Chateau De L'Histoire
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Overview
Château De L’Histoire is a 19th-Century jewel, which sits majestically on 100 acres of park, farm and woodland. This unique setting, at the end of a one-kilometre driveway, offers a very private setting in the rural Midi-Pyrénées, but is just five minutes from the UNESCO classified ancient village of St. Lizier, one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages.
The château has been recently renovated and offers light and spacious rooms with an impressive and dramatic blend of old and new. Its rich, historic past greets guests in many original details; high ceilings with intricate wooden details, ornate cornices, tall mosaic windows, impressive fireplaces and a grand staircase to take your breath away. They sit alongside modern bathrooms, artwork and the large swimming pool and sleek wooden decking. Artwork in the château is made up of constantly changing exhibitions by artists who are privileged to showcase their work in such a sumptuous setting.
Despite this idyllic, rural location, both the historic and modern quarters of the village are just a 5-minute drive away, so everything is within easy reach including its highlights, such as its stunning cathedral with cloisters, octagonal tower and 11th-Century frescoes. There is also a renowned restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking the village and across to the Pyrénées mountains.
The village is within the Natural Regional park of the Ariège Pyrénées, so outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, and horse-riding are in abundance amongst its lakes, mountains and forests. Hiking is a great way to discover this beautiful National Park and in the Spring the waterfall at Cascade d’Ars is a highlight. The area is rich with Roman churches to visit and medieval villages to explore, such as La Bastide-de-Serou and Le Mas-d'Azil.
During winter months skiing and snow-boarding are possible just half-an-hour from Château De L’Histoire at the nearby resort of Guzet.
Château De L’Histoire is the perfect retreat and setting for sumptuous and relaxing holidays in this beautifully unique part of South West France.
What you should know…
- The ancient part of the village is a 30-minute walk (uphill), while its modern quarter is a 20-minute walk away.
- The on site management team live discretely in the coach house on the estate.
- One of the downstairs sitting rooms can be converted to a bedroom for guests who require a ground floor bedroom (there is also a ground floor shower room).
Property Features
Chateau Interior
Ground Floor
- Main entrance and hall
- Pantry
- Kitchen
- Butlers room
- Side entrance hall
- Dining room
- Winter lounge (stained glass doors leading to terrace)
- Summer lounge (access to terrace)
- TV lounge (can be converted into a bedroom for guests with limited mobility)
- Bathroom with wash basin, walk in shower
- Guest WC
First Floor (accessed via main spiral staircase)
- Bedroom 1 (Master bedroom) with king size bed, en suite bathroom with bath and walk in shower, large wardrobe, balcony and sun loungers
- Bedroom 2 with king size bed, small en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, walk in wardrobe (can be converted into a family room)
- Bedroom 3 with king size bed, very large wardrobe, en-suite bathroom with walk in shower and underfloor heating
- Bedroom 4 with king size bed, very large wardrobe, en-suite bathroom with walk in shower and underfloor heating
- Bedroom 5 with double bed, en-suite bathroom with walk in shower and underfloor heating, drawers and hanging space
- Bedroom 6 with king size bed, en-suite wet room in the tower.
(can be converted into a very spacious family room)
Second Floor (accessed via second spiral staircase from ground floor)
- Bedroom 7 with double bed, en-suite bathroom with walk in shower and underfloor heating, drawers and hanging space
- Bedroom 8 with double bed, en-suite bathroom with walk in shower and underfloor heating, drawers and hanging space
- Bedroom 9 with double bed, en-suite bathroom with walk in shower and underfloor heating, drawers and wardrobe
- Bedroom 10 with double bed, en-suite bathroom with walk in shower and underfloor heating, drawers and wardrobe
- Bedroom 11 with king size bed, en-suite bathroom with walk in shower,large wardrobe (can be converted into a family room)
- Bedroom 12 with king size bed, small en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, walk in wardrobe (can be converted into a family room)
Basement closed to guests.
Self-contained Attic Apartment
- Kitchen
- Bedroom 13 with double bed
- Bedroom 14 with double bed and hanging rail
- Bathroom with walk in shower and underfloor heating
- Open plan living area with with 2 very comfortable sofa beds
The apartment is completely self-contained and offers independence from other chateau guests if required.
Outside Grounds
- Terrace
- Private swimming pool (size: 16mx8m/depth: 1.5m-1.7m/shape: rectangular) with sensor system, open approximately May to October - parental supervision is recommended at all times.
- Wooden decking area
- 100 acres of park, farm and woodland
- Outdoor dining area
- Barbecue
- Parking space
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating throughout
- Underfloor heating in all bathrooms
- 2 working fireplaces (ground floor)
- 2 decorative fireplaces
- Fans available on request
- Satellite TV (75'')
- Microwave
- Hob
- Oven
- Fridge/freezer
- Coffee machine
- DVD player
- I-pod docking station
- Hairdryers
- Washing machine
- Iron and ironing boards
- Dishwasher
- Pilates studio
- Table tennis
- Table football
- Bikes
- Toys
- Pool inflatables
- Children's books and DVDs
- Baby bath
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau De L'HistoireThe chateau is located in the rural Midi-Pyrénées, just five minutes from the UNESCO classified ancient village of St. Lizier, one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages.
It is set within the Natural Regional park of the Ariège Pyrénées so outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking (including private lessons) and horse-riding are in abundance amongst its lakes, mountains and forests. Hiking is a great way to discover this beautiful National Park and in the Spring the waterfall at Cascade d’Ars is a highlight.You can even take amazing discovery flights, private lessons and taster gliding sessions at a centre just five minutes away.
