In a scenic setting above the Dordogne, within easy reach of Bordeaux and close to 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. It’s a rare feat for such a historic property to also be a large, secluded and incredibly comfortable holiday home.
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 authentic 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. The dining room features 3m high ceilings and a stone fireplace whilst the wonderfully fitted kitchen benefits from a La Cornue double oven and a woodburning cast iron fireplace. There is high-speed Wi-Fi and two gorgeous offices with garden views, perfect for guests who may need to work, 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, soft archery and more. There’s a great sense of space across this quiet holiday home ensuring no one will get in anyone’s way.
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 estate of nearly 100 acres of open fields and forest to explore will delight all ages.
A private at-home wine-tasting is included in your rental rate and a whole host of other extras can be arranged from daily cleaning and catering to language, art and photography lessons as well as on-site yoga, sport coaching and more.
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.
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