Chateau De L'Empereur at Normandie

To stay in the historic Château de L’Empereur will be an unforgettable experience. Set in 125 acres of glorious parkland, guests will not only stay in a sensitively renovated 17th-century château but also experience the 5* hospitality of its outstanding hosts. The château has a fascinating history: Emperor Joseph II, the brother of Marie-Antoinette, stayed there in the late 18th century and it also played a vital role as a hospital for the wounded in World War II. In more recent years it has been beautifully restored to its former glory with 16 classically styled bedrooms, each with their own impressive bathroom plus two exquisite drawing rooms, a romantic dining room and a welcoming chef’s kitchen-diner. Despite the rich historical ambience, splendid 21st-century features include an indoor swimming pool, perfect for winter days by the pool’s roaring fire, a large Jacuzzi, two saunas, a yoga space plus a spa and massage room as well as an impressive home cinema room for up to 40 guests who can watch the big screen under the vaulted ceiling. In the summer months you can spend leisurely days by the outdoor swimming pool with glorious views of the surrounding parkland. The exceptional hosts have a wealth of experience in providing high-end service in superb settings and here is no different. Breakfast is served each morning, maid service is included and the hosts are discrete and ready to provide you with any help you may need.  Their aim is to provide guests with authentic luxury experiences whether it is hiring a Michelin-starred chef to prepare a meal as you watch in the open kitchen-diner, arrange for a hot-air balloon to whisk you away from the château’s grounds or even organise maids and butlers to serve each of the 16 bedrooms. One of the specialities of the castle is their large collection of wonderful costumes which can be hired, tailored and worn at a masked ball by candle-light for a truly unique and unforgettable event. The glorious grounds offer 125 acres of parkland filled with lawns, woods, ponds, streams and wildlife such as birds, rabbits and wild deer roaming free. Go for long walks as the children explore their surroundings, find a quiet place to sit in the shade of the ancient trees or listen to the trickle of the fountain and stream. It will be hard to leave this paradise, yet there is so much of Normandy to explore such as historical Bayeux within half an hour, the old University city of Caen, the pretty seaside towns of Deauville and Honfleur and the stunning granite island of Mont St Michel. Not to mention the wonderful wide sandy beaches along the north coast, including many of the D-Day landing beaches within an hour's drive. There is of course hiking, cycling and horse-riding opportunities across the region as well as brilliant golf courses and an array of water-sports along the coast. That said, whether it’s a celebration, a unique wedding or a special holiday with loved ones, it will be hard to leave the historical surroundings, contemporary features and the warm hospitality of the remarkable Château de L’Empereur. Château Interior (2000m2) Ground Floor - Open-plan kitchen-diner (50m2) - Indoor swimming pool (10x3m, depth 1.5m) with concurrent swimming device - Screening room (40 capacity) featuring 7.1 surround system, PS4 games console and satellite TV - Gym/yoga room - Indoor marble Jacuzzi (15 capacity) First Floor - Drawing room (70m2) - Drawing room (55m2) - Dining room (65m2) - Office - Massage room - Room One: Suite with twin/double bed (200x200cm) and ensuite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower Second Floor - Room Two: Suite with twin/double bed (200x200cm) and ensuite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower - Room Three: Suite with 2 x twin/double beds (200x200cm each) and ensuite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower. Sleeps up to 4 guests - Room Four: Suite with twin/double bed (200x200cm), single bed and ensuite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower. Sleeps up to 3 guests - Room Five: Double room with twin/double bed (200x200cm) and ensuite shower room - Room Six: Double room with twin/double bed (200x200cm) and ensuite shower room - Room Seven: Double room with twin/double bed (200x200cm) and ensuite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower - Room Eight: Double room with twin/double bed (200x200cm) and ensuite shower room - Room Nine: Double room with twin/double bed (200x200cm) and ensuite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower. Room for a cot - Room Ten: Double room with twin/double bed (180x190cm) and ensuite shower room. Room for a cot Mezzanine Floor - Room Eleven: Double room with double bed (140x190cm) and ensuite bathroom - Room Twelve: Double room with double bed (180x190cm) and room for a cot. Private bathroom next door Third Floor - Room Thirteen: Quad room with 2 x twin/double beds (200x200cm each) and ensuite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower. Sleeps up to 4 guests - Room Fourteen: Mezzanine room with double bed, 3 x single beds and ensuite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower. Sleeps up to 5 guests plus room for a cot - Room Fifteen (ready March 2019): Cosy suite with main room and children's room with twin beds. Ensuite bathroom with shower - Room Sixteen (ready March 2019): Double room with ensuite bathroom with shower. Outside Grounds - Outdoor swimming pool (20x4m, 1.5m deep) with Jacuzzi area and concurrent swimming device. Rolling safety shutter. Open 1st May to end of September - BBQ - Fountain - Walled orchard with 18th century folly and orangery - 125 acre parkland featuring woods, ponds and wildlife - Farm/outbuildings Facilities - Wi-Fi - Heating - Lift - Screening / home cinema room - PS4 game console - Satellite TV - Indoor marble Jacuzzi - Indoor and outdoor swimming pool - Gym/yoga room - Table-tennis - Saunas (two types) - Massage room