Chateau Serbise Estate France

Rent the charming Chateau Serbise Estate, located in the scenic Charente Maritime region of south-west France, featuring nineteen bedrooms spread across a magnificent 17th-century chateau and two elegant villas, all nestled within twelve acres of idyllic parkland. This unique estate provides the perfect setting for weddings, family reunions, or celebratory gatherings, with each of the three homes offering privacy, individual pools, and outdoor terraces yet lying close enough to foster a communal atmosphere.

Chateau Serbise, the grandest of the trio, accommodates sixteen guests across its eight stylish bedrooms. Its splendid grand salon boasts a rare, beautifully preserved decorative fireplace, and a snooker room, offering entertainment for all ages. The unassuming yet spacious dining room is perfect for gathering with loved ones over fine meals, with French doors leading to a large terrace and inviting swimming pool overlooking the expansive gardens and parkland.

Domaine Serbise offers a further five bedrooms in what was once an old wine press, exuding rustic charm with its characterful interior and simple, tasteful furnishings. Guests here can relax by a private pool and terrace, while the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area offer a bright, spacious environment ideal for socialising and unwinding together.

Etables Serbise features six bedrooms, including two in a whimsical tower, reminiscent of a fairy-tale, with a cosy living area and kitchen-diner designed with warmth and comfort in mind. Exposed stone walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and additional characterful touches give this villa a truly welcoming feel. Outdoors, enjoy a shaded terrace, private pool, and space for children to play.

All three properties are beautifully furnished with a mix of historic charm and modern convenience. Guests will appreciate amenities like well-equipped kitchens with dishwashers, Wi-Fi, satellite TVs, barbecues, and al fresco dining areas, not to mention the expansive parkland and gardens that are perfect for exploration and relaxation.

A mere 6km away lies the medieval town of Pons, where you’ll find delightful restaurants, shops, and historical attractions. Outdoor activities such as golf, horse-riding, and canoeing are readily available nearby. Just a 30-minute drive takes you to the coast, where sandy beaches from St Georges de Didonne to St Palais sur Mer await. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy exploring local vineyards and visiting Cognac, just a short drive away. With a mild climate year-round, Charente Maritime boasts some of the sunniest days in France from late spring through autumn.

Whether you envision a romantic wedding amidst historical grandeur or a joyful family gathering, Chateau Serbise Estate promises character, comfort, and seclusion within a spectacular setting.

Highlights of Chateau Serbise

• Picture-Perfect Setting: This enchanting estate, with its historic stone walls, lush gardens, and unique charm, makes a stunning backdrop for weddings or celebrations.
• On-site Romanesque Church: The 13th-century church ruins offer a beautiful, intimate venue for wedding ceremonies.
• Fresh Bakery Deliveries: The owner is happy to arrange morning deliveries from the local bakery – délicieux!
• Favourable Climate: Known for its mild, sunny weather from April to October, this region is a wonderful destination nearly all year round.
• Local Delicacies: Enjoy superb wine and gastronomy that reflect the authentic charm of Charente Maritime.

Things to Note

• Simple Accommodation in Domaine and Etables: These rustic villas offer more casual, country-style accommodation, making them excellent, budget-friendly choices alongside the grand chateau.
• Private Chef Services: For on-site dining, only the property’s resident chef may be engaged for private catering.
• Owner Access: Due to the age of the estate, occasional access for maintenance (e.g., water and electricity) may be necessary, though the owners will always request permission.
• Car Recommended: Bars and restaurants are around 5km away, so a rental car is advised. If going car-free, pre-booking taxis is essential.

Chateau Serbise Room Layout

Interior Layout

Ground Floor

• Reception Hall (15m x 6.5m): Spacious area ideal for large events, with direct access to the patio and lawn. Features an adjoining entrance lobby, WC, and connection to a catering-friendly kitchen (additional catering cost applies – please enquire).
• Salon: Comfortable seating area with sofas and a TV.
• Snooker Room: Includes a full-sized snooker table for entertainment.
• Dining Room: Elegant and well-suited for group dining.
• Kitchen: Fully equipped with an electric cooker, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, kettle, coffee machine, and toaster.
• Bedroom: Double bedroom with an en-suite shower room.
• Additional Facilities: Separate shower room.

First Floor

• Bedrooms: Seven bedrooms, each with their own shower or bathroom (five are en-suite, two are separate):
  • 4 double bedrooms
  • 3 twin bedrooms
• Additional Children: Up to four extra children can be accommodated in the bedrooms with supplementary beds (€100/week/child).

Outside Grounds

• Swimming Pool: Surrounded by a 1.4m high wall with a self-closing gate for safety.
• Terrace: Al-fresco dining area with a BBQ.
• Parkland and Gardens: Expansive parkland and gardens, ideal for relaxation and exploration.

Facilities

• TV
• Wi-Fi
• Hair-dryer
• Washing machine
• Iron and ironing board

Etables Serbise Room Layout

Interior Layout

Ground Floor

• Kitchen-Diner: Fully equipped with an electric cooker, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, kettle, coffee machine, and toaster.
• Living Room: Accessible via steps from the kitchen-diner, with comfortable sofas and a TV.
• Bedrooms:
  • 1 double bedroom
  • 1 twin bedroom
• Bathrooms: One bathroom, separate WC, utility room, and additional shower room.

