Captivating Ardentes Cottage S123633

About this property

In six hectares of parkland, on the banks of a river, lies the delightful Château du Pecheur, a ten bedroomed home in the southern Loire Valley, just 20km from the historic town of Châteauroux.

Dating back to the beginning of the 18th Century, this French château has been charmingly restored by its Scandinavian owners. The result is a home full of history, period furnishings and tradition combined with modern facilities and wonderful gardens. Each of the ten bedrooms has its own character and style whilst there is ample living space on the lower and upper ground floors so that guests can find quiet corners to reflect or meet in more convivial settings. A meal together in the wine cellar, lit by candlelight, is one of the many experiences that guests will never forget.

As well as the glorious al-fresco terrace and beautiful swimming pool with its wave machine, the six hectares of gardens are a delight, especially for younger guests with modern tennis courts, boules, a football pitch and a slide to keep children occupied whilst older guests can enjoy a spot of fishing or messing about on the river with the rowing boat. The surrounding countryside, filled with fields of yellow rape, vineyards and meadows, is ideal for walking, cycling and horse-riding.

If you can bring yourself to leave the parkland and château, there is a wealth of delightful places to explore from the historic market town of Châteauroux to idyllic villages such as Saint-Benoit du Sault and La Châtre. No visit to the Loire Valley would be complete without a visit to a magical castle and Château de Valencay won’t disappoint whilst it’s also possible to visit Loire Valley highlights further north on the river such as Blois and Tours, both within a couple of hours by car.

In the park, there is also another beautiful old building which can be rented on request for an additional charge to accommodate up to 10 extra guests. This is an old smithy, recently renovated to the highest standards, which comprise a superb wine cellar, cosy kitchen and living room, four suites, a twin bedrooms and three spacious bathrooms. The best room is  located in the tower: it boasts a large round window offering stunning views of the park and a massive en-suite bathroom, making for a fabulous bridal suite.

Yet it may be that all you wish to do is laze by the pool or head down to the river’s edge during your stay in this traditional yet impressive château in this beautiful region of central France.

Please note that advertised rates are for up to 20 guests. The annex building sleeping up to 10 extra guests, is available on request only for an additional charge. Please enquire at the time of booking.

Château du Pecheur is set in beautiful countryside in the Loire Valley on the banks of a river, where you have permission to fish (in a 3km stretch of the river) and a rowing boat is provided. The six hectares of private parkland is surrounded by 300 hectares of agricultural land, yellow rape fields, charming vineyards and meadows perfect for beautiful walks or horse-riding.

The nearest village is about 5-minute drive away where you will find restaurants and a couple of small supermarkets as well as a Roman-style church whilst the nearest main town is Châteauroux (20km) where you can enjoy the market day five mornings a week and explore some beautiful historical monuments in the town.

The Châteauroux forest, just to the south, about 20 minutes drive from the château, is another ideal place for walking and cycling.  Families may also enjoy the animal park, Haute Touche (75km) set in nearby forests.

There is a wealth of charming villages and towns to discover in this region such as Saint-Benoit du Sault (47km), one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, medieval La Châtre (24km) and Sainte-Sévère (36km) and the lovely riverside village of Argenton-sur-Creuse (38km). A little further north, Mehun-sur-Yèvre (64km) is also full of historical sites and could be combined with a visit to the town of Bourges (67km) with its stunning cathedral and weekly markets.

Further afield, Blois (120km) on the Loire River and the university town of Tours (140km) are worthy of a visit in a day with stunning historic quarters. Yet you don’t have to travel this far to see some spectacular châteaux with Château de Valencay (60km) within an hours drive, a fascinating castle with splendid gardens as well as other wonderful historic monuments within the region.

Heading south towards the Aquitaine region, the delightful city of Limoges (133km) can be reached in 90 minutes by car where you can visit fine museums and galleries, enjoy the vibrant pavement cafes and marvel in the historical wonders.

Accommodation

Château Interior - 20 guests

Upper and Lower Ground Floor
- Kitchen (38m2) including gas cooker, dishwasher, fridge, deep freezer, coffee maker and microwave
- 4 x living areas (varying sizes from 36m2 to 45m2 including billiards room)
- Dining room in the cellar
- 2 x WCs
First Floor
- Double bedroom (20m2)
- Double bedroom (15m2)
- Double bedroom (15m2)
- Double bedroom (30m2)
- Double bedroom (29m2)
- 4 x shower rooms with WC
- 1 x bathroom with whirlpool bath and shower
1st Second Floor Wing
- Double bedroom (29m2)
- Double bedroom (30m2)
- 2 x shower rooms
2nd Second Floor Wing
- Double bedroom (7m2)
- Double bedroom (11m2)
- Double bedroom (24m2)
- 2 x shower rooms
Annex* - 10 guests
- Kitchen/living room
- Wine cellar
- Four suites with four-poster beds
- Twin bedroom
- 3 bathrooms
*available for an additional charge, on request.
Outside Grounds
- Private heated swimming pool (30m2) with wave machine. Open June to the end of September. Heated on request
- Whirlpool bath (1 person)
- Garden furnishings including 8 x sun-loungers
- Al-fresco dining terrace
- Gas BBQ
- Parkland (6 hectares)
- Access to river and fishing
- Rowing boat
- Tennis court
- Football pitch
- French boules
- Slide
- Trampoline
Facilities
- Oil heating
- Fireplace
- Internet access (via cable)
- Satellite TV
- Hi-Fi system/CD player
- Billiards
- Table-tennis
- Washing machine and dryer