Hermitage Castle ★ Private Pool ★ Wooded Park ★ 20 min from Puy du Fou

Escape to this classic and romantic French manor in Saint-Mesmin (Vendée), just 20 minutes from the famous "Puy du Fou" theme park. Known locally as the "Château de l'Hermitage," this ivy-covered chateau features a private pool, a large park graced by a towering and magnificent Mediterranean pine and numerous trees, and a covered Provence-style BBQ area beside the pool. With five bedrooms—including a romantic master bedroom with a baldaquin queen bed—and 3.5 bathrooms, there's ample space for families or groups to spread out and relax. The tranquil setting invites peaceful mornings and unhurried evenings. The manor is unique for its low alley of trees forming a tunnel of leaves, known as 'charmille' - the ideally place to read French poetry... Professionally owned and run by a French-American family and MBA hospitality program, the manor offers exceptional service and thoughtful amenities. Everything is ready when you arrive: beds made, of course, but also a coffee machine and all the essentials for cooking and settling in, including a vast American fridge and washer/dryer. Also on hand: ping pong table, covered garage/porch, nearby tennis court. And if you want, bring on your (dancing) horses! For those needs to get work done while traveling, there is a fully functional office on the 3rd floor with high speed internet (and desk / chair / ready to connect USB monitor). Become lord of the manor for a day—or a week... This is France as 'it used to be' and at its very best.