aventuro Back to map A
Historical places

Chateau de La Motte Husson - Home of Escape to the Chateau

4.7 · 927 reviews
Private, curated, and industrious
Chateau de La Motte Husson - Home of Escape to the Chateau, La Motte, 53470 Martigné-sur-Mayenne, France
Interesting facts
1

The chateau was built in 1868 by the Countess of Baglion on the site of a medieval stronghold.

2

The property includes a derelict moat that required significant structural intervention during the restoration.

3

Many interior features, such as the original wallpaper and floor tiles, were painstakingly salvaged during the renovation process.

4

The estate produces its own honey and floral products from the surrounding gardens.

5

The architectural style is characterized by its high slate roofs and ornate turreted facades typical of the late Second Empire period.

Overview

Chateau de La Motte Husson is a 19th-century Neo-Renaissance manor located in the Pays de la Loire region, famously restored by Dick and Angel Strawbridge after being featured on the television series Escape to the Chateau. The structure features 45 rooms, a moat, and 12 acres of surrounding parkland in the Mayenne department. While widely known as a private residence, the property functions as a venue for pre-booked events, workshops, and themed stays. The restoration project prioritized preserving original architectural elements while modernizing utility systems. The chateau serves as the central filming location for the docu-series tracking its renovation process. It remains a privately owned estate rather than a public museum, necessitating pre-arranged bookings for access.

Photo spot

The front facade from the main driveway entrance, providing the full perspective of the moat and turrets.

Insider tips

Ensure you have a confirmed booking for an event or stay, as unannounced visitors are not permitted on the private grounds.

Check the official website well in advance, as event dates for workshops and stays are released in limited batches.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing for walking the grounds, as the region experiences significant seasonal changes.

What to avoid

Attempting to visit the chateau without an official event booking or confirmed reservation.

Good to know

Operates exclusively for pre-booked events and seasonal workshops; closed to the general public outside of these arrangements.

Etiquette

Respect the privacy of the owners and staff; photography is restricted to designated areas during private events.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
4-6 hours for events
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn for full access to the exterior gardens and parkland.
Address
Chateau de La Motte Husson - Home of Escape to the Chateau, La Motte, 53470 Martigné-sur-Mayenne, France
48.215, -0.668
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleNeo-Renaissance
Notable Features19th-century moat and 12-acre parkland

Frequently asked

Plan for about 4-6 hours for events to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring to early autumn for full access to the exterior gardens and parkland..

The front facade from the main driveway entrance, providing the full perspective of the moat and turrets.

Close by you'll find Écluse de Corçu, Musée du Château de Mayenne, Monastère de Bois Salair.