Wow, just wow. Such a beautiful house and gardens. And the furnishing we're exquisite. We had such fun pretending we were the Lord and lady of the Manor. We walked the ground with Zeb, the canine resident and had wonderful conversations with our hosts, Steven and Bruce. The biggest problem is what to do for dinner. There are so many great restaurants, but there's also a wonderful kitchen to cook in and incredible local ingredients. We did a little bit of both. I can't thank our hosts enough for providing this experience.

We were soooo lucky to have found Champfreau - and Steven and Bruce etal. This is a completely magic spot deserving of respectful and appreciative guests. The house is beautifully appointed. I only wish I had spent more time browsing the many book shelves. Because from history and tour books of France, to sophisticated cooking and every sort of fiction imaginable, it is all there. The very private pool was a wonderful spot for a part of every day. Cycling around and about the area was SO easy and SO calm. We loved every minute and if you are lucky enough to go, you will also.

Step within the magical entrance to Champfreau and you'll be captivated. We stayed for a week and it wasn't long enough. Champfreau is everything you'd expect from the website description but it really is so much more. We're a busy family, 2 adults, 3 kids (7,10 and 11) so our holidays usually consist of greek island, luxury villa - everybody is happy. Champfreau was my husbands idea of a "cheeky week at Easter" - this is now firmly in our holiday annual itinerary, so much so that we've booked the Manoir and the Maison for 2018. The hosts, Steven and Bruce, are not only wonderful hosts, giving you very opportunity to ask questions, make arrangements, but equally, unlike some owners who live on the property (separate house to Champfreau and Maison) they keep themselves tucked away. That said, we enjoyed dinner with them on our son's birthday, which Steven made extra special with the arrangement of balloons in the garden - a complete surprise and and made it even more special. In terms of logistics it's super easy to find, it's within a short walk (or use a bike FOC) of a supermarket, butcher and patissier, a few minutes drive to a Carrefour Express and a further 15 minute drive to a larger hypermarket. Champfreau sits amongst 55 acres of well tended lawns and pastures - meaning birds and insects are in abundance - Bruce is proud that they've haven't used pesticides the land for 15 years! You'll also be greeted by Zeb, the most well behaved dog I've ever met. The kids loved him, but similarly he'll give you as much attention as you invite, or none at all - we loved him. But in our entire week not once did he step foot into Champfreau - he's incredibly well behaved. So the property itself is AMAZING. You'll be greeted by a beautiful table adorned with chinese vases, stuffed full of fresh flowers. Beyond the hallway which is home to further antiquities is a dining room and lounge fit for a king! The kids were in awe of the place and having stayed in some very nice properties on our travels, Champfreau is unlike anything we've stayed in before. It's beautifully appointed and quirky in parts, even despite the chapel off the flour-de-lys bedrooms, it has a level warm feeling, that just makes it all so magical. The outside area is breathtaking, the kids had hours of fun playing in the front garden but equally enjoyed playing amongst the acres of beautiful meadows, all completely safe. The pool is a welcome addition for anybody who loves a G&T in this sunshine, it's kept immaculately! Champfreau is a real labour of love for Steven and Bruce, it's a real gem. For anybody looking for a slice of France on a plate then Champfreau will definitely sate your appetite.

The Manoir de Champfreau consists of two properties, one a turreted 15th-century manor house, an exquisitely decorated small chateau with three bedrooms, elegant salon, spacious, well-equipped kitchen, and charming bathrooms, situated in a sumptuous garden surrounded by vast fields and trees. Each room is full of character, peaceful, and wonderfully appointed. A beautifully maintained pool with comfortable chaises longues beckons. The drive through the entrance leads into the breathtaking estate, and you are greeted by the scent of flowers everywhere: tulips, roses, lilies, irises, poppies... It is so peaceful, all you will hear is the chirping of cicadas and the warbling of song birds. Next door to the manor house, you can also stay in the equally gracious one-bedroom 14th/15th century Maison Louis Richard, which consists of a spacious bedroom and ensuite bath, a majestic salon, (replete with well-tuned baby grand piano) dining room, and well-appointed kitchen (fully stocked spice & condiment cabinet, all manner of pots, pans, utensils, excellent stove, dishwasher, large fridge, washing machine, etc.) In both properties medieval tapestries, antique Oriental rugs, hundreds of books (literature, art books, travel guides,) Chinese porcelain, have all been carefully and lovingly collected over the years by the warm, tirelessly hard-working, and charming owners, who take pains to fulfill any wish you may have. Exquisite meals paired with delicious local wines prepared on request. The hospitality knows no bounds at this unique hideaway in the lovely Loire Valley. We return for several weeks every two years and look forward with renewed joy to each stay.

We knew we wanted to stay in a historical building and weren't finding too many places accommodating. Champfreau was perfect in every aspect of our trip. Steven even went out of his way to secretly purchase a cake for one of our friend's birthday and give us a few balloons to celebrate with as well. It really made the evening perfect! The manor house is well stocked with all the kitchen supplies you might imagine you'd need and a little more. It's warm and cozy (it was cold when we were there), and there's even a fireplace. There's a ton of great art work on the walls, and books and music. Talk to Steve and Bruce about your plans and they can help you out. We got tips on which chateaus to visit as well as checking out the local market for food. Bruce even made a reservation at a local restaurant for us! If you're only planning on staying a day or two, I'd suggest planning on a week--there's just so much to do in the area!

We have stayed at this property several times, in both the Chateau and the Manoir. Both are amazing, but only the Chateau has access to the pool. Steven and Bruce are the most gracious hosts, giving you all of the privacy or all of the help and support you need or could want. They make everyone, young or old, feel so comfortable and welcome, it is magic. You could not ask for a better holiday in a wonderful area of France that has tons to do but is still unspoiled, welcoming and authentic.

Just returned from a week at Le Manoir de Champfreau. Wow, what a place! We had a lovely time, staying with extended family plus 3 under 6yr olds. The place was nice and spacious and beautiful. Everything you could need was there and Steven and Bruce were definitely the hosts with the most, nothing was too much trouble! The bedrooms were well equipped and we all slept well. The enormous living room made us want to light the fire in the huge fireplace, even though it was plenty warm enough! The gardens and pool are beautiful and we spent most of the week pottering around the manoir. Practicalities - the manoir is within walking distance of a small village which has a boulangerie, post office, pharmacy and small grocery shop. It has two tiny bars which have a very local feel to them - we didn't end up having a drink in either to be honest. The manoir is not the most toddler proof - lots of ornaments within reach and no cot provided, that said, our toddler loved the space and the gardens and a highchair was provided and was a baby bicycle seat. Steven and Bruce have bikes we were able to use. The pool was amazing however only solar heated so was far too cold for the youngest two children (1 and 3yrs). This was a shame as it was all they wanted to do, so we bought a paddling pool to put by the main pool which solved the problem! Overall we would love to come here again... and we would definitely recommend to friends. A beautiful way to spend a weeks holiday. Thanks Steven and Bruce!

We have stayed at this property 3 times and are going back again this year. The house is stunning and is kept beautifully, the property is a dream and the hosts understand what it is to host. They are there is you need them, totally invite you to fully enjoy everything the property has to offer, yet you have privacy and quiet. The location is ideal, the local markets full of fabulous finds to cook in your gourmet kitchen and if you are really lucky, Bruce will even give you a cooking lesson. Or you can just sit by the huge pool (hidden behind the house and totally private) and sip champange all day nad then buzz in to Saumur for a lovely dinner at one of many very nice spots to eat. Sorry to rave but is really a great find - go if you can!