Welcome to Château de la Boutiniere

Book Your Faritale Wedding

Celebrate a Special Occasion

Plan a Romantic Escape

Château Stays, Antique Hunting, Wine Tasting and Tours

Spend a Day With Us

Volunteer

Welcome to Château de la Boutiniere 

Step into Château de la Boutinière, a lovingly restored French chateau in the heart of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Featured on Channel 4’s Château DIY, the estate combines historic character with tranquil countryside beauty, creating a charming setting for a chateau wedding in France.

Alongside weddings, guests visit to enjoy private celebrations, peaceful escapes and a taste of authentic chateau life. Explore the parkland, the restored barns and Zion’s handcrafted bridal suite, and experience the story of a Grande Dame brought back to life with care and imagination.

Our Story

Alison and Zion standing outside a notaire’s office, marking an important moment in the story of Château de la Boutinière and its journey of restoration.
Film crew recording inside the historic interiors of Château de la Boutinière during a behind-the-scenes filming day for a renovation project.

We’re Alison and Zion, and Château de la Boutinière has been our home – and our biggest adventure – since 2021. You may have seen parts of our journey on Channel 4’s Château DIY, where we shared the excitement and challenges of bringing this beautiful estate back to life.

It was always a dream of ours to work on a project like this and make it our home and a venue for weddings, events and vacations. Today, as the restoration continues, we’re able to welcome guests who choose the château for a château wedding in France, private events, family celebrations or a quiet romantic escape.

With backgrounds in interior design and master craftsmanship, we’re restoring the house, barns and gardens room by room, creating a place that feels lived-in, welcoming and full of character.

Discover Our Story
Fairytale wedding at Château de la Boutinière, with the château façade set for a romantic wedding celebration.

Fairytale Weddings 

Celebrate your special day in the romantic setting of our restored French château. Ceremonies take place on the steps or in the gardens, with the barn and terrace ready for the wedding breakfast and evening celebrations. A beautiful choice for couples planning a château wedding in France.

Wedding couple with two children standing in front of Chateau de la Boutinière, with a horse-drawn carriage and château façade behind them, showcasing the grounds as a micro wedding venue in France.

Micro Weddings

For couples who value intimacy over scale, our micro-weddings are created for smaller guest numbers and a calmer pace. The focus is on using the château and gardens in a more relaxed way, making it ideal for couples who want something simple, private, and unforced.

Candlelit table setting inside a stone venue at Château de la Boutinière, styled for an intimate private event venue in France.

Private & Corporate Events

The château provides a distinctive backdrop for anniversaries, engagements, family gatherings and special occasions. With a mix of elegant interiors and peaceful outdoor spaces, it offers a relaxed, welcoming setting for celebrations of all kinds.

Sunset view through woodland paths at Château de la Boutinière, creating a peaceful atmosphere for romantic escapes in France.

Romantic Escapes

Enjoy a quiet break in the French countryside, surrounded by parkland, woodland and the calm rhythms of château life. Guests stay in our restored spaces and explore the estate at their own pace, making it ideal for couples seeking time away together.

Château stays in France experience at Château de la Boutinière, showcasing elegant interiors and authentic château accommodation.

Château Stays

Stay at the château and build your visit around antique hunting, wine tasting and behind-the-scenes experiences that give you a closer look at life at La Boutinière and its restoration journey.

Gites in France at Château de la Boutinière, set in 52 acres with access to villages, rivers, historic sites and the surrounding countryside.

Gites Stays

Stay in our self-catering gîtes at Château de la Boutinière, set within the estate grounds and well placed for exploring nearby villages, rivers and historic sites.

Group of guests gathered outside the ivy-covered entrance of Château de la Boutinière during one of our Chateau Events in the French countryside.

Château Events

Join us for our château events, including Garden Days and Tea & Tour afternoons, and spend a day with Alison and Zion. Visit the page for upcoming dates and details.

Volunteers working together in the grounds of Château de la Boutinière, taking part in a hands-on volunteer in France experience.

Volunteer 

Volunteer at Château de la Boutinière and take part in the everyday life of a working French château, contributing to its care, gardens and ongoing restoration.

Things to do in the Region

Vienne in Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a peaceful region with landscapes and villages that are easy to explore from the château. The guests of Château de la Boutinière often spend their days walking along riverside paths, kayaking through quiet stretches of countryside or visiting the historic streets and viewpoints in the surrounding area.

Château de la Boutinière is just minutes from Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, and a short drive away lies Angles-sur-l’Anglin, officially ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its medieval streets, river views and clifftop ruins are a favourite for guests who enjoy wandering through places with real character.

