Around an hour south of Paris, how wonderful to be able to stay in a grand maison on the edge of a 17th century château’s domaine, a short stroll from an authentic village, boulangerie, farm shop and restaurant.
Hear the village church bells ring as you sit back admiring the views of the estate’s “Petit Parc” beyond your private garden. Maison Porthos, by the gates of the château’s estate, was historically lived in by the château’s manager and was a symbol of the Baron’s status and wealth. Recently, however, it has undergone a beautiful restoration to create elegant living and sleeping quarters for up to 8 guests.
Admire the historic features of Maison Porthos with its high ceilings, wooden floors, original doors and marble fireplaces. Its décor is classic and tasteful, inspired by the style of the private château; indeed many of the furniture pieces have come from the château itself. Of course there are plenty of modern touches as well such as in the well-equipped kitchen, perfect for preparing delicious feasts perhaps using produce from the château’s farm which you can buy at weekends in the village farm shop.
You can wander to the charming village for your morning croissants and fresh bread and the domaine has a restaurant, usually open April to end-October, for weekend brunch and evening meals from Thursday to Sunday. Check to see if the tea-shop is open as well and of course make time to visit the château’s exquisite gardens and fountains, open to the public at the weekend in spring, summer and autumn (entry charges apply).
The gorgeous town of Milly-la-Forêt is 5km away with its atmospheric Thursday morning market, monthly weekend brocante and traditional medicinal herb shops in the main square. It’s the gateway to the Parc Naturel Régional du Gâtinais for long nature walks, horse-riding, biking and other outdoor adventures.
Golf-lovers can play in magnificent surroundings at Golf De Cély or Fontainebleau Golf Club whilst the Forêt de Fontainebleau is ideal for rock-climbing as well as cycling, yet more walking, horse-riding and more, followed by lunch out in the idyllic and artistic village of Barbizon. Not forgetting of course one of France’s most famous historic residences, Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage site reached in only 18km by car.
What Oliver loves...
- Such a privileged location on the edge of a vast domaine belonging to a 17th century private château
- The interiors of the maison are classic and stylish with a wealth of period features and some furnishings from the château itself
- You can stroll around the estate’s “Petit Parc” beyond Maison Porthos’ private garden
- If staying at the weekend from April to October, make sure you visit the formal gardens and beautiful fountains of the château (entry fees apply)
- The gorgeous town of Milly-la-Forêt is just 5km away, the gateway to the Parc Naturel Régional du Gâtinais
- Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is only 18km by car
