Chateau in the Loire Valley for Rent – Chateau de Valerie

Experience the sweeping drama of French history firsthand with this magnificent chateau in the Loire Valley. Alternately a place of ****** battlefields and noble residences, Joan of Arc trod here, as did Eleanor of Aquitaine and her son, Richard the Lionhearted. In more recent centuries the area blossomed with opulent chateaux and became a “playground for nobility,” a renaissance that ended with the Revolution. Perhaps it is this unique combination of tragedy and intense beauty that produces the region’s light, fruity wines. Without a doubt, this breathtaking and historic chateau will capture your imagination and put you right back in the middle of it all. As you stroll the sprawling gardens of this Loire valley chateau, laced with fountains and flowers and pools, you’ll know exactly where you are—but perhaps not quite when. We recommend that you spend several days exploring the famous nearby historic Loire chateaux, tasting the wines, and spending time at your own chateau soaking up the ambiance.

(2.5 hectares) Entering this completely walled estate, you will pass through a forty-foot-tall arch, listed as a national monument by the French government. Past the arch, you will enter into an enclosed, totally private estate filled with sweeping lawns, fruit orchards, stands of chestnut, poplar, linden, and pine trees, and flower gardens. The icing on the cake is the rose garden, with elaborate arches, benches, shallow canals, and fountains—with more than 6,000 roses between the pool and the hedge that borders the front of the property. As it can be illuminated at night, the garden is well suited for larger social functions. A lake has a 7 meter high fountain providing a focal point amongst weeping willows. The fountains and lampposts are reminiscent of 19th century Paris, adding to the old-world ambiance. An outdoor dining terrace, accessed via French doors from the breakfast room, is surrounded by a flower garden and a nearby fountain adds the sound of softly running water. The swimming pool (7m x 15m) is surrounded by a flagstone deck, equipped with lounge chairs, a hammock, and large shade umbrellas. There are also two large barbeques (stored in the adjacent orangery) and an all-weather, tournament-grade all-weather tennis court (some raquets available).

(600+ m2) All buildings on this amazing estate have been fully restored to their original glory and are equipped with modern amenities throughout.

Chateau

Ground Floor: Enter this chateau to find yourself in an elegant, intimate setting, with twelve foot ceilings, long windows, and walls covered with stretched silk tissue tondu. Large mirrors compliment fireplaces, and chandeliers add an extra touch of grace. Floors are limestone or slate, some with oak inlay. Full central heating warms the chateau, and tapestries ornament the flagstone hallway and main staircase. To the left of the entrance hall is the salon, with comfortable seating and a working fireplace. To the right of the fireplace a set of doors leads into the card room/library, which has access to the eastern terrace and garden. To the left of the fireplace is another matching set of doors which lead into a cozy TV room, which includes a long L-shaped sofa, a satellite TV, and VCR (accepts US, British, and French formats). The TV room grants access to the study, which includes a large desk, fax machines, printer, telephone answering machine, and internet connection. The study also contains a queen-size bed. Adjacent is a small hall, off of which there is a bathroom with a sink, shower, and separate WC. Going back to the main entrance hall, turning right will bring you into an elegant formal dining hall. The long mahogany table with seating from 12 to 16 guests is illuminated by a brass chandelier. An enormous gilded mirror rests above a fireplace mantle carved from blue Belgian marble. In summer, the French doors can be left open to admit fresh breezes from the courtyard. The next room to the right is the breakfast room. Along with glass doors opening onto a pretty terrace and a massive stone fireplace, an aged-pine farm table is the centerpiece of the room, seating up to 14. The final room on the right side of the house is the kitchen, large enough to host cooking classes. A 4′ x 8′ granite slab dominates the center of the room, and can be used as either work or dining space. An open fireplace with a rotating spit satisfies all your barbequing needs, and next to it sits a professional grade La Cornue stove with gas burners, a griddle, and two ovens, one of which is electric. Other appliances include two dishwashers, a microwave, and a television. In the pantry there are two extra refrigerators, one for wine. There is also another sink with granite counter tops for prep work, a washing machine, and a WC.

First Floor: Two staircases lead up to the first floor: the grand staircase from the entry hall (small children are requested not to use this route), and another circular staircase of sturdy wood