Description -
Le Manoir is a very special 14th century country house set in the valley of the
Vilaine river some 40 k south of the cathedral city of Rennes. Although updated
over the centuries by various noble families, ‘Le Manoir’ retains much of its
mediaeval charm and has been subject to recent renovation by its English owners,
returning many rooms to their original historical significance. All rooms are
furnished with English and French antique furniture and enjoy a very high
standard of comfort. Surrounding the house is the famous ‘Jardin Anglais’, now
some 14½ acres of formally landscaped English garden, with lakes, woodlands and
pastures. Designed and created by English landscape gardener and television
presenter, Alan Mason, it was the subject of a very successful UK television
series. With more than 10 000 varieties of plants, trees and shrubs that were
originally introduced, the garden is now flourishing and brimming with wildlife
in the warm, southern Brittany sunshine and is a bird-watchers paradise.
For the energetic amongst us, there are wonderful walks and bicycle rides along
the Vilaine river some 200 metres away, famous for its fishing. The owners can
make available, their 12 ft rowing boat for fishing, floating and picnicking.
Often they bring up their traditional wooden yacht, ‘Aviona’ from the coast &
are delighted to arrange cruises for guests.
In 2003 part of the large barn immediately adjacent to the house & bordering
the rose garden was converted into an indoor roman spa pool that may be enjoyed
throughout the hot summer days & evenings. A small gymnasium has also been
included.
Accommodation - The main house is organised in two wings surrounding a walled and gated
courtyard, guarded by the ‘Defence tower’, now a luxury apartment.
The North wing includes: The ‘Chantry’ kitchen fitted to a commercial
standard with all modern appliances. Massive granite fireplace with wood burning
stove. Hallway with cloakroom. Salon. The main centre of activity, as with most
rooms this features massive beams and stunning views over the rose gardens and
with steps leading to the terrace, which overlooks the formal lawns and main
lake, always a popular place for cocktails or after dinner drinks.
The West Wing includes: Salle à Manger. Restored to its 15th century
origins featuring massive oak furniture and leading to the base of the main
tower, now a bar with ‘Smallbone’ sink and dishwasher. Arched door to:
‘Bibliothéque with oak panelling and a large selection of books, both fiction
and technical.
Upstairs: The Church Room. Up in the roof, one of the finest surviving
Norman ‘A’ frame structures. Views over rose garden, arboretum and beyond. En
suite shower and WC. Double. The Blue Room. Featuring an ancient ‘Breton’ bed
this room overlooks the Mediterranean and Rose Gardens. En suite shower and WC.
Small double. The Garden Room. Substantial local antiques together with hand
painted wallpaper compliment the stunning views over the rose garden. En suite
shower and WC. Double. The Monks Room. Rich in colours and fabrics it enjoys the
main tower as it’s sitting room and fabulous views over the main lake, terrace
and arboretum. Two singles with en suite shower and WC. The Rose Room. Lovely
French furniture with a rose theme. En suite Shower and WC. Double. The Golden
Room. Massive mahogany lit-bateau and matching furniture. This room features a
day bed that is perfect for a child. Double plus a Single with en suite shower
and WC.
In the courtyard -
The Defence Tower. Licensed by the Pope to hold religious services, this three
roomed apartment offers a unique atmosphere. Guarding the approaches you can
survey all the routes to Le Manoir and sleep in your own mini-castle. With a
slate floored downstairs plus a luxury en suite with slipper bath in the old
stables, the defence Tower is probably the ‘signature’ suite of ‘Le Manoir’. En
suite WC. Double. The Gatehouse. Grand in design and colour this apartment with
it’s own entrance by the main gates features wooden floors and a massive opulent
bathroom. En suite bath and WC. Double.
Overlooking the Terrace -
The Guardian House. An independent cottage with fully equipped kitchen, sitting
room and massive upstairs bedroom. The views from all the windows are fabulous.
The Guardian House can easily take at least two more singles and is ideal for
the young family. En suite bath and WC. Double plus at least two singles. N.B.
We have a cot and mattress.
Activities -
Fishing: 200 metres: The River Vilaine is famous for it’s fishing, permits can
be acquired locally. Horse Riding: 1K: We will arrange, all standards. Rally
cross: at the local famous Lohéac circuit. Visit the famous Manoir of
Automobiles; Lohéac. Golf: La Bretesche 40 minutes (The owner is a member). La Baule 1 Hour. St Jacques, Rennes. 40 minutes.
Restaurants -
Nearest 65 metres. Great food in a very relaxed atmosphere.
Nearest main town: Redon 18k. Nearest shops and bread 1k.
Travel -
By ferry: St Malo:1.5 hours. Caen: 2.5 hours. Cherbourg: 3 hours.
By Air: Nantes 50 minutes. Rennes 40 minutes. Dinard (Ryanair from Stansted) 1.5
hours.
Click
here to view a map of the area
