15th Century
Chateau with Historic Tower and Pool near St Emilion, France. 5 bedrooms, sleeps
10 - 14. The Chateau is a fully restored XVth century house with historic links
dating back to the XIIth Century, and located in what is regarded locally in the
most spectacular and unique setting with breathtaking views. It comprises the
main house, a three-story tower with magnificent views to the horizon, 75 acres
of parkland, gardens and woods, together with an AOC Bordeaux vineyard. The
house is situated in a beautiful part of the country, close to the famous wine
making area of St Emilion which is only 15 minutes away. Also close to Libourne
and just 45 minutes from Bordeaux. The nearest town, 8 km away on the beautiful
Dordogne river, is the historic town of Castillon de Bataille, scene of the
infamous battle where the English lost against the French towards the end of the
historic 100 years war. The villages of Pujols, Ruch and Gensac are all nearby
and there are over half a dozen excellent restaurants nearby.
Accommodation: The Chateau has been totally restored to the highest
standards, and exudes charm and harmony that greets you the moment you arrive.
Thoroughly comfortable and stylish, the house offers 5 double bedrooms all en
suite with new American style bathrooms. One of the bedrooms has its own
separate sitting area reached by a wooden staircase. The bedroom on the top
floor is a self-contained apartment with its own private lounge. All bedrooms
have recently been decorated, and benefit from having spectacular uninterrupted
views to the south. All bedroom windows are shuttered and have specially
designed wire mesh to allow windows to be left open for the cool breeze during
the evening, whilst keeping out the unpleasant and uninvited visiting moth or
mosquito.
The Chateau: On the ground floor there is a large totally restored
new kitchen with stone walls and large open fireplace. It is fully equipped for
12 people including an American refrigerator with icemaker, new cooking range
with double ovens and freestanding kitchen units built in Scotland. There is a
further large second kitchen with dishwasher and dining table for 12. Leading
off this kitchen is a WC. At one end of the house is the informal sitting room
with relaxing sofas, easy chairs and large wide-screen television with video, CD
and Sky satellite system. Doors lead out to the garden and pool. This room has
beautiful stone walls, beamed ceiling and was once the chapel to the XIIth
century tower. A splendid dining room with a spectacular fireplace and tiled
floor allows guests the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent wine and food from
this famous region. A large and impressive formal reception room fully restored
with huge stone fireplace and entirely beamed ceiling. The drawing room has
comfortable sofas, and stylish occasional chairs together with period furniture,
offering you the chance to entertain and relax in style and comfort. A fully
equipped laundry room is provided with washing machine, dryer, and deep freeze.
A truly beautiful and unique stone spiral staircase, over 500 years old, lead
you up to the first floor through ancient wooden oak doors. First floor: Bedroom
1. A double bedroom with fireplace, en suite shower room and separate lounge
area reached by wooden staircase. Space for extra single bed. Bedroom 2. A
double bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom. Space for extra single
bed. Bedroom 3. A double bedroom with two single beds and en suite bathroom.
Bedroom 4. A double bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom. Space for
extra single bed. Top floor: Fully restored and magical self-contained apartment
suite with large double bedroom, en suite shower room, WC and separate lounge.
This apartment affords total privacy in a stylish and perfect setting with
extensive southerly views.
The Tower: This XIIth Century tower is steeped in history, and has been
one of the main landmarks in the region for over 500 years. Fully restored with
original stained glass and stone carvings, the tower is reached by a linked
bridge from the main house. Three story with amazing 360 degree views over the
surrounding vineyards and countryside, the tower still possesses a majesty and
power which few people today have the opportunity to experience.
The Grounds: The Chateau is surrounded by gardens and parkland and is
secluded within its own private estate of some 30 hectares (75 acres). There are
beautiful walks through the woods and down to its AOC Bordeaux vineyard. There
is also a large swimming pool (6m x 12m) close to the house with sunbathing
area. There is a total feeling of space, tranquillity and freedom for adults and
children to explore freely. The Dordogne and surrounding area is truly beautiful
with rolling hills covered with vineyards, sunflowers and orchards. As well as
sampling the local foie gras and wine.
Click here to view a map of the area
Activities:
Golf – Chateau de
Vigiers. Wine tastings – sample the famous wines of St Emilion and
surrounding vineyards. Local markets – Castillon de Bataille, St Foy la
Grande and Bergerac. Local restaurants – Gensac, Castillon de Bataille, St
Emilion, Libourne. Sailing and water sports – Le Bassin d'Arcachon, Andernos
les Bains, Cap Ferrat. Shopping – Bordeaux, Bergerac, Libourne, Toulouse.
Drive – to fascinating Perigueux, or the medieval town of Sarlat or Toulouse
and Biarritz. Children – Aquapark, sailing, zoos, seaside, horse-Riding,
canoeing. Festivals – classical and jazz music, wine and food
Travel: Airports - Bordeaux 45 minutes, Bergerac 40 minutes. Frequent
flights to Bordeaux and Bergerac. Rail - from the UK via Lille to Libourne -
TGV (5 hours). Car - from the UK via St Malo or Calais (8-10 hours).
Bordeaux is only 45 minutes away, Libourne is 25 minutes, St Emilion is 15
minutes and Bergerac is only 40 minutes.