General & History

If your heart yearns for romance, this is the Chateau for you. With its steeply raked slate rooflines and towers, it is the classic setting for a fairy story. Built on the foundations of an ancient fortress that once guarded a stretch of the Indre, in a commanding position at the centre of the Loire Valley, Chateau Marnac resonates with history. It was once the home of the Marquis de Lafayette, the hero of the emergent New America under George Washington – orphaned at 11, inheriting enormous wealth, he bought a ship at the age of 20, and sailed to America to pitch into the decisive battle with the British.

Each of the 12 bedrooms bears the name of one of the illustrious figures of French history, from the aristocracy to famous courtesans. In the painstaking authenticity of their 2003 restoration, the owners have aimed to reproduce the setting in which these characters would feel at home – but with abundant modern pleasures and conveniences. The library is a peaceful, comfortable oasis, well stocked with books; the music room can become your private opera house; every bedroom has internet connection; satellite TV is available.

The Chateau was built in three very different eras. During the belligerent 15th century, the original owners were concerned with defence – the legacy of their castle remains in the two towers flanking the façade, and the vaulted Guard’s Chamber. Shortly after 1700 another titled Frenchman modernised the building to reflect the civilised elegance of his times. He dispensed with the moat, built a simple chapel with fine statues and carvings where couples can still celebrate the wedding of their dreams, added another wing of pale limestone and inaugurated the formal beauty of the grounds. The imposing fireplace in the salon bears his coat of arms and motto. Neo-Gothic was all the rage in the 19th century, resulting in the construction of a billiards room, and the addition of a spire and stained glass windows to complete the chapel.

Finally, the present owners have brought Chateau Marnac up to date, with a unique combination of bold decorative panache, sumptuous comfort throughout and respect for its historic evolution.