Manor house on an organic vineyard

The view from the Clos des Capucins manor is exceptional. Situated on the top of a hill, it looks directly across to the legendary Chinon Castle where King Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and their son Richard the Lionheart once resided. The castle later became the setting for the historic meeting of Joan of Arc and the French Dauphin. Here she persuaded him to provide her with troops to rid France of the English and end the 100-Year War. The manor is surrounded by gardens and a walled vineyard. The new owner, Fiona Beeston, wine journalist and author, is injecting new life (bio-dynamic) into this forgotten gem of a vineyard, first established by the Capucins monks in 1604. The monastery was burnt down during the French Revolution. The house that now stands on the site is part 18th/part 19th Century. Recently redecorated, it has a warm family-house feel, perfect for family gatherints. Views from every window are exquisite, some straight out of a XVIIth painting - lush countryside with the meandering river, vineyards, chateaux.... A five minutes' walk from the Clos des Capucins will take you down a cobbled street lined with medieval to Renaissance buildings leading to the main square with a fountain and cafés, wine bars. The manor is halfway up the hill above the town. Look east from your sloping lawn to Chinon's rooftops and castle, south to the meandering river… Inside the manor are well-proportioned, light-flooded rooms spread over two floors, plus two bedrooms up in the attic, linked by a central curved wooden staircase. There's a panelled dining room with built-in corner cupboards guarding smart dinner services and glass, a sitting room with a parlour feel, a wonderful sounding piano , a fireplace for cosy nights in the winter, a small library well stocked, a den-like room for reading and writing, and a big farmhouse kitchen with a modern gas-fired range, and a wood stove for the winter. All is freshl y painted to a high standard and unfussily furnished with good fabrics and furniture. The biodynamic vineyard lies behind, historic Chinon lies below, there is swimming and kayaking in the river, cycle roots abound and most of the main Loire châteaux within easy distance. Keywords: Refurbished, 19th century decor, breathtaking views, lawn, walking distance to town,