Chateau Guygaudie
Like it? Add to favourites to compare and share
Overview
Walled gardens with play areas, a heated pool and a meadow filled with sunflowers: Chateau Guygaudie, a luxury chateau in the Dordogne, is the ideal holiday rental for large families or private parties. The three-acre grounds include a bamboo forest and several planted gardens, including a tropical theme near the pool’s Bali-style pergola with sound system.
From the large oak doors to antique French furniture, this chateau exudes grandeur. The expansive house sleeps 12-16. Several bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, renovated to retain their historic character, and others can be either twins or doubles depending on your needs. You’ll love the elegance of the drawing room with a Louis XIV card table and its proximity to the music room/library and children’s playroom, for careful monitoring. The house is well kitted out for tiny tots, including a mobile playpen, booster seats, and children’s cutlery.
This area is perfect for water adventures, with canoe rental (5 min. away), a water park (20 min.), and a sandy beach at Lac Jemaye (15 min.). The Chateau Guygaudie is only 1 km from Riberac, where the Friday market has children’s activities. Fly into Bordeaux (an hour’s drive) or Bergerac (35 min.), and arrange taxi service through our concierge.
What you should know…
- The owner kindly asks for parental supervision of any small children visiting the chateau.
- Please note that the chef lives on-site.
- Dinner service (Sunday - Thursday) is included in the rental price and the food bill is settled at the end of each week on a receipt basis. An evening meal can also be arranged and served upon arrival by prior request and subject to an additional charge.
- Breakfast and lunch chef service are available at an additional cost - please enquire. The food bill is settled at the end of each week on a receipt basis.
- Chateau Guygaudie have their own experienced catering team and the use of any external caterers is not permitted.
This home is a part of our Great Value and Heritage Collection!
This is a historic home, and as such:
- It has probably been standing for over 100 years, which means it's full of historic value and charm but it may also have one or two quirks!
- Some of the decor and furnishings may not be brand new, but that should not detract from your holiday experience in this unique setting that allows you to take a step back in time!
Property Features
Chateau Interior
Bedrooms
Upstairs there are six bedrooms, the bedrooms lead off the main corridor that runs through the length of the chateau. The four double rooms are all en-suite whilst the two bedrooms each with three single beds share a large family bathroom and toilet, in total 6 bedrooms. There is an additional twin room which shares the family bathroom. Each room has a unique colour theme and all are furnished with big pieces of antique French furniture.
All the bedrooms with en-suite facilities have either double or king size beds.
Sleeping in the house is almost a new experience as the only sound you hear are country ones, there is a magical silence at night and many of the guests are quite surprised at the quality of sleep they attain whilst here. All the adult beds have orthopaedic mattresses and all the children’s beds have roll out guards.
The staff at the chateau are very discreet and they work to your time schedule allowing you to relax and enjoy your holiday.
There are numerous cots at the house and these can be placed where and when required, and there is also a mobile play pen which can be used for afternoon naps or play time for a tiny tot. In fact the chateau has numerous facilities for tiny babies and tots if required, from high chairs, booster seats, prams, changing facilities, children’s cutlery/plastic plates, steriliser, potties, toys, books, films, stair gates, baby alarms, pool accessories etc. (please specify what is needed when making your booking.
The adult bedrooms are all en-suite and there is an overflow family bathroom on the upstairs corridor. The bathrooms have been carefully renovated to retain as many of the original features as possible, including the roll top baths and generous sized basins, showers and toilets.
The stairs are gated, there are a series of night lights placed along the corridor which are dark sensitive and come on at night and where potties have been grown out of the family bathroom acts as the children’s w.c. bath-nights are a pleasure in the large roll-top bath where you can do three at a time comfortably.
The standard and general quality of the adults bedrooms is 5 star and the children’s bedrooms are like something out of Alice in wonderland with beautiful murals and completely stuffed full of toys and games.
In all the years we have never had even one complaint from the children who are often found asleep in the morning in full pirate or princess attire.
Living Areas
The drawing room is particularly elegant and it connects with both the music room/library and the children’s sitting/playroom.
A splendid evening can be passed in the drawing room perhaps playing cards and or listening to music or even just reading a book. Having this communication with the family room enables the family to closely monitor their children whilst spending quality adult time together.
We often have requests by guests who have friends in the area or friends visiting the area at the same time to set up a nice drinks and canapé evening followed by a dinner in the formal dining room. Chef is always happy to oblige with these types of request and this affords the guest ample time with said party instead of having to nip off on a continuous basis to prepare and fetch and carry, the maid is pleased to be used in these circumstances.
