This property is a family home that has been passed down through the generations. It belonged to my husband’s grandparents, and then to his parents. His grandfather, a doctor in Vendôme, spent his entire career here before retiring here. we inherited it, though we never actually lived here, as our work was based in Tours and Paris. We are very attached to this house, and our main aim is to preserve it and ensure it has a future. Following extensive renovation work carried out to bring it up to date and make it more comfortable, we opened it up to travellers last year. Today we are embarking on our second season and keen to share our family’s property.
The neo-Gothic mansion, built of cut stone, has been listed since 1993 in the Gallimard Guide to the Chateaux of the Loire Valley as one of the notable houses of Vendôme. Its greatest treasure is a drawing room entirely covered in wallpaper hand-painted in 1940 by the artist Portel, a friend of several artists from Vendôme, including the sculptor Louis Legué, a contemporary of Rodin. Inspired by Chinese-style motifs, this panoramic decoration, created directly on strips of white paper, is a unique work of art that gave the Villa its name. My father-in-law was a master mariner in the merchant navy. He brought back objects, mementoes and influences from his many travels that gradually shaped the atmosphere of the house, giving it that spirit of travel, imbued with the world of Pierre Loti. His passion for craftsmanship is also evident throughout the house, in the colourful stained-glass panels he has created for the doors and windows.
Built in 1849 by the architect Marganne, the house is listed in the land registry as belonging to Jean-Baptiste Proust. Over the decades, it changed hands several times before being bought by Eugène Désiré Gueux, who let it to my husband’s grandfather, an ENT doctor. At that time, the house was divided into two flats. On the ground floor there used to be a doctor’s surgery, complete with an operating theatre, which has now been converted into a library and a bathroom. Over the years, he gradually bought up the entire property. Once the last tenant moved out, the two parts were brought together to reunite it into a single household. This history explains its unusual layout, with two perfectly symmetrical entrances, a series of rooms and two staircases.
The house is a two-minute walk from Vendôme high street. Bordered by the River Loir, it boasts a fully enclosed 800 m² garden, sheltered from view, where peace and privacy reign. We have designed the outdoor areas to be a real living space: a large 50 m² terrace for meals with family or friends, and a heated swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers so you can make the most of sunny days. The garden, with its trees and flowers, changes with the seasons and also features a vegetable patch. Once a week, the gardener, who is quiet and passionate, offers guests a selection of freshly harvested vegetables. A stay here offers a chance to enjoy a break surrounded by history, nature and the good life, in a charming family-run house, close to the treasures of the Loire Valley.
In Vendôme, lovers of fine dining will enjoy “Le Moris”, an elegant bistro renowned for its exquisite cuisine and fine wine list. "Comme un Grain" offers a creative take on seasonal crêpes and galettes, served with a selection of ciders and perry. For a taste of Italy, “Osteria n°5” charms with its warm welcome, its authentic, entirely home-cooked cuisine and its generous portions. Set along the peaceful banks of the Loir, with its yellow stone facades and ancient alleyways, Vendôme fosters a low-key way of life, perfect for strolling and exploring its rich heritage.
The house is spread over three floors, two of which are open to guests. The ground floor comprises the living rooms, the dining room which opens onto the terrace, the kitchen and a bathroom. The first floor has four double bedrooms, one of which has an en-suite bathroom, as well as two further shared bathrooms.
ref 752580
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