quiet of the countryside. Well, quiet is a relative word: birds singing and sheep bleating are sounds you will have to get used to here. And you’ll get to know the sounds Kakou the parrot makes when he wants attention...

By the way, there are no TVs in the room (only downstairs in the Fireplace room), thus adding to the away from the world experience. The modern bathrooms all feature selected amenities.

Full English breakfasts are served in the morning room decorated in sunny yellows. Dinners can be a formal affair in the grand Salle à Manger, with its 18 ft. high ceilings, long table, Herend china and family silverware. Don’t be put off by the word formal: You will automatically want to sit up straighter in this gorgeous room but at the same time enjoy the delicious meal made with fresh regional ingredients. Guy de Vanssay prides himself in knowing all the wines of the region and many beyond, so you are in for a treat.

Take your coffee and brandy either in the very cosy Salon Rose, with its comfortable leather sofas surrounded by family portraits or in the Grand Salon, with its made to measure set of furniture dating back to 1778 (it was a wedding gift for the Marquis and his bride at that time and has survived intact through).

Be sure to let Guy give you a story of the family and the chateau. This is a history lesson you will not forget because you have lived in it! Marnie will offer suggestions for lots of things to do and see in the Loire area. Or why not take one of the dogs for a wander in the park and forget about the world beyond its borders?