Chateau Gastebois

Description

Chateau Gastebois has been sitting above the Dropt River for over 400 years, occupying its place on a hill at the centre of the Bordeaux and Bergerac wine regions and between the small market towns of Eymet and Issigeac.

It was built during the reign of Henry IV and the grounds were awarded by the King to the family for loyal service to the court. Its noble past can be felt in the original paneled dining room; the work of the same master craftsman who also worked on many rooms at the Chateau de Versailles. However guests may prefer to dine alfresco on one of the beautiful terraces. The house is filled with antiques, yet feels like a family home which oozes elegant charm and character and plenty of comfort.
Enjoy privacy and tranquility in this meticulously maintained property set in 32 acres of gardens, woodlands, and tended grounds. Within the estate there is a private swimming pool, a tennis court and impressive yoga facilities. Table tennis is provided as well as grassy areas ideal for croquet and badminton. There are several lovely paths for walking within the estate.
First class wineries abound and the hosts are always delighted to organise wine tours or tastings. The area surrounding the house provides a plethora of activities including horse-back riding, canoeing, fishing and boat rides on the Dordogne river. Many historic chateaux are a short drive from the house.
Chateau Gastebois sleeps a maximum of 16 guests in 9 spacious bedrooms between the main house (the Manoir) and the the separate guest house (Le Pigeonnier). Additional guests may be accepted on request for an extra charge. Please enquire.
Good news! This property is available as a Vill'otelYey! Wait… what is that?
It's the perfect combo of the privacy of your own personal villa, with all the luxury and convenience of a hotel. What's included?
Breakfast, cleaning, welcome drinks and hamper, plus more! Check the Extras tab for all the details.


#### Features
One enters the Manoir into the main hall which is in traditional Perigordian style. To the right is the Salon Cariele that still has its original tiles and is a superb spot for reading on a warm afternoon. The Salon also has a large table from which buffets are usually placed when dining on the east terrace of the house. Two further grand salons open out on to the east terrace which is an ideal place to relax and enjoy views over the woods and rolling hills surrounding the property as well as to dine on balmy summer evenings. The salons are comfortably furnished with a mixture of new and antique furniture including a grand piano.
Walking straight through the entry hall to the north side of the house you will find a family room complete with satellite TV, DVD player, stereo, internet access, numerous board games (monopoly, chess, backgammon, Cluedo, etc.), a well-stocked library and toys for children. To the left of the entrance hall is the formal panelled dining room with seating for 14 and a magnificent fireplace. Further to the left is the large eat-in kitchen, with a table seating twelve, massive stone fireplace, dishwasher, and all other appliances and amenities. The laundry room in back of the kitchen has a sink, washing and drying machines.
On the first floor are seven luxurious bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms that have been finished to the highest standard. The bedrooms are furnished with antique armoires and chest of drawers; some from the original period of the house. Each bedroom has comfy chairs and writing tables. The ‘blue', ‘yellow', and ‘Chinoise' rooms are equipped with King (European)/Queen (American) size beds. The first floor landing has a cosy space for reading, writing or relaxing. Each of the bedrooms and bathrooms has lovely views over different aspects of the Park.
The guest house called ‘Le Pigeonnier' contains a large sitting/dining room with a TV/DVD player and stereo on the ground floor. Also on the ground floor is a fully equipped kitchen (all appliances, including a dishwasher) and has been recently modernized. Both bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. The first floor master bedroom is furnished with a queen size bed and divan. Washing and drying machines are located on the first floor landing. The second floor bedroom has two twin beds and a sleeping loft. Child cot and baby equipment are available upon request. There is an additional eighth bedroom offering a comfortable and refined stay.
Within the magnificent grounds there are three outdoor eating areas: one in front of the kitchen that benefits from sun the entire day, the second on the east terrace shaded by several mature lime trees, ideal for afternoon tea and buffet suppers, the third is situated at the pool – adjacent to the guest house kitchen and is convenient for luncheons, and late dinners to enjoy the spectacular Dordogne sunsets. To the back of the pool and guest house is a rock garden with a pleasantly gurgling fountain that is a bastion of tranquillity. It enjoys sunshine throughout the day, with a few well-placed trees for shade.
The heated pool and the area surrounding is equipped with sun loungers, occasional tables, umbrellas and large comfy towels. The hard surfaced tennis court sits in a secluded area to the back of the property. Table tennis, croquet and badminton sets are provided. Gorge on beautiful peaches, apricots, plums, cherries, pears, apples and figs from the mature orchards in the park. The various paths throughout the estate are lined with blackberry bushes – providing juicy and delicious fruit. Enjoy walks through the grounds which boast lots of species of mature trees including oaks, cedars, chestnuts, magnolia, elm and Judea.

#### Location
Chateau Gastebois is 19 km from the Bergerac airport which is serviced by several airports in Europe including London Stansted. The house is a one hour drive from Libourne train station, which is easily accessible from Paris. In addition, the house is an hour and a half drive from Bordeaux and two hours from Toulouse (both have major international airports). Avis, Hertz, and Eurocar provide rental car services at Bergerac, Bordeaux and Toulouse airports as well as the Libourne train station. The nearest towns, about a 10 minute drive, are the historic bastide Eymet, and Issigeac, well known for its colourful Sunday morning markets. Guests will find a range of restaurants in each of these towns as well as a post office, pharmacy, banks, petrol stations and well stocked supermarkets.
In the immediate area is a horse riding school, canoeing, fishing in the Dropt and boat tours on the Dordogne. Balloon rides can be arranged as a great way to get a panoramic view of the exquisite Dordogne valley. A 10 pin bowling alley is 15 minutes by car. Two world class golf courses are within a one hour drive. You will be provided with maps of historic walks showcasing the natural beauty of the region as well as many of the churches, bastides and other buildings of note. The valley is a regular spot for keen biking enthusiasts because of the gently rolling hills. A spectacular son et lumeire show of the re-enactment of the 100 years war battle at Castillon is a short journey by car.
The region boasts the world renowned Bergerac appellation wine area which covers 12,700 hectares. Wine has been produced in the region for well over 400 years. Wine enthusiasts will find similar grapes to those found in the Bordeaux region including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec reds; Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet whites. Many vineyards welcome visitors and offer tastings. The formal ‘route de vin' maps out a plan of the vineyards in the area. Contact Oliver's VIP Concierge to arrange tastings and to get winery recommendations. The Dordogne is the supplier of almost half of France's fine produce including truffles, cepes and foie gras, which are available at the Metairie adjoining the estate.
The area is awash with sightseeing opportunities. Historical chateaux, gardens and bastides are abundant in the region – you will be provided with guides not only to the major sights, but also to the gems that are off the beaten track. A favourite outing for guests is to the prehistoric caves at Lascaux, which is about an hour and a half drive through magnificent emerald green countryside. Ancient towns such as Sarlat and Perigeux are well known for their cathedrals and are excellent for shopping and antiquing.