I am originally from Touraine. I left France 30 years ago to travel around the world. My husband, who is Australian, has always had a passion for France. For a long time, we'd been dreaming of acquiring a second home, away from our everyday lives, and my dream was something close to my roots. We chose this beautiful region which is not far from my family and friends, to strike a balance between tranquillity, nature and authenticity. We were looking for a house full of character, that was also lively and welcoming, and we immediately fell in love with this building. It is a real living space that we want to share with people who come here.
The 16th-century house and its 18th-century wing look out over the garden and its majestic ginkgo biloba tree, which has been labelled as a "remarkable tree". The dwelling has two wings, a 16th-century three-storey wing built out of dressed stone and an 18th-century two-storey wing in rendered tufa stone, with one attic floor. The oldest façades feature stone mullioned windows on the street side and wooden framed windows on the garden side, while the 18th-century wing has wide, small-paned windows. A hexagonal tower, linking the two parts of the building, houses the staircase. The slate roof features stone dormers with arched pediments on the wing, and stone mullioned dormers with triangular pediments on the main body. Two figures carved in the tufa stone have stood the test of time and still adorn the building.
The property dates back to the Renaissance. The first part of the building, dated 1556, was built by notaries associated with the Prévôté châtellenie de Restigné, a local jurisdiction that administered civil and judicial affairs under the Ancien Régime. The second part of the property was added in 1739. Over the centuries, each of its owners has undertaken restoration work to preserve the authenticity, character and soul of the building. Even today, it retains this balance between history, refinement and comfort, right in the heart of the Loire vineyards. It has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1962.
Living in a village in the middle of a regional nature park, surrounded by Bourgueil PDO vines. The building conceals vast living spaces, complemented by neat, softly coloured, luminous décor. All around, the grassy expanses are ideal for enjoying a book and a drink in any season, under the shade of the venerable ginkgo biloba, with its proverbial virtues and longevity. The main façades, facing east, take full advantage of the rising sun. Finally, below, a swimming pool has been designed in the style of an old garden pond, in keeping with the architecture of the buildings. The house's location is also ideal for exploring the châteaux of the Loire Valley and experiencing the local lifestyle, gastronomy, culture and nature.
Traditional markets in Bourgueil on Tuesdays and Saumur on Saturdays. The "Valley Bio" wine bar in Restigné. The Château de la Minière, where you can discover elegant and unique organic wines in a setting steeped in history. The "Domaine de la Petite Mairie", our neighbours, to taste authentic, generous table wines. Lunch under the ancient cedar in the gourmet restaurant at the Château de Rochecotte. "Chez Odette" in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, a place to visit with family and friends for good food, laughter and good wine, with home cooking and a warm welcome. "Nuances" restaurant, for its breathtaking view over the Loire. Last but not least, Bourgueil Abbey is a must-see.
On the ground floor, the spiral staircase in the hexagonal tower, which is accessible from the entrance hall, library or kitchen, also leads to a terrace. There is also a toilet with shower on this level and the reception room in the old wing. The first floor has two bedrooms, one of which has an en suite bathroom. The second bedroom has a separate shower room and toilet. A third bedroom is located on the first floor of the 1739 part, with a shower room and a separate toilet on the landing.
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