Quantilly, Centre-Val de Loire 18110

An 18th-century chateau with annexes and 15 hectares of grounds, nestled in central France, near the city of Bourges and the Menetou-Salon vineyards. The grounds cover 15 hectares, including 10 hectares of wooded parkland, which is criss-crossed with bridlepaths. The chateau stands out for its classical architecture, which is typical of grand French homes from the second half of the 18th century. It has a symmetrical plan, with a central section flanked with two pavilions that give structure to the south-facing facade. The edifice has a raised ground floor, a noble first floor and a second floor in the roof space, beneath a remarkable mansard slate roof. The roof is punctuated with triangular-pediment dormers, bull's-eye windows and imposing chimney stacks that add to the elegant appearance and general form of the edifice. The facade is plain and refined. Tall casement windows bring an abundance of natural light into the rooms. The window surrounds of dressed stone, the stringcourses and the quoins all underline the quality of the edifice's design, which is even and noble. A vast central flight of front steps showcases and leads up to the main entrance door, emphasising the symmetry of the edifice. Slender turrets adjoin the edges and add a picturesque dimension to the edifice, underlining its majestic character. They bear witness to embellishments that were probably added in the 19th century with respect for the original building. The chateau looks out at a classically inspired garden with geometric flowerbeds, well-structured paths and carefully designed vistas. The close relation between the edifice's architecture and its landscaped grounds is part of a tradition of grand French country homes designed to combine comfort, representation and harmony with a natural backdrop. Today, the majestic property forms a characterful haven with timeless charm, illustrating an art of living and the residential built heritage of 18th-century and 19th-century France.