The region is also known for its brocantes, with small markets and antique shops scattered across local towns – ideal for browsing, buying or simply enjoying the atmosphere. For those who prefer a slower pace, the nearby villages offer cafés, quiet squares and a glimpse of everyday life in rural France.

Château de la Boutinière is also easy to reach, with train connections from Paris taking around 90 minutes.

River beside the château grounds with colourful kayaks and historic stone buildings, offering a peaceful setting for a château wedding in France
Medieval riverside village with stone houses, watermill and castle ruins overlooking the valley near a château wedding venue in France

Memories at the Château

“Alison and Zion are the perfect hosts in a truly wonderful and beautiful chateau, set in amazing woodlands, in a lovely part of France. The chateau itself is architechually breathtaking, and the gites very comfortable with everything you need. We had a great stay – good food, excellent wine and superb company … and will definitely be returning.”

Stuart Becker

★★★★★

“A pathway to a fairytale where history and time stand still. A place where the old scars are patched over by each new owner to preserve the story of this place.
Alison and Zion have undertaken the enormous task to bring this place back to its former glory. I had the fortune to be able to see another side of this amazing place in detail. It definitely takes your breath away. Peaceful, yet full of life around it. No doubt, Château de la Boutinière is a notable place to spend your holiday.”

Margarita Tankovska

★★★★★

“My wife and I spent a few days with Alison and Zion at their beautiful chateau when we went over to France for a friend’s birthday party. The chateau and its surrounding grounds were truly magical and their hospitality second to none. For anyone thinking of staying in the Poitiers area this must be truly one of the best places to holiday.”

Ted Hawkins

★★★★★

“We had a magical few days at the chateau. It is a beautiful and serene place. Alison & Zion are amazing hosts. Nothing is too much trouble for them. They have done an incredible job of renovating the chateau. It is stunning. Thank you both.”

Barbara Kewn

★★★★★

“A very beautiful château. The owners welcomed us with great warmth and empathy.”

Armelle Donelli

★★★★★

“A place full of history; incredible, untouched nature; a château, hunting lodge and outbuildings that cannot leave you indifferent. In addition, Alison, a remarkable lady, and her partner gave us a warm welcome… I highly recommend it!”

Muriel Sivert

★★★★★

“I have visited many châteaux in my life, but this one is particularly magnificent — especially its roof and façades. The annexes are currently being renovated. A real gem.”

Serge Le Banner

★★★★★

“An exceptional welcome. A wonderful discovery. The château is arranged in an extraordinary way, with great refinement. Come and enjoy a special moment — we highly recommend it. Thank you, see you again very soon.”

Masure Bernard

★★★★★

“A superb setting, currently being renovated by a passionate couple who take great care of their visitors and their château!”

Eric Chauche

★★★★★

“I was extremely well received by Alison. The castle is beautiful, the environment is relaxing and the cottage is very comfortable. My dog was welcome. We loved walking around the area. Would definitely stay again!”
Camille

★★★★★

“Comfortable accommodation with everything you need for a few nights, we were lucky to be alone without neighbors to the right and left which could have made the stay a little less quiet. The setting is beautiful with the castle and its beautiful park, Alison and her husband are welcoming, we recommend it!”
Julie

★★★★★

“I hear birds singing in the trees… I see the sunrise and feel the ground warm beneath me. This land has stories in its roots, running deep like rivers carrying all our laughter and love.” 

Jez Butterworth.

Dear Alison & Zion,

We wanted to drop you a line to say a huge ‘thank you’ for your lovely hospitality during our visit to your beautiful chateau. It truly is a magical place and an experience we will never forget.

We hope our meagre efforts helped in some small way!! We know the wedding will be a success due to all your hard work and planning.

We hope we have the opportunity to see you again in the future. 

With love, Maz & Robin xx”

Dear Alison + Zion,

We don’t have the words to thank you enough for allowing us to host our wedding at the beautiful Chateau de la Boutiniere. We had the most incredible day – week of our lives and that was down to you both. Your hard work, kindness, calm approach to everything and openness, allowed us to facilitate a wonderful day, in partnership. No stone was left unturned (literally). All the promises you couldn’t keep were met (+ more!) and everything was executed beautifully + to the very highest standard.

We are so very happy you took a chance on us, but more so, that we’ve made friends + a bond for life. lots of love,

Anna + Harry xxxx

To Zion + Alison,

Just a little note of appreciation to say thank you so much for your hospitality, your feedback, kind words and encouragement. THANK YOU!

