The Secret Hamlet
Key Highlights
Sustainable Collection
This property has been handpicked for its low environmental impact.
- The six unique properties on the 35 acre estate by a river give your guests exceptional privacy and comfort.
- This estate in the Loire Valley exudes wedding-album worthy ease and grace.
- Need help planning the perfect outing? The discreet owners live on-site and would love to help.
The Estate consists of four houses and two studios set around the main manor house, sleeping up to 24 guests in 11 bedrooms. Each home has its own personality and atmosphere, all set along a river and amidst peaceful green gardens and the surrounding fields.
In the grounds, Le Pailler is a barn where group meals can take place - this is included in the rental price for guests who are catered for by the owners whilst self-catering guests can pay a supplement to use this dining space.
Two-storey loft with river view (3 bedrooms, max. cap: 6)
- Large living quarters on ground floor
- Large kitchen
- 3 x double bed bedrooms (one can set as twins)
- One bathroom with bath
- Two bathrooms with shower
- Bow windows opening on to river
- Private garden with terrace
Three-storey loft with river view (2 bedrooms, max. cap: 4-5)
- Large living quarters on ground floor
- 2 x double bedrooms and sofa-bed (for one person) on open space mezzanine
- One bathroom
- Low level summer kitchen opening on to terrace overlooking river
The Little House (2 bedrooms, max. cap: 5)
- Open-plan living room with fireplace and dining area
- Double bedroom
- Triple bedroom
- Bathroom with bath
- Bathroom with shower
- First floor semi-opened terrace overlooking swimming pool and river
The Orangery (max. cap: 4)
- Large living room
- Sitting room with fireplace
- 2 x double bedrooms
- Bathroom with bath
- Bathroom with shower
- Private enclosed garden
The Artist's Studio (Studio bedroom, max. cap: 2)
- 45m2 ground floor studio
- Bedroom area (river side of studio)
- Small kitchen area
- Open-plan living area (river side of studio)
- Bathroom with walk-in shower
The Stable Studio (Studio bedroom, max. cap: 2)
- 40m2 ground floor studio
- Suitable for guests with reduced mobility
- Double bedroom area (can be set a twins)
- Walk-in shower room
For wedding packages, the bridal suite with a private sitting room opening onto the swimming pool is also made available in the Manor House.
Outside Grounds
- 2 x swimming pools
- BBQ
- Garden furnishings
- Le Pailler/barn for communal dining (included with catering services)
- Large reception barn (for events)
- 35 acres of private grounds
- River access
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Satellite TV (with English channels)
- Hi-Fi
- Fridge, microwave, oven, coffee machine, kettle in each house
- Cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils
- Washing machine
Extra Sustainability Gems About the Property
The property is part of the local heritage Saint Victor, and dates from the late XVth /early XVIth century, and the renovations have all been made with sustainable materials.
Bedrooms
Bedroom 1
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 3
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 4
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 5
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 6
1 Single Sofa Bed
Bedroom 7
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 8
3 Single Beds
Bedroom 9
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 10
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 11
1 Double Bed
Featured in The Guardian's Top 10 Best Foodie Retreats in Rural France.
Your wedding or family holiday will be a true fairytale affair at this estate in the Loire Valley. Situated on top of a hill and covered in creeping vines, this Old World home has been renovated with the utmost care and taste. The expertly styled interior epitomizes the easy, chic sophistication of ‘art de vivre à la française’.
Guests stay in the six homes surrounding the main manor house, each with private gardens and unique character. We especially love the 'Honey House'. Originally used to manage beehives and extract honey, it’s now a three-apartment haven. One house is a duplex with a terrace overlooking the river, the other is a triplex with a terrace on the ground-level riverside, and the third is a studio flat.
