Sneak PEEK
Raise a glass to the good life at Maison de la Vaure, a dreamy manor-house estate made for rejuvenation and celebration
WHO HASN’T been on their commute to work and become lost in a daydream about getting away from it all and finding a heavenly haven? For friends Ian Steed and Phil Norris, that dream became reality when they discovered Maison de la Vaure. A secluded manor house nestled in the romantic countryside of the Charente region of France, this former Cognac estate, dating back to the 16th century, is where modernity meets bohemia and falls in love.
Boasting three separate properties – the main house, a farmhouse and a cottage – the estate sleeps up to 30 people, meaning it can be an idyllic setting for a cosy getaway or an opulent backdrop for a celebration to remember. The manor, just an hour from Bordeaux, epitomises French elegance, from the red-slated roof to the sun-soaked patio area, and offers six bedrooms, four of which are en suite, and four living areas.
Start your day off with a dip in the heated pool or amble over to the in-house yoga studio before awakening your senses with a wander around four acres of landscaped gardens framed by sunflower fields. Sitting alongside the manor is a chic farmhouse, a perfect setting for a romantic getaway, with two double bedrooms and a rustic kitchen.
Rustle up something delicious and savour the peace and quiet as you dine in your own private garden. Meanwhile, the rose-covered cottage is storybook perfection at its best, and, thanks to four roomy bedrooms, is made for a laughter-filled family holiday. Whichever property you choose for your next French adventure, you’ll feel indulgently relaxed, thanks to each one having been lovingly renovated. If you’re searching for a place to make memories, you can hire the entire estate and lay on a feast for your loved ones in an array of unique settings, including a renovated barn which can fit 120 people at a table in the gorgeous lawned garden.
From the treasure trove of carefully selected knick-knacks which grace the houses to the heart-skipping scenery, Maison de la Vaure offers everyone the chance to reconnect, relax and recharge – while raising a glass to the good life.