We have just returned from France having visited a number of Chateaux and wine estates.
A Château is a manor house or residence of the lord of the manor or a country house of nobility, with or without fortifications, a substantial property with grounds or estate.At first, château meant a fortress It was totally equivalent to the English word ‘castle’. During the Renaissance, it took on the additional meanings of ‘royal palace’ and ‘mansion’ or ‘stately home’. By the 17th century the château no longer resembled the medieval castle as the need for fortified châteaux had virtually vanished. In their place, elegant palaces and mansions appeared, having extensive formal gardens.
The Loire Valley is home to more than 300 châteaux, built between the 10th and 20th centuries. The Loire Valley is well known for its Châteaux Its' fairytale castles are fine examples of the renaissance architecture that was in vogue during the period that saw the castles renovated and expanded.
Today, the word château can also refer to a wine producing estate. There are many true Chateaux in the Loire Valley, Dordogne and Bordeaux Regions, but it is customary for any wine-producing estate, even with only a normal house, to prefix its name with "Château".
Bordeaux, in the South West of France, is the most famous French wine producing area including famous names such as Petrus, Margaux, and Mouton Rothschild, with well known place names such as Margaux, Saint Emilion, and Sauternes. The Bordeaux wine region has about 120, 000 hectares of vines, and more than 200 wine Chateaux.
In the International Luxury Property market, a French Chateau offers excellent value for money, privacy and prestige. Many have estates some with established wine producing businesses, which may date back to Roman times. As a private home, hotel, tourism or conference location they offer space, in both rooms and land, in what is usually an idyllic setting.
Further information
www.melnickhouserealty.com
Email:- info@melnickhouserealty.com
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