Chateau Chaumeton | 6-Bedroom Chateau in Sainte-Florence Ruch

A working vineyard stretches across 4.5 hectares surrounding your accommodation in Sainte-Florence, and the medieval fortification rising from that landscape has weathered more than 600 years of French history. Fourteen guests, distributed across six bedrooms, arrive at Chateau Chaumeton expecting a castle experience—and the moment you pass through those 15th-century stone walls, the expectation becomes reality. This isn’t theme-park recreation. The two original towers remain. The exposed stonework is authentic. The restoration is contemporary enough to install air-conditioning in every bedroom, yet respectful enough to preserve the wood-beam ceilings and fireplace heritage.

Inside Chateau Chaumeton

Chateau Chaumeton sleeps 14 guests across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, distributed across three floors of the main residence plus a converted poolside barn and separate games barn.

Ground Floor: The living spaces anchor the castle’s heart. A lounge commands a substantial stone fireplace—the kind of architectural feature that makes you understand why families gathered here centuries ago. The kitchen proves that castle living doesn’t mean sacrificing modern comfort: well-equipped appliances sit alongside another grand stone fireplace and a dining area designed for long family meals. A study with a sofa bed provides flexible accommodation or a quiet retreat, alongside a separate WC.

First Floor: The master bedroom occupies prime position with a king-size bed and an en suite bathroom featuring a freestanding rolltop bathtub and double walk-in shower—the kind of bathroom that transforms morning routine into indulgence. Two additional bedrooms form a family suite: one with twin beds, one with a double bed, both serviced by an en suite bathroom with shower and WC. These rooms work exceptionally well for families travelling with older children or parents.

Second Floor: Four more bedrooms distribute the upper storey. One contains a double bed with an en suite shower room. Another pairs a king-size bed with a partly open-plan en suite shower room. A family room offers flexible sleeping with a double bed and two singles—ideal for younger children sharing quarters. The tower bedroom—the one with the “incredible ceiling” that source descriptions mention but fail to convey—sits here. Standing in that room and looking up at timber centuries old redefines spatial perspective. A family bathroom with shower and WC serves the upper floors.

Poolside Barn: The converted barn adjacent to the heated pool contains a bar and lounge area (pour your own Bordeaux or let the on-site chef do it), an air-conditioned gym for those unwilling to abandon fitness routines, a bathroom with shower, and separate WC.

Games Barn: Separated intentionally from the main house and poolside facilities, this standalone space houses a pool table, air-hockey, babyfoot, and retro arcade machine—essentially a recreation room designed to keep teenagers and competitive adults engaged for hours while parents relax elsewhere.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The heated pool measures 13 metres by 6 metres with a depth ranging from 0.85 to 1.85 metres. An electric safety cover manages the water when not in use. The pool opens approximately May through October, and the water temperature holds at a comfortable warmth year-round during season thanks to heating systems. The surrounding terrace features sun loungers, daybeds, a water feature, and a poolside shower for rinsing off chlorine immediately.

Step away from the pool and the landscape shifts. The 2-hectare manicured garden yields to lawn, orchards, and a small wooded copse that provides shade and birdsong. The boules pitch sits near the terrace. A table tennis table occupies covered space, protecting matches from sudden Aquitaine rain. A yoga pavilion sits amongst the trees with television—ideal for morning sun salutations or evening meditation while vineyard views extend toward the horizon.

The outdoor kitchen comprises a gas plancha and separate barbecue. The al-fresco dining terrace provides substantial seating and can be illuminated at night, transforming evening meals into something between restaurant experience and garden party. As sunset drains the sky of light and the air cools, Bordeaux wines taste differently on a terrace overlooking your own working vineyard than they do anywhere else.

Location: Sainte-Florence and the Surrounding Area

Sainte-Florence sits 16 kilometres south of Saint-Émilion, that UNESCO World Heritage hilltop town whose narrow medieval streets and underground catacombs draw wine pilgrims year-round. The village itself contains a 12th-century church and sits only 400 metres from the château. The nearest village, 2.5 kilometres distant by car, provides a boulangerie and small restaurant—sufficient for basic needs, intimate enough to maintain that isolated-castle feeling.

Castillon-la-Bataille, 6.5 kilometres away on the banks of the Dordogne River, functions as the primary local hub. Markets operate Monday mornings. Restaurants and café-bars line the streets. The Castillon train station connects to Bordeaux (39 minutes), Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (18 minutes), Bergerac (36 minutes), and Saint-Émilion (6 minutes, though requiring a 20-minute uphill walk). Late July and August bring re-enactments of the 1453 Battle of Castillon on Friday and Saturday evenings—a genuinely impressive historical spectacle booking months ahead.

Saint-Jean-de-Blaignac, 5 kilometres south, hosts a Michelin-starred restaurant—closer fine dining than Saint-Émilion’s celebrated La Table de Pavie. Atmospheric markets operate in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (28 kilometres), Duras (30 kilometres), La Réole (30 kilometres), and Monségur (27 kilometres). Bordeaux, Libourne, and Saint-Émilion themselves host major markets with produce, wine, and regional specialities.

Wine exploration extends beyond your own 4.5-hectare vineyard. Pomerol and Sauternes lie 47 kilometres distant. The Médoc peninsula—including Pauillac (100 kilometres) and Margaux (72 kilometres)—requires roughly 90 minutes by car. Étang de Lacanau (107 kilometres) provides freshwater peaceful shores. Arcachon Bay (110 kilometres north) delivers white wine paired with Atlantic oysters and ocean views. The Dordogne River itself permits canoe and kayak exploration from Castillon-la-Bataille downstream.

