Chateau Noble
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Overview
Chateau Noble is a unique jewel in the South of France.
Founded 400 years ago by a Lord, using funds gifted to him for his service in war by King Louis XIII, today its modern-day guardians pay homage to its heritage and offer their passion and respect to its founding families, by preserving their coats of arms, cherishing each past century and generation and ensuring that every guest is made to feel like a king.
This has always been a noble residence and guests today will be treated with befitting care and attention by its friendly and highly skilled team who are devoted to their guests and their guests’ enjoyment. If guests wish, an exceptional chef is on hand for delicious meals, as are a host of extra services such as a charming host-butler, bar-stocking and shopping service, pampering massage and beauty treatments, baby-sitting and much more.
The château has been beautifully restored to a high standard and decorated with classical French and English furniture dating from 700 years ago to today and elements from across the world, old and new. Every well-appointed bedroom has a modern en-suite bathroom and comfortable beds dressed in the finest Egyptian cotton. There is also a fabulous, well-equipped kitchen, elegant dining for fourteen both indoors and outdoors, a Grand Salon with ancient blazons, impressive fire places, a music room with perfectly tuned Ibach baby grand piano and a fun, well-stocked games room complete with minstrels’ gallery.
Four-hundred-year-old, one metre thick castle walls keep it fresh in summer and warm in winter and the large array of windows keep it beautifully light, whilst framing glimpses of the original towers and two romantic pigeonniers, as well as the charming gardens, fields and surrounding woods which are perfect for walking and exploring.
Guests will enjoy stunning views of the rolling hills of the Gers to the Pyrenées and of prairies and woods where wild boar, deer and hare roam free. Delightful walks can also be enjoyed on the château grounds, which offer an abundance of delights including the park, potager, vineyard, orchard, wild flowers, Lebanese cedars, duck-pond, ducks and beehives.
Honey, jam, herbs and fruit are produced at the château or by local friends, whilst Samatan nearby, will provide endless supplies of their world-renowned duck and foie gras. As well as being the duck and foie gras capital of the world, Samatan is also home to one of France’s most famous markets.
This is The Gers, the heart of Gascony, Musketeers, foie gras and Grand Armagnac country. This is the real France where guests can immerse themselves in authentic, fortified villages, market towns, plenty of traditional local events and some of the best food and wine in the world.
Château Noble provides the perfect, tranquil retreat for relaxing and unwinding, with the option of enjoying top quality food, wine and service and as much or as little to do as desired, whilst staying in a historic residence full of warmth, character and charm.
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What you should know…
- Please note that the advertised prices are for up to 15 guests only. Additional guests can be accommodated on extra beds at an additional cost, in order to accommodate up to 21 guests. Please see the ‘T&Cs’ tab for details.
- There are some low ceilings, steep stairs up to one of the bedrooms and the single bedroom up the wooden spiral staircase is not suitable for small children – please see ‘Features’ tab for full accommodation details
- Pet cats are in residence but can be removed on request
Property Features
Chateau Interior
Ground Floor
- Grand Salon with large working open fireplace, sumptuous sofas, glass coffee table and books/magazines. There is also a desk with printer and extensive tourist information and an adjacent bar with beer pump, fridge and ice-maker.
- Grand entrance hall with grand staircase and bronze sculptures
- Fully equipped kitchen with broad dining table for 12
- Music room with various instruments, aquarium, 50 inch Sky TV, Xbox 360, large working fireplace
- Games room with ping-pong table, toys, games and well-stocked bookshelves, working fireplace, and minstrels’ gallery with a small day double bed for extra guests. This room is connected to bedroom 7.
- W.C. and washbasin
- Utility Room
- Cloakroom
- Linen and laundry room (accessible to staff only but can be used by guests by arrangement)
- Stockroom/professional kitchen (accessible to staff only)
First Floor
- Spacious landing with seating for two with views of the orchards and Pyrenées
- Master Bedroom ('Muskeeter') with solid oak four-poster bed, sofa, bureau, twin chairs with views of the park, two wardrobes, en-suite bathroom with double tub, walk-in shower with additional hand shower, basin and W.C. Plenty of space for up to two additional beds.
