Chateau Cayrefour

Description

Chateau Cayrefour, situated near Sarlat in the Black Perigord region of the Dordogne, is a rustic paradise set in 20 acres of land. Facilities include a swimming pool, private garden and trampoline. The residents include goats, deer and even a few donkeys! This chateau rental boasts nine bedrooms: six in the chateau and a further three in the pigionnier, sleeping 18 guests in total.
The castle tower dates as far back as the mid 12th century. It was built as a gift to a local family who had lent their support to the French Aquitaine, who were allied to Eleanor and her English husband Richard the Lionheart in their struggle against the French king Louis VII. Extensive modifications to the Chateau Cayrefour were added towards the end of 17th century.
This property can be rented along with the Maison Du Parc, which has a further eight bedrooms, allowing a total of 34 guests.


#### Features
Two independent, but closely situated properties boast a total of 18 double or twin bedrooms. The chateau (with the pigeonnier) is available for hire either separately or alongside la maison du parc for groups of up to 34. Properties each have their own swimming pool and private garden/grounds. Fifteen of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms, and four have 4-poster beds. Each property has its own living room and kitchen with all mod-cons (including washing machine), whilst internet access is available in the chateau.
The Chateau has seven elegant en-suite bedrooms with a large kitchen, living room, dining room (seats 24), study and all mod-cons, including gas central heating. The garden is partly shaded by chestnut trees and boasts a swimming pool (secured) and garden furniture.
The Pigeonnier, although structurally part of the chateau, nonetheless manages to retain an air of privacy and individuality. It is centrally heated, making it a cosy getaway during the long winter months. The living room gives way to a fitted kitchen with all modern amenities including washing machine, dryer and microwave. Upstairs there are two bedrooms (the double room has a cot), and an attractive bathroom with separate WC. A cosy attic room makes a fine bolt-hole for a teenager.
Outside numerous walking and cycling paths lead out from the chateau grounds in every direction. The chateau itself is situated at the summit of a hill and boasts 30 acres of rolling grounds with two swimming pools, kitchen gardens, an orchard with pear, fig and cherry trees, trampoline, centennial trees and acres of wilderness and forests. The Big Field is where you'll find the donkeys, deer and resident goat! Wander the grounds or simply relax with a good book and enjoy this haven of tranquillity.

#### Location
The nearest airports are Brive-Souillac (26 km) and Bergerac (60 km), but Toulouse and Bordeaux are also both available 150km away.
The setting of the Chateau Cayrefour is simply breathtaking: expect tree-lined hills, valleys, vineyards, walnut groves, orchards, maize and sunflower fields, foie gras farms, imposing chateaux and ancient villages and towns. The locals here are warm-hearted and friendly and the buzzword is food – you'll find a wealth of choice from chic gourmet to traditional family restaurants serving home-spun delicacies.
Cazoules is the closest village only a short walk away. It has a great boulangerie and bar restaurant. Souillac (3km) is a delightful town, only 5 minutes by car, with delightful streets, quaint little shops and its main draw, the twelfth-century church of Ste-Marie. Romanesque sculptures and carvings grace the interior of this massive domed structure. The mechanical doll museum is good for some light relief, and particularly suited for children.
The Saturday morning market in Sarlat's market square is renowned for its vibrancy and buzz. Stunning medieval, Gothic, and 17th C architecture line the streets, and a gorgeous square in the front of the Cathedral is a fine vantage point to observe the various goings-on and is also host to some good restaurants. Concerts and plays are held here during the summer months. A stunning medieval fort tops the cliff above Beynac and the river (20 minutes by car). The village is nestled at the foot of the cliff and rises in stages up to the castle. In medieval times the only way to access the village would have been by river. On the other sides, a 200 drop and the fort's double wall would have protected against any invaders.
The famous wine-growing centre of Bergerac is an hour by car from the chateau. The neighbouring areas of Pecharmant to the north and Monbazillac to the south make fine red and sweet white wines, respectively. The white is particularly recommended, and makes a fine accompaniment to foie gras, pastries, or simply by itself.
Top Ten Things To Do In The Dordogne: 1. Hire a canoe on the river. 2. Visit the caves at La Cave, Domme or Lascaux. The latter, situated near Montignac, contains 17,000 year-old Cro-Magnon animal paintings. 3. Stroll through the grounds and meet the donkeys and deer. Try your hand at horse riding, cycling, walking, climbing, caving or golf. Bounce on our trampoline! 4. Take a day-trip to Limoges, Brive, Cahors, Toulouse or even Paris. 5. Take a day-trip to Sarlat, La Roque Gageac – perhaps one of France's prettiest villages, Rocamadour or Martel. 6. Visit Cordes, the jewel of the bastides. 7. Visit a vineyard in Bordeaux. 8. Relax beside the swimming pools and make a barbecue. 9. Visit the gardens of le Manoir D'Eyrignac. 10. Eat beside the river at Brantome.