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  • We have been lucky to return after Covid and enjoy this guest place again.
    W. family, Australia. October 2022


    We had a lovely time in the beautiful, historic site of le chateau. The house is convenient and the surroundings are beautiful.
    J. Family. The Netherlands. July 2021


    We have once again returned to Saint Aignan and the beautiful château. For us it is a tranquil part of our world to turn off our mobiles and relax.
    A wonderful stay and sojourn…
    Merci beaucoup.
    Gary & Jacqueline, Australia. October 2019


    We had a wonderful stay in your peaceful surroundings and lovely gîte. We were very pleased with everything about Sidonie’s Lodge.
    We enjoyed visiting the church and crypt, the Saturday market and shops and restaurants.
    We easily visited Chenonceau, Chambord, Amboise and Montpoupon and are visiting Chinon and Fontevraud en route to Angers.
    You were gracious hosts. Thank you!

    Elizabeth, Douglas & Judith, USA. June 2017


    Very interesting and characterful gîte in a wonderful situation. Views at dawn and dusk are amazing although it’s difficult to get near the deer!
    Saint Aignan is a nice town and the local people are friendly. Fruit tartlets from the boulangerie near the church are highly recommended.
    Amboise, Blois and especially Montpoupon are worth a visit as is Loches.

    Roger & Pam, UK. September 2016


    Thank you for our wonderful stay here in the Gatehouse and for according us access to the park. A real privilege!
    Saint Aignan is a beautiful town with stunning views across the valley. Lovely walk at dusk through the church crypt.
    We have done lots of visits and some of the best are:
    Loches: lovely village and castle.
    Canoeing down the Cher: tremendous!
    Large châteaux: Chenonceau is stunning, Chambord is architecturally fabulous, more of a palace than a home.
    But the smaller châteaux are just as rewarding. Montpoupon is delightfiul and Montrésor is wonderful with a gorgeous village as well!
    Tours is also well worth a visit.
    We leave today after a wonderful week and we’re heading to Villandry and Azay le Rideau.
    Thank you again.

    Daniel, Joanne, Ben & Louis, UK. August 2016


    Merci beaucoup. We have had a wonderful week here at Sidonie’s Lodge.
    We are a family of 4 from NZ and have been biking, exploring the Loire and Cher chateaux, forests, vineyards and vistas, all washed down with delicious pastries from the boulangerie and wine from the region. A perfect holiday!
    This house of St Aignan is a wonderful base for exploring the area. The lodge is full of wonderful treasures. It has been well renovated and had everything we needed + more.
    A wonderful stay and we would highly recommend it.
    Vicky, Richard, Emma & Tom, New Zealand. September 2015


    What a privilege to stay in the gatehouse of your magnificent chateau.
    We enjoyed walking in the park and were lucky to spot deer!
    The people of St Aignan were so friendly and on your recommendation we went to chateau Montpoupon as well as Valençay, Chambord and Chenonceau.
    We hope to return one day. Kindest,
    The E. family, New Zealand. July 2015


    We have spent two lovely weeks enjoying the atmosphere and the charm of French life, the lovely food and the people.
    We visited many places, enjoyed the culture and improved our French.
    The lodge has been the perfect base during our stay. It had everything we needed. It is beautiful and we have been very privileged to stay here.

    The P. family, England. August 2014


    We have had a lovely week in the gatehouse and have visited lots of chateaux but our favourite was Chenonceau. We also enjoyed Amboise, Blois and Montpoupon. Montrésor was charming and worth a visit.
    In the afternoons we enjoyed sitting on the edge of the park looking at the view with a cup of tea and a patisserie!
    Early morning visits to the bakery for fresh croissants was a must!
    We have felt very lucky to stay in such a beautiful place.
    The weather has been amazing!

    From the M. family, England. August 2014


    Beautiful, peaceful place with friendly people, fantastic traditional food and magnificent wine!
    Truly glorious holiday!!!

    Dorota & Alex, England. July 2014


    We spent two unforgettable weeks here.
    Deer I watched from my window impressed me most of all!
    We managed to visit many places in the Loire … And we’ll be glad to be back again!

    Julia, David, Angelina & Mark, Russia. July 2014


    We have cycled, golfed, château-ed and eaten … A wonderful week.
    Gîte is lovely: loved the early morning bird song.
    Many thanks for letting us share a little bit of château life.

