Dating back to the 11th century, Château de la Chance is a magical holiday château in an equally enchanting setting on the banks of the river Layon. The country château enjoys spacious grounds, has stunning gardens and a large, central swimming pool. The main château can sleep up 10-15 whilst 25 extra guests can be accommodated in the surrounding apartments and studios owned by the estate, making the maximum capacity 40 guests. The château’s impressive character is preserved in its thick stone walls, high ceilings and stunning antique furniture yet it offers modern comforts while still retaining its original grandeur. Château de la Chance offer a unique opportunity to experience a slice of French life as the history and culture of the region live on. It’s an ideal venue for gatherings with family and friends, celebrations or even intimate weddings. With kitchens in the château and apartments as well as two barbecues, you can prepare meals and dine al-fresco in the château courtyard at sunset whilst enjoying local wine. The owner can also arrange for catering for your stay should you prefer to spend more time relaxing by the pool side or exploring many of the incredible châteaux across the Loire Valley. Directly opposite the château you’ll find walking and cycling trails taking you to the local village and beyond in this glorious setting. Other glorious places to visit include the historic city of Angers and the beautiful town of Saumur on the Loire River, famous for it's famous equestrian school, Cadre Noir, as well as its delicious white sparkling wine. There is a wonderful feeling at the Château de la Chance and the kind owners have ensured in every way that your holiday experience in the Loire Valley will be unforgettable. Please note that the château is exclusively yours for the rental period. Features: 1)    Château only (10 guests) 2)    Château and apartments (15 guests) 3)    Château and apartments (20 guests) 4)    Château and apartments (25 guests) 5)    Château, apartments and studios (30 guests) 6)    Château, apartments and studios (35 guests) 7)    Château, apartments and studios (40 guests*) For options 1-6,  up to 10 guests will stay in the château and all remaining guests will be allocated an apartment (and studios for 30-35 guests). The number of apartments/studios allocated will depend on how many guests are staying and will be based on each guest sharing a double/twin room (therefore some apartments/studios will be closed off for smaller groups). Supplements apply if guests require single occupancy of bedrooms in the apartments/studios - please enquire. * For option 7 (40 guests), 15 people will be housed in the château and 25 guests will stay in the apartments and studios. Château Interiors -    Great hall with 5m long dining table (for up to 18 guests) and large 17th century fireplace, candelabras and antique furnishings. Music system with amp and speakers and grand piano. Windows and doors open up to the courtyard and river -    Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, fridge, oven, microwave, bench-top hobs, toaster, coffee pod machine, cafetière, electric jug -    Separate WC Opposite Wing -    Lounge with TV with DVD player -    Store-room with additional fridge, washing machine and rubbish facilities Bedrooms and Bathrooms -    Bedroom on first floor with four-poster double bed (150x200cm) and single bed (100x200cm), sitting area and en suite bathroom. Pool, courtyard and garden views -    Bedroom on top floor with double bed (140x200cm) in alcove and single bed (90x200cm) in living area. En suite bathroom and 180 degree views over pool, grounds, courtyard and vineyards -    Bedroom in south-wing with double bed (150x200cm) and two single beds (100x200cm each). En suite bathroom. North-facing looking over pool -    Bedroom in south-wing with double bed (150x200cm) and single bed (100x200cm). West-facing looking over courtyard and grounds -    Bedroom in south-wing with king-size double bed (180x195cm). South-facing looking over river -    Shared bathroom Apartment One Interiors Can connect to Apartment Two via a secure door Ground Floor -    Living-dining room with sofa-bed -    Open-plan kitchen area, equipped with fridge, dishwasher, stove top, toaster-oven and French coffee press -    Bathroom with shower and WC -    Access to courtyard with picnic table  First Floor -    Double bedroom -    Double bedroom on mezzanine floor -    Bathroom with bath, shower over bath and separate WC Apartment Two Interiors Can connect to Apartment One via a secure door Ground Floor -    Living-dining room with sofa-bed -    Open-plan kitchen area, equipped with fridge, dishwasher, stove top, toaster-oven and French coffee press -    Bathroom with bath, shower over bath and WC -    Access to courtyard with picnic table First Floor  -    Bedroom with queen-size double bed and two single beds -    WC Apartment Three Interiors Ground Floor -    Living area with sofa-bed -    Kitchen-diner, well-equipped with dishwasher, stove top, toaster and oven -    Storage room and WC -    Access to courtyard with picnic table First Floor -    Double bedroom with queen-size bed -    Twin bedroom -    Bathroom with bath, shower over bath and separate WC Apartment Four Interiors (smaller apartment) Ground Floor -    Living room with sofa, and counter-height dining table with four chairs -    Open-plan kitchenette -    Double bedroom with door leading to shower room with WC -    Access to small courtyard with table Mezzanine Level (child-proof gate at top of stairs) -    Twin beds