- Bedroom 2 ('Pyrenées') with king size/twin bed, sofa, wardrobe, chest of drawers, en-suite large walk-in shower with additional hand shower, basin and W.C. Space for an additional bed. Views of the orchard and Pyrenées.
- Bedroom 3 ('Oak') with double bed, hanging cupboard, chest of drawers, en-suite walk-in shower with additional hand shower, wash basin and WC. Space for an additional bed.
- Bedroom 4 ('Tower') Tower castle-style suite with vestibule and passageway, one king size bed, one single bed up a spiral wooden staircase (steep), wardrobe, chest of drawers, en-suite shower room with additional hand shower, basin and W.C.
- Bedroom 5 ('Lavender') with double bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, en-suite walk-in shower with additional hand shower, basin and W.C. Space for an additional bed.
- Bedroom 6 ('Sunflower') with twin beds, wardrobe, en-suite bath/shower, wash basin and W.C. Space for an additional bed. The bathroom can be accessed from the landing, or be locked if required making it ideal for a family.
- Bedroom 7 ('The Secret Bedroom') with double bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, large en-suite shower room with walk-in shower, double tub, wash basin and W.C. Please note this room is low-beamed (6ft plus) and connected to the Minstrels’ gallery in the games room.
Outside Grounds
- 18 hectares (43 acres) of grounds comprising of ornamental park, sunken ‘moat’ garden with ornamental bridge, vegetable garden, open-barn, vineyard, orchard with fruit and nut trees, beehives and woodlands with trails
- Private heated swimming pool with Roman steps, diving end, lockable fence and wave alarm system (size: 12m x 6m/depth: 0.8m - 2.4m). Heated via heat exchange pump to min. 21° (temperature appropriate to the season, average 27°-28° in summer).
Open from end of April to end of October, subject to weather.
- Poolside terrace and shaded area with eight sunloungers
- Dining areas
- Oil drum barbecue
- Large gravel terrace and courtyard with a granite outdoor dining table for 10-12
- Shaded informal teak table on teak deck for 8-10
- Trampoline
- Duck pond
- Two grand and historic pigeonniers
- Ancient oaks and seven Lebanese cedars, planted 400 years ago
- Rear lawn with an old ice store turned into a charming, modest fountain
- Two private outbuildings, a barn and the cowshed, used to run the estate (no access)
- Views over the beautiful rolling Gers countryside and the distant Pyrénées mountains
Facilities
- Heating
- Satellite based Wi-Fi throughout
- Grand piano, guitar, drum, whistle, harmonica and other instruments
- Ping-pong
- Children’s toys and games
- 50 Inch Sky TV (standard channels, kids and documentaries)
- Xbox 360 with games
- Sonos music system throughout downstairs
- Hairdryers
- Bathrobes
- Boules
- Pick-up-sticks
- Badminton
- 12ft Jumpking trampoline with safety nets
- Assorted bikes
- Sunloungers
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau NobleIf you are looking for calm, nature and authenticity, Chateau Noble is the place to be. Nestled in the very heart of the Gascony, a truly authentic area in the South West of France, famous for its beautiful rural landscapes and fine cuisine. Its territory stretches from the departments of the Gers, the Landes and the Hautes Pyrénées.
The Gers in particular is often referred to as the 'Tuscany of France': rolling hills dotted with gorgeous fortified villages and market towns. It is also the birthplace of the musketeers and it is said that D'Artagnan spent two nights in the castle!
The local town of Samatan is renowned for its foie gras and for the very famous unmissable market that takes place every Monday morning. If you have a taste for Armagnac, there are plenty of opportunities to visit local producers and guided tours as well as tastings can be arranged.
