Chateau De La Vie
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Overview
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In the sunny Charente Maritime region, just a short stroll from a charming market town, Château de la Vie offers elegance and sophistication in this beautiful part of western France.
This grand house was built in the late 19th century in the style of a classic château with an added Eau-de-Vie distillery by a gentleman who had made his money through the ‘water of life’. It was later used as a summer residence and then even a girls’ school and has been part of local life for a long time. In more recent times, the current talented owners have brought the house back to its former glory and have created an exquisite place to stay.
Step through the beautiful entrance into the intricately tiled hallway and a grand piano greets you. Through the double doors, you'll find the sumptuous living room with its deep blue sofas contrasting the bright décor, as light floods through the château windows. The snooker table in the games room will appeal to young and old whilst the perfectly equipped kitchen looks out to the swimming pool terrace.
The dual aspect staircase leads you to four stunning ensuite bedrooms on the first floor, each individually styled with an air of romance and only the finest quality linen and furnishings. On the top floor there are three more lovely bedrooms, two family bathrooms including a luxurious free-standing bath and a dorm-style bedroom with four single beds, ideal for younger guests. An additional lounge with smart TV and a playstation adds to the various 21st-century amenities in this otherwise classically beautiful home.
In the sous-sol of the château, with their own entrance, you’ll find a spacious 2-bedroom apartment and a small studio bedroom, both ideal for a small family or guests who may find the rather grand staircases in the upper part of the château a little too much.
Outside everyone can gather together to splash or swim in the pool, laze in the jacuzzi corner, sip cocktails by the bar or lounge in the relaxing surroundings of the vast terrace. There’s a barbecue for cooking up an al-fresco feast and a brilliant pool house with a gym, shower and plenty of space for a party by the pool.
Only a short walk from a small charming town, you can stroll to one of the boulangeries in the morning to pick up pastries for all the family and or visit the market on a Sunday and Thursday morning. Stroll by the river in nearby Saint-Jean-d'Angély or head further afield to Cognac, a delightful old town with excellent restaurants and of course the famous Cognac houses with fabulous tastings.
The west coast is around an hour away – the perfect place to enjoy a special meal of moules frites and chilled white wine overlooking the sea. La Rochelle is a wonderful day trip, as is the stunning island of Île de Ré.
A little closer to home, take the château’s bikes out to explore the many trails across the region, enjoy hikes along well-signposted footpaths or ride horses at nearby stables. Golf-lovers have a great choice of courses to enjoy whilst keen fishers can relax by the banks of the Charente or Boutonne rivers that flow through this enchanting region.
What you should know…
- The apartment and studio are on the lower floor of the château, ‘sous sol’. They are ideal for guests who may find the main château’s grand staircases a little too much or wish for their own space (the apartment has its own open-plan living-dining room and kitchen)
Property Features
Main Château Interior
Ground Floor (via staircase outside)
- Entrance with baby grand piano
- Lounge with sofas and open fire
- Dining room
- Games room with pool table and board games
- Well-equipped kitchen
First Floor
- 4 x super king-size bedrooms with ensuite bath/shower rooms
Second Floor
- Landing lounge with smart TV and play station
- 3 x bedrooms
- Dorm style bedroom with four single beds
- Two family bathrooms with stand alone bath and walk-in shower
Apartment Interior
- Open-plan living-dining room and kitchen
- Double bedroom
- Twin bedroom
- Bathroom
Studio Interior
- Double bedroom
- Shower room
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (12mx5m) with safety pool cover and pool alarm plus Jacuzzi, open April to end of October.
- Pool house with gym and shower
- Firepit with seating
- BBQ and summer kitchen/bar area
- Al-fresco lounge
- Al-fresco dining area
- Jungle gym for children
- Parking for several cars
Facilities
- Heating
- Cinema room
- Smart TV
- Play station
- Children’s toys and equipment
- Pool table
- Board games
- Boules
- Table tennis
- Bikes
- Gym
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau De La VieIn the Charente Maritime, only 45-minutes from Cognac and an hour from the coast, Château de la Vie enjoys an enviable location just south of a charming small town with restaurants, shops and the town’s twice-weekly market within walking distance.
