Dating back to the 14th century, this stunning classified "Maison Forte" became a residential dwelling during the Renaissance in the 16th century and there have been no structural additions since then. It was occupied by the English during the 100 Years' War, and is situated in the heart of France in the old Bourbon province.

There are small shops and tennis courts at Vaumas (2.5km) and St-Pourçain-sur-Besbre (2.5km). It is conveniently located near two interesting towns, Moulins (31km) and Vichy (47km). Within a 30km radius there are many beautiful sites to visit: châteaux (Thoury, Montaigüet, Lapalisse, Drée), medieval villages (Apremont-sur-Allier, Sauvigny, Charroux, Charlieu,) and gardens (Prieuré d'Orsan, Baleine, Verger de Malicorne).

There are an 18 hole golf course and spa baths at Vichy (47km), and two 9 hole golf courses closer by (Toulon-sur-Allier 29km; St-Pourçain-sur-Sioule 38km). There is a good selection of shops (including supermarkets) and restaurants, a Saturday market, and bicycle and canal boat hire at Dompierre (7km). Horse riding is possible at Neuilly-le-Réal (20km) and river swimming, fishing and canoeing in many places nearby at Jaligny (12km). You can discover the volcanoes of the Auvergne at Vulcania (110km).

The property enjoys a peaceful setting and beautiful views of the surrounding bocages and the Bourbonnais mountains. It is set on a hill between two rivers and surrounded by a dry moat and an extensive "jardin à la Française" extending into 200 hectares of cultivated land. There is access to 3 hectares of park. There are visitors to the gardens at certain times but with no infringement on the privacy of clients in the château within the moat nor at the swimming pool which is set in a pleasant secluded area. Four horse boxes are available for clients to keep their own horse.

The pool is heated to 24°C free of charge, weather permitting.

The interior boasts no less than nine large 14th century fireplaces and many original antiques and paintings. On the ground floor are a large living room, a sitting room with a vaulted ceiling, a library and a summer kitchen - all these rooms open onto a spacious terrace for outdoor dining. There are also a large dining room (seats up to 20) adjacent to a service area with stairs leading down to the spacious main kitchen on the lower ground floor. There is also a separate wc on the ground floor.

On the first floor are three large bedrooms, one with a four-poster double bed, one in 18th century style and another with two double beds in "empire" style, each with an en suite bathroom with a wc (one of which is separate).

On the second floor are one double bedroom with an en suite bathroom and a wc, one bedroom with two small double beds and an en suite bathroom with a wc, two children's twin bedrooms each with a washbasin and two twin bedrooms (one with an en suite bathroom, the other with an en suite shower room) and one separate wc. Occupancy is limited to 18 persons and 4 infants.

Two additional adults or children are accepted - a supplement applies, please enquire.

Read Jill Crawshaw's comments in the Times >>