The maid can also monitor the children for you and if a peep is heard inform you enabling you to relax and enjoy the security this service affords.
Chateau Details
Like many large period houses there are numerous things of interest in and around the property, there are two wells at the property one has retained its original pump from the 19th century and the other its original pouring stone from the 16th century many of the nooks and crannies will be of interest to those who enjoy the spirit of old houses.
When the property was refurbished and restored it retained the beautiful large roll-top baths and extra-large sinks, its oak panelling and doors. The sympathetic manner of the restoration has made it a show house, for the equivalent of the English heritage sites, in France and many a feature has been written about the house and its condition.
The grounds are mostly set to lawns, a further acre is tree/woodland with a wonderful bamboo forest, however, at least half an acre is planted to garden with over a thousand plants shrubs and roses and one area is planted in a tropical theme which surrounds the Bali-style pergola and which many of the guests use as their preferred eating venue during the spring and summer months. This is also placed in front of the swimming pool area and has seating for 12, a music centre and beautifully subdued lighting making it a most romantic place in the evenings, many a person has slipped off the dinner area straight into the pool on a hot summer’s evening.
There are several other eating areas in the grounds but the tropical garden seems to be the favourite and on those chilly or miserable evenings dinners are served in the main dining room which is, to say the least, “splendiferous”
The children’s room is furnished with all sorts of nice pirate seats or princess seats with a wonderful dressing up box to match, super large flat screen high resolution TV with satellite, WiFi, video and DVD player with surround sound. The video and DVD collection runs into the thousands and a playstation with a large selection of games.
The children also have a gated playroom with monitor with a huge selection of toys and games for their afternoon quiet time or they might like to watch a video downstairs, handy if the age gap requires segregation.
For the adults there is a large and comfortable drawing room and next to this a communicating music room cum library, there is a music centre and the book collection is extremely varied in both English and French with in excess of a thousand books. The large drawing-room has a wonderful Louis 14th card table and there is an access into the children’s playroom through a door in the library, this is particularly handy for monitoring purposes.
All the children’s rooms are gated as are the stairs both up and down and all electrical sockets, not in use, are safe-plugged.
The swimming pool (10mx3m) is walled and gated with a lock, a key for which is provided, the pool is also audio and video monitored this is relayed onto a flat screen in the kitchen area and is a very useful tool in ensuring both the good behaviour of the children and peace of mind for the guest who is able to leave those who are more able in the swimming department, whilst popping into the kitchen for an afternoon cuppa. The video audio monitor can be switched off if it is not needed.
To easily enjoy an al fresco meal in the privacy of your garden, our portable BBQ is at your disposal. There are lovely den areas, woodland and gardens including a folly for the children to play in all surrounded by a high stone wall for parent’s peace of mind.
The breakfast room is semi-attached to the kitchen and seats 8 so breakfast for the children is made very easy, with several high chairs and seat boosters.
The benefits derived from the chef’s free cooking service is that the adults are able to continue spending time with their loved ones without having to traipse down to the shops and prepare food and the maid then steps in and cleans up the mess, plenty of quality time is gained in this way.
There is a multitude of activities in the locality and the maid or chef will be pleased to assist you in the booking and/or organising of same.
Although it is extremely difficult to restrain one’s natural instinct to tidy up and wash the dishes and make the beds at first, within 2 days you get the hang of it and your holiday takes on its true meaning and intention of a break and this continues even when you arrive back home because you do not have to scramble to get the laundry done as even this will have been taken care of.
If you feel the inclination to learn a new recipe chef will even teach you how to bring it together, this is a wonderful opportunity for those who adore good food or like to hold dinner parties. There is no territorial problem with chef and the kitchen, nor are the recipes perceived as secrets. Guests may also use the kitchen to prepare lunchtime meals.
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau GuygaudieThere are numerous childrens activities in and around the surrounding areas that are not age restricted. Canoeing is 5 minutes away but restricts the age of participants to a minimum of 3; this is the case with all canoeing in the Dordogne.
Within a 5 to 20 minute drive:
- The town of Riberac has a very well organized water activity centre for days out on the river. 5 minute drive away from the house.
- There is an equestrian centre close by and hacks are organized on a daily basis.
- There are bicycles at the house but in the case of larger numbers or bicycles with children’s trailers, there is a local hire shop with a large selection and at a reasonable price.