There is a choice of bakeries in the local town so you can wander down to get freshly baked morning pastries and bread as well as a pretty square with cafes perfect for a morning coffee or early evening aperitif. Just outside the village there is a UNESCO World Heritage listed church which is on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The vibrant market takes place on a Thursday and Sunday morning and there are also essential amenities such as a pharmacy, a convenience store, post office and a play area for younger guests. On Thursday evenings look out for the fish and chip van that passes through the town!
There are various horse-riding stables across the region, including stables within a ten-minute drive and within half an hour you can reach Golf Louis Royer Guillet near Saintes with some amazing views, as well as a choice of others within an hour or so. Fishing (with a permit which you can usually pick up from a tabac or tourist office) and there are plenty of opportunities along the river in Saint-Jean-d'Angély or along the Charente river. Finally, there are many signposted footpaths and trails across the area for keen walkers and cyclists and the chateau has bikes for guests to use.
The nearby town of Saint-Jean-d'Angély (20km) is a lovely place to take stroll by the river and has a great park for kids. There are also châteaux in the region to explore, such as the fairy-tale castle Chateau de la Roche Courbon with its prehistoric caves, 45 minutes away.
A little further away, Saintes (40km) is worthy of a visit along the Charentes river as is Cognac (45km) with its delightful old town and wonderful places to dine, especially by the river. Visit the big Cognac houses both in the city and in Jarnac (50km) where you can enjoy fabulous brandy tastings and more excellent cuisine.
Angoulême (66km) is also a great day out, located above the Charente river with wonderful valley views. It’s a city full of art and history and also popular due to its National Comic Strip and Image Centre, a fantastic museum.
If you fancy a trip to the coast, you’ll find beaches in about an hour in such as Fouras (65km) or a little further there’s Plage des Minimes (84km), near La Rochelle, which can be combined with a trip to the charming island of Île de Ré. The west coast is renowned for the abundance oysters and seafood and you will have a wonderful meal looking out to the sea with a lovely crisp glass of wine and Moules Frites! Martime lovers shouldn’t miss the town of Rochefort (55km) with its fascinating naval history.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
La Rochelle
(82km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Poitiers–Biard Airport,
(88km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Saint Jean-d'Angély
(17km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
(500m) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
(Within 500m) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Bakery & Convenience Store
(500m) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Intermarché Super et Drive
(3km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Saint-Jean-d'Angély/Cognac
(20km/45km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf Louis Royer Guillet
(37km) |
||
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesThis is a great area for kids with plenty of activities across the region.
There is a little park in the local small town and another playground by the river in nearby Saint-Jean-d'Angély, about twenty minutes away. There’s horse-riding just a short drive away and some lovely footpaths and trails to follow for keen walkers or cyclists in the family.
Explore fairy-tale châteaux such as Chateau de la Roche Courbon with its prehistoric caves whilst comic-lovers will enjoy the excellent National Comic Strip and Image Centre in Angoulême, an hour away.
There are beaches within an hour along the Atlantic coast as well as great places to visit with families such as Rochefort with its fascinating martime history and La Rochelle which has a brilliant aquarium.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Bikes
- Board games
- Boules/Petanque
- Children's books
- Children's videos/DVDs
- Xbox/Playstation
- Child-Safe Pool
- Bicycles Provided
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Pool/Snooker
- Home Cinema
- Toys
Services Available
- Catering Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Transfers Available
- Catering Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting 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. 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):
- Catering
- Cleaning
- Fridge stocking and shopping service
- Transfers
- Baby-sitting
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
Experience the romance in this 19th century château with its sophisticated interiors and elegant fe...
Read moreEvent information
Experience the romance in this 19th century château with its sophisticated interiors and elegant features. The glorious swimming pool terrace offers a fine setting for post-ceremony cocktails by the pool bar and create an intimate yet dazzling reception in this vast space, beautifully lit as evening approaches and local Cognac is served.
Located in one of France’s sunniest regions, the Charente Maritime, guests will love the charming local market town a short walk away as well as wonderful walking, cycling and fishing. This is a truly romantic château in an enchanting area.
Wedding Reception
A reception can be hosted either by the swimming pool terrace or there is also an external function room beside the large entrance hall.
Wedding Ceremony
A ceremony can be set up by the château’s pool terrace or it can be held in a local church.
Where to Stay
Up to 21 guests can sleep in the château.
Nearby, there are a couple of hotels/B&Bs for guests in the local village; the owners can provide further details.
