Chateau Gastebois Bergerac France
Holiday Home Rental Description
Chateau Gastebois has been sitting above the Dropt River for over 400 years, occupying its place on a hill at the centre of the Bordeaux and Bergerac wine regions and between the small market towns of Eymet and Issigeac.
It was built during the reign of Henry IV and the grounds were awarded by the King to the family for loyal service to the court. Its noble past can be felt in the original paneled dining room; the work of the same master craftsman who also worked on many rooms at the Chateau de Versailles. However guests may prefer to dine alfresco on one of the beautiful terraces. The house is filled with antiques, yet feels like a family home which oozes elegant charm and character and plenty of comfort.
Enjoy privacy and tranquility in this meticulously maintained property set in 100 acres of gardens, woodlands, and tended grounds. Within the estate there is a private swimming pool, a tennis court and impressive yoga facilities. Table tennis is provided as well as grassy areas ideal for croquet and badminton. There are several lovely paths for walking within the estate.
First class wineries abound and the hosts are always delighted to organise wine tours or tastings. The area surrounding the house provides a plethora of activities including horse-back riding, canoeing, fishing and boat rides on the Dordogne river. Many historic chateaux are a short drive from the house.
Chateau Gastebois sleeps a maximum of 14 guests in 7 spacious en suite bedrooms.
Chateau Gastebois is very popular and booking early is highly recommended!
The caretaker lives discretely in a separate wing and can help with anything guests may need.
Château Interiors
Ground Floor
– Main salon with large table
– Two further living areas opening up to east terrace
– Family room with satellite TV, DVD player, stereo, books and games
– Formal dining room with fireplace and table for up to 14 guests
– Kitchen-diner with stone fireplace and table for up to 12 guests. Well-equipped including dishwasher and other appliances
– Laundry room
– Bedroom with small double bed and en suite bathroom (a single bed can be added on request)
– Extra shower room
– Guest WC
First Floor
– Reading/writing area on landing
– Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom
– Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathrooms
– Bedroom with twin beds (can be made up as king-size double) and en suite bathroom
– Bedroom with twin beds and en suite bathroom
– Bedroom with twin beds and en suite bathroom
– Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom (a single bed can be added on request)
Outside Grounds
– Heated salt-water swimming pool (10x5m) with safety alarm and cover. Open approximately 30 April to 2 October (2021 dates)
– Sun loungers and umbrellas
– Poolside al-fresco dining terrace
– Shower and WC (close to pool and tennis court)
– Second al-fresco dining area (east terrace in shade of trees)
– Portable barbecue
– Rock garden with fountain
– Tennis court (hard surface court)
– Table tennis, croquet and badminton
– Platform for yoga
– Fruit orchards
– Mature trees and vast grounds
– Paths through the estate
Facilities
– Wi-Fi
– Grand piano
– Satellite TV
– DVD player
– Music system
– Toys for children
– PlayStation and Nintendo Wii
– Board games (Monopoly, Cluedo, chess, backgammon etc)
– Library of books
– Yoga studio
– Fans
– Washing machine and dryer
Chateau Gastebois is 19 km from the Bergerac airport which is serviced by several airports in Europe including London Stansted. The house is a one hour drive from Libourne train station, which is easily accessible from Paris. In addition, the house is an hour and a half drive from Bordeaux and two hours from Toulouse (both have major international airports). Avis, Hertz, and Eurocar provide rental car services at Bergerac, Bordeaux and Toulouse airports as well as the Libourne train station.
The nearest towns, about a 10 minute drive, are the historic bastide Eymet, and Issigeac, well known for its colourful Sunday morning markets. Guests will find a range of restaurants in each of these towns as well as a post office, pharmacy, banks, petrol stations and well stocked supermarkets.
In the immediate area is a horse riding school, canoeing, fishing in the Dropt and boat tours on the Dordogne. Balloon rides can be arranged as a great way to get a panoramic view of the exquisite Dordogne valley. A 10 pin bowling alley is 15 minutes by car. Two world class golf courses are within a one hour drive. You will be provided with maps of historic walks showcasing the natural beauty of the region as well as many of the churches, bastides and other buildings of note. The valley is a regular spot for keen biking enthusiasts because of the gently rolling hills. A spectacular son et lumeire show of the re-enactment of the 100 years war battle at Castillon is a short journey by car.
The region boasts the world renowned Bergerac appellation wine area which covers 12,700 hectares. Wine has been produced in the region for well over 400 years. Wine enthusiasts will find similar grapes to those found in the Bordeaux region including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec reds; Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet whites. Many vineyards welcome visitors and offer tastings. The formal ‘route de vin’ maps out a plan of the vineyards in the area. Contact Excellence Luxury Villas VIP Concierge to arrange tastings and to get winery recommendations. The Dordogne is the supplier of almost half of France’s fine produce including truffles, cepes and foie gras, which are available at the Metairie adjoining the estate.
The area is awash with sightseeing opportunities. Historical chateaux, gardens and bastides are abundant in the region – you will be provided with guides not only to the major sights, but also to the gems that are off the beaten track. A favourite outing for guests is to the prehistoric caves at Lascaux, which is about an hour and a half drive through magnificent emerald green countryside. Ancient towns such as Sarlat and Perigeux are well known for their cathedrals and are excellent for shopping and antiquing.