Centre, Loir-et-Cher, Montoire-sur-le-Loir, France

Overlooking the river valley from its peaceful location in Montoire sur le Loir, is this beautifully restored 3 bedroom Manor House, full of charm and character, set in 1.5 hectares of glorious landscaped gardens.

This superb property offers excellent access to local amenities and a choice of market towns a short drive away. "Vallee-de-Ronsard" / Ronsard's valley (named after the French writer Pierre Ronsard), Le Loir running parallel to the north of La Loire, provides a peaceful environment a short distance away from the usual tourist destination with many local attractions along with historical links.

The property is roughly equally distant from Vendome, Tours and Le Mans all with TGV links to Paris along with a 10 minute drive to either La Chartre-sur-le-Loir or Montoire-sur-Loir, both popular market towns with a good selection of restaurants, etc.

Owned and enjoyed for over 30 years this property has undergone a detail restoration by the current owners. Their attention to detail, restoration of many original elements and love of the exterior spaces have created a comfortable family home with an established park and gardens.

On the ground floor, the formal entrance is via the tower hallway, an impressive spiral staircase winds its way to the first floor above you. From the hallway a stone arched solid wooden door leads directly into the main living room. A 32m2 double aspect room with period fireplace, leaded windows, stone floors and beamed ceilings create a period feel to this elegant room.

The double stone arches lead to an office area and interconnecting snug, both of which have doors to the kitchen area. Again double aspect to enjoy the views on both sides. 23m2 with modern elements enhancing the original fireplace and features.

A second hallway provides access to the formal gardens and a shower room with WC. From the spiral wooden stairs in the tower we access the first floor: 3 bedrooms of 10m2, 15m2 and 21m2. Two with carpets and the third straight cut parquet. Period leaded windows provide views over the front and rear gardens.

The family bathroom has been modernised and provides a bath, shower and wc.

Opposite the manor is a charming orangery offering circa 35m2 of ground floor space with three different open plan parts: kitchen, living room and sleeping space along with a shower and wc.

In addition to this building there are approximately 14 separate "wine caves".

Originally used for the excavation of the tuffeau stone used to build the manor and surrounding farms, these caves then became used for a number of practical purposes ranging from cooking (large fireplaces with bread ovens), storage areas, animal shelters and wine cellars. Today one is converted to house the gas central heating boiler, others for storage, etc.

With over 1.5 hectare (3.75 acres) of private gardens and land, the current owners' love for the outside space has created various different themes including formal gardens in front of the manor with topiary bushes and specimen trees leading the eye to explore, and a stepped garden with dry river leads up a grassed pasture lined by mature pine trees. Their landscaping influences are French, English and Italian.

Inside of the gated entrance is a large courtyard providing parking.

REFERENCE: 258673