Four towers and twelve turrets
Chateau Challain stands in the village of Challain-la-Potherie in the Loire Valley. Work on the present building began in 1847 under the Parisian architect Louis Visconti, who was commissioned to replace an earlier castle, and it was completed in 1854. Its neo-Gothic design runs to four towers, twelve turrets, 26 spiral staircases, 52 fireplaces and 365 windows, across 7,600 square metres. The Nicholson family bought it in 2002 and has restored it since.
The ceremony
Weddings are held with exclusive use of the chateau and its 72 acres of gardens, forest and lake, for up to 120 guests. Ceremonies can take place anywhere on the estate: a dome gazebo overlooking the lake, a chapel for 20 guests, the Memorial Tower and woods, or the 18th-century church directly opposite the chateau.
The table
Dinners of four or five courses, canapés, cocktails and a wedding cake are prepared by the chateau’s own kitchen.
Staying
The bedrooms on the estate lodge up to 50 guests. The Romance Suite, the Toile de Jouy and the Tower are popular bridal suites, with four-poster beds.