    Aileen & Stuart, England. May 2014


    From the bottom of our hearts: GREAT!!
    Definitely recommendable for a next time.
    The surrounding is superb and ideal for a perfect stay.
    Unfortunately “hectic life” in the big city is calling for duty …

    Victor, England. April 2014


    Our stay Aux Grilles du Château was a dream come true. The house is so charming from the inside decor to the sweeping grounds. We loved strolling the park in the evening, catching glimpses of the rabbits, deer and other wild life. Our day trips to see the sites were made more enjoyable knowing we would come home every night to such a beautiful place.
    Wendy & Frances, USA. September 2012.

    A wonderful location for exploring the beautiful chateaux and delightful villages of the region.
    We have visited France many times but this has been one of the best.
    Carl & Barbara, England. September 2012.

    Had a wonderful holiday, with great weather.
    The local zoo is fantastic and far bigger than anticipated. The castles of course can’t be missed. Chenonceau is beautiful. We also went to Cheverny, Valençay and Blois. At Blois we stayed for a spectacular son et lumière in English.
    The Gatehouse is lovely, quiet and peaceful.

    Tina & Gerald, England. June 2012.

    Our week in your lovely Gatehouse went way too fast and it was like a journey back to a time when grace and beauty was the real currency and treasure of every day life.
    Some of the moments we lived this week will stay with us for a long time:
    - The early morning run in the castle’s park, with the little rabbits popping out of tall grass.
    - The visits to the castles and so many wonderful little villages.
    - The right of singing along French songs at the Crêpiot restaurant down the street.
    We hope to be back soon and we wish you all the best!

    Magdalena & Dan, Canada. May 2012.

    We loved the charming Gatehouse. What a great location for touring the Loire!
    Our hosts made us feel very welcome.
    If you enjoy touring on your own with the minimal number of tourists, visit Montpoupon and Loches.
    Thanks again to our hosts.

    Greg & Bobi, USA. October 2011.

    The Gatehouse is in a stunning location. The morning views from the upstairs windows supply an excellent start to one’s day. What an amazingly beautiful and tranquil place to go to on holiday!
    Kind regards,

    Lloyd, Naomi & Madeleine, Australia. September 2011.

    Thank you for a wonderful stay.
    The Gatehouse is beautiful and the surrounding park and chateau are stunning.
    We will be recommending our friends to visit as well.
    Kind regards,

    Bianca, Chad, Danny & Hannah, New Zealand. June 2011.

    The Gatehouse is a charismatic, homely bijou residence that has been a brilliant base for exploring the area.
    We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the extensive grounds of the Chateau and have been truly blessed with amazing weather throughout the week.

    Hannah & Shannon, England. September 2010.

    Many, many thanks for a lovely stay. Very comfortable and convenient for visiting the entire region.
    The kitchen was perfectly equipped for those who wished to take advantage of all the wonderful local produce. The park was magnificent whatever time of day or weather.
    Encore merci mille fois.

    James, England. August 2010.

    A pretty house in a perfect position. It takes one back centuries. We just hadn’t planned on living that way!
    Bob & Sue, England. July 2010.

    Havre de paix pour visiter la région en toute tranquillité.
    Nous avons beaucoup apprécié la maison et le parc.
    Le zoo est magnifique, surtout avec des enfants.
    A très bientôt.
    Famille P., France. Octobre 2009.

    A very tranquil house for exploring the beautiful chateaux of the Loire Valley.
    The R. family, New Zealand. August 2009.

    We have enjoyed the little Gatehouse and loved the most beautiful country!
    Sally & Paul, Australia. June 2009.

    The Gatehouse is a treasure, a beautiful spot.
    We have spent one week here and have enjoyed every minute of the Gatehouse, the park, the strolls in the environment and the visits to the castles. Chenonceau is absolutely the most beautiful one, both inside and outside.
    The walk through the vineyards of Saint Aignan was great too.
    Dear owners, we compliment you for the stylish way you have renovated the Gatehouse. The atmosphere is perfect. As said above, the house is a treasure.

    Dorrie & Marcel, the Netherlands. October 2008.

    What a lonely week!
    We have always enjoyed our visits to the region, but staying here, next to the chateau, made for us a special holiday.
    We were able to take advantage of the village atmosphere but retire to the little house that feels like it is in the forest.
    We hope it’s not long before we can return.

