Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

This architectural gem used to house the archives of the château (built by the Vicomte's ancestors in 1373): the family discovered piles of musty parchment documents when they restored it. With the sea at the end of the drive, your own rosey walled garden to spill into in the summer, and substantial woody grounds for long walks, birdwatching and picnics, this is a super place for a small family to stay. Downstairs rooms have stone vaulted ceilings, crimson-washed walls, large windows at the front, modest ones at the back, and age-old terracotta floors. Furnishings are simple and the kitchen is fitted and white, with a round table and yellow chairs. Beamy bedrooms have plenty of French charm: in the twin, a stripped floor and pink toile de Jouy; in the double, deep yellow fabric-clad walls. If they aren't out hunting, your two loveable hosts, who do B&B in the château, will be on hand to help; the Vicomte may bring offerings from his vegetable garden. Your 'English' garden is furnished with parasol, barbecue and wooden loungers. A dear little all-year-round place in which to unwind.