There is also an abundance of popular places to visit nearby: Auch, Sarrant and Carbonne are just a few examples.
| Local Amenities | |||
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| Nearest Airport |
Toulouse/Carcassone
(56km/150km) |
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| Nearest Town/City |
Samatan
(5km-6mins) |
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| Nearest Restaurant |
Samatan
(5km-6mins) |
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| Nearest Supermarket |
Carrefour Samatan
(5km-6mins) |
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| Nearest Golf |
Chateau de Barbet
(8km-11mins) |
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| Nearest Tennis |
Tennis Club Samatanais
(5km-6mins) |
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| Nearest Train Station |
L'Isle Jourdain
(28km-26mins) |
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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 AgesKids Activities Close-by
- Watersports
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Horse Riding
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Badminton
- Xbox/Playstation
- Boules/Petanque
- Trampoline
- Children's books
- Heated Pool
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Included
- Babysitting Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Included
- Babysitting Available
- On-Site Concierge
- Butler Available
- Breakfast available
| Good news! For a little extra, this property is available as a Vill’otel | |||
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With a vill’otel holiday, you can enjoy all these services throughout your stay: Interested? |
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:
- 3 hours daily maid service included
- Additional linen changes (charged per room)
- Up to 6 comfortable extra beds (£40 per bed/day)
- Continental breakfast (fresh bread, croissants, fruit, cereals, yogurt) delivered and served at 9 am
- Excellent house chef offering an array of menus and selected wines, both at reasonable prices
- Fridge stocking/shopping service
- Laundry service
- Baby-sitting service
- Concierge service
- Transfers
- Bar-stocking
- Butler
- Massage and beauty treatments (e.g: manicures)
- Bee-keeping, clay-pigeon shooting, horse-riding, painting classes, piano lessons, hot-air ballooning and more.
All extras must be paid directly to owner locally and are subject to availability and advance notice. Please note that some services require more notice than others.
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
This is such a noble, charming and characterful château from which to host your wedding celebration...
Read moreEvent information
This is such a noble, charming and characterful château from which to host your wedding celebrations. It’s still got its original towers and has spectacular views towards the Pyrénées and across the woods and prairies. Its huge parkland contains vineyards, orchard, fields, sweeping lawns, wild flowers, mature cedars, duck pond and two pigeonniers, just perfect for those romantic photographs. You’ll love your relaxed outdoor celebrations in these glorious grounds or there is a restored barn which can bedecked with lights for the special day. Gascony is famous for its fine cuisine so there are sure to be some culinary delights at the reception.
Wedding Reception
There is a barn which can seat up to 100 guests or there are many spots within the grounds for an outdoor reception, under a marquee if necessary.
Dancing can take place inside the barn – cleared after dining – where there is plenty of room for all the guests. The owners recommend that the music continues indoors after midnight but there are no music restrictions.
Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony can take place within the 43 acres of grounds. There are many locations to choose from either beneath a hired marquee if required or inside the barn.
The owner can provide details of an English-speaking celebrant.
Where to Stay
The château can house up to 21 guests (15 without using extra beds) and there is plenty of nearby accommodation for the remaining guests.
The owner can supply details of local transport firms.
Wedding Planning
The owners can recommend an English-speaking wedding planner or clients may arrange their own.
The owner can suggest suppliers for all aspects of the event.
Catering
The owners offer in-house catering, can recommend local caterers or the clients may arrange their own.
Much of the food used in the in-house catering is locally sourced organic produce.
Wedding Packages
N/A
Other information
This venue has a relaxed attitude towards the event day – the owners are happy for clients to come and go as they like.
