CHATEAU DE TALHOUET
Breton country house near a picture-book village
COMPLETE WITH ITS OWN PRETTY CHAPEL, Château de Talhouët sits snugly within 20 acres of peaceful grounds, far from the hurly-burly.
Minutes away from medieval Rochefort-en Terre, this 16th century Breton manor house with its cornflower-blue painted windows is set at the end of a wooded drive.
Château de Talhouët's gardens – a sea of blue hydrangeas in summer - stretch into the Morbihan heathland,
while pots of flowers and a pointed-hat roof give it a picture-book feel. Fountains play and sun loungers dot the lawns on sunny days. It’s definitely a place to slow down and stretch out – just make sure you don’t trip over the resident canines, who may be snoozing on the front step as you arrive.
The château has been beautifully refurbished, while retaining the look of centuries past. You'll love the huge fireplaces, high beamed ceilings and striking original features of this former aristocratic home, whose ultra-comfortable rooms have been tastefully refurbished. Be sure to check out the
awesomely proportioned Grand Salon – a courtroom in times past – with its giant chandelier and sumptuously draped windows.
Hit the spot
Almost midway between Rennes and Nantes.
Bedtime
Sheer grandeur? Chambre d’Honneur should do the trick. Pretty and floral? Try Chambre Pastorale.
Be savvy
Take a map – it’s easy to get lost in country lanes hereabouts.
Be smitten
Aristocratic Breton charmer.
Renaissance fireplace
There’s also a guest lounge with
floor-to-ceiling windows and hand painted oak beams, as well as a billiard room. Immaculate bedrooms are spread over two floors, some lending themselves to a side-by-side suite suited to stays
en famille. All have well fitted bathrooms.
La Chambre d’Honneur – a huge room with terracotta walls and a giant
Renaissance fireplace overlaid with Latin inscriptions – is the showpiece. We also liked Château de Talhouët's more countrified Chambre Louis XVlll, with its beamed ceiling and 17th century fireplace. Chambre de la Jardinière is charming and more floral, while La Chambre Pastorale lives up to its name with wonderful country views and richly patterned fabrics.
There’s a
country-house atmosphere here and dinner is served nightly, with owner Jean-Pol Soulaine on hand to meet and greet guests. And nearby Rochefort-en-Terre – one of Brittany’s prettiest towns – is a delight to explore, with its narrow cobbled streets, timber-beamed houses and tiny antique shops.
Château de Talhouët was reviewed by
Room for Romance
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
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Dining in
Great traditional dishes are served in the light and decorative dining room. Take in the country house elegance amid candlelight and silver, tucking into dishes such as
freshly caught sea bass or duck with foie gras.
Dining out
Slip away to one of the many villages around the château to sample good local French cooking. You’re spoilt for choice in nearby Rochefort-en-Terre.
Where?
Château de Talhouët
What’s cooking?
Your hosts are passionate about traditional French country cooking. The sea bass is not to be missed.
Dress the part
It's country Breton-style
Top table?
Take your pick here
See & Do
Pad around the country estate, investigate the medieval town of Rochefort-en-Terre, with its banks of flowers and half-timbered facades, or go further and find infinite rewards in Nantes – the city that always seems to top quality-of-life polls in France. Explore the city's cobbled streets, peer into the beautifully restored Gothic cathedral and tour the lovely Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
Shop
Trawl Rochefort-en-Terre for
brocante and antique shops – you could well land some gems worth redecorating an entire room around. Nantes and Rennes have a good complement of big-city stores.
After Dark
Climb up to the top of Rochefort to watch the sun go down over its medieval buildings, then reward yourselves in one of the little bars.
Dates
August
Les Loustiks de L'Akoustik is a fun Rochefort-en-Terre street festival with something for everyone.
August-September
Nantes' 3km riverbank plays host to jazz and blues bands, traditional Nantaise boats and a regatta at Rendez-Vous de L'Endre.
October-November
Nantes celebrates its celtic roots at Celtomania: expect a Breton take on the Ceildh. Anglo-Saxons are welcome of course...
GETTING THERE
Location
56220 Rochefort-en-Terre
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Redon station – 30km
Taxis
EUR 40 from Redon
Airport
Nantes – within 100km
Rooms and suites
Eight rooms
Special features
All rooms are individual and palatial, with big beds and great views of the chapel, woods or courtyard.
Also…
Stay in La Chambre Jaune for the amazing old panelling.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 145 - 220
Open/closed
Closed 11 November – 1 December, and 5-31 January
Check-in
7pm
Check-out
12 noon
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Continental is served until 10.30am
Room service
No
Children
No
Pets
Dogs are welcome
Air conditioning
No
Languages
French, English
Wedding license?
No
Your contact
Jean-Pol Soulaine – owner