Centre, Indre-et-Loire, Loches, France

Impressive family residence in an exceptional location in the heart of the popular market town of Loches.

This beautiful historic restored character property comes with 5 bedrooms and is ideal as a family home (permanent or holiday) and has a good proven rental for B&B guests (in the top 100 best addresses in France according to the Figaro magazine), situated at the base of the ramparts of the medieval city.

Option of furnishings if required.

A choice of restaurants, shops, boutiques, etc. all a short stroll away.

Originally designed as a stagecoach halt for the post office in the 17th century, it was later extended and modified with royal consent as a "Hotel Particulaire" in the late 18 century and then lovingly restored and used as a luxury B&B by the current owner.

This 'Hotel Particulier' (the definition of this French term is "a luxurious house, designed to be inhabited by only one family") nevertheless lends itself extremely well to multi-residencies with twin staircases to interconnecting first floors.

Today the current owner has used this design to create a private residence on one part and clients' accommodation in the other with shared rooms on the ground floor.

Entering the inner courtyard via the stagecoach doorway onto the cobbles steps you back in time to a period where life was slower and less hectic. The courtyard is endowed with period features, a charming passageway through to the gardens and a choice of doors enticing one to explore further.

Benefitting from 2 entrance halls and 2 staircases has permitted the current owner to create a private residence on one side and the B&B accommodation in the other wing.

Ground floor: central hallway, a through room in two parts with access off the sidewalk in front and the rear part has an original 18c staircase to the guest part of the first floor, a wc hidden off to the left provides the practical aspects.

Through to the "front" of the building, on the right is the library, a light and airy room of 30m2 with parquet flooring and original marble fireplace. To the left is the living room with open fireplace, 23m2 of comfortable space, parquet flooring also with exposed beams above.

Through the living room to the dining room with direct access and views over the courtyard. 19m2 with tiled floor, beams and the original tuffeau stone fireplace and stone "water point" in the corner from life as a stagecoach halt.

From here into into the kitchen, 18m2 of split level with boiler room and direct access out to the private garden. A central island provides a raised bar from breakfast and "drinks/aperos".

Across the courtyard under the entrance porch is the "boutique" today used by the owner for sale and display of antique items. this room of 19m2 has a separate area that could become a bathroom for a ground floor bedroom (possibly handicap access) if required. It also connects to a 13m2 room adjoining.

Completing the ground floor is an independent laundry room and entrance hall with access to the room adjoining the boutique and stairs up to the private section of this residence.

The first floor offers: 3 guest bedrooms (13m2, 22m2, 19m2), all with en-suite bathrooms/shower rooms with dressing area/living rooms and period cupboards. A connecting gallery/corridor links to the second part with a large dressing room (possible bedroom) with wc and shower room, the second staircase and the master bedroom (24m2), split level with views over the garden on one side and the courtyard to the other (note this room has a former shower room that could be re-established if required).

The attic above is easily accessible (via stairs from the mains stairs) and the main part has had architectural plans drawn up for a possible conversion into a studio.

Underneath the "boutique" and its adjoining room is the first cellar, ideal for wood and wine storage and a second cellar is to be found next to the kitchen in a storage area off the garden.

Along with the internal courtyard, this property also benefits from an excellent split-level garden offering a small lawn area, terraced dining with period well and seating relaxation area. All of which are raised above the level of the neighbouring properties and at the base of the towns ramparts (15th C) providing plenty of privacy.

REFERENCE: 249621