A country estate is a large property or estate that is owned by a noble or wealthy individual. The term can refer to three different types of properties: manors, villas, and chaus. A MANOR is a large house or estate that was historically the residence of a lord or noble. A VILLA is a large, luxurious house or estate that is often located in a rural area. Finally, a châu is a type of traditional Vietnamese house that is typically built on stilts and surrounded by a garden.