Chateau Des Puys
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Overview
Located in the Auvergne-Limousin region Château Des Puys, which dates back to the 17th and 18th century, is the family residence of an international artist. It sits on the edge of the Forêt de Drouill, in a uniquely peaceful and calm position overlooking uninterrupted views of the picturesque countryside, rich in characterful villages, lakes, forests and country lanes.
The château has large rooms, high ceilings and impressive fireplaces whilst oak flooring and original cornicing can be seen throughout. The interior is designed to a wonderful standard with unique designer furniture throughout. The highlight is the spacious and well-appointed kitchen, ideal to prepare delicious meals using fresh ingredients from local markets.
Outside there are landscaped grounds, an orchard as well as herb, vegetable and rose gardens. There is also an outdoor dining area beneath the pergola or choose to relax with a glass of wine by the lavender. The heated swimming pool comes with a pool house featuring Wi-Fi and a music system.
This is the perfect place for those who seek total peace and tranquility, spending long hours out hiking, horse-riding or fishing, away from the crowds and tourist chaos. The closest village is a 5-minute drive away, a truly authentic French little gem! There are restaurants within driving distance too, where you can sample the authentic and delicious local cuisine.
Discover wonderful walks and waterfalls by La Sioule River and summer watersports at Lac des Fades, both around half an hour away. Then there's the four volcanic massifs in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne including the famous Puy de Dôme - reach the summit by train or you can admire the incredible landscapes via a hot air balloon ride.
Elsewhere, spend the day in the picturesque spa-town of Évaux-les-Bains, visit the historic towns of Aubusson or Montluçon and venture towards the very beautiful Château de Villemonteix around a 45-minute drive away. Further afield, if you are into wine and historical castles, keep in mind that the Loire Valley is a few hours drive away!
What you should know…
- It’s worth noting that the stairs in the château are steep (and partially open-sided) so children will need supervising. Furthermore, access to two of the bedrooms is steep and therefore unsuitable for children and/or guests with restricted mobility.
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
Château Wing Interiors
- Drawing room
- Kitchen and dining area, fully-equipped including dishwasher, range, microwave, large fridge and oak kitchen table. Door lead to terrace
- Library/office
- Laundry room
Bedrooms and Bathrooms (various floors, steep steps)
- Bedroom with double bed, single bed and en suite bathroom with bath and WC
- Bedroom with double bed and ensuite bathroom with bath and WC (shared with twin bedroom below)
- Bedroom with twin beds
- Bedroom with twin beds (reached via steep steps)
- Bedroom with single bed (reached via steep steps)
- Ground floor bathroom with bath and separate WC (shared between above two bedrooms on different floor)
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (12x4.5m, depth: 1.2-1.8m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately June to end-September
- Pool house with Wi-Fi and music system
- Poolside pergola with lounge chairs and hammocks
- Barbecue
- Pergola for al-fresco dining
- Garden
- Water feature
- Bikes
- Trampoline and swing/slide
- Table tennis
- Electric gates
- Secured parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi (fast fibre)
- Heating
- Smart TV with English and French channels
- DVD player and DVDs
- Table tennis
- Bikes
- Children’s games/toys
- Pushchair and baby bath
- Board games and children’s books
Château Des Puys enjoys a rural setting near the border of the Creuse and Puy-De-Dome departments, ...
| Nearest Airport |
Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport
(75km) |
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Limoges Airport
(144km) |
| Nearest Village |
Small village with bakery, butchers and restaurant-bar
(4km) |
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau Des PuysChâteau Des Puys enjoys a rural setting near the border of the Creuse and Puy-De-Dome departments, around 58km north-west of Clermont-Ferrand and a 90-minute drive from Limousin.
A small village is just a five-minute drive away, home to a boulangerie, butchers and restaurant-bar, whilst there are two other small villages within a 5 to 10-minute drive. Further amenities and a supermarket can be found in Auzances (13km), an attractive small town which is also home to tennis courts, horse-riding and an animal park with gallo-Roman remains and a picturesque fishing lake.
Across this region you can spend time visiting good local markets and historic châteaux, fishing in local lakes and discovering beautiful landscapes for long walks, cycle rides and more. Just under half an hour away, Lac des Fades is a great spot for walks and lakeside picnics; in the height of the summer look out for watersports such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, sailing, jet-ski and an inflatable water course.
A little further, find glorious walks along La Sioule River, coming across the waterfalls at Montfermy (35km), and venture towards the nature reserve at Puy de la Coquille (45km) for incredible views of the Puy de Jumes.
Of course, the four volcanic massif of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne also await, an absolute paradise for hikers and experienced cyclists or you could even take a hot air balloon ride over the incredible scenery. Look out for the rack-style railway (5.2km long) that takes you to the summit of Puy de Dôme and learn more about volcanoes at the theme park, Vulcania (43km).
Elsewhere, head to the attractive spa-town of Évaux-les-Bains (30km), spend the day admiring historic tapestries and rugs in Aubusson (45km) and visit the beautiful Château de Villemonteix, just outside the pretty village of Chénérailles (44km).
