In Indre-et-Loire, in the commune of Rochecorbon, the garden of the Manoir des Basses Rivières is being organizedaround a folly built in 1730 for the Papion family of the Château, important lineage of silk manufacturers and wine producers, by the Tours architect Pierre Meusnier, student of the famous Gabriel and future architect of the King's Works.
This very elegant manor house is known various owners over time, like the Marquise d'Oysonville or Jules-Antoine Taschereau, deputy of Indre-et-Loire.
At the end of the 19th century, it became the property of Léontine d'Espelosin after having belonged to a British officer who fought in the campaigns against Napoleon under the command of the Duke of Wellington. Édouard d'Espelosin inherited the estate upon his mother's death. An architect, antique dealer, and sculptor, he donated the property to the city of Tours in 1944 which established a museum there in 1946 based on its collections of Touraine ceramics from the Louis XVI period, before transforming the premises into the Museum of Vine and Wine in 1954. It was at this time that the facade, the roof and the park were classified as a historical monument.
In 2006, the current owners acquired the estate and begin major restorations. In particular, they create a superb garden in which many Mediterranean species flourish (cypress, rosemary, fig trees, cedars and Judas trees) thanks to the microclimate that reigns in Basses Rivières, with the immediate proximity of the Loire and the presence of a large tuffeau hillside that protects the area.
Labeled Remarkable GardenThe site is open to visitors, starting with a tour of a star-shaped yew garden. Opposite, you can discover a impressive wine cellar where a authentic 16th century wine pressOrganized on a three-tiered structure, the middle terrace features a field and a beautiful row of boxwood and catmint. The highest garden consists of gravel paths and lawns planted with boxwood.
Large d'1,4 hectaresThis contemporary garden inspired by the classic French garden, it is extraordinary in more ways than one. Open to visitors from the end of May to mid-SeptemberIt surrounds this beautiful 18th-century property where it is now possible to stay and experience an enchanting interlude in a carefully maintained setting of beauty.
