The family "mirrored" garden at Chateau Residence de Bois-Briand

I visited Eric DelaLonde this morning, the owner of the Chateau Residence de Bois Briand.  This beautiful castle, now set amongst a back-drop of industrial units near Saint Luce sur Loire, offers Chambres d’Hôtes and apartments on long and short term lets. (2 of which are currently available for long or short-term rentals.)

The property is very impressive, set in large grounds offering a family garden, communal garden and swimming pool for residents and a large potager as well as many beautiful vistas.

There is also a building dedicated to budding artisans.

After having had coffee and croissants in the beautiful Orangery, Eric gave me a guided tour of the property, classed as a historic monument, recounting the history of the building and it’s various inhabitants, over time, including german soldiers during the second world war and more recently, Royale de Luxe.

You can find out much more from his fascinating blog on the subject, but here’s some snippets.

“Pendant la Guerre, Bois-Briand était occupé par des officiers allemands et leurs gardes. Après la Guerre, certains furent retenus, comme prisonniers, quelques-uns de ces occupants. Il leur fut demandé de refaire la toiture et construire un puits. Ils vivaient, sans chauffage, tout prêt du logement N°3, dans l’ancien grenier à blé. Ils furent soutenus, chauffés et alimentés par la famille dont les survivants et descendants re-découvrent leur foyer, aujourd’hui.”

“Solar panels: 300 square meters were installed on the roofs of 18th century gardener’s house, in Bois-Briand.

They will provide us with so much power that we will re-sell it to our National Supplier (Electricité de France).

Ateliers d’artistes located under these panels are occupied on permanent or “on demand” schemes.

A craftman has, already, installed, there since six months.

Royal de Luxe craftsmen (working in La Machine company) settled down here, some years ago, when they built “L’elephant” and “La petite géante”.”

Knowing Nantes will be holding a Family event at Bois-Briand next Wednesday, 23 June 2010. You can find out more on this flyer…chateauboisbriandevent

Tags: Artist, French Culture, French Traditions, History, Hotel in Nantes, KN Members, Museums

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