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: 0.5 km
Notes:
Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
This secluded Manoir des Chalands, with 14th century origins, is a property steeped in history. Set in 4.5 hectares of one of the finest private gardens in France, known as Le Jardin, the chateau is an exclusive retreat. The Manoir des Chalands perches on the borders of Brittany and the Loire, 500 yards from the River Villaine. The Manoir des Chalands offers luxurious accommodation, a roman spa, and a relaxed ambiance. In the 2nd World War when it was the centre of the local French Resistance under the leadership of Marie Moquet, whose family owned the state for some 150 years. The Manoir des Chalands was a safe-haven, open for Resistance fighters and escaping Allied pilots. Although updated over the centuries, the manoir retains much of its mediaeval charm (most rooms have massive beams, stone fireplaces & walls and stunning views). There are 7 double rooms in the Manoir, each with their own bathroom. All the rooms are furnished with antiques and enjoy a very high standard of comfort. There is also a self-contained cottage, and a guest suite in the tower so 20 guests can be accommodated. The main centre of activity within the chateau is the salon. The ‘salle-à-manger' is now how it would have been in the 15th century; and there is also a fully equipped conference room. The Romanesque heated spa pool seats 12, this hand crafted mosaic construction is unique in France.
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/63198
The Brittany / Ille-et-Vilaine region
The delights of the French way of life can be summed up in one word, Brittany. Brittany offers eight hundred miles of grand rocky coastline with scores of bays and little fishing villages. The enchanting countryside is dotted with giant granite boulders and wild meadows on the moors, thickets and forests in a gently rolling landscape.
It is the buildings that give a region its soul, and in Brittany, you can find it in the megaliths, calvaries, castles, manor houses, countless chapels and old villages. All of them bear witness to Brittany's eventful history and wealth of traditions. Brittany was, after all, home to the enchanted Forest, was where Merlin lived, and where corsairs sailed to the new world. The people from Quebec retrace their roots here, and Great Britain owes the "great" in its name to distinguish it from this unique region of France.
It is in western Brittany that Breton culture remains most evident. In Quimper, and in the Pays Bigouden, crèpes, cider, traditional costumes and Celtic music are still a genuine part of the Breton lifestyle. Vannes, Dinan and Rennes, the Breton capital, have well preserved medieval quarters where half-timbered buildings cover markets, shops, crèperies and restaurants.
The walled port of St-Malo on the Côte d'Emeraude recalls the region's maritime expertise, while the remarkably intact castles at Fougères and Vitré are still a reminder of the mighty border-fortresses that protected Brittany's eastern frontier before its final union with France in 1532.
Holidaymakers are enticed to Brittany by its magnificent array of seafood such as shellfish, oysters, scallops and many tasty varieties of fish. Brittany is also famous for its farm produce such as salt meadow lamb, poultry and pork meat products.
Other specialties of the region are wafer biscuits and butter cookies. However, Brittany's proudest addition to the great cuisines of the world has to be the crêpe and its savoury equivalent the galette – these can be found all over in any of the typical Breton "crêperies" along the roadside or in the centres of old towns where visitors are often welcomed with a traditional cup of cider.
A long, rugged coastline, vast bays of glorious beaches, and a secretive, almost mystical interior is the lasting impression of Brittany. This most westward region of France, where the Bretons speak their ancient language and carry on age-old traditions, always seems a little out of step with mainstream France, but the many attractions welcome visitors in their thousands year after year.
Redon / Langon Village area
The Manoir is situated in the heart of the french countryside on the borders of Brittany and the Loire, half way between the cathedral city of Rennes and Nantes, and about 45 minutes from the gold coast of Morbihan. Rennes is a sophisticated and cultural university city about 30 minutes away offering medieaval architecture and cobblestone streets lined with many boutiques and restaurants. Rennes also offers many large churches and a cathedral, museums, art galleries, and stunning public gardens dedicated to the advancement of horticultural scientific knowledge.
There is a large Saturday market and other small markets on most days. Activities available include, go karting, ten pin bowling and golf (3 courses). La Roche bernard, is situated at the mouth of the River Vilaine, a coastal seaside town about 45 minutes away, nestled into a hillside with winding streets lined with restaurants and picturesque views over the water. The nearest sandy beach is about 45 minutes away and is served by the warm waters of the popular Gulf of Morbihan. La Rochefort-en-terre is about 40 minutes away between the Manoir and the coast, a quaint town with cobblestoned streets lined with antique shops and restaurants and is famous for a its chateau, originally owned by american artists and donated to the town on their death.
La Gacilly (15 minutes away) is a very pretty town, usually adorned with flowers, and situated on a river. It was made famous by the distinction of having Yves Rocher as the deputy mayor and being the home of the Yves Rocher cosmetics empire. Guided tours around the cosmetics factory are available in-season. In association with the Museum of European Natural History, Yves Rocher has also created a vegetarium or botanic Gardens, dedicated to the advancement of scientific knowledge, and these are open to the public. It also is a haven for local artists' galleries and boutiques. Loheac, 15 minutes away, is a pretty town with very good restaurants and is made famous by the Manor d'automobiles which has the largest collection of Ferraris and Lotus' in Europe.