- The town of Riberac has six municipal tennis courts that are maintained to immaculate standards.
- Lake Jamaye is less than 15 minutes away from the house and has a beautifully maintained sandy beach with free boating activities, a floating raft, two play areas with swings and climbing apparatus, sand pits and slides. There are quite nice restaurants/bistros at the site if you haven’t arranged a picnic. There is also a volleyball area and beautiful walks around the lake.
- The beautiful town of Aubterre is very close and makes for a splendid excursion. There is a leisure complex at the river’s edge and a controlled swimming area with diving boards, boating activities, restaurants and even a monolithic cathedral carved secretly into the mountainside in the centre of the town. You could always visit the glass blowing factory afterwards. The town is lovely and boasts superb restaurants and snack bars making it a perfect venue for a day out.
- The town of Brantome, called the Venice of the Dordogne, boasts a wonderful church cut into the mountain side, numerous water activities, glass blowing factory, riverside walks and some of the best restaurants in the Dordogne. Just 10 minutes away there is the wonderful cave at Villars with its historic cave drawings, stalactites and stalagmites.
- Less than 20 minutes away is a lovely water park with slides, go-carts, boating, trampolines, swings, swimming areas and a children’s adventure playground.
Further afield:
- There are numerous world famous prehistoric caves and the Dordogne is at the very centre of these, at less than 40 minutes away.
- For the more adventurous there is a harnessed tree climbing activity site.
Very local:
- Although markets are, traditionally, the love of adults, the market at Riberac (every Friday) has terrific children’s activities within it. There are usually roaming knights enacting the crusade paths that passed through the Dordogne on their way to Arabia and all sorts of hurdy gurdies, jugglers and balloon artists - a lovely family day out.
- Adults may wish to take in a concert, a myriad of which occur to all tastes throughout the summer. There are baroque evenings, jazz nights and many other things to do - antique street markets, night markets and organized town street parties, for example.
- There are several pizza houses and restaurants which all accept children.
National carriers all fly to Bordeaux, which is just over an hour away, but there are numerous alternatives which are much closer. Easyjet, Flybe and Ryanair fly into Bergerac, which is just 35 minutes from the house. There is a free shuttle service available into Riberac, alternatively a taxi service can be arranged though our concierge service.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Bergerac or Bordeaux
(21-25 km ) |
||
| Nearest Ferry Port |
La Havre
(Over 100 km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Riberac
(4km ) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Perigueux
(16-20 km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Riberac
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
Riberac
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
La Jemaye
(4 km ) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Perigueux
(16-20 km ) |
||
Region
The pace of life in the Dordogne is languid, laid back and positively infectious. Relax in bucolic beauty as you drift along the Dordogne River, or wander among the forests and hillside of the Périgord Natural Park.
The foodie scene too, is a relaxed affair. Take your time over your lazy lunches of local duck, black truffles and goats cheese. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hunt for them yourself. The wine here is second to none, with infamous grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chenin Blanc all having a huge presence here.
The Dordogne is also brimming with history. Castles and chateaux are scattered throughout the region, among the enchanting medieval villages. History of an altogether more ancient sort can also be explored in the incredible prehistoric cave drawings of Lascaux and Grotte de Rouffignac.
Click to download your definitive Guide to the Dordogne >>
Kids
Best Suited For: All Ages
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Onsite Facilities
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Bicycles Provided
- Games Room
- DVD
- Toys
- Fenced Grounds
Services Available
- Breakfast Available
- Chef/Cook Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Breakfast Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- On-Site Concierge
- Staff are on site to help book reservations for restaurants, sightseeing etc.
- Laundry Service Available
At Oliver’s Travels 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 the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help.
Extras available at this property (subject to additional charges):
Adult's evening dining is a gourmet experience. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be prepared and cooked for you and the food bill is settled at the end of each week on a receipt basis. The quality of the cuisine is to the highest of international standards.
Breakfast
Guests can request the delivery of fresh croissants, pain au chocolate and fresh bread. A selection of locally made marmalades and jams and breakfast cereals will also be available. Sometimes adults request a cooked breakfast & the cook is happy to oblige. Please note that in addition to the food bill, there is an extra charge for the service at breakfast - please enquire.
Lunch
Preparation and serving of lunches i.e. buffet of cold meats, cheeses, salads and french bread is available. Please note that in addition to the food bill, there is an extra charge for the service at lunchtime - please enquire.
Dinner Menus
There is an extensive menu at the house consisting of seasonal fish dishes, vegetarian dishes, meat dishes and desserts that are all home made.
