Tours, Centre-Val de Loire 37000

This remarkable chateau belonged to the Marquis de Lafayette, hero of the Americain War of Independence.Once a medieval moated castle, this chateau mainly dates from the Renaissance and the 1800s. It has been superbly and extensively restored and modernised throughout. The most remarkable element of its architecture is the magnificent gallery on the eastern side built during the Renaissance.The chateau was designed for entertaining, and posesses a series of large and elegant drawing rooms, with tall windows and handsome stone fireplaces. Up the fabulous stone staircase to a magnificent gallery and 5 ensuite bedrooms. On the second floor are a further 3 ensuite bedrooms, attics and a gamesroom.There are three further residences on the property: the guest house, the cottage and the guardian's house. All three houses have been recently renovated to the highest standards, and two are rented out as holiday accomodation. The third house is the gatehouse, presently used by the guardian.There are several outbuildings, all in immaculate repair: and include garaging for up to 13 cars and a large room designed for gatherings that comes with a fully-equipped kitchen and other facilities.The 5 hectare park features a magnificent chestnut tree avenue, two swimming pools, a tennis court, a petanque court, a magnificent dovecote, large lawns and meadows. The history of the property is fascinating, as it was part of a set of estates in Touraine owned by the Marquess de La Fayette, hero of the Americain Revolution.It is situated on the edge of a peaceful rural village with everyday amenities, and the prosperous city of Tours, with its Tgv link to Paris and internation airport is only 40 minute's drive. The Loire valley is a highly desirable area for tourism. Outside of Paris and the Cote d'Azur, the Loire valley, its beautiful countryside and it's royal chateaux built during the Renaissance are in the top 5 regions of France for international tourists to visit.