A Project of Passion
Chateau de Laran has been a Medieval meeting place, a wine producer and
includes a rare double-arched Pigeonnier built in 1673 to house over 800
pigeons. Historical notes have been difficult to find, but once we
have time we will explore the Chateau’s history further with a view to constructing
an interesting time-line. It is easy to understand when we look around our
Chateau steeped in history and with beautiful surroundings, why we fell
instantly in love with the place.
We, Chris and Sue Morey, bought Chateau de Laran in 2020, and it had
witnessed many dramatic architectural changes with some of the important
historical buildings, like the gatehouse, falling into disrepair and over half of
the main chateau missing. The one remaining tower from the 11th Century
(now our dining room and one bedroom) still stands in the south west of the
house and we have uncovered part of another tower wall to the south east.
The ground floor rooms had been left abandoned for some years and the
upper floor of the remains of the old chateau had been converted into a dark
and cramped apartment. And we could see it needed love !
The gardens were covered in enormous brambles and slowly we are
establishing flower beds and replanting trees and hedges. The moats were
totally overgrown but now cleared, they are home to Moor Hens, Indian
Runner Ducks, Koi Carp, Common Carp, Tench and sharks - nurturing our
moat inhabitants brings us a lot of joy.
Inside the Chateau we have pulled down ceilings, destroyed plaster board
walls and pulled up false floors. We have simplified the layout and are
reinstating the river stone walls (gallets). It’s an on-going process which we are
thoroughly enjoying.
In the summer of 2024 we hosted our first wedding in our venue. We had
worked tirelessly for ten months to convert the dark and dirty former animal
and feed barn into a light and beautiful entertainment space. We were so
lucky to get to know local, friendly suppliers who helped us offer the full
range of services every marrying couple need to make their dream and most
important day come true. And it has become apparent that this flexible
space will lend itself to many happy celebratory or business orientated
occasions. It was such a privilege on so many different levels that we fully
appreciate how very lucky we have been to breathe happiness back to the
grand old Chateau.