Troubadour Castle France

As you approach Troubadour Castle along the winding drive you will already be aware of its majestic surroundings with panoramic countryside views all around you. Pass through the high fortified walls and you enter a world of magical charm steeped in history, yet with the modern comforts of a sensitively restored family home.
The main part of the inner castle, within the moat, dates back to the thirteenth century and includes nine bedrooms over two wings and towers. You can dine under the vaulted ceilings of the original chapel with a finely carved wooden fireplace and ornate furnishings. The library includes antique oil paintings and Gothic bookcases filled with fascinating reference books from the past. There is a well-equipped kitchen with the modern conveniences you would expect including a dishwasher and coffee machine plus a professional stove in the old fire-place. Wander across the cloistered courtyard and up to the impressive living room with elegant sofas and medieval suits of armour or play pool and listen to music in the games room surrounded by stunningly decorated ceilings and wall murals.
A path leads to the outer bailey where you will find five further bedrooms and the magnificent Troubadour ballroom. A Gothic showpiece, with a large wood-burning fire-place and banquet table, you are surrounded by both beauty and history, it would be a truly remarkable place to host a memorable event. There is a large kitchen next door which can be made available should you require it for preparing a special meal, a chef can also be booked should you require this service.
The inviting swimming pool allows you to cool down as you gaze back at the towers and castle spires or find a quiet spot amongst the formal gardens and terraces. The 270- acre estate has many walks across woodland and fields of wild flowers, blackberries and breath-taking views, it’s a truly peaceful and private retreat.
This is a unique castle which has retained so much history, it’s a striking and splendid place to stay. Guests in the past have included Sir Edward Heath and the Queen Mother, who stayed with her daughter in the two bedrooms in the elegant Salle d’Honneur wing, now known as the Queen Mother’s rooms. It’s also a haven of creativity and has been the setting for considerable song-writing. Still to this day, famous American writers and singers meet here every year to create masterpieces which have included many number one hits over the years. Guests appreciate the serenity of the grounds, the historical and elegant ambience and the timeless character that radiates across the land.
The Dordogne is well known for its rich history, fascinating castles, charming villages and fine foods, all of which are abundant in this area. The delightful town of Brantôme, just twenty minutes away, sits on the gentle River Drone and has fine restaurants and interesting shops to discover. Within half an hour you will find the impressive Périgueux, with its 11th-century cathedral, attractive medieval streets and some fine foie gras to sample. Other activities in the nearby area include golf, horse-riding, canoeing along the Drone and you can even arrange for a hot-air balloon ride to be taken over the castle grounds.
Amongst the highly decorated features, Troubadour Castle has a family warmth about it and you will made to feel extremely welcome in this historically unique holiday home in glorious and peaceful surroundings. Troubadour Castle is located in 270 acres of land with countryside and woodland walks on your doorstep. The nearest village with facilities is Lisle (6.5km) where you will find a grocery store, bakery and a couple of restaurants and bars.  The nearest town is the delightful Brantôme (17km) which sits on the River Drone and has fine restaurants and interesting shops to discover. Here you can hire canoes on this particularly gentle part of the river or take a peaceful stroll along the bankside. Riberac (22km) is also a pleasant town with one of the regions best markets on a Friday morning, you could combine it with a trip to the charming village of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (35km), one of the prettiest villages in France and well-known for its Monolithic church.
Here you are in the northern part of Dordogne, an area well known for its fine foods. There are a number of Michelin starred restaurants within half an hours drive as well as more rustic but excellent eateries. Market days are a great way to soak up the local ambience and buy some great local foods to take back to your castle. Try the famous Friday morning market in Riberac (22km) or head to Périgueux (27km) on a Saturday or Wednesday morning, both within half an hours drive. Périgueux and Riberac are particularly famous for foie gras and you will also be able sample black truffles and walnuts from the region. Wine lovers should head south to the Bergerac wine country or a little further to St.Emilion (110km), towards Bordeaux, where you will find some excellent wine tours and tastings as well as more high quality restaurants.
The area is rich in history, throughout the region you will see signs for ‘Site Roman’ which refer to remains of medieval Roman Catholic churches, two of which can be found within a few minutes drive of the castle.  You will also find a Neolithic burial ground within less than two kilometres or head to the Grotte de Villars caves (32km) with impressive pre-historic paintings as well as stunning natural formations. The charming villages and towns in this area are also rich in heritage, such as the impressive Périgueux (27km), with its 11th-century cathedral, attractive medieval streets and many remains from the Roman times.
Further activities in the nearby area include golf and horse-riding, both within half an hour, and you can even arrange for a hot-air balloon ride to be taken over the castle grounds.  Kids will love the zip line and obstacle course about 45 minutes away near Angouleme or head to the go-kart tracks just over an hour away south of Périgueux.At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Welcome pack included – Private chef – Catering services – Maid service and extra cleaning- Pre-stocked fridge and shopping service- Baby-sitting- Car hire and/or transfers
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!