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 | £1800 charged to client’s credit card by the owner before/upon 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 charged to client’s credit card by the owner before/upon 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. |
| Heating costs included? | Extra £50/day on request, paid locally. Logs for the fire are also available for an extra £70/m3. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, including bathrobes and pool towels. |
| Changeover day | Saturday, other days are possible on request. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights from June to end of September. 3 nights during all other periods. |
| Pool heating charge? | The pool is heated free of charge to min 21° (usually 27°/28° in summer). |
| Pets welcome? | On request only, subject to prior arrangement with the owner. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. Plus daily maid service (up to three hours per day). |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Stag/hen parties and other celebrations are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Advertised prices are for up to 15 guests only. Additional guests can be accommodated on extra beds at an additional cost of £40 per person, per day, payable at the time of booking. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The pool is open from end of April to end of October, subject to weather conditions. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 15 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 24th 2019 - Jun 29th 2019 | - | - | - | £6,875 |
| Jun 29th 2019 - Jul 13th 2019 | - | - | - | £7,500 |
| Jul 13th 2019 - Aug 24th 2019 | - | - | - | £8,125 |
| Aug 24th 2019 - Aug 31st 2019 | - | - | - | £7,500 |
| Aug 31st 2019 - Sep 28th 2019 | - | - | - | £6,875 |
| Sep 28th 2019 - Oct 21st 2019 | £2,824 | £3,224 | £3,624 | £4,706 |
| Oct 21st 2019 - Oct 26th 2019 | £2,824 | £3,224 | £3,624 | £4,706 |
| Oct 26th 2019 - Dec 14th 2019 | £2,824 | £3,224 | £3,624 | £4,706 |
| Dec 14th 2019 - Jan 4th 2020 | £4,125 | £4,675 | £5,225 | £6,875 |
| Jan 4th 2020 - Apr 18th 2020 | £2,824 | £3,224 | £3,624 | £4,706 |
| Apr 18th 2020 - Apr 25th 2020 | £2,824 | £3,224 | £3,624 | £4,706 |
| Apr 25th 2020 - May 2nd 2020 | £2,824 | £3,224 | £3,624 | £4,706 |
| May 2nd 2020 - May 23rd 2020 | £3,938 | £4,463 | £4,988 | £6,563 |
| May 23rd 2020 - Jun 6th 2020 | £4,125 | £4,675 | £5,225 | £6,875 |
| Jun 6th 2020 - Jun 27th 2020 | - | - | - | £6,875 |
| Jun 27th 2020 - Jul 11th 2020 | - | - | - | £7,500 |
| Jul 11th 2020 - Aug 22nd 2020 | - | - | - | £8,125 |
| Aug 22nd 2020 - Aug 29th 2020 | - | - | - | £7,500 |
| Aug 29th 2020 - Sep 26th 2020 | - | - | - | £6,875 |
| Sep 26th 2020 - Oct 24th 2020 | £2,824 | £3,224 | £3,624 | £4,706 |
| Oct 24th 2020 - Oct 31st 2020 | £2,824 | £3,224 | £3,624 | £4,706 |
| Oct 31st 2020 - Dec 12th 2020 | £2,824 | £3,224 | £3,624 | £4,706 |
| Dec 12th 2020 - Dec 25th 2020 | £4,125 | £4,675 | £5,225 | £6,875 |
Please note that prices may not be 100% accurate for dates outside of the current calendar year. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
How long have you owned the property?
Since August 2014. We took on this gem and spent the next year and more bringing it up to a standard to really do justice b...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
Since August 2014. We took on this gem and spent the next year and more bringing it up to a standard to really do justice both to the building and its heritage.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
As you come up the long drive, the chateau is at last apparent in all it’s glory. The park frames it. Seven glorious ancient cedars, then orchards, and mighty oaks abound. That’s what did it for me on my first visit. And after I had toured the expansive, well-naturally-lit rooms, the deal was sealed.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
D’Artagnan, of Musketeer fame, our local hero is rumoured to have stayed here. I couldn’t say for sure of course. The chateau was founded by the de Combis family over 400 years ago, after they were ennobled for their service to King Louis in the Protestant wars that ravaged France at the close of the 16th century.
Our two pigeonniers stand out as rarities. To have one pigeonnier was considered a marker of wealth. To have two verged on showing off. The pigeons that lived within ate grain, so one had to have the land to satisfy their consumption without impinging upon neighbours. The pigeons were kept both to eat and to provide fertiliser for the fields surrounding.
Original family crests, coats of arms and seals are celebrated here and there in the building’s fabric, dramatically so in the Grand Salon, and within one of the pigeonniers (the external towers) is held some inordinately romantic antique graffiti.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
We’ve hosted a Prince and Princess, an Earl and a Duchess. As far as we are concerned, every other guest has been a rock star, and treated as such.
