Turreted and dripping with ivy, this French castle is a fairytale come to life. Parts of this chateau date back to the 15th and 16th centuries and it sits on a hilltop – once a vantage point for medieval skirmishes and now a pretty look-out over the famous river Creuse. Ten acres of grounds surround the castle, home to a swimming pool fed by quirky frog fountains and loungers on the vast lawns. Exploring your private gardens, you’ll find woodland walks, a river running through the bottom of the garden and a tennis court shared with the owner secluded away. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time. The old stone hearth takes pride of place in the main lounge and tiled floors hark back to a slightly more modern period of Victoriana. Glowing candelabra illuminate the living and dining room, where there’s a banquet-sized table for the whole group. The kitchen feels provincial, just what you want on a French countryside retreat. When it comes to hitting the hay, bedrooms are vast with original fireaplces on display. Some come with deep, free-standing tubs. There’s plenty to explore in the area, especially for those that enjoy the great outdoors. The village bakery and café-bar are a short walk away and you can join the old railway path turned walking route all the way to the pretty town of Le Blanc – a three-hour walk, or fifteen-minute drive.

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Additional fees

• There may be some extra fees to pay here, such as charges for utilities, final cleaning fees, city tax and security deposits – all of which you may need to pay in cash to the homeowner. Please reach out during the booking process to confirm.

Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.