Château du Lac, nr Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne

Château du Lac, situated in the Dordogne region of the South West of France, is a 15th century fairytale Château hideaway set in idyllic grounds and providing the ultimate getaway from which to explore everything that the region has to offer.  (In fact there has been a château on the site for around 800 years).  Within ten kilometers are many other 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”.

The Château was owned by Les Comtes de Ferriers from the 17th century until the Rev0lution.  It was then acquired around 1930 by a Scottish couple, Diarmid Campbell-Johnston, who made extensive restorations including the rebuilding of the Gatehouse and the creation of a large terrace above the entrance courtyard. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were their guests on several occasions.  During the Second World War, the castle was used by the French Resistance to welcome fugitives, especially airmen.

In 2003 it was sold again and completely renovated by the new English owner who fell in love with the honey-stone, “witch’s hat” turrets, spiral staircases, stunning 18th century panelling and chapel set in 35 acres of gorgeous private and secure grounds.

Overlooking an ornamental swimming lake fed by the bubbling waters of the Menoire river, the Château has been completely renovated and now provides accommodation on three floors (with a self contained guardian’s apartment on the top floor), accessed by the large stone internal staircase and another spiral one at the other end of the château. The terrace was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century after removing a large part of the servants’ quarters and stables.

The rooms are furnished with a stunning collection of priceless antique furniture ranging from a Jacobean dining table to Elizabethan Italian portraits.  The dining hall has a beamed ceiling, rough stone walls and a fireplace – in fact there are fireplaces in most of the rooms!

Of particular note is the wonderful Grand Salon on the first floor which has access to the large terrace built by the famous American architect, Barry Dierks.   On this same floor is the Master Bedroom and the red Four Poster room where Marechal Ney stayed.

There are three further double ensuite Bedrooms on the second floor, two of which overlook the lake and the other overlooks the terrace outside the kitchen.  These are approached by the long top landing with walls lined with books (and some gym equipment if people should be so inclined!)