Chateau de Noizay

THE SWEEPING MANICURED LAWNS and bucolic parkland of Château de Noizay are a delight. This bijou 16th century manor has plenty of history: it was here that the leader of an anti-monarchist conspiracy was caught plotting in 1560. Fortunately the only conspiracy today is between staff who contrive to ensure guests’ complete enjoyment.

You'll be greeted by Château de Noizay's impressive wood balustrade where knights in shining armour stand guard on either side of a huge stained glass window. Fine antique furniture is polished to a fault, surfaces everywhere glint warmly. Outside, centuries-old trees shade a charming pool with loungers.

Think boudoir. Rooms are exquisitely done out with draped bedheads, floaty fabrics and toile de Jouy bedlinen, vases of lilies, period furniture and garden views. Leaded windows add an extra mellow touch, while marble bathrooms are loaded with bubbly stuff.  Two rooms in a separate building, The Clockhouse, offer nights in scarlet coloured surrounds with high-beamed ceilings, a kingsize four poster, lover’s chest, whirlpool bath and private garden.

Local Touraine specialities

Two softly lit dining rooms and a terrace, sunlit by day, offer gastronomy featuring seasonal Touraine specialities matched by excellent Loire wines. Food is well presented on the plate and delivers on the palate.  Enjoy aperitifs and post prandials in the book-lined library, and plot your visits to the nearby Noizay and Vouvray vineyards.

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