Château du Lac Gatehouse, nr Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne

Sleeps 4

£225 per night

Château du Lac Gatehouse is a romantic luxury retreat situated in the Dordogne region of the South West of France. It nestles in the private, idyllic grounds of Château du Lac (a 15th century fairytale Château hideaway) and provides the ultimate getaway from which to explore everything that the region has to offer. Within 10km are many châteaux, fortresses, churches and villages that typify the rich past of this part of the Dordogne valley. A particular feature is the proximity of no less than six of the well-known “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” within easy reach of the chateau.

The Gatehouse is pure Hansel and Gretel, designed with romance in mind.  A magical lakeside romantic luxury retreat – self-catering at it very best. This hidden gem is set within 30 acres of private, secure grounds and combines many original features that have been sympathetically restored to give an eclectic fusion of pure fairy tale.  Inside you will find a mix of antiques and French chic sprinkled with sophisticated styling throughout.

Overlooking an ornamental swimming lake fed by the bubbling waters of the Menoire river, this gorgeous love nest is exquisitely furnished with Manuel Canovas wallpapers, Colefax and Fowler fabrics, antique furniture, goosedown duvets and pillows and beautiful linen. An exclusive, luxury hideaway providing all modern conveniences whilst retaining a natural and rustic feel.

The accommodation is arranged over three floors. The ground floor consists of a charming sitting room with a beautiful inglenook fireplace.   What better place to unwind than toasting crumpets around a roaring log fire. Built within the round tower adjacent to the sitting room is a modern kitchen fitted with a halogen hob, Bosch electric oven, Smeg dishwasher, Belfast sink , wine fridge, and breakfast bar.

Outside you have your own two private little gardens.   Enjoy lazy morning breakfasts on the deck overlooking the lake or feed the resident geese & ducks. Alternatively, dine al fresco in the lantern-lit, rose covered pagoda. Sunbathe in privacy on the lovely new landscaped terrace, a real sun-trap  with steps down to the river should it get too warm. There is a large stone barbecue and table here too. If you feel more energetic enjoy a swim or row round the lake in “The Jolly Good Roger” or even a game of croquet.

Accommodation & Pricing

Price Guide 2021:
£225 per night
Minimum booking of 7 nights June, July & August
Minimum booking of 4 nights rest of year

Sleeps:  2-4

2 Double Bedrooms with en suite bathrooms as follows:

  • Master Bedroom suite:
    The second floor is home to a wonderful arched timber roof and a grand four-poster bed “fit for a princess”, complete with fairytale white curtains and fur rugs. The bathroom is stylishly decorated in green tiles and has a round rain shower, WC, bidet and green glass bowl sink. This is an enchanting room – let the sound of the gently flowing river lull you to sleep.
  • 2nd Master Bedroom Suite:
    The luxurious first floor bedroom has an en suite sexy black bathroom. Take a long soak in the double-ended big tub, before wrapping up in thick towels and soft bathrobes. There is a separate WC and bidet
  • Kitchen
  • Sitting room with dining corner and views over the lake
  • Study/sitting room

Services

  • Maid service once a week
  • Additional housekeeping on request
  • A welcome hamper of local delicacies including wine and seasonal fruits
  • Fresh flowers
  • Barbecue fuel
  • Logs for the fire

Facilities

  • Private terrace overlooking swimming lake
  • Sunbathing terrace, sun beds
  • Large stone barbecue
  • ‘Chelsea’ summer house
  • Smart TV, sky digital, DVD’s & player, iPod dock music system
  • WiFi

There are a number of different activities within the château available to guests but under supervised instruction.  These include:

  • Archery –a professional target range, a selection of composite bows and arrows and a resident toxophilite.  Tuition available at €30 per hour.
  • Shooting – a professional target range and a number of 0.22 rifles.  Tuition available at €50 per hour.
  • Croquet –a well-kept croquet lawn within the grounds and a championship croquet set which is available for use.
  • Hot Air Ballooning – the château’s grounds have been used for numerous hot air balloon flights and, weather permitting, a flight could be arranged for your stay.
  • Canoeing and horse riding can be arranged locally or discover the many places for wild swimming.
  • Massage services.

6 of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France within easy reach:

  • Curemonte (where Les Noyers is located), Turenne, Collognes-la-Rouge, Autoire, Loubressac and Carennac

Shopping:

  • There is a small village shop within walking distance of the Château.
  • Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne  is a beautiful Roman village which is five kilometres away – many shops, supermarket petrol, and restaurants, lively markets

Location

By Air:

  • Brive la Gaillarde airport 25 minutes drive.
  • Limoges 90 minutes drive.
  • Bergerac 90 minutes drive.
  • Toulouse airport 2.5 hours drive.

By Train:

  • High-speed SNCF rail service to Brive la Gaillarde from Paris Austerlitz.

By Car:

  • From Paris via the A20 Autoroute, Château du Lac is about 5 hours.

Please note that the map is only a general indicator of location

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What Sarah thinks:

“I haven’t in my years of travelling come across anything quite so romantic as this little gem of a gatehouse in the shadow of a beautiful Chateau. Lovely for one couple, but two can enjoy it too.”

Client Reviews:

“The Dordogne is the stuff of fairytales – the area’s all medieval chateaux, picturesque rivers and immaculate rose gardens.  Once upon a time, the owners of a 15th century stately home transformed the two bedroom gatehouse into a cosy love nest and we couldn’t be happier to have discovered what feels like a deliciously well kept secret.  With a distinctly romantic vibe to every little detail, from the dreamy views of peacocks near the adjacent lake to the champagne on ice and flowers on arrival, the Honeymoon Gatehouse certainly lives up to its name.  Inside there are three floors of gorgeous rustic chic to discover.  Play prince and princess in the master bedroom, complete with a giant four poster bed draped in white voile, or laze the day away messing about on the river in a boat, sampling pastries from the nearby market and stargazing from your private deck at night.  We even woke to a breakfast hamper delivered by the Chateau Fairy (yes, she really is called that) and although we didn’t spot her wings, she did bring delicious artisan breads, croissants and strawberries.  If you really have to leave, catch a ride in a hot air balloon from the grounds and simply drift off into the distance at sunset.”

Conde Nast Brides Magazine 

“Thank you!  Such a gorgeous home, in a gorgeous location, run by gorgeous people!  We love it – thanks for all your help.”

“Our second trip, the first in winter enjoying the roaring fireplace, the second in summer enjoying the lovely outdoor spaces in the sunshine!”

“What an experience!  Do we have to go back to real life?  The Gatehouse is fabulous, everything and more we could have dreamed of.  Thankyou for your hospitality.  Quite possibly the most unique and stunning place we have ever stayed.  Highly recommended.”

“Stepped into a fairytale – loved our stay and can’t wait to return.”

“My children and I have had the most wonderful time here at the Gatehouse.  The stream, the grounds, the geese – all a delight.  Thankyou!”