    Kein & Joan, Scotland. October 2008.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The Gatehouse is so beautiful and comfortable.
    To look out each day to the chateau and park grounds was amazing.
    We found Saint Aignan to be very relaxing and loved the Saturday market.
    We managed to visit many places in the Loire … Chambord and Chenonceau chateaux were very impressive. We explored Amboise, Montrichard and Blois.
    The zoo is very impressive, our 2 year old loved as did the adults.
    We’re sorry to leave, but we’ll be back.
    Kind regards,

    Bradley & Claire, New Zealand. June 2008.

    Thank you for getting us stay in your wonderful Gatehouse. It is very romantic, atmospheric and comfortable. A pleasure to look at and to stay in.
    Saint Aignan is also a beautiful spot in a superb region of France. Thank you for recommending the crypt of the church. Very well worth seeing!
    My family also enjoyed visiting all the stunning chateaux dotted around the Loire Valley, but after spending each day visiting them it was especially nice to come back to your chateau every night.
    Thanks once again.

    Steven, USA. June 2008.
  • We had a wonderful time in Saint Aignan.
    First we have stayed at the Sidonie House for 5 days and then we moved to this house for the remainder of our holidays.
    Both houses were very nice and we had everything we needed.
    We visited the zoo multiple times and also many castles. We liked all of them. They all have different highlights.
    We walked a lot around the town. The castle and the church are beautiful.
    So lots to do and see here and we had a wonderful time!

    D. family. The Netherlands. August 2022


    We greatly enjoyed our short stay at la Maison de Léonard and experiencing a little of what Saint Aignan and the beautiful region have to offer. The children will fondly remember the zoo at Beauval, swimming in the river and voraciously consuming everything La Fromagerie had to offer! Aux Grilles du Château has the wonderfully unique feeling of being in the countryside while being just a stone’s throw from town. We will certainly remember the special location and our stay with fondness.
    G. Family, England. July 2020



    We had a lovely week at “Aux Grilles du Château”!
    This special house has everything you need.
    Our daughter who just turned 1 year old loved playing in the living room and outside with the little stones. Thank you for having a bed ready for her!
    We visited Saint Aignan several times and swam in the river.
    The bakery near the church and the fromagerie are recommended.
    We cycled route 18 starting in Montrichard. Very beautiful route.
    Château Chenonceau is also worth to visit.
    Thank you for having us!

    Maarten, Hedy & Anna, The Netherlands. July 2019


    Our departure tomorrow, after two lovely weeks at the gatehouse, will be a reluctant one.
    Charming village, quiet park in the center of the valley. What an excellent position in which to view historical France. We were astonished with many of the chateaux that we toured and villages we either drove through or explored. Saint Aignan, Chenonceau, Valençay, Montrésor, Chambord, Cheverny, Loches, Montpoupon, Blois, Chaumont, Azay-le-Rideau, Langeais, Villandry and finally Rigny, Ussé and Beauregard. Great visual architectural masterpieces that will provide colourful memories along with the many many pictures we took.
    The gatehouse was more than we expected and our time spent in Saint Aignan was both calming and exciting.
    Will definitely tell our friends back home that Leonard’s Lodge is a fantastic choice both in ambiance and location.
    Along with Scotland this French adventure has been one of our most treasured holidays.

    Art & Veta, USA. October 2017


    We tried to book Leonard’s Lodge 3 years ago but it wasn’t available, so this trip has been 3 years in the planning! It was worse to wait.
    A great peaceful location with plenty of room and everything we needed.
    We spent most of the week exploring the chateaux à vélo; cycle routes which are mostly flat, very well marked and go through beautiful countryside on tracks and quiet roads. Perfect for families.
    We enjoyed our meal out at the 8 restaurant in town and loved the fromagerie.
    We are heading South now and will have the car weighed down by some great Loire wines!

    Angus, Carol, Evan & Adam, UK. August 2017


    We have had a lovely stay here in Saint Aignan.
    The cottage is beautiful, well equipped and what an amazing setting!
    We loved visiting Amboise and the chateau at Montpoupon is definitely not to be missed. The zooparc de Beauval is pretty special too.
    Thank you!

    Sharon, Steve, Jessica & Charlotte, UK. July 2017


    This is an unusual holiday home. There can’t be many that have their own park and chateau in the grounds!
    We have had a wonderful time here. The house and the village are an excellent base to explore this fascinating region of France.
    Our host was welcoming and extremely helpful, especially when we got lost in the last 100 metres of a 1500 km drive.
    I will certainly be recommending it to friends.