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do?
First enjoy the large house and estate. If you must leave the premises, there are pretty ‘bastide’ fortified villages such as the delightful Castelnau-Barbarens, and of course the charming medieval centre and cathedral of the county town of Auch half an hour away.
Toulouse, the rose city, is within an hour, which in addition to its vibrant and historic city centre hosts an array of fascinating museums, including the Cité de l’Espace. Toulouse is, after all, Europe’s centre both for aviation (Airbus HQ) and space exploration (European Space Agency).
Of course, the small town of Lombez, five minutes away, used to be a city in its day, and has a 13th century cathedral to prove it, and pretty, rambling streets surrounding.
The Pyrenees, clearly apparent from the chateau when fine, are an hour to the south, and Lourdes and the famous, ancient city of Carcassonne are each within an hour and a half.
There is a charming spot called Simorre, about 15/20 minutes drive from here. Within is a café, Le Bouche à Oreille, which offers fantastic live jazz and blues bands most nights, not to mention excellent food at very reasonable prices. Booking essential if you’d like to eat.
There are plentiful local fetes throughout the spring, summer and autumn months, too numerous to list.
Really eat?
Our nearest town, Samatan is the very, the actual home of foie gras. This region is all about the ducks! Our chef will be delighted to show you why. La Table d’Olivier, in the centre of Samatan, by the fountain, serves excellent, reasonably priced local cuisine, while Le Canard Gourmand nearby offers a more cosmopolitan alternative.
Really see?
The Monday morning market in Samatan is unmissable, and the most famous in south-west France. Everything from accordion music CDs sold by chaps in berets, to wine from a cask, ditto, to livestock is on offer. Stick a baguette under your arm to fit in.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
The Gers is the undiscovered gem of France, where life goes on much as it has for generations. The rolling hills and farmland are increasingly compared with Tuscany before it was found by tourism. The Gers is the exclusive home of Armagnac - the original brandy, of Madiran wine, of foie gras, of magret de canard, and is the very heart and soul of Gascony.
Reviews
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Lovely house with great hosts
Thank you for all your kindness and support. All the family had a pleasant holiday. Thank you for keeping the house pristine and the lovely flowers. We shall miss the lovely views of the garden, orchard, pool and the lovely kittens. Muchas gracias, fuimos muy felices en la casa!
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Fantastic holiday
What a fantastic experience! I don’t see any other vacation living up to this. A lovely chateau in a beautiful country. Thank you for everything!
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Magnificent couple of days
Wonderful stay at the magnificent chateau. Quite exceptional!
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Amazing owner and property!
We have just returned from the most fantastic two weeks at Chateau Noble which we booked through Oliver’s Travels. We were 16 (three generations – grand parents, parents and children aged from 6 months to 10 years) and despite the diversity of our group Chateau Noble was a brilliant holiday for us all. The Chateau is a lovely grand home which has been lovingly brought into the 21st Century by its owner Turlough who has remained sensitive to its history and origins and yet has enhanced it with great elegance and comfort. The heart of the Chateau is the enormous, well equipped kitchen. We are all keen cooks and loved shopping for local produce and then spent many hours with a glass of wine cooking with all the family around us – every utensil and kitchen appliance you have ever dreamed of where at our finger tips. Every bedroom was beautifully decorated and extremely comfortable. The linen and towels were lovely and soft and the bathrooms well equipped with powerful showers and two of the rooms with beautiful deep two person baths. I expect that under normal circumstances the rooms would have remained cool in the summer and warm in the winter due to the thick walls of the Chateau, when we were there however the weather was unusually hot so Turlough kindly bought a fan for each room. The grounds of the Chateau are wonderful, with so many places to explore. The pool which is fully secured with a fence was used non stop by us and has the perfect balance of a lovely sunbathing area and some big trees for some shade. The only thing to be slightly cautious of if you are travelling with young children is the small decorative ice house/fountain which although was not full of water, was quite deep and would have been a very nasty fall for any of the children. Turlough, the owner, and Linda, the house keeper, where the most brilliant team running the chateau. Both stay off site but come in as required. Turlough was an extremely patient host and very knowledgeable guide/concierge filling us with ideas of where to eat, where to shop and what to discover in the region. He popped over most days to check if everything was ok and if anything needed doing. Linda was a complete treasure and kept everything spick and span which was essential for us with so many children. She was so patient, and kind and it was such a pleasure and relief to see her every morning. We would highly recommend Chateau Noble to anyone, family or big group of friends, however young or old, for a wonderful holiday.
