Click image for all photos

About The Experience

Imagine a place that was "brilliantly designed" and "a real gem." Sounds pretty intriguing, right? Well, you'll find that those are the exact words used to describe this vacation rental in France by previous guests who just loved it! Bordering the Dronne River, this self-catering accommodation near Chenaud has a peaceful and pleasant setting in the beautiful countryside. Incredible, stunning, and lovingly restored, this is just the place to spend the holidays in France!

Location Description

Located on the border of the Dordogne and Charente regions of Southern France, this charming chateau is located just outside of the medieval village of Chenaud (population of 340). The area is a quiet little valley on the west side of the Dordogne region. There is a bakery and butcher shop less than 5 km south in St. Aulaye; 5 km north there is a good grocery store in Chalais.

Nearby Attractions: The property is situated in the center of the largest wine producing area of France: Bordeaux, Bergerac and Cognac. Saint-Emilion is only a 45-minute drive away. The countryside is ideal for walking and biking – in the hilly fields, the forest of the banks of the Dronne River. Close to St. Aulaye, there's a nature reserve: La Jemaye. There are markets throughout the area, with a large market in Riberac on Friday; on Sunday there is a big antique market in Bordeaux. Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is listed as one of the “most beautiful villages of France”.

Bordeaux: 69 km
Angouleme: 59 km
Perigueux: 50 km
Riberac: 19.2 km
Aubeterre sur Dronne: 9.6 km
St. Aulaye: 4.8 km
Chalais: 4.8 km

Exterior Description

2.6 hectares (6.4 acres): The chateau was built in the 17th century, with the foundation dating back to 1090. In the 18th and 19th century the chateau was enlarged with 2 more parts. All sections are attached to each other with 3-foot thick walls. The different styles of the various constructions are visible, which lends an attractive rambling aspect to the building. For example, in the 17th century the cellar, now used for wine storage, was the kitchen. The original details are still visible. The property is accessed via a quiet little road that connects two small villages. The graveled courtyard leads to the house, barn and garden. The backyard overlooks the winding Dronne River where there is a dock (4m x 7m) where guests can sit and to enjoy the riverside and the canoes passing by. The large garden is completely private; the north, south and west sides consist of typical large French walls; the river Dronne is on the east side of the property. The south of the property has a splendid view of the 12th century Roman church of Chenaud. There is garden furniture in both sunny and shaded areas of the garden. There are huge 100-year old oak and line trees, as well as apple, peach, cherry, prune and chestnut trees. New plantain trees have been planted. At the far end of the garden is a little pond. This apartment is located in the part of the chateau built in the 18th century. This section has been tastefully decorated with antiques and exquisite fabrics, combined with pieces of modern European art. All bedrooms still have the original fireplaces, but due to safety reasons they are not useable.

Interior Description

(275 m2)

Ground Floor: One enters the entrance hall with floor tiles and wooden beams from the 17th century. From this hall one can access the living area, a bedroom, and a bathroom with a washing machine and dryer. The living area includes a large fireplace (wood is available for an extra cost), a fully equipped kitchen with a blender, mixer, roaster and other appliances, dining table and comfortable seating close to the fireplace. The decor is a combination of antique and modern art. The bedroom has a king-size bed (or twin-beds, depending upon the preference), 300-year old oak floors, built-in electronic safe, and a small wash basin. The bathroom, separate from the bedroom, has a WC, shower, sink, washing machine and dryer, and radiant floor heating.

First Floor: From the hall there is access to the 300-year old staircase to the first floor. From the landing there is a wonderful view over the Dronne River. From here there are three spacious bedrooms. The first bedroom, with a safari theme, has a king-size bed, and an ensuite bathroom with a WC, circle-shaped shower, sink and floor heating. This bedroom also has a built-in electronic safe. The second bedroom, decorated in red, has twin-beds which can be made into a king-size bed upon request, and an ensuite bathroom with WC, shower and sink. There is a built-in electronic safe. The third bedroom has twin-beds which can be made into a king-size bed upon request, and an ensuite bathroom with WC, shower, sink and radiant floor heating. The bedroom has a built-in electronic safe. There is central heating and each radiator can be individually adjusted. Because of the 3-foot wide walls, there is no need for air conditioning, as the walls keep the house quite cool in summer.

Features Description

Arrive & Relax: Stocked with enough food to get your group through Saturday night and Sunday, this property allows you to show up, drop your bags, and settle in without a hassle. No searching for a grocery store after that long flight, and no worrying about Sunday store closures. You can deal with the details later… after a meal and a good nights' sleep! Arrive & Relax provisions include:

• Dinner: Tomato sauce, olive oil, and pasta
• Breakfast: Fresh fruit, eggs, and corn flakes
• Lunch: Various cheeses and local bread
• Beverages: Mineral water, orange juice, coke, milk, coffee, tea, and wine (red and white)
• Extras: sugar, salt, butter, jam, napkins, dishwasher tablets, and toilet paper

Extra Services: The following are listed as an aid for trip planning; the services and prices are approximate and cannot be guaranteed by Rentvillas. All extra services are payable locally in cash.

• Child's bed: Upon request
• Wood for the fireplace is extra and paid locally.

Please Note:

• The property is not well suited for handicapped people.
• Because of the river, children must be watched closely.

Features and Amenities

Free Parking on Premises Outside Area - Shared Outside Dining CD player Internet - Wireless

Clothes Dryer Dishwasher Hair Dryer Iron and Board Microwave Oven Washing Machine Fireplace - Indoor Firewood Available - Extra Cost Heating - Whole House Portable Baby Crib/Play Pen - Upon Request Safe Welcome Basket

Arrival Times

Please note: Official Arrival Times:

• Sat 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Conditions *