Here’s an hotel for people who aspire the full-blown château experience. The place can be tricky to find. ‘Just follow that muck spreader and turn left at the two donkeys’ was the instruction in the village. Sure enough the stately chateau, nestling in 75 acres of magnificent parkland, soon swung into view.
First impressions are good – a huge expanse of lawn with yew hedges and glorious herbaceous borders. Were we in the UK, we would be rummaging instinctively for our National Trust membership cards. As for the interior, it reflects the classical elegance of the 18th century architecture with spacious salons, some exquisite antiques, vases of fresh flowers and lots of daylight.
Standard accommodations are either the smaller rooms at ground level or those on the top floor with sloping ceilings. Best, however, to hang the cost and opt for a superior room. A particular favourite is no 40 with its huge fireplace and a nicely ageing bureau on which to finish writing those memoirs. Its bathroom is en suite but down a few stairs with the loo in a little cupboard – utterly quirky but utterly engaging.
The restaurant is highly rated but standards are variable - viz the single Michelin star was lost in 2014. An hotel with such a distinctive character may not strike the right cord with everyone but, if it does, prepare to be enchanted.