We have embarked on an incredible journey that will hopefully see us living in France sooner rather than later and our time spent with you both was invaluable. We hope to return again to volunteer!

Thankyou again,

Martin and Danielle (win the dream, year 2).

Latest from the Blog

A bride and groom embracing on château steps after their ceremony — a romantic moment that shows why couples get married in France.

Five Reasons to Get Married in France

There are places in the world where romance seems to linger in the air, woven into the architecture, the light, and even the food on the table. France is one of those rare places. The charm of its countryside, the elegance of its cities, and the history of its...
Read More

Our Château Journey

View down the château staircase decorated with Christmas garlands, lanterns and a lit tree visible in the hall below.

A Festive Farewell to 2025 at Château de la Boutinière

Christmas at the château never happens all at once. It arrives slowly, over several days, as rooms are dressed one by one and the château gradually begins to feel warmer, fuller and more expectant. This year was no different. We spent days decorating, moving from room...
Read More

A very sad loss and a busy summer

It has been a busy summer at Chateau de la Boutiniere. We have hosted our first two weddings, which were a huge success. Sadly, we lost my dear mum Rosemary in May. She was our inspiration to buy the chateau and our biggest supporter.
Read More

Wedding garden progress

In our latest vlog, we talk about the progress in our wedding garden.

It has been such a wet summer which has slowed down our progress with our wedding garden. We have finally managed to get outside to make some progress.

Read More

Home alone

In our latest vlog, I talk about what I’ve been doing with Zion still away.

More bargain hunting at the local brocante, which is always a great day out. I’m also making plans for our first wedding, which is very exciting and nerve wracking.

Read More

While Zion was away

In our latest vlog, I talk about what I’ve been doing while Zion has been away.

I really enjoy visiting the brocantes in France and have been bargain hunting, which is one of my favourite pastimes. I’m quite excited about my finds.

Read More

Old Chateau Photos Discovered

In our latest vlog, we talk about the old photos we came across of the chateau.

The photos tell us more about the rich history of the chateau before we bought it. It seems it was used as a church. It has been fascinating to see these photos.

Read More

Our first video blog (vlog)

You can watch our fist vlog on our chateau adventures. Hear how our lovely old hunting lodge floor started to rise. It was very concerning as you can imagine.

There are always new challenges at Chateau de la Boutiniere, but they never phase Zion.

Read More

Château De La Boutinière Review of 2023

January - our château rocks! In January, filming of the preparation of our wedding garden was drawn to a halt by the discovery of rocks just below the surface soil, preventing us from carrying out the wedding garden design we had set our hearts on doing. These rocks...
Read More
Chateau de la Boutiniere

Celebrating 2 Years at the Chateau

It’s 2 years today that we moved to the beautiful Chateau de la Boutiniere. It’s been 2 years of hard work and challenges as we have transitioned to living in France, but we love our new life here and have made so many new French and English friends. We’ve just...
Read More
Mid-Winter at the Chateau de la Boutiniere 

Mid-Winter at the Chateau de la Boutiniere 

It is mid-winter here at Chateau de la Boutiniere. We are huddled around a roaring fire heaped with wood from our own forest, which smells divine! We have slowly de-camped down to 2 rooms (out of the chateau’s 47 rooms!), to stay warm and save on fuel, so I am writing...
Read More

Early Summer in the Wedding Garden 

It never ceases to amaze us that the view from the wedding terrace changes so much throughout the seasons.   The mature trees to the rear of the chateau have burst forth their leaves and wonderfully vivid shades of green are everywhere. The birds are...
Read More
Spring at Chateâu de la Boutinière

A party fit for a Chateau-restorer!

Spring has most definitely sprung at our beautiful Chateau home, and we’ve felt blessed to watch the gardens come to life with beautiful daffodils and birdsong. We still have a long way to go before our vision for a stunning wedding venue is a reality, but as the...
Read More

Photo Gallery

Bedroom at Château de la Boutinière with double bed, fireplace, armchairs and tall windows with curtains
Outdoor fairytale wedding ceremony at the hunting lodge at Château de la Boutinière
Front view of Château de la Boutinière on a clear day, with the fountain and steps used for fairytale wedding photographs
Bridesmaids getting ready together in the spacious bridal suite at Château de la Boutinière.
Visit Our Gallery

Contact Us

Get in touch with Alison and Zion

To join our Garden Days or Tea & Tour Afternoons, please visit our Château Events page for upcoming dates.

To celebrate your wedding, host a private event or plan a romantic escape at Château de la Boutinière, please contact us directly.