Chateau De Lothea

About this property

Close to many glorious beaches of Brittany and a short drive from the charming town of Quimperlé, Château de Lothéa offers the opportunity to stay in a beautifully renovated wing of a Breton manoir surrounded by acres of ancient woodland.

It’s thought that the château dates as far back as the 15th century, possibly earlier, when its original creation was most likely for defensive reasons. The grounds’ pigeonnier and farmhouse were added around a century later – both have recently been rescued from disrepair. The estate has belonged to the current owners’ family for over three hundred years and, despite additions over the years, little has changed since the 19th century.

That is except the most recent renovation of the west-wing of the château which has been wonderfully restored to feature five pretty bedrooms, including an original medieval double, reached via the main spiral staircase, boasting a grand four-poster bed. Downstairs, the medieval entrance hall is stunning with original stone walls and flooring. Old meets new in the traditional kitchen-diner with its characterful table and chairs placed near the open fireplace alongside an elegantly fitted kitchen. The salon has beautiful views out to the garden whilst the cosy TV lounge adds yet more charm to this welcoming home.

Surrounding the château find large lawns, space to play croquet, century-old trees and a table for al-fresco dining with the most picturesque of outlooks over the flower-decked dovecote and mature gardens.

Just a 5-minute drive away is the historic Breton town of Quimperlé with medieval lanes, an atmospheric weekly market, plenty of shops and restaurants and a picture-perfect ancient bridge covered in summer flowers. There’s canoeing, kayaking and horse-riding very close by as well as magnificent hikes with the GR34 passing nearby.

Brittany’s beaches are also within easy reach – there’s family-friendly shores just over a 10-minute drive away as well as surfing and paddle-boarding or discover snorkelling and sailing a little further around Larmor Plage. Look out for the catch of the day in Doëlan, admire the ancient standing stones of Carnac, then stop off for lunch with chilled white wine and oysters looking over the mesmerising Gulf of Morbihan.

Château de Lothéa is located on the south coast of Brittany, on the edge of the Finistère department and just over a 10-minute drive to the beaches of the Atlantic coast. If travelling by train, the TGV from Paris Monparnasse takes just over 3 hours to Gare de Quimperlé (3km) or 2 hours 50 mins to Gare de Lorient (23km).

Despite the peaceful countryside setting, surrounded by forty acres of private land, it is only a 2.5km drive to the town of Quimperlé where you will find all the amenities you should need from boulangeries and charcuteries to large supermarkets. On a Friday morning there’s a bustling market or pick up some delicious local produce at the handsome indoor market, Les Halles, open every morning.

Quimperlé is full of charm, on the banks of the Isole and Ellé rivers, with medieval lanes, half-timbered houses, beautiful churches and a number of excellent restaurants to choose from (booking ahead is essential for many places).  The flower-covered bridge, Pont Fleuri, is such a picturesque sight in the summer months.

The beaches of the Atlantic coast are also within easy reach – nearby Plage de Bellangenet is a family-friendly spot whilst Plage du Kerou is popular with paddle boarding and surfing. Plage de Kerfany is especially idyllic whilst the most adventurous of guests can explore the creeks around Porsac’h. If you love scuba-diving, head to the diving centre at Larmor-Plage and discover some of the sites around the bay. Larmor-Plage is also a good base for sailing and wind-surfing as well as its long sandy bays.

If you prefer kayaking and canoeing then there are wonderful excursions down the Laita river or along the Isole and Ellé rivers in the local town. River and sea fishing trips can also be arranged or discover the beautiful forest landscapes on horseback with an equestrian centre just a 5-minute drive away. With the GR34 passing nearby and many excellent cycling trails, it’s also a fantastic area for those that love walking and cycling. Golf-lovers have a choice of two 18-hole courses within a 40-minute drive including Golf de Ploemeur Ocean with the most amazing views.

For gentler days out, there are so many pretty villages and towns to visit. Head to Doëlan in the afternoon to buy fresh fish from the boats in the harbour or spend time in the artistic village of Pont Aven with its impressive Musée des Beaux-Arts. Admire the ancient standing stones of Carnac followed by oysters for lunch or drive to the port in Quiberon to catch a ferry across to the picturesque Belle Île, home to a famous opera festival in late July and early August.

Accommodation

Château Interiors
Ground Floor

-    Medieval entrance hall
-    Living room with fireplace and garden views
-    Small TV room
-    Kitchen-diner, well-equipped including a dining table for 12 guests
-    Cellar (pantry/store room)
-    Guest WC

First Floor

-    Bedroom with twin beds and front garden views
-    Bedroom with double bed and front garden views
-    Bedroom with double bed and front garden views
-    Bathroom (shared between above two doubles) with bath and double sinks
-    WC
-    Bathroom with shower
-    Bedroom with twin beds (also home to laundry facilities)
-    Bedroom with double bed (accessed via main spiral staircase)
-    Bathroom (shared between above two bedrooms) with bath and WC

Outside Grounds

-    Garden with lawns, trees and shrubs
-    Al-fresco dining table with parasol for up to 10 guests
-    Barbecue
-    Sun-loungers (x2) and deck chairs (x2)
-    Croquet
-    Boules
-    Table tennis
-    Outbuildings (dovecote and farmhouse)
-    Private land (50 acres)

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating
-    TV with Netflix
-    Boules
-    Croquet
-    Table tennis
-    Washing machine and dryer
Château de Lothéa welcomes babes in arms and children over the age of 6 only.