 Additional information about surrounding area and attractions:
The bucolic, picturesque and still untouched area of the Perche-Sarthois lies at the entrance of the Loire Valley, between Chartres and Tours. The capital, Le Mans, was the birthplace of Henri II Plantagenet, and Richard the Lionhearted's widow lived here and built the magnificent Cistercian abbey, recently restored and open for visits, concerts (throughout the month of May) and art exhibitions. The old town of Le Mans has been beautifully preserved, to the extent that it is a stage set to many a film.
Spring begins mid March, with an explosion of daffodils and forsythia, and from April till end of October, the vegetation is luxuriant, with many romantic gardens open to the public, from Le Petit Bordeau (with over 4200 plants), to Sasnieres, to Le Lude, Valmer, La Possoniere etc. Indian Summer is especially balmy, but even in the height of summer, the area remains protected from mass tourism, due to the many forests, as well as hills and valleys of private farmland.
The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the birthplace of the Kings of France up until the end of the XVIth century. The French Renaissance blossomed here, and the entire region is "covered" in famous castles, from Chenonceau (or the castle of the six queens), Azay Le Rideau, Blois, Amboise, Cheverny, immense Chambord (with over 400 chimneys!) Villandry (with the famous "jardins à la française"), Langeais, Chinon,etc.
Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life nearby.
Chateau de La Barre itself is a place of interest, having been in the same family since the 14th century. Having lived through the hundred years war, the religious wars and the Revolution, it emerges intact into the 21st century. The Comte de Vanssay, 20th generation, offers guests of "Le Cottage du Chateau" a private tour of this home still belonging to one of the oldest families of the Sarthe and Le Maine.
The Loire Valley/Sarthe is also renowned for the Jasnieres white wine.
Additional information about amenities:
Jacuzzi / Hot tub, Sauna, Log fire, Internet access, CD player, Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer, Clothes dryer, Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine, 3 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms of which 3 family bathrooms, 3 en suites and 2 shower rooms
Single beds (2), Double beds (2), Dining seating for 6, Sleeps maximum of 6, Linen and towels provided. Shared garden, Bicycles available, Parking space
During the day, simply enjoy aristocratic "douceur de vivre" at your little French manor house and its private park, or else discover the many picturesque villages nearby, with their XIIth century Romanesque chapels, XIIIth century frescoes, Renaissance castles, bucolic countryside, cycling through the majestic forest of Bercé, riding through the forest of Vibraye,visiting the remarkably restored old city of Le Mans, home of the Plantagenet kings and stage set to numerous films, and of course, the famous Loire Valley chateaux.
Not to mention the many little gourmet restaurants all around, and the various wine cellars open for tastings...
Three splendid golf courses are also within 30 to 40 minutes drive.
Within a couple of miles, you will find tasty boulangeries, excellent butchers, charcuteries, supermarkets, post office and a twice weekly farmers market.
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