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

Rustic and romantic, this very pretty late 17th-century limestone château has tall windows and doors, fish-scale slates and a bucolic feel. On a south-facing slope above a beautiful wooded valley, you enter through wrought-iron gates with stout stone pillars and a crumbling pigeonnier; a courtyard is formed by a delightful chapel and a restored stable block. Find plenty of space downstairs, with three salons to choose from, one with walls of books, fine blue and white china and a wonderful, largely Russian, art collection with some modern oils; a grey-panelled room has a table for breakfasts and a marble fireplace. Clean and simple bedrooms vary hugely, from old French iron beds with soft blue and cream furnishings, to a 1930s extravaganza with pink bed covers, busts and pictures, some with places to sit, others smaller. All have lovely views and everywhere there is eclectic artwork. Bathrooms are a bit dated but that is part of the charm, as is Daniel who cooks for you if you want to stay in. A large untamed area of trees and rough pasture has a lake with pottering geese. A place for artists and nature lovers.