Skiing is possible just half-an-hour away at the nearby resort of Guzet. The area is also rich with Roman churches to visit and medieval villages to explore, such as La Bastide-de-Serou and Le Mas-d'Azil.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Toulouse-Blagnac
(100km-1h 10mins) |
||
| Nearest Village |
St Lizier
(2km-20 mins walk) |
||
| Nearest Piste |
Guzet
(45km-1h) |
||
Region
A relatively new addition to France, the Midi-Pyrénées was created to surround the cultural capital of Toulouse in the late 1970s. You might think that its relative youth would mean the Midi-Pyrénées is short on character or identity, but remember, this is France we’re talking about – the whole country is steeped in history and tradition. Encompassing parts of Gascony, Languedoc, the Gers and several others, you’ll get a varied slice of the whole French experience here, not least if you stay at one of our beautiful chateaux in the Midi-Pyrénées! And if you want to discover the best of what the region has to offer, our Midi-Pyrénées travel guide is here to show you where to go, what to eat and how you can make the best of your break with some amazing activities.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesBaby and Toddler Equipment
- Baby bath
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
Onsite Facilities
- Children's videos/DVDs
- Children's books
- Pool inflatables
- Bikes
- Table Tennis
- Table Football
Services Available
- Catering Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Catering Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- Fridge Stocking/Shopping Service Available
- Transfers and Tours 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:
- Catering
- Extra cleaning
- Fridge stocking/shopping service
- Baby-sitting
- Travel services
- Car hire
- Transfers
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 | £2,000 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 3.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 12.00 p.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £2,000 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 3.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 12.00 p.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | No, charges apply from November to March, payable locally based on consumption. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, including pool towels. |
| Minimum stay | 2 nights. |
| Pets welcome? | No. |
| Smoking Allowed? | In designated areas only. |
| 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 rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately May to October. 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. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any other special events are not permitted. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 28 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 28th 2023 - Dec 31st 2023 | £4,300 | £6,450 | £8,600 | £10,750 | £15,050 |
| Dec 31st 2023 - Dec 29th 2024 | £4,300 | £6,450 | £8,600 | £10,750 | £15,050 |
| Dec 29th 2024 - Mar 31st 2025 | £4,300 | £6,450 | £8,600 | £10,750 | £15,050 |
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?
2 Years.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
As we came up the long winding wooded drive I was l...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
2 Years.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
As we came up the long winding wooded drive I was literally blown away by the majesty of the chateau, completely unexpected (photographs never seem to do it real justice) and absolutely beautiful. I had to stay in the car to gather myself before we met the estate agent!
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The chateau stayed in the same family for two centuries, until we purchased it. The Delbreil clan were responsible for bringing hydro-electric power to the region and are well known amongst locals. Their last housekeeper, a delightful lady named Zinda, who was in service to the family from the age of 14, still lives locally and will happily share her tales of life at the chateau.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Not yet!
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do?
Visit the Saturday market at nearby St Girons. It is a vibrant and friendly occasion. It regularly draws large crowds from near and far, packed full of producers selling organic vegetables and cheeses and the wonderful aroma of freshly cooked dishes. It is a pleasure just to take a seat at one of the bars or cafes, enjoy a coffee, beer or Pernod and watch the world go by!
Really eat?
Garbure is a traditional soup of the Ariege, our cook makes her delicious version for guests who would like to try some typical cuisine, and likewise her delicious apple croustade always gets a fantastic reception. Finally there is a plethora of local cheeses and charcuterie on offer locally which are not to be missed!
Really see?
The old village of St Lizier is home to the chateau and a UNESCO world heritage site. Meandering around the old narrow streets is a delight in itself but the beautifully preserved ancient apothecaries, Bishops Palace and Cathedral are all must sees! There is a lovely café in the square and a fine dining restaurant Le Carre de L’Ange from where you can enjoy truly stunning views of the Pyrenean chain.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area? We have a wonderful pilates instructor and masseuse with a fully equipped studio on the edge of the estate. To ensure that your stay is as relaxing as possible you could treat yourself and your guests to a bespoke pilates and a massage session – without having to leave the property!
Reviews
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Fantastic!
Stayed in the summer and enjoyed comfortable rooms, cool pool, sunshine, great local food and helpful owners. Winter too was fab with real fires and a short drive to the ski slopes. Can't wait for my next visit.
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Un castillo precioso
Hemos pasado el fin de año, con nuestros amigos, en el Chateau de l'Histoire y ha sido inolvidable. Es un castillo precioso con un jardín enorme. Nuestros hijos casi se vuelven locos cuando al final del camino vieron aparecer la impactante fachada del castillo. Donna, la dueña, es encantadora y muy servicial. Nos ha tratado como si fuésemos de su familia, preocupándose por nosotros en cada momento. Los niños nunca olvidarán cuando Donna nos hizo un tour para enseñarnos el castillo por dentro. Corrían por todas partes, emocionados eligiendo su habitación. El día 31/12/17, Donna nos proporcionó una cocinera estupenda, que nos preparó Garbure para comer y estaba delicioso. Se nos ha hecho corta la estancia, así que tendremos que volver.
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I cannot wait to come back!
This is a beautiful part of France and Chateau De l'Histoire is in a stunning location. It is secluded with incredible views, but still easily accessible from Toulouse. The rooms are luxurious and comfortable and staying in such a historic and impressive chateau is a unique experience. Staying here was a complete treat and I cannot wait to come back!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
