Chateau Mont Des Anglais France
Holiday Home Rental Description
In a scenic setting above the Dordogne, close to the vineyards of Bordeaux, Bergerac and Saint-Émilion, step back in time at this beautifully restored 16th- century French château with a heated swimming pool and vast private estate, a short walk from a picturesque riverside village.
With 10th-century foundations, the origins of Château Mont Des Anglais date back to the time when the English dominated this part of south-western France. The feudal seat of a local noble family until the mid-19th century, this impressive holiday home has been completely renovated in recent years to provide 21st- century comforts alongside unique historic character.
Soak up its rich heritage as you wander through the entrance hall with its grand piano (lessons can be arranged) and relax in the graceful salon, TV lounge or games room. There’s a great sense of space in the dining room with 3m high ceilings and a stone fireplace whilst the wonderfully fitted kitchen features a La Cornue double oven and a woodburning cast iron fireplace. There are two attractive offices as well as a conference room and you can climb the steep stone stairs to the 12th-century tower’s modern gym.
Across this remarkable French château admire its historic architecture and traditional characteristics alongside elegant furnishings and works of art. 20 guests can sleep across ten gorgeous bedrooms, most with en suite bathrooms, including a master king-size double in each of the two wings. Families are warmly welcomed – find toys, children’s books in French and English as well as a wealth of activities outside such as ping-pong in the 16th-century pavilion (where wine was once produced), football nets, badminton and more.
The heated salt-water swimming pool is surrounded by the summer scents of lavender and rosemary, next to walnut trees and a large field perfect for playing games. Help yourself to seasonal produce in the vegetable garden and enjoy al-fresco meals on one of the terraces. The French gardens are beautiful with so many roses and the vast 90-acre estate of fields and woodland will delight all ages.
It’s a glorious setting with views of the Dordogne valley, just over 1km from the banks of the river and a small village with restaurants, a tabac and canoeing/kayaking opportunities. Medieval Gensac is a 3km drive away, home to a boulangerie and weekly fruit and vegetable market, whilst nearby Sainte-Foy-la-Grande hosts one of the region’s best markets on a Saturday morning.
Explore local vineyards or head further afield to the wineries of Bordeaux and Bergerac as well as the enchanting hilltop village of Saint-Émilion – this region is a wine connoisseur’s dream! Not to mention inviting French restaurants, Michelin starred establishments and so many more atmospheric markets showcasing gastronomic delights from the Dordogne and Gironde.On a hillside just over 1km from the banks of the Dordogne and a small riverside village, Château Mont Des Anglais is in a wonderful location for exploring the best of the Dordogne and Gironde with the famous vineyards of Bergerac, Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion within easy reach.
The local village is home to a small handful of restaurants as well as a tabac for croissants, fresh bread and other essential groceries. Furthermore, there are canoeing and kayaking opportunities here in this pretty setting by the river. Wander further along the banks of the Dordogne to find lovely spots for picnics with such idyllic natural surroundings. The local country roads are ideal for walking, running and cycle rides – bike hire can be arranged nearby.
Set in the picturesque Durèze valley, you can reach the medieval village of Gensac (3km) in around a 5-minute drive (or long walk) where there is a grocery store, boulangerie, restaurant and pretty square which hosts a fruit and vegetable market on a Friday morning. In the height of the summer look out for concerts in the 19th century church as well as the village’s much-loved annual brocante and other events.
Wine-lovers can explore local vineyards or head further afield to Bergerac (40km) and the grand city of Bordeaux (62km), perhaps stopping off in one of the many famous wine châteaux across the region such as Rick Stein’s favoured Château Bauduc (45km). It’s also worth noting that you can reach Bergerac, Bordeaux and Libourne by train from Vélines, just over a 10-minute drive away.
Another fine day out is the incredibly charming and historic village of Saint-Émilion (27km), home to UNESCO World Heritage landscapes of vineyards and some amazing wineries.
Not forgetting the many atmospheric markets dotted across the Dordogne and Gironde regions selling the most delicious local produce from foie gras, cheeses and truffles to so many seasonal fruits and vegetables. On a Saturday morning visit Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (14km), a beautiful town on the banks of the Dordogne which hosts a bustling market whilst the gorgeous village of Issigeac (52km) is the place to be on a Sunday morning for its delightful market.
The market town of Castillon-la-Bataille (14km), also on the banks of the Dordogne, hosts its market on a Monday morning. If staying in late July or August, book tickets for the town’s spectacular show which dramatically depicts the historic battle of Castillon. History lovers should also visit the fascinating Gallo-Roman mosaics in nearby Montcaret (6km) or drive further afield to discover caves and pre-historic paintings and sites across the Dordogne. 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 included at this property:
– Light daily maid service included
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– More extensive cleaning- Catering- Fridge-stocking/shopping- Babysitting- On-site yoga classes- Personal trainer- Massage services- Cooking classes- Wine tasting- Language lessons- Art lessons- Photography lessons- Piano lessons
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!