Chateau De Culas

Description

Built in the 12th century by the Knights Templar as a fortress protecting the land against pillaging Saracens, this château in the French Riviera is now a stunning holiday retreat with a dramatic backdrop within the French Alps. Hosting up to 18 guests across the seven-bedroom home, this château is ideal for friends or families travelling together. The château has been uniquely renovated to include all the comforts of home, not to mention superbly designed bathrooms with craftsman-style features, the well-appointed kitchen, elegant sitting rooms and charming outdoor lounge and dining spaces. Set on 11 private acres, guests will enjoy relaxing dips in the heated private pool, plus hiking trails straight from the château with views that will never be forgotten. The château's hilltop location provides ultimate peace and tranquillity, with no neighbours in sight. However, when in need of a bit of culture, the village of Saint Andre les Alpes is just over 2km away, with shops, delicious cuisine and village tours. The highlight of the area has to be Lake Castillon, with pristine turquoise waters that make it one of the most popular watersports lakes in France. The château not only offers beautiful aerial views of the lake, but exclusive access to a private beach as well!

The château is situated just over 2km from the village of Saint André les Alpes where you will find three bakeries, cafes, a supermarket, ATM and petrol station. There are also great restaurants in the village and locally. There is also a small local market on a Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. There is fishing on the private lake less than 300m away, accessed via a small fairly steep track, or alternatively head 3km by road to the public beach on the other side. Watersports that are available on the lake in the summer include canoes, pedalos, windsurfing, catamarans and stand-up paddle boards. There is also lovely swimming and canoeing opportunities in the river Verdon that flows into the lake. There is horse riding, pony trekking and golf nearby the château. You will also be able to find quad-biking, white-water rafting and canyoning in the area, cycling plus some wonderful trekking opportunities, with some routes straight from the château. Castellane (23km) is an especially great town for those seeking exciting activities, about half an hour away by car. There are also some great flying schools and it's great fun watching the tandem-paragliding nearby if you don't wish to take part! The incredible and famous Verdon Gorge (53km) is just over an hour away, ideal for hikers but can also be enjoyed from your car. There are many beautiful villages in the region for you to discover where you can soak up the Provencal charm and admire their rich history. These include Colmars (32km), Annot (27km), Entrevaux (38km), Moustiers St Marie (70km) and a little further, but worth it, is Sisteron (74km), a delightful village of flowers. Other highlights include the spa towns of Digne (45km) and Gréoux-les-Bains (80km) or head south to the stunning town of Grasse (86km) with its fascinating perfume heritage and marvellous landscapes. Nice, Cannes, Monaco and the French Riviera coast are all within just over 100km of the château for a brilliant day-out.

Château Interiors Ground Floor - Entrance and hallway with grand piano - Living room (via steps) - Billiard room - Kitchen, well-equipped - Bathroom (in the château tower) with bath and toilet First Floor - Family bedroom with king-size double bed, two singles and bathroom (in tower) with bath and toilet - Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath and toilet - Bedroom with queen-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath, shower, toilet and balcony - Bedroom with queen-size double bed and en suite bathroom Second Floor - Bridal suite with queen-size double bed and open bathroom with bath, two showers and toilet - Bedroom with queen-size double bed, bathroom (in tower) with shower and toilet. Stairs leading to mezzanine attic level with queen-size double bed - Bedroom with twin beds (can be joined as a double) and open bathroom with shower and toilet - Open-plan hallway with living area and library Basement - Vaulted stone cellar/wine and food tasting room Outside Grounds - Heated swimming pool (14mx7m) with safety fencing. Open mid-May to mid-September. - BBQ and bar area - Al-fresco dining area with sound system - South-facing garden terrace - 11 acres of private land - 5-person jacuzzi - Gym Facilities - Wi-Fi - Heating - Satellite TV - DVD player - Music system - Cinema room - Gym - Jacuzzi - Grand piano - Washing machines and dryers