The Orangerie

When tropical fruits arrived in Europe from the New World in the 17th century, fashionable households began inventing ways to shelter these delicate new arrivals from the harsher Continental seasons. Thus, the Orangerie was born. A quintessential feature of French chateaux, the Orangerie is where our citrus trees wait out the winter. In the summer months, the trees retake their previous positions around the gardens and grounds, revealing once again the architectural beauty of the 1,500-square-foot space. Sunlight streams through grand arched windows, while the vaulted ceiling and limestone walls create an inviting ambience ideal for special celebrations or simply an escape from the Loire Valley sun. Large doors open out onto the tranquil swimming pool.