See Inside: Escape to the Chateau DIY’s Château de Saugé is for sale

Well-known due to its appearance on Escape to the Chateau DIY, the magnificent Château de Saugé in Deux Sèvres is on the market with Leggett Immobilier

The château has been recently restored to a high standard and offers a wealth of business opportunities – it currently operates as a bed and breakfast with five suites and an apartment, along with a very popular British food store, much-loved vintage tea room and a modern conference centre.

The spacious terrace overlooks the grounds (the total land is over 1.5 hectares) and is accessed from the three reception rooms as well as from the garden. There are various stone outbuildings around an interior courtyard including stables, garage, cowsheds, and a large barn, all with Architect’s plans and permission for the creation of six gîtes, a restaurant and a reception room/events room (which could accommodate 80-100 guests).

Guests can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea served with tea, coffee or sparkling wine in the beautiful vintage tea room, or shop some classic British foods in the well-stocked trading post shop.

The wide stone staircase, exposed beams, mouldings, tower and two large vaulted cellars, show the wealth of history of this 17th-century chateau while the comforts offered by recent improvements and the interior design complement the property.

On the second floor there is a fully-insulated large space with exposed beams/timbers and double height ceilings, with all utility connections and preparations made for the conversion of this former servants’ accommodation. The master suite with a bathroom which is in the turret has also recently been completed.

Beneath the château, a stone staircase leads to two large and wonderful vaulted stone wine-cellars.

Outside there’s a small lake with a wooden pavilion – perfect for a summer picnic or an apéritif. There’s also a pretty studio-style gîtein excellent condition with a kitchenette and bathroom, while facing the main château there is a former dovecote, a hunting lodge and a wood-shuttered barn – the latter two perfect for the creation of dormitory-style accommodation – ideal for groups of touring cyclists etc.

The château is located 30 mins from Niort which is the main town of the Deux Sèvres region, and it is ideally placed for exploring the region, with lots to see locally including the Marais Poitevin (Green Venice), Futuroscope and the beaches at the coast. Shops are only 4km away while Poitiers airport is 50km away.

On the market for €821,500 with Leggett Immobilier  – see more of their properties at the French Property Exhibition