Chateau de La Barre

A fabulous 14th-century chateau where you can live like royalty, plus 2 self-catering apartments for 2-5, set in glorious countryside between the Perche and the Loire

The fact that so many of Château de la Barre’s guests are return visitors says it all: this place is a real find. Set amongst 100 acres of private parkland and fragrant gardens, the elegant chateau has been in the de Vanssay family since the 14th century and still has its ancient moat fortifications. Inside, the heritage is evident: wall tapestries, ancestral portraits and endless antiques. It’s full of heirlooms you’d normally see in a museum – but here you can eat from the priceless china, walk on centuries-old Persian rugs, even sleep in a Louis XVI bed.

But what makes this place really special is your hosts, the Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay. They’re the 20th generation of Vanssays to live here and want their home to be a place where guests can experience a true ‘aristocratic holiday'. On arrival you’ll enjoy afternoon tea in the elegant lounge; dinner is a 4-course feast served en famille in the Grand Dining Hall. By day you can ride, play billiards and croquet, try archery or head off to the magnificent Loire chateaux. Seize your chance to see how the other half live – and live it with them.

Highs

• Regal bedrooms, with traditional Toile de Jouy fabric covering the walls and antique furniture (plus power showers for 21st-century comfort)
• Excellent formal dinners, complemented by carefully chosen wines from the family cellar
• Within easy driving distance of several chateaux, 12th-century Romanesque churches and the Loire vineyards
• Welcoming yet down-to-earth hosts: Guy (French) is a writer and wine connoisseur; his wife Marnie (English) is a mine of information on French history and the chateau's antiques
• Combines French patrician style with English country house friendliness
• And if you want a bit more independence, book one of their two new self-catering apartments

Lows

• Dinner is not served every day - check in advance so you don't miss out
• You're somewhat off the beaten track, halfway between Chartres and the Loire Valley (about an hour from each)
• Not suitable for children under 12
• Don't expect cool, contemporary décor - this is splendour of the plushest kind
• There is no swimming pool