    John, Scotland. July 2017


    We had a wonderful stay in this lovely house.
    Gorgeous village with a lot of fabulous castles within driving distance.
    We will recommend this to our friends and post it on social media.
    Our children did not want to leave.
    Thank you!

    John, Monique, Sid & Cailan, The Netherlands. July 2017


    We had everything we needed in this lovely lodge on the edge of the park, within walking distance of the heart of Saint Aignan.
    It was an excellent base to explore the smaller chateaux in the area. We managed to visit 6 in 5 days!!
    Le “Mange Grenouille” is to be recommended. A leisurely meal in the pleasant courtyard.
    All in all a memorable week. We particularly enjoyed walking through the park and seeing the chateau high above the streets of Saint Aignan.

    Chris & Phil, UK. June 2017


    We were so happy to have the luck to find this little gate house. It served us perfectly.
    It was our home base as we explored the chateaux and brocantes of the surrounding area.
    It was our cosy little office from which we could do our bits of work, with the perfect surroundings to remind us not to work too much. And above all, it was our home away from home, where we could settle to a new easier rhythm and just simply enjoy being.
    We were so happy that we could stay the extra days.
    Much thanks for being so friendly and helpful.

    Alex, Susannah & Agatha, USA. January 2017

    We spent a lovely week while discovering the area with all its castles.
    The lodge was comfortable, well heated and a good starting point for our daily excursions.

    Lodewijk & Judith, the Netherlands. November 2016


    We had a beautiful sunny week in Saint Aignan.
    Nice to be here. The house was perfect.
    We have seen a lot of castles but we liked château Montpoupon very much.
    Walking to the village was also nice. Nice cheese shop with much choice. Nice restaurants.
    Thank you so much for staying here at Léonard’s Lodge and in Saint Aignan.

    Hans & Dannie, the Netherlands. September 2016


    We have had another fantastic week, back again at Léonard’s Lodge.
    The children enjoyed 2 more days at the zooparc de Beauval. It has been so hot, but relaxing and cooling off in the river Cher at the Ile Plage has been wonderful!
    We were all looking forward to our return here since last year and it has not disappointed us in any way!
    Thank you!

    Andrew, Clare, Rosie & Joseph, UK. August 2016


    We have had a wonderful week here!
    The lodge is enchanting and we have had much pleasure walking in the park, where we saw many deer but didn’t manage to catch and photograph.
    The beds are so comfortable!
    Buying food in Saint Aignan is such a pleasure. Go to the boulangerie du château just below the collegiale, the cheese shop at the top of the hill and the butcher, in rue Paul Boncour, at the bottom of the hill. All three are as good, in their own specialism, as we have ever found anywhere in France, and we have never before found so much good food in one locality.
    Thank you!

    The M. family, UK. July 2016


    It has been a wonderful sojourn from our busy lives in western Australia to relax in the Gate House on the château grounds.
    From the tranquil surroundings including three deer continuing to graze and looking at us as outsiders, it is difficult to not relish the thought of staying for longer.
    We will continue to be drawn back to France and our stay in your cosy gatehouse has become a fond memory until we can return.
    Many thanks for the warm welcome and the best of health and happiness for 2016!
    Gary, Jacqueline & Lachlan, Australia. January 2016
    PS: there are no tips for future guests as there are a multitude of highlights to discover!


    What a wonderful place! We have been here approximately 8 weeks and feel that we are at home. It has been perfect in any way.
    Saint Aignan is a lovely town and has many things to offer. It is not a tourist town. We have explored the chateaux in the area and have had many days to relax too.
    We loved the changing of the seasons in this fairy tale cottage, the many walks through the park, the people who live in the general area.
    It has been a beautiful adventure in a magical place in the woods (almost). We will add this to our many memories of travels.
    We highly recommend this gatehouse and Saint Aignan.
    Bobbie & Andy H., USA. September / October 2015


    Saint Aignan is a lovely, friendly town and the chateau gatehouse has been a perfect home-away-from-home. It’s the perfect location for visiting the many chateaux. The stay was perfect!
    Deborah B., USA. October 2015


