Ever been on holiday/honeymoon for a week in the same house with a few different families totalling 18 adults, 2 toddlers, 3 dogs, 6 cars and approximately 42liters of champagne? For some it sounds like perfect bliss, for others, a complete nightmare. With a bit of planning and a great bunch of people, I can safely say that it turned out as perfect bliss.

While thinking about how we were going to go about this adventure we explored a few ideas - a centerparcs type holiday with multiple cabins, but that would mean cabins rather than chateau grounds. We explored a much larger property surrounded by vinyards with a 3km drive way tucked away in the hills - but what about those not driving who wanted to potter around. The idea was to have a central base where we could all come together but in a location where we could each have a mini holiday.

After a while lotta search parameters and filters, I came across Chateau De La Bergeliere in a small town called La Flocelliere in the Loire Valley.

It was a match made in heaven.

With rolling grounds, tennis courts, a pool, woodland and enough luxury rooms to contain us all AND the added fact that it is so central that the entire town surrounds the castle grounds it seemed perfect. Then, I took to street view, there I found a restaurant, two pubs, a grocer and patisserie shop. Done!

We had a perfect week away and on one of the days my partner and I were married in a small garden ceremony beneath the tree! François, the home owner, was fantastically helpful - he recommended a wonderful Chef (ask Francois for Noel's details!) who came in and cooked and served an excellent meal that we truly loved.

In all, it was a perfect week made ever more perfect in such a beautiful location!

Francois, your home is beautiful, thank you so much for sharing it!