Our family has been in Touraine, near Blois for hundreds of years. My wife and I wanted to carry on the family tradition by renovating a place steeped in history. The last château belonging to the family was near Chaumont-sur-Loire, and was sold to the state between the wars. Unable to maintain the building, we decided to settle in Touraine, close to our roots. Further south, in Chinon we discovered Château de Milly. We were overwhelmed by its uniqueness and my wife, who is an interior designer, immediately saw the potential to breathe new life into the estate through renovations that combined heritage and modernity.
Its asymmetry! The central part of the château dates from the 17th century, with its Louis XIII-style roof and tufa stone openings. The tower topped by a dome and the adjoining pavilion were added in the 19th century, along with rich tufa decoration taken from Cardinal de Richelieu's château, which no longer exists. It faithfully recalls the aesthetics of this château and gives the building a singular presence. The other unique feature is the outbuildings. The 12 hectares of the estate feature outbuildings with particularly detailed architectural decorations. The rubble stone walls feature small round windows, known as oeil-de-bœuf (ox-eye) windows, and sculpted tufa stone dormers that give the premises prestige. Napoleon III stables, a tack room, a carriage room and the bridle paths that run through the estate's woods give us a look into life back then. There is also a heated swimming pool, adding to the gentle pace of life at Château de Milly.
The château once belonged to the Marquis d'Ansac, a descendant of Cardinal de Richelieu. The Cardinal's elder brother, Henri du Plessis, married Marguerite Guyot, Lady of Ansac. The château’s current tower is topped by a period bell tower, which stood on the west facade of the Château de Richelieu. It was dismantled, moved and rebuilt to enlarge the château de Milly.
A break to enjoy time with family or friends, whatever the season. The estate offers so many possibilities. In winter, sit by a roaring fire and enjoy truffles from neighbouring estates with a glass of Chinon. Milly is a great place to celebrate Christmas! In spring, stroll through the rose gardens, marvel at the cherry blossom trees in the orchard, and watch the bees in the château's beehives. In summer, enjoy a barbecue with friends, before going for a swim in the pool surrounded by lavender. Let the warm summer nights lull you to sleep as you dine under the starry skies of the lean-to. In autumn, take a stroll in the woods and pick walnuts, figs and chestnuts from the estate to cook over an open fire. Each of the château's rooms has been carefully renovated to create a refined setting of calm and pleasure. Each room has its own identity, while keeping with the history of the estate.
Stroll around the wine estates opposite or in Chinon. Visit the truffle-growing estates around the château, and discover the cuisine of chef Nicolas Gaulandeau at the "Jardin Secret" restaurant in the Château du Rivau at Lémeré. In Richelieu, sample Chinon wines at Chez Rose. For lovers of antiques and fine objects, Yves and Isabelle welcome visitors to a former hardware store on the ground floor of a private mansion at 4 Grande Rue. The market on Friday mornings will delight foodies. What's more, Château de Milly is ideally located for discovering the gastronomic delights of Touraine, as well as the châteaux of the Loire Valley.
The estate can be fully privatised for the duration of the event. 17 rooms are available in the château, the farmhouse and the outbuildings.
ref 537848
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