This grand château in Normandy is a classified French Monument historique with origins dating back to the 1400s. Set in historic grounds with a large 18x3m heated swimming pool, this is a fine holiday abode for discerning guests wishing to experience the charm of a beautifully restored French château so close to the rolling landscapes of the Val d’Orne.
Château de la Chaine started its life as a manoir in the early 15th century before being extended to almost double its size across the 1700s and 1800s, still maintaining its original character. The house has undergone a remarkable restoration in more recent years – plumbing, heating and electricity has been fully updated, en suite bathrooms have been added to many of the bedrooms and a new heated swimming pool can be found within the grounds.
Despite the modern additions, there’s an enchanting historic ambience across the château. Rooms have been stylishly furnished with high-end European antiques and the chandelier in the formal dining room is still lit by candle-light. The elegant salon features an impressive fireplace and a secret stairway can be reached via the living room wall, just like in times gone by. The contemporary kitchen has traditional double doors opening out to the characterful light-filled breakfast room.
Across the two upper floors discover the perfect blend of modern amenities and historic charm (there is yet another secret stairway in the upstairs hallway). The château can sleep 16 guests across a range of pretty bedrooms, seven with en suite bathrooms, and up to five additional children using bunk-beds. Beds are new and linen is modern, contrasting attractive traditional features. There is also the option to book a lower 8-person rate by staying in the four main first-floor bedrooms only.
On the very top floor guests can benefit from the fitness room with a range of equipment, weights, yoga mats and a sauna. Outside, spend warm summer days by the heated swimming pool and garden with verdant trees and so much space to play.
The estate has its own orangery, ancient walled potager, a boat house by the lake with a boat that can be used on the pond and a chapel where six of the past owners are buried. Take time to learn tales from the château’s past - this region played an important role in World War II and the Germans occupied the château by 1944 when the Battle of Fromentel, a major Allied offensive, took place. Still to this day you can see bullet and shrapnel holes at the château.
The little village of Putanges-le-Lac is less than 6km away, sitting peacefully by the River Orne in the southern part of ‘Suisse Normande’, a region so loved for its meandering river, gorges, valleys and green landscapes, the most elevated area in Normandy. In July and August there’s swimming, kayaking, canoeing, boat hire and other water-based activities at Lac de Rabodanges, part of the Orne River. The Orne Valley is also a paradise for walkers, hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers and horse-riding enthusiasts.
Elsewhere, potter around the Friday morning market in Écouché-les-Vallées, head to the fortified town of Argentan and visit the market town of Falaise where William the Conqueror was born, home to the famous Château de Falaise.
Further afield, visit Bayeux and the D-Day Landing beaches, soak up the Belle Époque ambience of Deauville and the Côte Fleurie, be inspired by Monet’s garden at Giverny and visit the remarkable Mont Saint-Michel. You could even spend the day in Paris, just over two hours by train, or stay closer to home to soak up the rich history and natural beauty of this part of northern France.