Wedding Planner
Clients should make their own arrangements for a wedding planner.
Catering
Clients should use their own caterers; there are many suppliers in the surrounding area.
Other Information
Loud music cannot be played after 11pm due to the residential location.
The owners can help clients in sourcing services such as table and chair hire etc.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | €1000 paid to the owner by bank transfer one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €1000 paid to the owner by bank transfer one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, including pool towels. Mid-stay linen change is included for stays of two weeks. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. 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 garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The swimming pool is open April to the end of October. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. |
| Minimum stay | 3 nights (7 nights in July and August). |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 21 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 26th 2020 - May 30th 2020 | £3,988 | £4,686 | £5,385 | £6,646 |
| May 30th 2020 - Jun 27th 2020 | £4,294 | £5,047 | £5,799 | £7,157 |
| Jun 27th 2020 - Jul 11th 2020 | - | - | - | £7,668 |
| Jul 11th 2020 - Aug 22nd 2020 | - | - | - | £8,179 |
| Aug 22nd 2020 - Aug 29th 2020 | - | - | - | £7,668 |
| Aug 29th 2020 - Sep 26th 2020 | £4,294 | £5,047 | £5,799 | £7,157 |
| Sep 26th 2020 - May 1st 2021 | £3,712 | £4,362 | £5,012 | £6,186 |
| May 1st 2021 - May 29th 2021 | £3,988 | £4,686 | £5,385 | £6,646 |
| May 29th 2021 - Jun 26th 2021 | £4,294 | £5,047 | £5,799 | £7,157 |
| Jun 26th 2021 - Jul 10th 2021 | - | - | - | £7,668 |
| Jul 10th 2021 - Aug 21st 2021 | - | - | - | £8,179 |
| Aug 21st 2021 - Aug 28th 2021 | - | - | - | £7,668 |
| Aug 28th 2021 - Sep 25th 2021 | £4,294 | £5,047 | £5,799 | £7,157 |
| Sep 25th 2021 - Nov 27th 2021 | £3,712 | £4,362 | £5,012 | £6,186 |
Please note that prices may not be 100% accurate for dates outside of the current calendar year. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
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If you get the chance to visit this gem, take it!
We were very lucky to spend time at this amazing château. It is very well situated to explore the surrounding area with its châteaux and rolling countryside. The château itself is a joy to stay in. Each room is beautifully decorated and furnished to a very high standard. You have the old world charm of this grand mansion but all the modern luxuries of en suite bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a huge swimming pool and a lovely garden to sit in.
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We shall be returning soon!
What an amazing place! A group of 8 of us stayed at the chateau in September 2018. The photographs do not do this place justice, I defy anyone to enter the huge double doors and not say “wow!” It is beautifully decorated throughout with huge spacious rooms, we loved our stay just lazing around the pool, in and out of the jacuzzi, sipping wine & eating cheese! The entertainment terrace along with pool table & boules court mean you don’t even need to leave the place – perfect for a relaxed holiday in a fantastic setting. You have to watch the sunset from the top floor, spectacular! This was our second stay and we absolutely love the place.
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Simply Stunning!
I stayed at the in July 2018. I was fortunate enough to celebrate my 40th birthday in the most beautiful surrounding of the Chateau with 16 of my closest friends. Our stay was absolutely out of this world, it exceeded all expectations and then some. From booking until the the day we left the process was streamline and faultless. Our first glimpse of the Chateau on arrival was breathtaking, as we turned in to the beautiful quaint little town, we were greeted with the most amazing stand alone structure which would be our home for the week. From that moment the week only got better, we were met by the lovely house sitters, who showed us around the workings of the Chateau. They catered for our every whim over the course of the week and had our pre ordered shopping list purchased and available for our arrival, such a lovely and accommodating family who were on hand to answer any questions we had. The detail and decoration both in and out the Chateau was amazing, and made it all the more special, from the very grand dining room to the tiny little fairies that greeted you in every subtle corner. So much thought has gone into every detail just adding to the story of this amazing place. The views were breathtaking, and only a short stroll to the town square meaning just a short walk back to our very own pool in the Chateau grounds. Thank you for such an amazing holiday & for making my 40th birthday so special it’s not often you find somewhere to host large groups in such luxury. It certainly is a holiday none of us will ever forget, I can’t wait for my next visit.
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