Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or less) Hen or stag parties Corporate bookings
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car advised Nearest amenities: 2 km
Notes:
Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
This luxury Chateau Du Ponton is situated in the heart of the Loire Valley, 'the Valley of the Kings', in the picturesque town of Monteaux, 55 minutes from Paris by TGV. Totally relax, for those that want to go away and not life a finger, this is your chateau. There are 2 discreet members of staff to wait on you and hand foot. A chef will do your cooking (no self catering allowed)! You will receive luxury service all day long. The staff are included in the price, as is breakfast and complimentary wine. Originating in the thirteenth century as fortified headquarters for the salt tax collector complete with round tower and moat, elegant additions in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries transformed the chateau into the enchanting residence it is today. The Chateau Du Ponton is your ideal French vacation home, with beautifully appointed interiors including six bedrooms, five bathrooms, dining and reception rooms with working fireplaces, period parquetry floors and antique furnishings throughout. Updated systems ensure your comfort and safety. Lunch outdoors in the classic pebble and grass courtyard, relax by the swimming pool, or explore the lush grounds with formal and kitchen gardens, an active stream and bountiful fruit trees. Soyez les bienvenues - a truly memorable experience awaits you! The current owner has upgraded and redecorated the Chateau Du Ponton, and has enjoyed welcoming guests for the past six years.
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/63183
The Loire Valley / Loir-et-Cher region
Playground of the kings of France for many centuries, the Loire Valley's chief glory lies in the many magnificent chateaux studding the banks of the river and its tributaries. These sumptuous palaces, castles and their noble gardens are among the country's main attractions.
The Beauce, north of the Loire, is made of vast wheat fields. South of the river, the Sologne is known for its majestic lakes and its forests, historically a favoured royal hunting ground. Farther south lie the rolling hills of the Berry, one of the most deeply rural parts of France.
There are over a thousand chateaux in France, and some of the most outstanding are located in the Loire Valley. All of the chateaux in the Loire are exceptional in their own right - whether an historical site, owned privately or by the government, the tours through these beautiful castles are the only practical means to support them.
France is fortunate to possess so many standing castles after the ravages caused by centuries of wars. Some of the better known and most visited chateaux include: Amboise, Angers, Azay-le-Rideau, Blois, Chambord, Chenonceaux, Cheverny, and Villandry.
An ancient Roman city, Orléans is the region's capital, and historically one of France's major centres of learning. Its place in history was secured in 1429, when a peasant girl by the name of Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc), stormed the city, smashed the British forces who had laid siege to it for seven months, and marched Charles VII north to the city of Reims to be crowned King of France. This was a turning point in the Hundred Years war that was fought until 1453 between the English and the Capetian kings. Northeast of the city lies the foret d'Orléans a 38,000 hectares elk-rich forest, that is a hiker's paradise. Southeast is the town of Sancerre, where one of the region's most famous white wines is produced.
The historic town of Bourges, with its cobbled streets, many architectural treasures and its Saint-Etienne cathedral (considered one of the most outstanding examples of Gothic architecture in all of France) is well worth a visit.
Val-de-Loire boasts twenty-two world-class wines - Loire wines are known, near and far, for their light, fruity flavour and bouquet - some of the more noted include: Sancerre, Valencay, Montlouis, Pouilly Fouisse and Vouvray.
The area is also well known for its specialty cheeses which include Crottin de Chavignol and Sainte-Maure de Touraine. The real Crottin de Chavignal comes from the raw milk of a breed of mountain goats and is usually served coated in fine herbs. As the cheese matures and hardens the flavour becomes more intense. Sainte-Maure de Touraine is considered to be the masterpiece of Touraine goat's cheese. This stark white cheese is first rolled in misty and citrus flavoured black wood ash. The cheese then matures to produce a light salty taste, a walnut aroma and a slightly nutty flavour.
Freshwater fish from the rivers such as salmon, perch and trout are other regional favourites. Mushrooms from the local caves, wild duck, pheasant, hare, boar, deer and quail are other popular classics. The famous French upside-down apple pie known as the "tarte tatin" also comes from the Loire Valley.
The patchwork fields, cool forests and lazy rivers of the Loire Valley invite the active holidaymakers to walk, cycle, windsurf, sail and canoe in the gentle countryside. Tennis players and golfers will find first rate facilities throughout the region. Visitors can drift leisurely over the châteaux and countryside in a hot air balloon or enjoy the spectacular sights from ground level by hiring a houseboat or barge for the day.
Monteaux area
Regional information: Day-trips can be taken to all of the famous Loire Valley chateaux, the closest being Chenonceaux, Amboise and Chaumont. These are also towns of interest; in Amboise one can visit Leonardo da Vinci's former residence, Le Clos Lucet. Boating excursions along the Loire river are available. There are many wineries in the region, specializing in Sauvingon Blanc and Gamay wines. One can also visit and taste at local goat cheese farms.
Local area: There is a plethora of wonderful restaurants and bistros in the local area; of particular note are Le Relais des Pecheurs in Blois, specializing in fine fish dishes (Gault-Millaut rated), and Le Domaine des Hautes-Loire in Onzain, serving top-quality traditional French fare. In Amboise (15 min by car) there is a Sunday outdoor market, as well as a supermarket; in the village of Onzain (within walking distance from the chateau) there are several good shops.
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available, Private fishing lake / river
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: Interior ground: Living room, sitting room, library, dining room, breakfast room, king-bed bedroom with bathroom.
Interior first: King-bed bedroom with bathroom, two-bedroom suite with bathroom, twin-bed bedroom with shower.
Interior second: King-bed bedroom with bathroom.
Outbuildings: Small medieval chapel, barn (may be used for receptions).
Further details outdoors: Situated on five acres, with tended paths, gardens and an orchard, alongside an active stream. The grounds are mostly fenced, but open along the stream. The outdoor swimming pool is heated, with an alarm, and is open from May 15th through September 30th. The chateau can provide outdoor seating and dining furniture for approximately 25 people for festivities in the courtyard or barn (more furniture can be rented locally for larger receptions).
Conditions
Security deposit: €1500. This is paid on arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection. Linen & towels: All linen and towels are included in the rental price. Energy costs: Included in the rental price. End of stay cleaning: Included in the rental price. Arrival time: 4.00pm onwards. Departure time: 10.00am. Pets: Pets not allowed. Smoking: No smoking in the property. It is recommended that all guests take out insurance to cover against potential cancellation and any accidental damage caused during your stay at the property.
Please note that full property descriptions, photographs, availability & prices are kept up to date on my website which you can visit by clicking on my personal website link below.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
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To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
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All year
3 Jul 08
31 Dec 09
2250£2,250
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Flexible
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NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Guestbook
Please ask the owner for recent testimonials or see them on my personal website. Link below.
Availability
See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
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Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/63183
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