Chateau chic

This gem in Brittany has been in the family for 400 years. Now guests can stay in its renovated rooms - which include a joyous mix of colourful archive wallpapers, wonderful auction finds and modern luxuries

- MARIELLA RUSKAUFF

The oldest historical document referring to La Villedubois dates back to the early 1400s. It is surrounded by 12 hectares of landscaped gardens.

Two of the three generations who now live in the chateau - Emilia, her husband Allard and their children Theodore (five) and Victoria (four). The family love opening the doors of the chateau to guests from around the world; the authentic floor tiles of the entrance hall are laid in an open-book pattern.

Not far from Rennes, in Brittany, set in the middle of a landed estate with woodlands, is the seat of the de Farcy family, which is now run as a guest house. When you see Château de la Villedubois appear at the end of the oak-lined avenue, it looks surprisingly modern, despite being over six centuries old - the earliest historical document referring to La Villedubois dates to the early 1400s. The de Farcy family acquired it in 1647 and today three generations of the family now live here: the Count and Countess de Farcy, their daughter Emilia, her husband Allard, and their children Theodore and Victoria.

The best way to keep a building alive is to live in it - so five years ago the de Farcy family decided to turn their chateau into a guest house. 'I was lacking a sense of purpose in my previous job but now I completely have it,' says Emilia. 'My purpose is to get up in the morning and welcome and meet people from all over the world, while at the same time raising funds to look after the house to make sure it's looking beautiful and well-maintained. And then, eventually, to hand it down to our children. We love every single bit of running the guest house.' The feeling is mutual. Guests very much enjoy meeting in the dining room over a breakfast of delicious, freshly baked 'viennoiseries', taking tea in the grand salon' or enjoying an 'apéro' on the terrace after a stroll through the park.