About this property
The beautiful Chateau de La Manay comfortably sleeps 14 guests. During your stay you will enjoy relaxing around the large swimming pool and exploring the numerous castles of the Loire Valley. 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 Château 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 châteaux of the Loire region.
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 Château 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 château 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.
Accommodation
Château Interiors
Ground Floor
- Living room
- Family room with Satellite TV and DVD player
- Formal dining room with doors leading to fountain courtyard
- Kitchen, well-equipped including informal dining area/breakfast room and fireplace
- Library and office
First Floor
- Master bedroom with king-size double bed and views of pond. En suite shower room with WC
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed, air-conditioning, and views of the terrace. En suite bathroom with shower, bathtubs and WC. Adjoining mezzanine with double size futon bed
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed and en suite shower room with WC
- Bedroom with twin beds and views of terrace. En suite bathroom with bath/shower and WC
- Bedroom with double bed and two single beds with views of courtyard and fountain. En suite shower room with WC
Top Floor
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed and countryside views. En suite shower room. Separate WC in hallway
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed with village views. En suite shower room with WC
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (13.5 x 5.10m) with shallow area for children and long lane for swimming. Open approximately June to September, subject to weather. Features security system.
- Poolside terrace
- Hot outdoor shower
- Large al-fresco dining and lounging terrace
- Gas Weber BBQ
- Orchard
- Small courtyard and fountain
- Pond (1 ½ acre)
- Moat with stone bridge
- Bikes
- Croquet
- Badminton
- Boules
- Private grounds (36 acres)
- Parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Air-conditioning (only in one bedroom – see above)
- Working fireplaces
- Satellite TV
- DVD player
- Music system (library and living room)
- Books (English and French)
- Games
- Music library
- Elliptical machine and weights
- Toys
- Table tennis
- Table football
- Bikes
- Fishing rods
- Badminton
- Croquet
- Boules
- Washing machine and dryer
Reviews (4)
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Sandra F.
This place was more than I expected. The location was perfect, the grounds were amazing and the house itself was beyond belief. Very comfortable for a place so large. The housekeeper was wonderful and was more than willing to help our group with anything we needed. I would recommend this vacation to anyone looking for a one in a life time experience!
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Brett P.
This project is simply stunning with lovely grounds, lake, 36 acres of land behind to explore and best of all your very own moat! There is also a black swan we dubbed Jean Pierre who patrols the lake and most and will not say no to some fresh bread. The chateau itself was delightful with en suite bedrooms with gorgeous views and a homey charm that did not make you feel too nervous sitting on the furniture. A special mention must be made to the housekeeper who was just fabulous and made you feel so welcome in this majestic home. I am already planning my next trip to this lovely house and could not recommend this property and area enough! 6 stars for the owner, staff, property and area!
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Aston Martin
We attend the legendary Le Mans 24 hour race every year with our guests and have been lucky enough to stay at this wonderful chateau for many years situated just 20 minutes from the circuit. After the hustle and bustle of the race track it is wonderful to return each evening to the tranquil surroundings of this beautiful chateau. The owner has been very accommodating with our many requests which are often quite demanding at times. The chateau is steeped in history and has been lovingly restored keeping many original features - be sure to look up the charming stories attached to the chateau, many references of its history can be found in documents in the chateau's library.