First Floor

• Family Bedrooms: Two double family bedrooms, each with an en-suite bath or shower room.
• Additional Children: Family rooms can accommodate 2-4 extra children with supplementary beds (€100/week/child).

Tower

• Bedrooms: Two twin bedrooms situated in a charming, tower-like setting.

Outside Grounds

• Swimming Pool: Equipped with an alarm safety system.
• Decked Terrace: Al-fresco dining area with BBQ.
• Garden Lawn: Spacious lawn shaded by trees, perfect for children’s play.
• Parkland and Gardens: Ample space for outdoor enjoyment and exploration.

Facilities

• TV
• Wi-Fi
• Hair-dryer
• Washing machine
• Iron and ironing board
• Indoor games

Domaine Serbise Room Layout

Interior Layout

Ground Floor

• Kitchen-Diner: Fully equipped with an electric cooker, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, kettle, coffee machine, and toaster.
• Living Area: Steps up from the kitchen-diner, featuring sofas and a TV.
• Bedrooms:
  • 1 double bedroom
  • 1 twin bedroom
• Bathrooms: Includes one bathroom, a separate WC, and a utility room.

First Floor

• Bedrooms: Two twin bedrooms with two bathrooms, including a bath/shower room and a separate WC.

First Floor Mezzanine

• Bedroom: Double bedroom with an adjacent shower room and WC.

Outside Grounds

• Swimming Pool: Depth ranges from 1 to 1.77m, featuring an alarm safety system.
• Decked Al-Fresco Area: Perfect for outdoor dining, equipped with a BBQ.
• Garden Lawn: Shaded lawn area for children to play, with access to the parkland and gardens.

Facilities

• TV
• Wi-Fi
• Hair-dryer
• Washing machine
• Iron and ironing board
• Indoor games

Local Area Guide

The Charente Maritime region is celebrated for its sunny, mild climate, benefitting from one of the highest sunshine rates in France. Thanks to the Gulf Stream’s influence, the weather here remains warm and pleasant from April through October, with winters often as mild as those along the Mediterranean.

Key Destinations and Accessibility

• Cognac & Saintes (15km) and Royan (25km): Easily reachable for day trips.
• Airports: Bordeaux, Angoulême, and La Rochelle airports are all within an hour’s drive, with convenient flights to and from the UK and other European destinations.

Nearby Towns and Amenities

• St. Genis & Pons (5-6km): Both villages offer charming restaurants, quaint shops, and essential services.
• Beaches: A scenic 35-minute drive will take you to the nearest beach, with many options along the coast for sunbathing and seafood.

Golf Courses

The area boasts three excellent golf courses:

• Saintes: A classic UK-style golf club with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
• Cognac: Known for its well-maintained grounds, this course offers a rewarding experience.
• Royan: Reminiscent of the sand-and-pine courses in the Berkshire area, this course provides a challenging yet scenic game.

Rich Historical Heritage

The region is steeped in history, with significant sites dating back to Roman times and notable eras such as the rule of Richard the Lionheart, Eleanor of Aquitaine, the French Revolution, and WWII. Highlights include the towns of Cognac and Jarnac, where you can tour renowned cognac houses like Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, Otard, and Hine.

Coastal Attractions and Dining

The coastline from St Georges de Didonne to St Palais sur Mer offers miles of sandy beaches, ideal for families and beach lovers. The area is also famed for its seafood, with many delightful fish restaurants along the coast. Within an hour’s drive, you can explore the historic coastal towns of Royan, La Rochelle, and Rochefort, each offering its unique charm.

Culinary and Artisan Experiences

Charente Maritime is known for its excellent restaurants, offering diverse cuisine and outstanding value. Local artisans welcome visitors to discover their crafts, from barrel-making, pottery, and wood carving to chocolate production and more.

Wine Regions

The Bordeaux wine-producing areas are within easy reach, with the Blaye region just 30 minutes away and the legendary St. Émilion around an hour by car. From Blaye or Royan, you can take a car ferry across the estuary to explore the Médoc region, famous for its wines.

Bordeaux and Saintes

The vibrant city of Bordeaux is an hour’s drive, where you’ll find excellent shopping, art galleries, museums, and impressive historic architecture. Saintes, with its rich history and cultural attractions, is similarly within an hour’s reach, making it a worthwhile day trip.

Activities

• Fishing: River fishing is available just 5 minutes away on the Seugne River, while the Charente River is accessible within half an hour.
• Tennis and Horse Riding: Tennis courts are just 5km away, and several equestrian centres offer riding excursions through local woodlands, with one stable providing carriage rides along the countryside lanes.
• Go-Karting: For thrill-seekers, an international-standard 1.2km go-kart track is just 10 minutes away.
• Canoeing: Canoes are available to rent on the Seugne River for a scenic adventure.
• Nightlife: A lively nightclub located 5km away is open from Thursday through Sunday.

Local Amenities

This vibrant region offers the perfect balance of historic charm, natural beauty, and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration.