History and heritage characterize Château de la Barre, but following the dynamic advice of younger château guests and family, we decided to tweak the traditional medieval castle décor of the oldest room in our more than 650 year old Loire Valley chateau, the “pièce à feu”, or “fire room” as it would be called in English. This 600 sqf room actually dates back to 1353, date which is still visible on the monumental fireplace, similar to the ones to be seen at Chenonceau castle.
It is thus called since here is where not only the Lord and Lady of the manor, but all the house servants, gathered around the huge fireplace for food and warmth during the Hundred Years War and the early Renaissance. 650 years later, this medieval castle room now sees guests in our Château enjoying a game of billiards or lounging in the Chesterfield sofa watching the wide screen TV, which of course must boast a frame with a Bruegel painting as a LED display, thus remaining in keeping with the large XVIIth century Flemish tapestry adorning one of the other walls!
Below the window with its’ limestone frame leading to the 14th century well, which has been kept intact as a glimpse into what staying in an authentic chateau was like then, a hospitality bar with a copper top, similar to a traditional French café, offers guests cocktails throughout the evening, complete with ice making machine and a neon sign “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere”.
Now a guest in a real French Château can live the life of a French aristocrat without compromising on modern comforts at Château de la Barre!