The Area:
The Loire and the Dordogne are two famous valleys in France. In the Dordogne
you will find sleepy country roads, rolling green hills, mountains dressed with
vineyards and magnificent Chateaux - as one Chateau fades from sight, another
seems magically to appear on the horizon. Groves of Aspen and Birch blaze in the
sunlight along the lazy Dordogne as it winds its way through this splendid
region of France. Take advantage of the Bordeaux wine region and follow the
Dordogne, passing through romantic little villages along the way up the River
Dronne tributary to the enchanting village of Bourdeilles, the setting is
idyllic. The impressive Medieval Fortress and Renaissance Palace of Bourdeilles,
with the village clustered at its foot, makes a delightful picture as it stands
on the rocks that rise up sheer above the Dronne river. From the terrace at the
Chateau overlooking the Courtyard, enjoy the lovely view of the River Dronne,
the Castle and its setting. A gothic bridge with cutwaters, an Old Mill in the
shape of a boat, with the clear waters lapping the rocks below. The town of
Bordeilles has another Castle which is open to the public, and is well worth a
visit, also a variety of small shops for gifts and essentials, three
restaurants, and two small bars. There are also very good bread shops one being
a patisserie which sell all manner of food for a wonderful French style
breakfast, fresh bread daily - what better?
The Chateau:
Four romantic Towers is the only way to describe this enchanting listed 15C
Château in a setting filled with romance and intrigue. The approach to the
courtyard through two large iron gates, the Wisteria climbing the walls entices
you with its fragrance to climb the steps to the sun terrace, filled with
sunshine from March through to October. Take in the breathtaking view of the
terracotta roofs, the flowing river, the village and its people. The Château is
spacious and furnished throughout with antiques in typical French style creating
a comfortable atmosphere. All main rooms have high ceilings and fabrics decorate
many of the walls. Some rooms are wood panelled, there are tapestries,
paintings, and a splendid Venetian chandelier. Upon entering the Chateau through
the arched doorway into the carved panelled dining Room one is taken in by the
mediaeval atmosphere, perfect for a Banquet, with huge beams a magnificent stone
fireplace, a Grand table that seats 16 people in style, and 22 with an
extension. Shutters that open onto a large terrace with a beautiful view across
the river Dronne. The family sized Kitchen, with its own courtyard, leads off
from the Dining Room. Back from the Dining Room through a small reception area
into the main Salon with silk walls and gilt mouldings with an adjoining
intimate Double bedroom and bathroom. Up the magnificent spiral Walnut staircase
to the first floor to find four large comfortable bedrooms, all with en-suite
bathrooms, 3 double and one with two single beds, the atmosphere is
traditionally French. The second floor takes you to four intimate bedrooms two
with en-suite in one half and another two bedrooms one with en-suite bathroom.
Exceptional views from almost every room. There is access to the towers at this
level, but strictly under guidance. From the large terrace go down a flight of
sweeping stone steps into the private gardens, which are well sheltered, in full
view of the River Dronne. There is a Pergola leading you to the overhanging
buttress on the river. Here one can sit and while away the day, doing nothing,
or maybe a little fishing, the view is magnificent.
Breakdown:
General: central heating, daily maid service, internet access, linen
provided, safe, telephone, towels provided
Kitchen: 4 ring stove, dish washer, freezer, fridge, grill, hob, microwave,
oven, washing machine
Living Room: fireplace, living area seating for 17 people
Dining: dining room, seating for 20 people
Bathrooms: 7 bathrooms, 1 WC
No. of bedrooms: 10 bedrooms, sleeps a maximum of 19 people
Bedrooms: 7 doubles, 2 twins, 1 single, 4 cots
Entertainment: audio tape player, CD, radio, satellite or cable, stereo system,
TV, video player
Outside: balcony, barbecue, garden, parking, swimming pool, terrace, 20 garden
chairs, 10 beach chairs
Suitability: children welcome, long term renters welcome, pets not allowed,
suitable for elderly or infirm, wheelchair accessible
Local Activities: cycling, fishing, golf, horse riding, mountain biking,
swimming, tennis, walking
