Chateau De La Manay

Description

The beautiful Chateau de La Manay comfortably sleeps 18: 16 in the chateau and an additional two in the guest house. During your stay you will enjoy relaxing around the large swimming pool and exploring the numerous castles of the Loire Valley. Chateau Chateau de La Manay is decorated with a combination of contemporary and antique-style furnishings, and each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom.
The castle is situated on 36 acres of secluded grounds in Sarthe, adjacent to Lombron, a small and enchanting village of just 1,800 inhabitants, near Le Mans in the Loire Valley. Chateau de La Manay includes beautiful tree-lined paths, apple and pear orchards and a one and a half-acre lake. The chateau is even surrounded by a moat. Pastoral views of the moat and pond can be enjoyed from the dining terrace that overlooks the grounds. The lake teems with fish the whole year round and hosts an interesting variety of birds and fowl. The grounds also include well-kept boulevards and paths bordered by weeping trees and an extensive orchard. Walks on the property cross grassy fields and wooded areas, and join other well-marked lanes and trails in the surrounding countryside.
The Chateau de La Manay was initially a 15th century building with 18th century additions and has been lovingly restored. Its renaissance architecture is found in many chateaux of the Loire region.


#### Features
The Chateau is a comforting and warm familial home that can sleep up to 18 guests (16 in the chateau and 2 in the neighbouring guest house). The atmosphere throughout the chateau is convivial, and there are numerous places to relax and play. The chateau is maintained in exquisite condition and is decorated with a combination of contemporary and antique furnishings. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom.
The ground floor consists of a large living room, a spacious formal dining room, a breakfast room, the library, a family room, the expansive kitchen, and hallways surrounding an enclosed courtyard. The kitchen is modern and well equipped, and sits next to a small and informal dining/breakfast room with an imposing fireplace. The living room is spacious and tastefully furnished and affords views of the lake, moat and terrace. The formal dining room can be found adjacent to the kitchen and comfortably seats 18 guests. French doors open out directly onto the courtyard and its fountain. Lunch or supper can also easily be taken on the terrace.
There is a secluded library with an office in the tower on the first floor. Books, old and new, in French and in English, mean the library is an ideal place to relax while enjoying views of the lake and moat. A fax machine and internet access is also available in the office. The terrace wing overlooks the moat and the outdoor dining and lounging area. All the bedrooms are clean, light and well furnished, with picturesque views of the property and grounds.
The second floor includes two twin bedrooms including one with two single beds and a king-size bed and one with three single beds. There are also two double bedrooms featuring a queen-size bed and the other, the master bedroom, with a large double king-size bed. The master bathroom, located up in the tower, includes a shower room and a sunken 2-person tub.
High up on the third floor are two recently refurbished double bedrooms, each with a large queen-size bed. There is also a recently redecorated double bedroom overlooking the moat. This bedroom also has an adjoining room where a large bed, a convertible sofa-bed and a cot may be used if needed making it a perfect suite for a family with many children. Over on the terrace wing there is a family room that includes a satellite television, VCR, DVD player and Hi-Fi.
30m from the chateau is an attractive two-room guesthouse. Though small, it consists of a living/dining room, kitchenette, a bedroom with queen-size bed, and an en-suite bathroom.
The large T-shaped heated swimming pool is a spacious 13.5m by 5.10m and is located just behind the chateau, near the guesthouse, and is perfectly in tune with the peaceful view of the countryside. It was designed to provide shallow areas for safe bathing for children while simultaneously leaving a long lane open for lap swimming. There is also a hot outdoor shower. The terrace is a large space full of sturdy teak lounging chairs and tables and offers the opportunity for many leisurely hours of relaxation. The 'tour carree' overlooking the moat is the place for a game of table football. You will also find bicycles, fishing rods, badminton, croquet and boules.

#### Location
The nearest international airports are Paris (180km) and Rennes (170km) whereas the nearest port is Caen (170km).
The chateau is located in the Pays de la Loire region, which is within easy walking distance of a quaint village that has its own bakery, butcher cafe and pharmacy. The Pays de la Loire is the perfect escape, whether you're looking for adventure or a relaxing break. The local waterways lend themselves to leisurely stops along the river and there are river cruises that offer lunch and dinner.
Echoes of history abound in the castles, abbeys, churches and the bustling market towns which continue ancient traditions. A visit to the world renowned 11th century Solesmes Abbey, where monks still sing Gregorian chant, will transport you back to the middle ages.
The property is ideally located for numerous interesting day excursions. Paris is less than a 2-hour drive by car or just 55 minutes on the famous TGV (high-speed train) from Le Mans. Brittany and Normandy are both within easy reach of the castle. You will be able to explore the many castles of the Loire Valley and return to the castle each night. The Chateau is also just a short 20-minute drive from the famous motoring city of Le Mans. The old town and its beautiful medieval historic quarter is one of the preferred medieval and renaissance locations. It is also one of the most filmed, appearing in many French movies, including Cyrano de Bergerac.
A beautiful 18 hole golf course with a chateau setting is approximately 10 kilometres away. Exciting hot air balloon or helicopter rides above the Loire castles with photos shoots are available nearby.
There is a very nice swimming lake about a 10 km away and even some small sailing possible there. Bicycles are at your disposal and the ride to the lake is through beautiful small country roads. There is horse riding in the village as well as 3 nice tennis courts.