Montluçon (55km) is a gorgeous town to visit if you have the time, classified as one of France’s "towns of art and history" with its medieval architecture and grand 19th century houses. Clermont-Ferrand (58km) is another fine day out, the capital of the Auvergne region and one of France’s oldest cities with many buildings constructed from volcanic rock.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport
(75km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Limoges Airport
(144km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Small village with bakery, butchers and restaurant-bar
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Restaurant-bar in local village
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Intermarché Super Auzances et Drive
(13km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf des Volcans
(50km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Clermont-Ferrand
(58km) |
||
Region
A region doesn’t get to be called “The Garden of France” without being pretty special, and the Loire Valley is just as luscious and beautiful as its nickname would suggest. There’s countless acres of beautiful woods, vineyards and farmland that produce some of France’s revered ingredients and delicacies, and a wealth of history and beautiful architecture that demands and rewards exploration. Whether you’re heading off with the family, friends, or both, our fantastic portfolio of Loire Valley villas and chateaux means you’ll find fantastic, comfortable and quirky accommodation no matter your preferences.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesEnjoy a trip to the local animal park just outside Auzances where there is an attractive fishing lake, picturesque picnic areas, a playground, family-friendly walking trails and several animals. There is also horse-riding near Auzances and tennis courts.
A little further afield, Lac des Fades is a fantastic place for family walks and lakeside picnics; in the height of the summer there are watersports including kayaking, paddle-boarding and an inflatable water course for older children.
The Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne is an incredible day out. You can explore the landscapes on foot or even via a hot air balloon ride or head to the Panoramique Des Domes and take the track-style railway to the summit of Puy de Dôme. Furthermore, the family-friendly attraction park, Vulcania, is themed all around volcanoes.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Baby bath
- Pushchair
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Swings
- Slide
- Children's videos/DVDs
- Children's books
- Trampoline
- Board games
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Bicycles Provided
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- DVD
- Toys
Services Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Maid 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. 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
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Mid-stay cleaning
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
| Security deposit | €1800 paid via bank transfer or via paypal to the owner 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 | €1800 paid via bank transfer or via paypal to the owner 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. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | No. €100, payable locally. This is for a standard changeover clean. 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. |
| Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. |
| Heating costs included? | Extra €50 per day for heating and wood from November to April, payable locally. |
| Pool heating charge? | No, included. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately June to end-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is included. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 10 people:
| Rental period | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 11th 2023 - Jan 1st 2024 | £3,820 | £4,775 | £6,685 |
| Jan 1st 2024 - Feb 15th 2024 | £3,820 | £4,775 | £6,685 |
| Feb 15th 2024 - Dec 12th 2024 | £3,820 | £4,775 | £6,685 |
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.
When did you become the owner?
We bought the property in 1993 in our early 20’s as a young love mad cap idea, with barely a sentence of French but a lot of p...
Read moreOwner Profile
When did you become the owner?
We bought the property in 1993 in our early 20’s as a young love mad cap idea, with barely a sentence of French but a lot of passion and enthusiasm.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The property was mostly abandoned, appealing to our sense of the romantic, apart from a small wing which was lived in by a wonderful family; farmers who owned the surrounding fields, woods and lakes but were not interested in the chateau itself. We fell in love with the view, a stunning uninterrupted view to the chain of volcanoes. I fell in love with the high ceilings, the parquet flooring but mostly the wonderful feeling of calm and happiness that exuded from the property.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The main house was built in 1664 and was originally meant as a hunting lodge for a Parisian Lord. Through a series of fortuitous local marriages, the chateau had, at one point, thousands of acres including a large lake to the south, Etang de Chancelade. It has had additions to the main chateau over the centuries to fit the fashion of the times, but the outbuildings have remained much the same with their glorious Creusois granite stonework.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
The region, due to its calm and isolation, beauty and light, has a strong appeal for artists and we have had painters, sculptors, musicians, actors and writers to stay. Living and working near by are many other artists, some famous and some yet to become famous. There are numerous residencies; for example, classical and operatic workshops, and numerous festivals, of note a festival of Jazz and an internationally recognised festival of Bach, as well as outdoor music venues and plenty of art exhibitions. A wonderful small independent theatre nearby which invites new and bold troupes to play and to start out, sourced by the owner from the festival of Avignon among other places.
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really must do?
As it has been relatively untouched by the centuries of change, the region boasts an impressive amount of Middle Ages churches and chateaus for the lovers of old buildings and the small villages have simply stunning examples of medieval architecture.
Or for lovers of the outdoors, endless forest paths and offroad tracks for biking and walking, horse riding, rock climbing, kayaking, even paragliding and hot air ballooning. Fishing in the large lake nearby. Skiing in winter.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
The most important insider tip for this area, is do not judge a book by its cover. The restaurants may not look on the outside appealing, this is nothing but a visual illusion because not only are the restauranteurs very friendly, you will experience the true taste of exceptional regional cooking. The food is nearly always seasonal and locally sourced. The midday menu usually is a set menu, simple, affordable and very good and very French.
Reviews
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A marvellous chateau!
Great location, beautiful atmosphere, old French, great swimming pool, terraces, great view. Helpful hosts. This is a marvelous place!
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Charming!
Rosie’s house is incredibly charming. Everything is clean and well organized. Best is the big garden and the pool. All surrounded by nature. We had a great stay and would come back anytime
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Very relaxing
A very nice place to spend relaxing time with family or friends. We enjoyed the space, the large living rooms with pieces of art, the incredibly well equipped and large kitchen with its big table... The garden is beautiful. Good location to visit Puy de Dome and other volcanoes, and many other points of interest in the countryside. Easy and friendly contact with the owners/managers.
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Fantastic and unique property
Chateau Des Puys is a really beautiful house, tastefully but also very comfortably furnished and equipped with everything you could possibly need and the owners are incredibly charming and helpful. It's an old house so not without quirks, but all the more interesting for them. The kitchen is stunning, the outside eating area charming with a great barbecue. The pool area is lovely with comfy chairs and daybeds with plenty of cushions and pool towels. The area is quite remote so be prepared to travel if you want to visit anything noteworthy, but the countryside is lovely, it's very peaceful and basic amenities (bread, supermarket) aren't too far. The art all around the house and garden make the property truly unique. Thoroughly recommended.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
