The oldest historical document referring to La Villedubois dates back to the early 1400s.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at the end of the oak-lined avenue, it looks surprisingly modern, despite being over six centuries old - the earliest historical document referring to La Villedubois dates to the early 1400s.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.
Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av Homes & Antiques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av Homes & Antiques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Collecting Dioramas MINIATURE WORLDS
From elaborate taxidermy museum displays to humble folk art creations, a diorama can transport us to another time and place
Pride of place LEEDS CREAMWARE
In its heyday the pre-eminent rival to Wedgwood's Queens ware, Leeds creamware is still much revered by collectors for its understated elegance
Bohemian Rhapsody
An exuberant approach to decor, with rooms enveloped in colour and pattern, has brought this historic home merrily into the 21st century...
THE ANTIQUES THAT SHAPED ME Rory Hutton
The accessories designer on his love of silver spoons and Sévres porcelain
European HERITAGE B&Bs
Is there anything more inspiring than staying somewhere that's both beautifully stylish and imbued with history? Rhiannon Batten explores five gems across Europe, from Sweden to Spain...
STAR SALES
A Hitchens painting, a museum-quality teapot and a Parisian chocolate box are all top of the lots
Textile designs by artists
Influential 20th-century fine artists and sculptors, from Picasso to Barbara Hepworth, gained additional status as textile designers until decline set in during the 1970s
Period DRAMA
A painstaking renovation has brought this 1725 former Huguenot silk weaver's house in London's Spitalfields back to life
An artist's RESIDENCE
Rustic details and a restrained palette lend a sense of simplicity to this lovingly restored Friesian bakery
Carefully Curated LIVING
This lovingly restored Gustavian manor has become both home and showroom for its owners, Maria & Jan Åke, who deal in European antiques