The cook will make a variety of side dishes (usually a risotto) accompanied by a selection of fish dishes, moules marinière & a further selection of meat dishes, salads and vegetables, which is followed by several homemade desserts. Topping the evening off with a glass of port or cognac and an espresso coffee.
The cook shops, preps and cooks all food fresh daily upon the client's instructions and will serve the food to a timetable suggested by the client.
This cook service is available 5 evenings a week and is included within the cost of the holiday. All food is payable on a receipt only basis as is all alcohol ensuring that the client can keep to a sensible budget if required.
An evening meal can also be arranged and served upon arrival by prior request and subject to an additional charge.
With the exception of prawn and fish fingers the house does not use frozen products. All produce including fish and meats are purchased and used the same day.
The children’s menu has all the usual children’s favourites along with homemade lasagne, pasta dishes, fish fingers, risottos, soups and the like. Children are able to eat at a different time allowing the adults to dine alone.
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!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
Event information
| Security deposit | £1500 paid to the owner before arrival and refunded after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | After 5.30 p.m. |
| Departure time | Before 10.30 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £1500 paid to the owner before arrival and refunded after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | After 5.30 p.m. |
| Departure time | Before 10.30 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool towels included? | 2023: Yes. 2024: No, extra £2.50 per towel. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | 2023: Yes. 2024: Extra £400, payable locally. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Pool heating charge? | Extra €40 per day, paid locally. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights in July and August. 3 nights in all other periods. |
| Heating costs included? | Extra €100 per day, paid locally. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings and any other special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 12 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 19th 2024 - Apr 29th 2024 | £2,201 | £2,568 | £2,935 | £3,668 |
| Apr 29th 2024 - May 24th 2024 | £2,201 | £2,568 | £2,935 | £3,668 |
| May 24th 2024 - Jun 1st 2024 | £2,709 | £3,161 | £3,612 | £4,515 |
| Jun 1st 2024 - Jul 6th 2024 | £2,709 | £3,161 | £3,612 | £4,515 |
| Jul 6th 2024 - Jul 27th 2024 | - | - | - | £5,031 |
| Jul 27th 2024 - Aug 24th 2024 | - | - | - | £6,880 |
| Aug 24th 2024 - Sep 1st 2024 | - | - | - | £5,031 |
| Sep 1st 2024 - Sep 7th 2024 | £2,709 | £3,161 | £3,612 | £4,515 |
| Sep 7th 2024 - Mar 27th 2025 | £1,943 | £2,267 | £2,591 | £3,238 |
| Mar 27th 2025 - Apr 28th 2025 | £2,201 | £2,568 | £2,935 | £3,668 |
| Apr 28th 2025 - May 23rd 2025 | £2,201 | £2,568 | £2,935 | £3,668 |
| May 23rd 2025 - May 31st 2025 | £2,709 | £3,161 | £3,612 | £4,515 |
| May 31st 2025 - Jun 30th 2025 | £2,709 | £3,161 | £3,612 | £4,515 |
| Jun 30th 2025 - Jul 31st 2025 | - | - | - | £6,880 |
| Jul 31st 2025 - Aug 31st 2025 | £4,128 | £4,816 | £5,504 | £6,880 |
| Aug 31st 2025 - Sep 6th 2025 | £2,709 | £3,161 | £3,612 | £4,515 |
| Sep 6th 2025 - Oct 21st 2025 | £1,943 | £2,267 | £2,591 | £3,238 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 16 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 19th 2024 - Apr 29th 2024 | £2,745 | £3,203 | £3,660 | £4,575 |
| Apr 29th 2024 - May 24th 2024 | £3,522 | £4,109 | £4,696 | £5,870 |
| May 24th 2024 - Jun 1st 2024 | £3,948 | £4,606 | £5,264 | £6,579 |
| Jun 1st 2024 - Jul 6th 2024 | £3,354 | £3,913 | £4,472 | £5,590 |
| Jul 6th 2024 - Jul 27th 2024 | - | - | - | £8,493 |
| Jul 27th 2024 - Sep 1st 2024 | - | - | - | £8,493 |
| Sep 1st 2024 - Sep 7th 2024 | £3,354 | £3,913 | £4,472 | £5,590 |
| Sep 7th 2024 - Mar 27th 2025 | £2,877 | £3,357 | £3,836 | £4,795 |
| Mar 27th 2025 - Apr 28th 2025 | £2,745 | £3,203 | £3,660 | £4,575 |
| Apr 28th 2025 - May 23rd 2025 | £3,522 | £4,109 | £4,696 | £5,870 |
| May 23rd 2025 - May 31st 2025 | £3,948 | £4,606 | £5,264 | £6,579 |
| May 31st 2025 - Jun 30th 2025 | £3,354 | £3,913 | £4,472 | £5,590 |
| Jun 30th 2025 - Jul 31st 2025 | - | - | - | £8,493 |
| Jul 31st 2025 - Aug 31st 2025 | £5,096 | £5,945 | £6,794 | £8,493 |
| Aug 31st 2025 - Sep 6th 2025 | £3,354 | £3,913 | £4,472 | £5,590 |
| Sep 6th 2025 - Oct 21st 2025 | £2,877 | £3,357 | £3,836 | £4,795 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
How long have you owned the property?