Our nearest village, St Anne sur Vilaine, is about 2 km away. It has a bakery, grocery store and a seasonal creperie, and sits on the banks of the river. The nearest town in the opposite direction, also 2 km, has a number of bars and also offers a grand church and famous roman chappelle with a roman mural recently uncovered and restored. The local town Guipry/Messac (about 10 minutes away) offers a large supermarket, restaurants, and river frontage where boats can be hired. The nearest restaurant is about 200 yards away and there is a Michelin restaurant in another local town: Le Grand Fougeray. This is set in the grounds of the public gardens and overlooks a lake and medieavel tower in which there are often exhibitions.
Being 500 yards from the river Vilaine, with miles of unspoilt river banks, there is ample opportunity to picnic, fish or boat on the river (Kayaks are also available to hire). There are many lakes and supervised swimming areas. Horse riding is available within a mile of the Manoir. Golf may be played at a number of courses in the area, but the most highly recommended is La Bretasche at Missillac (about 45 minutes away) in a magical setting of a moated castle. Other activities and interests available in the area: Reptile/ Amphibian House (3 miles away), pottery (0.5 miles), birds of prey talk (4 miles), Roman megaliths, and many countryside walks and zoos to visit. Wine tasting may be arranged in house (provided by the local wine merchant) or at our local cave.
How to get there
Nearest airport: Rennes (55km). Nearest train station: Guipry Messac (8km). Nearest town: Langon (0.5km). Nearest port: St Malo (110km).
Activities near Redon
Sports: Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Jacuzzi / Hot tub, Log fire, Internet access, DVD player, Boat available for guest use
General:
Central heating, Air conditioning, TV, Video player, CD player, Telephone, Fax, Safe, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available
Please check with the owner regarding linen and towels. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available, Private fishing lake / river
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: The Manoir is comprised of two wings and a small defence tower that surround a gated and walled courtyard:
The GUARDIAN HOUSE: A self contained cottage is annexed at the far end of the Southeast wing just off the main terrace, and with its own front and rear entrances.
The GATEHOUSE: Grand in design and colour, this apartment with its own entrance by the main gates features wooden floors and a massive opulent bathroom. It has a double room, with en-suite bathroom, and a separate loo. The lower floor of this wing is made up of the library (satellite television, DVD, Internet access and telephone all available on request) and the dining room. The upper floor comprises the Golden room, The Rose Room and the Monk's Room.
The GOLDEN ROOM: Features a massive mahogany bateau bed with matching furniture, and a day bed that is perfect for a child or single adult. (Double plus a single with en-suite shower and WC).
The ROSE ROOM: Lovely French furniture with a rose theme. (Double, with en-suite shower and loo).
The MONKS SUITE: Rich in colours and fabrics, this enjoys the main tower as its sitting room and has fabulous views over the main lake, terrace and arboretum. (Two singles with en-suite shower and loo). The Northeast Wing ground floor comprises the entrance hall and main loo/washroom, the main kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, two electric ovens and hob, gas hob, and fridgefreezer), uitility room (washing machine, tumbledryer and chest freezer), and the main salon.
The Upper Floor comprises: The GARDEN ROOM: With substantial local antiques and hand painted wallpaper, this room compliments the stunning views over the rose garden. (Double with en-suite shower and loo).
The BLUE ROOM: Featuring an ancient 'Breton' bed, this room overlooks the Mediterranean and Rose Gardens. (Small double with en-suite shower and loo).
The CHURCH ROOM: Accessed by another small set of stairs. Up in the roof there is one of the finest surviving Norman 'A' frame structures with views over the rose garden, arboretum, and beyond. (Double with en-suite shower and loo). There is mobile phone reception with some providers, but it tends to be a little patchy inside the building since the walls are 1.5 metres thick. There are two cellars that are accessible. The dining capacity is 24.
Outbuildings: The DEFENCE TOWER: Licensed by the Pope to hold religious services, this three-roomed apartment offers a unique atmosphere. Guarding the approaches, you can survey all the routes to the Manoir and sleep in your own mini-castle. With a slate floored downstairs, plus a luxury en-suite with slipper bath in the old stables, the Defense Tower is probably the 'signature' suite of the property. (Double with en-suite and a loo). The large long barn comprises the woodshed, spa pool area and an Art Gallery.
Further details outdoors: The Manoir is set in 4.5 hectares of grounds, the formal gardens blending gradually and imperceptibly with the French countryside. The grounds are gated and fenced securely near any roads. The features of the garden include: a large Italian terrace, with chairs tables and parasols, overlooking the true English garden with herbaceous borders; the main lake and the formal rosary; an arboretum, Mediterranean garden, aromatic garden, clematis walk, and Asian island; woodland gardens, paths, streams and a wildflower meadow.
In the garden there are trout, carp, goldfish, frogs, coypu, herons, kingfishers, ducks and moorhens, foxes, deer, and the occasional wild boar. Activities available on site include boules, croquet, badminton (on request), dinghying in the lake, and fishing.
Other activities available on request include claypigeon shooting, wine tasting, painting courses/tuition, and reflexology. Barbecue equipment available on request. The spa pool/jacuzzi is situated in the centre of the barn area; it is a hand crafted, mosaic, round structure 2.75 m in diametre, seats about 12 people, and is heated to 37.5 degrees Centigrade. Towels are provided. The Art Gallery is a recent addition in the Barn and is fairly large. The Exterior Reception capacity is 40.
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
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
All year
3 Jul 08
31 Dec 09
3250£3,250
0-
0-
1 Week
01
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Guestbook
Please ask the owner for recent testimonials.
Availability
See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/63198
Print this page
E-mail to friend
Share / Post this
Be aware of time-zones
