Chateau Des Puys | 5-Bedroom Chateau with Private Pool in Chard

Ten guests across five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a heated swimming pool that opens each June—Chateau Des Puys sits on the edge of the Forêt de Drouill in the Creuse department, where rural France still feels genuinely untouched. This 17th- and 18th-century estate belongs to an international artist and overlooks uninterrupted countryside views toward characterful villages, lakes, and forest walks that stretch for kilometers in every direction. The closest village—just five minutes by car—holds a boulangerie, butcher, and restaurant-bar; Auzances, a proper small town, sits 13km away with its own markets, tennis courts, and fishing lake.

Inside Chateau Des Puys

Chateau Des Puys sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, distributed across multiple floors connected by steep stone staircases that speak to the building’s centuries of history. The main wing opens into a drawing room with high ceilings and original cornicing underfoot—oak flooring runs throughout the principal rooms. The kitchen and dining area function as the heart of daily life: a fully-equipped space with professional-grade range, dishwasher, large refrigerator, and a substantial oak table that seats the whole party. Doors from here lead directly onto the terrace, dissolving the boundary between indoor cooking and outdoor dining.

A library and office sit on the ground floor for those who need to work, alongside a dedicated laundry room. Bedrooms occupy the upper floors with varying configurations. The first double bedroom comes with an en suite bathroom featuring both bath and separate WC; a second double bedroom shares an en suite (bath and WC) with the adjacent twin bedroom on the same floor. Two further twin bedrooms sit on an upper level, accessed via steep internal steps—one shares a ground floor bathroom (with bath and separate toilet) with the other. A single bedroom, also reached via steep steps, completes the sleeping arrangements. Fireplaces dot the interior; designer furniture and carefully curated pieces reflect the artistic ownership of the property.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds extend across landscaped gardens that shift between formal herb and rose beds, a productive vegetable garden, and an established orchard. A water feature adds ambient movement and sound to the garden experience. Two pergola structures define outdoor living: one shelters an al-fresco dining setup ideal for evening meals under open sky, while the second overlooks the heated swimming pool (dimensions 12 metres by 4.5 metres, depth ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 metres) with adjacent lounge chairs and hammocks for afternoon reading. The pool operates roughly June through late September and features an electric safety cover.

A dedicated pool house beside the water contains Wi-Fi access and a music system—transforming poolside hours into something between resort leisure and private retreat. A barbecue area permits open-fire cooking; bikes lean ready for exploring local lanes and forest tracks. Children’s amenities include a trampoline, swing, and slide positioned safely within the garden boundaries. A table tennis table occupies covered space for rainy-day entertainment. Electric gates secure the perimeter; a dedicated parking area accommodates multiple vehicles.

Location: Creuse and the Surrounding Region

Chateau Des Puys occupies a position near the border between the Creuse and Puy-de-Dôme departments, approximately 58km north-west of Clermont-Ferrand and around 90 minutes from the Limousin region. This location offers the rare combination of genuine rural isolation—the nearest village provides essential services but little beyond—alongside accessibility to significant cultural and natural attractions within 30 to 45 minutes’ drive.

Two other small villages sit within 5 to 10 minutes, though the real retail hub stands at Auzances (13km), where a supermarket serves practical needs and an animal park with Gallo-Roman remains offers family exploration. La Sioule River, famous for its walks and dramatic waterfall formations at Montfermy (35km away), provides a full day’s worth of outdoor activity—paths follow the water through forested sections with swimming holes and riverside picnic spots. Lac des Fades, roughly 30 minutes south, transforms seasonally: peaceful for spring walks and lakeside picnics in quieter months, but alive with kayaking, paddle-boarding, sailing, and jet-ski rentals during peak summer weeks.

The Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne dominates the landscape to the south-east. Its four volcanic massifs draw experienced hikers and cyclists toward challenging terrain; the famous Puy de Dôme can be reached either by climbing (roughly 1,465 metres) or via a rack-style railway that covers 5.2km to the summit. Hot air balloon rides offer an alternative perspective across the volcanic landscape. Vulcania, a theme park dedicated to volcanology, sits 43km away near Clermont-Ferrand and suits families with children interested in geological processes.

Évaux-les-Bains (30km) functions as a spa town with thermal waters and Belle Époque architecture; Aubusson (45km) holds international fame for its historical tapestries and textile heritage. Château de Villemonteix, outside the village of Chénérailles (44km), represents another castle worth an afternoon visit. Montluçon (55km) carries official designation as one of France’s “towns of art and history,” with medieval quarters and 19th-century mansions reflecting its industrial past. Clermont-Ferrand itself, 58km away, ranks among France’s oldest cities with much of its architecture constructed from local volcanic basalt.