Studio One, Two and Three Interiors Ground Floor -    Small living area with sofa-bed -    Shower room and WC Mezzanine level -    Double bed   Studio Four Interiors (ground floor) -    Twin beds (raised) -    Bathroom (wheelchair friendly) with WC Outside Grounds -    Salt-water heated swimming pool (14x6m, depth: up to 2.6m), open from May to September (9am-8pm). Features safety cover. -    Outdoor shower -    Poolside terrace (150m2) with sun loungers, picnic tables and bean bags -    Spacious courtyard overlooking grounds and Layon River -    Courtyard dining table (up to 10 guests) -    Trestle tables (x5) each for 8-10 guests (on request) -    Two BBQs (charcoal or gas) -    Picnic tables -    Petanque court -    Badminton -    Mölkky -    Archery -    2 bikes -    Well-established gardens and parkland (5 hectares) -    Unfenced access to river, via steps -    Parking area Facilities -    Wi-Fi  -    Fire bowl in château courtyard (with initial supply of firewood) -    Music system with amp and speakers (in château) -    Grand piano (in château) -    TV and DVD player (TV has no reception) -    DVDs -    Library -    Board games -    Badminton -    Petanque -    Mölkky -    Hairdryers in each bathroom -    Boules set -    Badminton set -    Archery -    Washing machine and drying racks   Little Sustainability Gems About the Property The owners encourage guests to compost with buckets in all of the kitchens and give clear directions on how to recycle plastics, glass, card and aluminium. All firewood for the fire-bowl is felled and cured on the property. When possible they also source ingredients for the welcome hamper and catering from local suppliers. Location: Château de la Chance is located on the banks of the river Layon in the Loire Valley between two rural wine-producing villages, only a 30-minute drive from the city of Angers. This region, in the Maine-et-Loire department, is known as ‘Anjou’ and the château is located directly on the Anjou Wine Trail (“Route des Vins & Villages de l’Anjou”). The nearest village is an easy 1.2km walk from the château where you will find a supermarket, two boulangeries, an auberge (for lunch), butcher/caterer, bar/tabac, florist, ATM machine, cinema, garage, petrol station, a covered swimming pool and amenities such as a pharmacy, doctors and dentist. There is also a Farmer’s market on a Tuesday morning. In the other direction, another village just over 2km away has a bakery, bar/tabac, mini-supermarket and tennis courts. There is also a Michelin starred restaurant a 15-minutes away by car, as well as a good selection of restaurants and bars within a 10-15 minute drive. There are plenty of beautiful walks amongst the trails and vineyards directly across the road where you can follow the old railway track of 'Petit Anjou’. The Thouarcé - Chalonnes-sur-Loire route takes you to the very heart of the Coteaux du Layon and Aubance vineyards where you will discover a stunning landscape that is a patchwork of vines, mills, wine-growing estates and character properties.  There are also further cycling trails along the Loire river, known as the famous Loire à Vélo. The owners have very good relationships with local wineries and they can help arrange a wine-tasting. Other activities include golf, horse-riding and boating on the Loire river which is just a 30-40 minute drive away. The region is crammed with rich, cultural heritage and some experiences you won't find anywhere else in France. The beautiful city of Angers (25km) on the River Maine features a wonderful 13th century castle and a lovely old town where you can explore the cobbled lanes filled with cafes and restaurants. On the Loire river, visit Saumur (40km), known for its famous equestrian school, Cadre Noir, and its excellent sparkling white wine. Also heading east you can visit the amazing Troglodyte caves in Rochemenier (22km) or the impressive Fontevraud Abbey (55km). Tours (120km) is another great day trip, a city filled with history and excellent restaurants and markets. Perhaps combine with one of the Loire’s famous châteaux such as Château de Villandry (96km) or Château Royal d'Amboise (150km) as well as many others nearby.  Terms & Conditions: Security deposit? €1000 paid to the owner via online transfer at least two weeks in advance and refunded within two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. Arrival time? After 3.00 p.m only. Departure time? By 11.00 a.m. only. Energy costs included? Yes. Linen & towels included? All linen and bath towels are included in the rental price. Mid-stay change of linen, towels and room cleaning available on request for additional charge of 75 euros per room. Pets welcome? No. Changeover day? Flexible. End of stay cleaning included? Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Smoking Allowed? Outside only. Insurance? Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. Other Ts and Cs? Please note that the owners and their cat live onsite; they are on hand if needed, otherwise remain discreet. Internet access? Internet access is available by the pool only. Due to the rural location, quick or strong access cannot be guaranteed. Heating costs included? No, there is a charge of €75 per day for central heating, advance notice required. Minimum stay? 7 nights during July and August, 3 nights at all other times. Pool towels included? Yes. Pool opening dates? The swimming pool is open May to September from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. Pool heating charge? No. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.