When it comes to gargantuan properties such as this one, it can sometimes be difficult to get the balance right with bedrooms and communal space, but this restored chalet just outside the village of Vernantes offers an elegant solution. Spread across three floors, there are a grand total of thirteen self-contained apartments, each with kitchens and living rooms. At the same time, there are some suitably lavish spaces in which to gather everybody together, from the grand banquet hall and a pair of central salons to the rather incredible outdoor space. In the vast grounds, there's a huge range of ways to fill up your time, whether you're paddling in the semi-heated swimming pool, walking around the twenty-two acres of forest or exploring the caves (with the help of a local guide). Added to that, the well-maintained French gardens are pretty to saunter about and you can even try your hand at petanque on the court, too. There are a handful of bars and restaurants in local Vernantes, but there's a much wider choice in Saumer 19km away, or in the cities of Angers, Le Mans and Tours, which all take in the region of an hour to reach in the car. Even closer to the home, however, are the woods, vineyards and farmland in the Loire Valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Additional fees

• Your host can help arrange a variety of extra services during your stay, including massages and beauty treatments, wine tours, laundry and dry cleaning, fridge fills, restaurant reservations, private chefs, airport transfers, and car hire

• You can also arrange to have your breakfast cooked each morning – you only need to pay for the food

• If you’re travelling with children, your host can organise babysitting services – alternatively, a live-in nanny can be arranged at a cost of £475-£670 per week

Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.