When exploring this region, consider our collection of luxury villas in France, or browse more options in villas in Creuse. For inspiration on how to spend your time, read our comprehensive France travel guide and explore our full collection of luxury properties across the country.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Chateau Des Puys functions exceptionally well for multi-generational family groups—parents, grandparents, and school-age children seeking a home base for rural exploration without daily resort crowds. The five separate bedrooms accommodate different privacy preferences, while the trampoline, swing, slide, and table tennis provide entertainment independent of parental supervision. Families with infants benefit from provided pushchair and baby bath.

Groups of friends or couples in their 40s and 50s seeking sophisticated rural retreat discover what they need here: professional-grade kitchen facilities for cooking enthusiasts, a library-office for those unwilling to fully disconnect, and a heated pool for the shoulder seasons (June and September, when temperatures cool). Hikers and cyclists will base themselves comfortably and explore the volcanic parks and river walks daily. The property also accommodates smaller celebrations—anniversaries, milestone birthdays—where the grounds and dining pergola stage intimate gatherings without hotel formality.

Those uncomfortable with steep internal staircases should clarify bedroom assignments before booking; the ground floor holds limited sleeping options (essentially one bedroom practically situated), though the main living areas remain fully accessible.

Practical Information

Chateau Des Puys accommodates 10 guests maximum across 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The property operates year-round, though the heated swimming pool functions only June through late September. Maid service is available by arrangement. Fast fibre Wi-Fi covers the entire building and extends to the pool house. Smart TV provides both English and French broadcast channels; DVDs and a DVD player deliver entertainment during wet weather.

The nearest significant airport is Clermont-Ferrand International (58km away), with an approximate transfer time of 60 minutes by car. Limousin Airport sits around 90 minutes away. Auzances supermarket (13km) handles grocery shopping; the nearby village provides daily essentials like bread and fresh vegetables. The property includes heating, utilities, linens, towels, and pool heating within the rental price. Check-in and check-out flexibility can typically be negotiated during the booking process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chateau Des Puys

How many guests does Chateau Des Puys sleep?

Chateau Des Puys accommodates 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The bedroom breakdown includes: one double bedroom with en suite, one double bedroom with en suite, three twin bedrooms (with one sharing a ground floor bathroom with another twin bedroom on a different floor), and one single bedroom. Steep internal staircases connect the floors, so families with mobility concerns should discuss room assignments when booking.

What is the nearest airport to Chateau Des Puys?

Clermont-Ferrand International Airport stands 58km away—approximately 60 minutes by car via standard roads. Limousin Airport offers another option, roughly 90 minutes driving distance, though it handles fewer international routes. Both airports have car rental facilities; transfer services can be arranged through the villa management.

What is the best time of year to rent Chateau Des Puys?

June through September offers the warmest weather and allows full use of the heated swimming pool. May and early October provide pleasant spring and autumn conditions for hiking and cycling around the volcanic parks—fewer crowds and dramatic seasonal light. July and August bring peak tourist season to the region, so expect busier markets and restaurant tables; shoulder months (June, September) combine comfortable temperatures with quieter conditions. Winter is cold but quiet, ideal for those seeking solitude around the fireplace, though pool use remains impossible.

Is Chateau Des Puys suitable for families with children?

Yes, provided families manage the steep internal staircases carefully—children should be old enough to navigate stone steps safely, or ground floor arrangements negotiated. The property provides a trampoline, swing, slide, pushchair, and baby bath, plus children’s books, videos, DVDs, and board games. The heated pool (1.2–1.8 metres deep) requires competent swimmers or constant supervision. Auzances, 13km away, offers an animal park with Gallo-Roman remains. Lac des Fades (30 minutes) provides family-friendly walks and summer water activities. Vulcania theme park (43km) focuses on volcanology and appeals to children aged 8 and upwards.

What is included in the rental price at Chateau Des Puys?

Utilities, heating, fast fibre Wi-Fi, pool heating (when in season), linens, towels, Smart TV with English and French channels, DVD player with DVD library, board games, children’s books and videos, pushchair, and baby bath are included. Maid service is available but typically arranged separately. Garden produce (vegetables, herbs, fruits from the orchard) may be available depending on season and prior agreement.

What restaurants and shops are near Chateau Des Puys?

The closest village (5 minutes by car) contains a boulangerie, butcher, and restaurant-bar. Auzances (13km, approximately 15 minutes) is a proper market town with a supermarket, tennis courts, horseback riding, and the animal park. Montluçon (55km) holds numerous restaurants reflecting its “town of art and history” status. Aubusson (45km) and Évaux-les-Bains (30km) each support restaurants, cafés, and local markets. The region lacks major retail chains but compensates with weekly local markets stocked with regional produce—ask the villa management for market days in nearby villages.