Stylish Chateaus

by Jane Onstott---
for Directory of Hotels

Manor Houses and Chateaux Have Mass Appeal

Not “to the manor born?” Don't despair; you can still experience the genteel lifestyle of Europe's upper class. Manor houses are steadily gaining in popularity as vacation destinations for families and friends and for corporate retreats, meetings, and conferences.

But what exactly is a manor? A manor house (in France, a chateau ) is a grand country home traditionally owned by landed gentry. In medieval times, the lord of the manor held jurisdiction over the surrounding countryside; the peasants paid for the lord's protection with their labor or by giving him animals and vegetables they raised. Often seated on parkland of considerable acreage, the manor house was usually adjacent to one or more villages and surrounded by farms or vineyards. Like castles---their larger counterparts---manor homes were often walled or otherwise fortified against attack.

Travelers today are attracted to these European country estates for several reasons, not the least of which are their history and sheer beauty. Stately Georgian manor houses, which prevailed in 18th-century England, are characterized by a simple, well-proportioned elegance based on Greek and Roman forms. In Normandy you'll find donjons, towers right out of the Middle Ages. France 's Loire Valley is famous for both its scenery and enchanting chateaux. In fact throughout the varied regions of France and Italy are sumptuous estate homes to let, including baroque beauties with walls and ceilings covered with frescoes and trompe l'oeil paintings, carved or molded ornamental stucco, and antique or reproduction furnishings.

One advantage of renting a chateau for a corporate event or wedding is that you can accommodate the guests onsite---and in style. The Hotel Chateau, about 20 miles north of Paris, sleeps more than 200 guests in 120 bedrooms, and features multiple swimming pools, Jacuzzis, and tennis courts. The typical manor generally has no fewer than a dozen guest rooms. In addition to the main house, some have barns, servants' quarters, or other structures converted to salons or roomy suites. In fine weather, outdoor meals and ceremonies take place under pavilions and in formal gardens.

Whether it's overlooking a lake, the sea, an ancient vineyard, or a mountain stream, the most desirable manor home boasts beautiful views and is filled with appealing furnishings. Crystal chandeliers, parquet floors, thick Persian rugs, tapestries, gilded mirrors, heavy drapes, and marble fireplaces provide the setting for an unforgettable meeting, party or private event.

Building upgrades should maintain the original style of the place while adding modern amenities and plumbing in both kitchen and bath. In the bedrooms and common rooms, antique-style furnishings make the mood while DVD and CD players, telephones, and cable or satellite TV make things civilized. The dining room, with table large enough to accommodate all guests, is usually a gathering point, as is the garden, perhaps with stone barbecue and tables and chairs for dining, reading, or writing. Most chateaux have heating (central or otherwise), although air-conditioning is less common. Thick walls provide excellent insulation, however.

Prices vary of course by the estate's size, location and amenities. July and August are generally the most expensive months. Rental terms are “self-catered,” meaning without hired help, or “catered,” with chef and serving staff and possibly a full-time maid and/or chauffeur. Self-catered properties may include a few hours of maid service per week.

If you don't need the whole property, some grand old estates may be rented by the wing or as individual apartments. Larger properties used for events let for a few days at a time, while others might rent by the week only. To pick up the keys, you have to meet the manager, sometimes in a relatively small window of time. It's important to call and make other arrangements if your flight is delayed or you're going to be late for any reason.

Before you book your dream vacation, wedding or business event, decide what location suits your purposes. Are there bikes to borrow and country lanes on which to ride them? Is the property within walking distance of a village or a short drive from a major center of interest? Does that picturesque burgh have a pub where you can get good grub or cool suds? If you find the perfect medieval mansion with catering staff, however, you might choose not to leave the grounds at all.

To find the most fabulous chateaus around the globe, search Directory of Hotels find the perfect hotel for your destination.