Description
This outstanding historic château, awarded five stars by the Périgord board, allows you to experience the very best of Dordogne. Set in over 60 acres of glorious grounds of woodland, fields and even a lake, Château des Lauzes offers beautiful accommodation between the Vézère and Dordogne rivers, a short drive from some of the region’s most incredible sights.
The château dates back to the 17th-century and is typically Périgordian in style with its towers, windows and shutters; look out for the locally sourced limestone, lauzes, protecting the roofs. There’s an air of fairy-tale charm as you wander around the grounds, gazing at the mesmerising château framed by ancient trees and splashes of summer colour from the terracotta pots, hanging baskets and gardens.
Inside, the historic ambience continues across the two wings and separate pigeonnier, over which nine bedrooms are scattered. In the oldest wing, a sumptuous lounge by the open fire awaits and a dining room with space for every guest is wonderful for feasts prepared in the well-equipped kitchen. Five elegant bedrooms can be found in this wing including a grand master suite at the top of one of the towers with panoramic views from each of the four windows.
The second wing and separate Pigeonnier offer a further four bedrooms, some with pretty balconies or terraces as well as a large living room leading on to a delightful round terrace with remarkable valley views. Throughout both wings of the château, the newly renovated bedrooms have been thoughtfully styled with antique furnishings and pretty touches to create a grand yet homely ambience.
Yet this château isn’t just about its history and Dordogne charm, the facilities will amaze you too. Downstairs there’s an impressive cinema room; bring your own DVDs and Blu-rays or watch a film on Netflix - kids will love the twinkling lights on the ceiling! There’s also an indoor hot tub and a bar service you can request.
Summers can be spent by the swimming pool, perhaps preparing lunch in the lovely Pool House and enjoying it under the gazebo in this gorgeous setting. Wander over to the lake with its own boat and skip over the bridge to a little island with its enchanting summer house. Not to mention the many acres of fields and woodland; look out for old pine trees, chestnuts, weeping willows and the magnificent planes that greet you as you arrive.
Once you leave this rural retreat you will discover how close you are to so many sights of the Périgord Noir. Within a 10-minute drive you can be on the banks of the Dordogne, hiring canoes or enjoying a riverside picnic, perhaps with produce picked up from the Sunday morning market in the local medieval village, just 4km away.
Other amazing places to visit include archetypal riverside villages such as Domme, Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac, some offering boat trips along the Dordogne, as well as the magnificent town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. The Vézère valley is also so close, as is the market town of Le Bugue and Les Eyzies with its pre-historic treasures.
The delightful château owners can guide you on some of the most wonderful highlights whether you’re seeking history, nature or fine food and wine. How ever you spend your time, the beauty of the château and surrounding area is breathtaking. /n Security deposit /n €1200 paid via bank transfer to the owner before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. /n Arrival time /n 5.00 p.m. /n Departure time /n 9.00 a.m. /n Energy costs included? /n Yes. /n Heating costs included? /n Extra €750 per week, on request (payable locally). /n End of stay cleaning included? /n Yes and mid-stay clean included for stays of more than one week. Please note guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. /n Linen & towels included? /n Yes and changed mid-stay for stays of more than one week. /n Pool towels included? /n Yes. /n Pool opening dates? /n The pool is open approximately May to end-October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. /n Pool heating charge? /n No. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. /n Pets welcome? /n Not allowed. /n Smoking Allowed? /n No. /n Changeover day /n Saturday. All other changeover days on request. /n Minimum stay /n 7 nights or 4/5 nights in May and October (on request). All other durations on request. /n Other Ts and Cs /n Weddings and other special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Stag/hen parties are not permitted. /n Security deposit /n /n Other Ts and Cs /n Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. /n Other Ts and Cs /n Quiet and non-intrusive owners live in a lodge on the estate, they will be very happy to help. /n Tax /n French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). /n Insurance /n Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, public liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. /n Pool heating charge? /n No. The pool will be heated during colder periods and can also be heated on request during the summer months. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.
