Le Faure
Summary
Le Faure is a beautiful 18th century Maison de Maître restored in 2000. With 9 bedrooms, 6 en-suite, it sleeps 18. Securitised swimming pool, table tennis and access to a wide range of sporting facilities including tennis, croquet, and golf. Walking distance of local village, Gensac, with bars, restaurants, and 25 minutes from the beautiful and historic wine town of Saint-Emilion and 15 minutes from either Castillon-la-Bataille or Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. Riding, golf, canoeing, fishing are all nearby.
The Setting
Le Faure is an elegant manor house with origins in the 17th century, completed in 1793, and in one family’s ownership until 1999 when we bought it. Le Faure is approached by a long private drive. It is set in 14 acres of land, and has a large terrace and great views over its valley, with its lake and a great array of birds, plus the occasional deer and wild boar. The pool area is fenced off and is a sun trap. A barbecue, sun loungers, parasols and tables for outdoor dining are provided. In the grounds of the estate are a tennis court, boules court, croquet lawn, a football pitch and a 9-hole challenge golf course. The surrounding area is beautiful undulating wine-growing countryside, creating great tranquillity and privacy.
Accommodation
A tasteful restoration has been carried out, retaining the ‘time-warp of the 19th century’ character where practical, but discretely adding the requirements of 21st century living. The entrance to the house is directly from the terrace into the hall, which looks onto the large enclosed courtyard. Stairs lead down into the large wine cellar, hewn out of rock, under the house. It is a great place for evening wine tastings. The salon has beautiful built in antique armoires and enjoys a triple aspect view over the valley, gardens and courtyard. It is tastefully furnished with antique and modern furniture, large sofas and armchairs and is equipped with wide screen TV, CD/DVD system and Wifi. To the other side of the foyer is the beautiful dining room featuring an antique cherrywood table that seats 18. Built-in antique armoires and the original fireplace add warmth and elegance to the room. Beyond the dining room is an impressive, stone-walled vaulted kitchen with many of its original features in place including an ancient stone working fireplace. The fully equipped kitchen includes a large gas/electric stove, American fridge-freezer with ice-maker, second fridge, microwave, two dishwashers, double sink, plus plenty of workspace. Doors from the kitchen lead onto the terrace. There is a laundry room with washer and dryer that also houses the central heating system. There is an energy charge for heat/logs throughout the year. Housecleaning, linen-change, babysitting, a chef are available as optional extras at separate cost upon request.
Sleeping Accommodation
A winding staircase provides access to 5 bedrooms (4 doubles, 1 twin) on the first floor and one double and two twin-bedded rooms on the second floor. There is one double-bedded room on the ground floor with an adjacent large shower room to accommodate guests with mobility difficulty. All rooms are tastefully decorated with antique and modern furniture and designed for comfortable holiday living. There are nine modern and fully equipped bathrooms or shower rooms. All but three rooms are en-suite. Each room offers beautiful views either over the valley or the courtyard. There is a small sitting area on the second floor. All linen and towels are supplied.
