Designer's Chateaux For Sale

A luxury French chateaux which was the countryside retreat of fashion designer Laura Ashley is up for sale with the price tag of £1.9 million.

The huge 21-bedroomed mansion,buried deep in France's Picardy region,has been used as a hotel and conference centre since it was sold by the family 15 years ago.

Set in 35 acres,the 1760 provincial property was the last of the Ashleys' experiments in grand living as tax exiles from their global business empire.

The Welsh-born designer,who became famous for her interior furnishings,used her skills extensively to refurbish and upgrade the chateaux,22 miles from Amiens.

The current owner has been running the place as a business venture,complete with swimming pool,terms courts and stables,but has now decided to sell up.

It is not known how much of Laura Ashley's original work still remains in the vast building.

Charles Weston-Baker,whose firm is handling the sale,said "This is a magnificent property which would make a lovely private country house.Alternatively it has a lot of potential as a hotel and conference centre."

Sir Bernard Ashley,who owns the Edwardian mansion,Llangoed Hall,at Llyswen,near Brecon,in Wales,did not want to comment on the sale.