Chateau Des Lauzes

Description

This outstanding historic chateau allows you to experience the very best of Dordogne. Set in over 60 acres of glorious grounds of woodland, fields and even a lake, Chateau des Lauzes offers beautiful accommodation between the Vezere and Dordogne rivers, a short drive from some of the region's most incredible sights.

The chateau dates back to the 17th-century and is typically Perigordian 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 chateau 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 chateau, the newly renovated bedrooms have been thoughtfully styled with antique furnishings and pretty touches to create a grand yet homely ambience.

Yet this chateau 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 Perigord 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-Caneda. The Vezere valley is also so close, as is the market town of Le Bugue and Les Eyzies with its pre-historic treasures.

The delightful chateau 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 chateau and surrounding area is breathtaking.

#### Features
Chateau Interiors
North Wing
Ground Floor

- Living room with open fireplace and doors opening up to sun terrace and patio
- Dining room with table for 18 guests and doors opening up to sun terrace
- Kitchen, well-equipped (including four Miele ovens)
- Guest WC (via a couple of steps)

Tower (accessed via turret stairs)

- Master bedroom with super king-size bed, living area and bathroom (on floor below) with WC, bath, separate shower, double marble vanity unit and a dressing room

First Floor (main building)

- Bedroom 2 with king-size double bed
- En-suite bathroom with bath, shower cubicle, hand basin and WC
- Bedroom 3 with two double beds (accessed via bedroom 2 or bedroom 4 only)

Central Tower (accessed via turret stairs)

- Bedroom 4 with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath with shower attachment, hand basin and WC
- Bedroom 5 with super king-size double bed (or two singles) and en suite bathroom with bath, shower attachment, hand basin and WC

South Wing

Upper Floors (over three floors)

- Living area with doors leading to small round terrace
- Dining area
- WC
- Kitchen with doors leading to large terrace
- Bedroom 7 with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath, shower attachment, hand basin and WC. Door leading to small terrace (with stairs leading to lower gardens)
- Bedroom 8 with two single beds (or super king-size double) and an adjacent library
- Bedroom 9 with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath, shower attachment, hand basin and WC. Doors lead to small terrace with seating area

Basement

- Cinema room
- Hot tub with changing room and shower
- Bar (on request)
- WC
Separate Pigeonnier

- Bathroom with large shower, hand basin and WC (lower floor, separate access)
- Bedroom 6 with double bed (upper floor)

Outside Grounds

- Swimming pool (12mx6m, depth: 1m-2.1m) with safety alarm. Open approximately May to end-October
- Poolside terrace with sun loungers, tables and chairs
- Poolside gazebo with lounge chairs
- Pool House with shower, WC, kitchen area, fridge, gas hob, oven and microwave
- Barbecue
- Kids play area with swing and trampoline
- Table tennis
- Golf buggy (for up to 4 people) to take you around the grounds
- Lake (no fishing)
- Lake house with outdoor seating area (via bridge over to an island on the lake)
- Gardens, fields and forest (over 60 acres, including connecting hiking and cycling paths)
Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- Satellite TV (including English channels)
- Indoor hot tub
- Cinema room (DVD/Blu-ray or Netflix)
- DVD collection
- Bar (on request only with advance notice)
- Washing machine and dryer

#### Location
Set in over 60 acres of vast grounds featuring fields, forests and a small lake, Chateau des Lauzes enjoys an incredible location in the heart of the Perigord Noir, between the Vezere and Dordogne rivers. There are walking and mountain biking trails in the estate which lead to other paths in the neighbouring countryside.

Despite this rural location, you are near two villages, the nearest being 3.5km with a couple of good restaurants and a bakery.

The other village, 4km away, is set on the hillside above the Dordogne river. Explore the old town, dating back to the 12th century, wandering around the steep lanes and perhaps stopping off for a coffee in a charming cafe or a spot of lunch. This medieval village has an interesting history and there is lots of beautiful architecture to admire as well as amazing valley and river views from the top. There's a lovely market on a Sunday morning which shouldn't be missed. There are also supermarkets and shops in a commercial area around the village which are useful amenities to have so close, just a ten-minute drive away.

Within ten minutes you can also be on the banks of the Dordogne river, hiring canoes and kayaks or simply sitting by the riverside with a picnic of regional delights picked up from a local market. There are boat trips along the Dordogne river, departing from some of the idyllic riverside villages such as Beynac-et-Cazenac (14km) and La Roque-Gageac (19km).

The Vezere river is also a wonderful spot for canoeing with Le Bugue (12km) just fifteen minutes by car (visit on a Tuesday morning for market day!). Not to mention the amazing pre-historic attractions across the Vezere valley, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The village of Les Eyzies is only 8km away with its Musee National de Prehistoire.

There are also many fascinating caves in the area to explore - the most famous being pre-historic Lascaux, 30km away, with others even nearer such as the Gouffre de Proumeyssac (10km).
Not to mention the Dordogne's awe-inspiring chateaux, some of which are possible to visit such as Chateau de Beynac (16km) and Chateau des Milandes (14km) with its wonderful gardens. Garden lovers should also visit Les Jardins de Marqueyssac (17km) or the incredible Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac (33km).

Sarlat-la-Caneda (20km) is known for its beautiful architecture, excellent restaurants and wonderful markets. Some of the France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages' are also nearby such as Domme (24km), Saint-Amand-de-Coly (37km) and Monpazier (35km).