Your large party will love having this hamlet (and two swimming pools and 35 acre of fields and woodland ) to themselves. Outside, the grounds slope down to the river, where you’ll canoe downstream or fish beneath the shade of a 450-year-old oak tree. Nearby attractions include the Unesco-listed treasure: the Romanesque Abbey of Saint-Savin (10 km), home to extraordinary 11th and 12th century murals. Natural beauty is abundant in La Brenne Regional Nature Park (30 km) past Le Blanc. Your holiday (or the days before your wedding) can be a time of rich and calm reflection in this peaceful region of France.
- Guests stay in one of the four houses and two studios set around the estate - please see the Features tab for full details including details of maximum capacity in each home.
- If guests wish to self-cater or arrange their own private catering then there will be an extra fee to hire the barn (le pailler) and catering equipment, payable locally.
- The Manor House isn't open to guests (other than the bridal suite for weddings), unless you wish to hire the dining area for a special meal (please note some of the photos are of the manor house for this purpose).
- Lower capacity stays are available, however, certain parts of the home will be closed off at the owner's discretion. Please enquire for further details.
- You’ll want a car to fully explore the area although the nearest village is a 20 minute walk.
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting/childcare services
Services available at this property:
- Catering services include picnics, buffets, sit-down meals, baskets of local food etc.
- If guests wish to self-cater or arrange their own private catering then a fee will be applicable to hire the open barn (le pailler) and catering equipment, payable locally
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
Weddings & Events Information
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On top of a hill with splendid grounds sloping down towards the river, this old turreted château, caressed by creeping vines, has been beautifully renovated and was featured as one of the best foodie retreats in rural France.
With an inherited peaceful ambiance combined with more recently added sophistication and flair, this luxurious and peaceful castle and hamlet near the Loire Valley is just perfect for a memorable fairy tale wedding. Six lovely homes surround the main château, meaning up to 28 guests can stay on site and enjoy everything this special place has to offer.
Indoor Capacity - 120
Outdoor Capacity - 150
Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony could take place in the gardens or in one of the barns. The owners are able to provide details of an English-speaking celebrant. Tables, benches and chairs in the venues can be used - details can be provided by the owner.
Wedding Reception
A reception with over 100 people could take place in the Byre/stables or there is an open barn (Le Pailler) where up to 80 people can be hosted for a sit-down meal. Both venues have a dance floor and a marquee can be added, subject to regulations.
Additional Fees for Events
Pricing is created on request, please enquire for details.
Wedding Planning
The owners are able to provide different levels of help and can suggest suppliers. Wedding packages are available but a full wedding planning service (e.g. management of the event on the day) is not included. Please note the use of a wedding planner is obligatory.
Catering
Catering services are provided for breakfasts, brunches, buffet meals, sit-down meals and picnics with ad hoc staff to prepare, clear and clean. Tables, chairs, linen, cutlery and glasses can be provided by the owner for up to 28 residential guests but any further equipment must be rented for weddings with larger numbers. Self-catering for weddings is not permitted.
Wedding Packages
The venue can provide extra cleaning, furniture and decorations on request, please enquire for details.
Where To Stay
Up to 28 people can sleep on-site (up to 24 guests in the cottages and studios as well as a bridal suite in the château) and the venue will recommend nearby accommodation for the guests not sleeping on the estate. The owners can supply details of local transport firms.
Venue Accessibility
There are limited public transportation options. There is complimentary parking on-site (this needs to be managed by the wedding planner). There is limited wheelchair accessibility, please enquire for details.
Venue Back-Up
A hired marquee is possible at the venue, if this is your choice, but it’s not necessary as a back-up for bad weather.
Wedding Suppliers
The venue has a range of suppliers for clients to use, but clients are also able to bring their own suppliers.
Flexibility on Duration
There is a minimum 2 night stay, please enquire for further details.
Children
Adult-only events, no children allowed.
Noise Restrictions
Noise should be minimised after a certain hour to respect neighbours. Music can usually play outside until 11pm or in the Byre/Le Pailler until 2am.
Other
There are some restrictions on decoration and themes - please enquire for more details.
The hire of a Security Manager is mandatory.
There is limited security measures in place (as always, guests are responsible for their belongings).
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