13 years
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The Chateau was once owned by the Larigaudie family...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
13 years
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The Chateau was once owned by the Larigaudie family and is famous because of Guy de Larigaudie. There is a museum in St Martin De Riberac dedicated to this person and his history. We fell in love with the house because of its location and history. It was built in the 15th Century and evolved over the years. It has a wonderful family home feel and is surrounded by gardens and park land.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Yes but we like to make sure all our guests receive the privacy they deserve.
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do?
Wine tasting and site seeing
Really eat?
Fois gras, cepes, magret de canard among other specialities of the region.
Really see?
St Emilion, Perigueux, Bergerac, Brantome, Etang Jamaye.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
The property has its own Chef and Maid who will ensure all guests have a relaxed, care free holiday with absolutely nothing to do. The area is steeped in history with lots of activities to do and things to see.
Reviews
-
Memorable month
Thank the owner for a wonderful month. For the endless small and not so small times they have gone above and beyond to make our days enjoyable and memorable. Children off on their adventures in the garden and the local beach was such a joy for all.
-
Perfect and memorable!
Thank you so much for a lovely holiday the food was fantastic! The house amazing and of course the hosting was fabulous. Nothing was a problem. Thank the host for all the times they helped organise to make the holiday run smoothly. The holiday was perfect and memorable!
-
Relaxed atmosphere
Thank the owners for their relaxed, flexible and home-like atmosphere. Created by their combined talents, culinary efforts and generous spirit!
-
Wow, what a gem of a place!
This Chateau is absolutely gorgeous with very flexible, friendly staff. Couldn't have chosen a better venue for my 50th Birthday bash of 70 guests in their fabulous function hall. From the moment we arrived to the day we left everything had been taken care of right down to the last detail. Great communication and organisation. Hats off to you!!
-
We will be back!
My party and I enjoyed a very relaxing holiday with our children. The food was amazing and the service impeccable. They arranged a day of wine tasting complete with chauffeur minibus and they suggested many places that were of great interest to us. Very accommodating on times of meals being served as we were running late on a couple of days. Accommodation was comfortable, quiet and immaculate. Certainly be recommending this place to my friends. We will be back!
-
Relaxing, catered holiday in beautiful surroundings
We have just returned from a wonderful holiday in this Chateau. Three generations, 9 adults and 7 children. The house is welcoming and comfortable with plenty of toys for the children and a beautiful garden with pool, trampoline and swings. We vastly enjoyed exploring the local area - kayaks, caves, swimming at the lake and Riberac market. The highlight was the catered service which is special to this Chateau. Laura did an amazing job providing fabulous meals and fitting around times needed for children. The food was homemade and delicious - risotto, duck with fig sauce, profiteroles and tarte tatin to name a few. It was so relaxing to not have to worry about shopping, cooking and clearing up. A great holiday was had by all. Thank you.
-
Fabulous holiday/venue.
Sooo child friendly. Great food and plenty of it. Even though the weather was terrible the owner made the holiday extremely memorable. Children loved every minute! Thank you
-
A FANTASTIC STAY
We stayed here for my husbands 50th birthday and were not disappointed. Our party of eight were looked after by Laura and Henry who were superb hosts. The food was amazing, the drink flowed and the house and gardens were beautiful. A birthday cake was made for my husband (chocolate heaven) and a wine tour was arranged by Laura. It was perfect and I have already recommended to friends and family. We would definitely return.
-
Great time had by all!
Just to say how very much the whole group enjoyed our stay. Your Chateau more than lived up to our expectations. The meals were superb. We enjoyed the wine store, and the children enjoyed Henry’s cookery lessons.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
