The famous gardens of Chateau La Chaire, a hotel with history

An historic country house, the elegant Château La Chaire has been enhanced and transformed into a luxury 14 bedroom hotel providing exceptional levels of comfort and service. Many of the bedrooms feature balconies overlooking the remains of the famous terraced gardens. Originally built in the 1800’s as a gracious private home, nestled against the cliffs of the wonderful wooded valley of Rozel, the Chateau La Chaire is now recognised by the major guides as one of the finest small hotels in the British Isles.

One of the most outstanding features of Chateau La Chaire is its extensive gardens and grounds which were once the finest of their day, being created in 1841 by Samuel Curtis, the famous botanist and a former director of Kew Gardens. He was also the person who first built a house on the site of La Chaire. The name means 'pulpit' and was used to describe a large rock overhanging the hillside. Little trace of this early house remains as it was demolished during the Napoleonic wars so that Rozel might be commanded by a battery of 24 pounders. However the site of the gun emplacement is still clearly visible.

During the German Occupation the house was empty with just one gardener left in charge. He was disgusted when the Germans dug up, for transportation to Germany, some of the prized trees, a Magnolia Campbellii amongst them. However many of them had their roots damaged in the operation and it is thought that they never flourished in their new home. There is also a story that a wartime plane lies buried somewhere in the grounds.

The gardens still make an interesting walk for holidaymakers and locals as well as providing an excellent view of the Ecrehous and coast of France. The grounds are also home to a variety of birds and wildlife including Kingfisher, Nightingales and Red Squirrels.

The cool green valley in which the Chateau sits stretches down through winding paths to the colourful fishing village of Rozel and the shoreline with its delightful beach and cove. The stillness, tinkling stream, spectacular cliff top walks and unique gardens, are features to both covet and treasure. Winter breaks to Chateau la Chaire start from just £90.00 per person per night which combined with the hotels *free flight offer means that a visit to this wonderful wooded valley is terrific value.

For full details see chateau-la-chaire.co.uk.

Château La Chaire is a part of the Hatton Collection who also have hotels in Gloucester, Tetbury, Winchcombe and Taunton. hatton-hotels.co.uk.