    We have had a fantastic week in this beautiful holiday cottage! There are so many places to visit nearby. We bought a 2 day pass for the zooparc de Beauval and needed every minute!
    What a lovely week. We’re sorry to be leaving!
    Andrew, Clare, Rosie & Joseph, UK. August 2015


    We had a wonderful holiday. Thank you so much!
    Leonard’s Lodge is fabulous and so comfortable. We wanted to stay for another week … sad to go home!
    We had picnics each day in different places. Montpoupon, Cheverny, Amboise, Loches.
    The grounds of Chateau Saint Aignan are gorgeous. We saw rabbits and deer.
    Will tell all our friends and hope to return again in the future for another holiday.
    Thank you again! All best wishes.
    Catherine, Peter, Joshua & William, UK. August 2015


    We have had a wonderful fortnight in the Loire Valley.
    Leonard’s Cottage is perfect, located within short driving distance of the royal chateaux and many “petits” chateaux and lovely villages. Will highly recommend the cottage.
    We even saw the occasional rabbit and a lone hedgehog.
    Try Délices d’Asie for a nice meal.
    Sonia & John, Australia. July 2015


    We have had a great week in maison Léonard. The house is equipped well.
    The surroundings are beautiful.
    We went to see Blois (château royal), Chenonceau, Montpoupon, Beauregard and zoo parc de Beauval.
    We have had a lovely dinner in le Mange-Grenouille.
    The week went by much too quick.
    Thanks again for your hospitality. I hope the other guests will enjoy their stay here as much as we did!
    Kind regards,

    Annelien & Daan, the Netherlands. September 2014


    Spent a relaxing fortnight here visiting famous chateaux such as Chenonceau and Chambord, along with not so well known ones like Montpoupon and Montrésor.
    However not all cultural in deference to our young son, so the visit to zoo parc de Beauval went down well and would highly recommend the “Bird spectacle”!
    Trips to Tours, Poitiers and Blois along with more local outings to the very friendly swimming pool here in town.
    Thank you for your hospitality in this lovely, comfortable cottage.
    Kind regards,

    F. family, England. August 2014


    We have greatly enjoyed our stay in a splendid house right at the top of some 25 French gîtes that we have known!
    Mostly re-visits to chateaux, but the zoo was a real new pleasure.
    We are happy to recommend the Coccinelle supermarket and the cheese shop on the street side of the place. We enjoyed buying our wine at la Renaudie down the road in Mareuil.

    Hugh & Susan, England July 2014


    Have had a good time in the gîte Leonard.
    Have visited some new and some old favourite places.
    Leonard’s is very comfortable and I hope that all visitors who follow us have such an enjoyable time here as we have.

    Stephanie & Alan, England. June 2014


    We had a wonderful stay in this lodge.
    I was delighted with the location as soon as we arrived here, especially due to its ambience and surroundings. The lone house, under the old castle, in front of a river, very short distance from all castles we had planned to visit: a perfect location.
    I was more delighted when we entered inside the house. All rooms had good sun light, ventilation and space. The books kept in the living room were very useful to know more about places which we planned to visit.
    Having coffee/wine sitting outside was truly amazing experience.
    We were also lucky to see two deer running near the house during evening walk.
    We all would like to thank the owner. It was really a remarkable stay in a calm, peaceful location and we all would like to visit again.

    Prashanth, India. September 2012.

    When we planned our trip to France, we thought that your guesthouse would be the right place to stay in. Actually, this has gone beyond our expectations. Who could have ever imagined those green large fields surrounded by forests and who could have ever thought of that cute grey bunnies and those graceful deer that came near the house almost everyday…
    And that beautiful Renaissance castle with those superb dormer windows which one could compare with those of château of Blois or Château of Lude because of the exuberant decoration carved in stone.
    The renovation of the Léonard guesthouse keeps something from the noble atmosphere of the place, with a great taste used in interior decoration.
    Besides those great things, we didn’t miss anything. The house is very well equipped.

    N. family, Romania. August 2012.

    We feel so privileged to have been the first couple to stay in your newly renovated guesthouse.
    It was much more than we could have imagined.
    The château with its grounds are breathtaking.
    We truly felt that we were living in a medieval town surrounded by a beautiful forest.
    Thank you for the suggestions on the various châteaux and restaurants. Everyone has been so delightful and helpful.
    This has been an unforgettable two weeks.

    Mary & Eil, USA. October 2011.

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