Major airports include Bordeaux (approximately 50 kilometres, 45 minutes by car) and Bergerac (approximately 40 kilometres, 40 minutes by car). Paris-Bordeaux TGV trains complete the journey in 2 hours 10 minutes from Montparnasse. For destination inspiration, explore our Aquitaine travel guide to understand seasonal highlights and regional specialities. You might also browse our luxury villas in France or our broader full collection across French regions.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families and multi-generational groups: Six bedrooms and flexible layouts accommodate teenagers, children, and grandparents simultaneously. The separate games barn isolates recreation noise from sleeping areas. The games room, pool, yoga pavilion, and outdoor spaces mean nobody needs to compete for attention.

Wine enthusiasts: Your accommodation sits within working vineyard land. Saint-Émilion’s renowned cellars and Pomerol, Sauternes, and Médoc châteaux lie within day-trip distance. Wine tours and tastings can be arranged directly from the property.

Groups prioritizing privacy and space: Fourteen guests across 6 bedrooms means no cramming. The games barn separates recreational guests from those seeking quiet. The 2-hectare garden and 4.5-hectare vineyard provide genuine isolation despite proximity to villages and towns.

Families with children: The heated pool, games room, table tennis, boules pitch, and yoga pavilion provide entertainment without requiring external activities. Babysitting is available. The kitchen accommodates group cooking or on-site chef services eliminate meal planning burdens.

Couples on romantic escapes: The tower bedroom and master bedroom’s rolltop tub and double shower offer genuine luxury. Candlelit dinners on the garden terrace overlooking vineyards, wine service, and near-empty village streets at night provide intimacy.

Practical Information

Capacity: 14 guests across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Additional sleeping available via the study’s sofa bed (on request).

Nearest airports: Bordeaux Airport (approximately 50 kilometres, 45 minutes by car) and Bergerac Airport (approximately 40 kilometres, 40 minutes by car). Private transfer services are available.

Nearest supermarket: The village 2.5 kilometres away provides essential supplies. Larger supermarkets operate in Castillon-la-Bataille (6.5 kilometres).

Included in rental: Utilities, Wi-Fi internet, pool heating (seasonal, May-October), air-conditioning in all bedrooms and gym, linen and towels, and access to all facilities including pool, games barn, yoga pavilion, and outdoor kitchen. A pre-stocked fridge on arrival is available. Chef and babysitting services available upon request at additional cost.

Check-in flexibility: Flexible arrival and departure times subject to availability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chateau Chaumeton

How many guests does Chateau Chaumeton sleep?

Chateau Chaumeton accommodates 14 guests across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The master bedroom sleeps 2. The family suite contains two bedrooms sleeping 2 and 2 respectively. The second-floor bedrooms sleep 2, 2, 4 (family room with double and two singles), and 2 (tower bedroom) respectively. An additional sofa bed in the ground-floor study provides flexible 15th-guest accommodation upon request.

What is the nearest airport to Chateau Chaumeton in Sainte-Florence?

Bordeaux Airport lies approximately 50 kilometres away, requiring roughly 45 minutes by car to Chateau Chaumeton. Bergerac Airport sits approximately 40 kilometres distant, requiring approximately 40 minutes driving time. Both airports provide international connections and car rental services. Private airport transfers can be arranged directly through Excellence Luxury Villas.

What is the best time of year to rent Chateau Chaumeton?

May through September offers warm, dry weather ideal for enjoying the heated pool, gardens, and al-fresco dining terraces. June and September provide warm temperatures with fewer crowds than July and August. April and October deliver mild weather for exploring wine regions, though the pool operates on reduced schedules. Late July and August feature the Castillon-la-Bataille re-enactments (book well ahead). Wine harvest season in September-October attracts enthusiasts. Winter months see reduced heating costs but limited outdoor entertaining opportunities.

Is Chateau Chaumeton suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property offers a heated pool with shallow zones (0.85-1.85 metres depth), an electric safety cover, and poolside shower facilities. The games barn includes a pool table, air-hockey, babyfoot, and arcade machine. Table tennis sits under cover. A boules pitch and yoga pavilion provide alternatives. Babysitting services are available. The kitchen’s size and outdoor cooking facilities accommodate families preparing meals together. Nearby villages and towns offer family-friendly restaurants and attractions. The isolated rural location means minimal traffic hazards.

What is included in the rental price at Chateau Chaumeton?

All utilities (electricity, water, heating, pool heating during season), Wi-Fi internet access, air-conditioning in all bedrooms and the gym, linen and bath towels, pool access with electric safety cover, access to all outdoor facilities (boules pitch, table tennis, yoga pavilion, outdoor kitchen, barbecue, gardens), access to the poolside bar and lounge, access to the games barn with all equipment, and gym access are included. A pre-stocked fridge on arrival is available. Chef services and babysitting are available at additional cost and require advance booking.

What restaurants and shops are near Chateau Chaumeton?

The nearest village, 2.5 kilometres away, provides a boulangerie and small restaurant. Castillon-la-Bataille, 6.5 kilometres distant, offers multiple restaurants, café-bars, and Monday morning markets. Saint-Jean-de-Blaignac, 5 kilometres south, hosts a Michelin-starred restaurant. Saint-Émilion, 16 kilometres away, includes the two-Michelin-starred La Table de Pavie and numerous high-end establishments alongside wine shops and boutiques. Supermarkets operate in Castillon-la-Bataille. Atmospheric traditional markets function in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (28 kilometres), Duras (30 kilometres), La Réole (30 kilometres), Monségur (27 kilometres), and major markets in Bordeaux and Libourne serve as day-trip destinations.