21st June 2011 The onset of summer reminds me of this wonderful French chateau I stayed in this time last year. And I can’t resist featuring it here, and am hopeful I will soon get a chance to go back. It is just off the motorway which many travellers use to go from Normandy to South West France…and it’s everything you might want from a luxury stopover with a very intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like you turned up at a friend’s house – although it’s a very large rambling place with stunning furnishings, a mix of French country house, bohemian elegance with some lovely eccentric touches.
We arrived as a family after 6 hours driving on the motorway; my boys went straight for the pool and enjoyed their early supper in the garden. They were particularly intrigued by their wood panelled room – adjacent to our room, the Chambre des Canards and the very ancient bathroom (with modern fittings of course). This place should be kept a secret, it’s the perfect chateau for unwinding, and the unpretentious hosts make you feel extremely welcome. I have stayed in many other chambres d’hotes and chateaux in France and this is the very best I can recommend. There is very little doubt that you could feel anything but delighted to visit this wonderful hotel and well-loved family home! www.chateau-saintpaterne.com CN
