Chateau de Saint-Loup….France

We found a huge château in the small village of Saint Loup in France to stay in by ourselves (no other guests). The Keep was built around 1200 AD and the Chateau around 1600. It may be haunted although I have not mentioned it to Mal……. Have just found out it is haunted many times over, as this is the château that “The Black Prince incarcerated Good King John” !!!!”  The Black Prince imprisoned in the famous Keep the French King John the Good after the battle of Poitiers in 1356. The entrance of the square tower was then protected by a portcullis. Today the Keep and adjacent  buildings have been converted into seven bedrooms, sitting room, dinning-room and kitchen for guests.

Château de Saint-Loup is a gem of French architecture and a major landmark of the history of Poitou. All the rooms are restored with taste in due respect to this Grade one listed Monument, old tiled floors, lime coated walls, stain glasses, huge fireplaces in the Keep (see my photos), and classic ambiance in the 17 th c. Château apartments. Our huge room has a four-poster bed, tapestries and unique handmade and sculpted furniture. The separate extra huge lounge and library is stunning with a giant stone fireplace giving us a cosy place to spend the evening.

In the world so diverse of Hotels, Château de Saint-Loup stands out as a French aristocratic family home filled with history and authenticity, also a perfect place for an enchanted stay. It is certainly a great find on this holiday.

Chateau de Saint Loup
Chateau de Saint Loup
The Keep.... a separate building bordered by the original moat
The Keep…. a separate building bordered by the original moat
Mal crossing the draw-bridge towards the orchard... the property sits on 150 acres
Mal crossing the draw-bridge towards the orchard… the property sits on 150 acres
The orangery... all the fruit trees are taken inside the orangery to protect them from the winter snow
The orangery… all the fruit trees are taken inside the orangery in winter to protect them from the snow
The pigeon house (next building to be restored) and an old well
The pigeon-house (next building to be restored) and an old well
More of the gardens
More of the gardens
It was a real treat to be staying here... especially to have the place to ourselves
It was a real treat to be staying here… especially to have the place to ourselves

 

 

It is a beautiful chateau.... one of many throughout France
It is a beautiful Chateau…. one of many throughout France
taken from the Keep
taken from the Keep
I loved the stairwell in the Keep
I loved the stairwell in the Keep
There were little alcoves and hidden areas everywhere
There were little alcoves and hidden areas everywhere
The church "next door"... the church bell rang every hour, 24 hours a day
The church “next door”… the church bell rang every hour, 24 hours a day