Near Niort: 16th Century Renaissance Castle (classified Ismh)

Authentic late 16th-century Renaissance château on 14th-century foundations, fully walled with 35m*55m courtyard, 4 towers and keep. Set in 6 hectares of parkland and meadows with century-old trees. The château has 550m² of living space and features several monumental fireplaces, numerous painted ceilings and walls, a monumental central stone staircase, high ceilings (3.50m) etc... It was completely renovated in 2009/12, in keeping with its original features (underfloor heating), and offers all modern comforts (internet, TV, heated swimming pool, etc.). It comprises 3 living rooms, a large dining room, a very large modern kitchen (2 dishwashers, 1 microwave, 1 steam oven, 2 conventional ovens) with central island and lava stone top, and a dining area with wrought-iron table seating 10. The 6 bedrooms (and 3 bathrooms) can comfortably accommodate 14 people. The château boasts a number of facilities and games, including pinball, a 2.90m*1.45m pool table, boules, badminton, table tennis, bicycles, etc., as well as a 12m x 5m swimming pool secured by a motorized roller shutter and a wrought-iron fence, a magnificent tree house in the heart of the park, and two 16th-century dovecotes. The château is also home to hens and ducks, sheep and geese, and produces its own honey thanks to its numerous beehives. It's also just a few kilometers from a quiet, historic town of 6,000 inhabitants, which offers all the advantages of grocery stores, local produce markets, etc., and is close to a horse-riding center and a 60-hectare, 18-hole golf course. Château de l'Herbaudière is a friendly, family-run residence, ideal for vacations or retreats with family and friends.