Sénéchal, Château des Sénéchaux, regal, stunning, sumptuous, voluminous, restful

This imposing three-story 17th-century property is stately, yet there's a mix of privacy, space, and quiet. From your own ground floor courtyard terrace, the views across the countryside are stunning, and dining outside on a warm summer evening is a perfect way to unwind.

This property is perfect for a family, or a couple with their aunt for example, or simply friends. Come and relax, enjoy the warmth of the sun, the people passing through the village, the rooftops and views, and a spectacular location.

With approximately 200m2 (2100p2) over three floors with the entrance on the ground floor, everything you could possibly need is at your disposal.​ These rooms are large and spacious, furnished with antique furniture, decorated with style and luxury and equipped with all modern comforts.

The first thing you'll notice are the flagstones: aged, worn, uneven and beautiful, the passage of time is evident with every step you take as you imagine how many people it took to wear them like this. Looking up the magnificent original staircase you see the hardware store on your right, a glimpse of the property's original use as stables and shed.

Prepare your knees a bit for the start of the climb (there are sixty-three steps from the ground floor to the upper bedroom), with enough room to take it slowly. Just as you feel the need to stop quickly, a door urges you to step inside. This room is so inviting and warm that you feel torn between snuggling up on the couch and just standing there admiring. For a moment, the latter prevails by letting your gaze wander over the welcoming sofas, the aged oak beams, the warmth of the exposed stones, the bright space that surrounds you, the high windows that tempt you through their sight, then you step over, and find your hands reaching out to touch the beautiful carved furniture, textured curtains and throws, touching the stone and chisel marks of yesteryear.

As you turn to continue your ascent, your gaze will see a doorway you have not seen before, leading discreetly into a sleek, perfectly formed kitchen, designed for all your needs.

Another set of stairs will take you to the master bedroom and bathroom where the depth of the room will surprise you, and your feet will take you to the impressive Emperor bed with luxurious posts and linens. Only politeness will keep you from throwing yourself on the bed right away, and reluctantly you move away, your hangings lingering a little longer on the bedding and the welcoming throws, a final caress of the footboard. The unusually low windows are as tall as you are, illuminating the room at all levels, with views over the medieval rooftops and towards the hills on the edge of the village. For those not put off by heights, a glance down will give you an idea of how the perspective can differ when looking at the trees below, and a glance to the right will reward you with a close view of the pepper tower and magnificent portcullis at the castle entrance. It's rare that we look up when we walk, but something will catch your eye up to the ceiling, only to find it's not there. With the original beams kept in their original glory, we have made it possible to appreciate the history and craftsmanship of the craftsmen by forming a 9m high gallery with all the roof beams exposed. One more thing before you leave this room, take a moment to look through the small window by the bed.

With a feeling that there can be no more, the last set of steps will take you to the upper chamber, with a height of around six meters at the top. An innovative use of glazing and rope allows you to see the entire wooden structure of the roof beams, held together by wooden pegs and time. A large window in the roof shows you the roofs and towers of the main part of the Château des Sénéchaux, and behind these the magnificent church of St Pierre-ès-Liens which dates from the 12th century. Even the shower room has a special view, this time over the fields and down to the Dronne river below, a perfect distraction while brushing your teeth. This second bedroom houses a luxurious 1.8m wooden bed, ideal for lazy mornings and early siestas.

As you begin your descent, take a moment to gaze over the banister through the helical winding of the staircase, feel the curves of the crystal post, before sliding your hands down the smooth, weather-worn banister.