Imagine a herd of velvet brown Limousin cattle grazing in the distance whilst above the pigeons are flying home to roost. Travel down a long drive lined by ancient oaks and in the parting of the trees the mellow stoned and perfectly proportioned Domaine des Etangs peeps into view with its four round towers. The chateau is set amongst lakes and pastures in the French countryside just a few hours south of Paris between Charente and Limousin.