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Fabulous holiday
Many thanks to a memorable few days in the extraordinary chateau.
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Amazing experience!
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Lovely and relaxing getaway
We had a wonderful time here! We ate delicious food, swam in the pool and relaxed a lot. We really enjoyed the property and of course the view! We saw the blood moon and mars – amazing. Lots of love from Norway!
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Chose the perfect chateau for my wedding
Happy groom! What an extraordinary place and lovely people. This week will live with us for many years for many reasons. It would be hard to imagine a more perfect setting to gather our loved ones. Thank you so much to the whole team.
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5*
Merci for the long nights and great stories at the best chateau in all of Europe!
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Wonderful wedding location
Merci! What memories I will have forever! The exquisite views, exceptional cuisine, late nights stories, magical wedding celebration, pig roast, flowering trees that smell like heaven, smiles, laughter and finally the incredibly beautiful and comfortable chateau. Magnifique!
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WOW! Enough said
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Hope to be back someday!
Our trip was so amazing. The chateau was wonderful as well as everyone who was here to help us. The cats were a highlight.
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Best holiday with splendid hosts!
This is the absolute best; best chateau, best food, best pool but most of all the nicest and most hospitable hosts.
Merci beaucoup!
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A fantasti retreat
Our lives should be full of great memories, Chateau Noble will give you them in abundance If the beautiful grounds and lovingly restored 17th century chateau aren't enough to take your breath away, the food, wine and hospitality will secure those memories that will, absolutely, last a lifetime. Turlough and Andy have created a fantastic retreat, perfect if you need a relaxing few days away or if you're a curious chef looking to learn more about the food and drink of Gascony. While other guests were taking part in gourmet cooking classes and we had plans of our own, breakfast, lunch and dinner were a group affair. This gave us a chance to learn more about each other and also share in our experiences of the day. We were also invited along to join the trainee chefs on their market visit so we could enjoy a guided explanation of all the traditional French food and ingredients being sold by local farmers, wine makers, and traders. The rooms were beyond comfortable, with lovely views of the French countryside or Pyrenees. Our En-suite bathrooms had a modern shower, not the rickety plumbing you may expect in an old chateau. The bedrooms was quiet too, which made it a retreat within a retreat so we could relax with an afternoon nap, if reading your book or enjoying wine and conversation around the pool wasn't relaxing enough. The main attraction however has to be those who looked after us. The owners, Turlough and Andy, went above and beyond to look after us all, pouring drinks we asked for, and some we didn't, Turlough makes an excellent Dark and Stormy cocktail! While Pat, a chef who has cooked for royalty, served up the most incredible French dishes, truly fit for a King or Queen.
Whether it's a relaxing retreat or cooking class you're looking for, we cannot recommend Chateau Noble enough. Next time we visit family in the area, we'll be booking ahead of time, and just might book ourselves on a cooking course too. -
An incredible weekend away
As a family we had booked all the rooms in the Chateau for a weekend away in half term. My mother and father in law had been earlier in the summer to visit their granddaughter, staying nearby at the Sauveterre school, and had greatly wanted everyone to experience all the delights that this unique chateau presents. We arrived early evening to a wonderfully warm welcome with glasses of cold Floc and generous G&Ts to get the weekend started. Immediately I was struck by how beautiful the interiors were - the sheer scale of the bedrooms, the drawing room with its large sofas all facing towards a grand fire place, the TV room with a baby grand piano... The owner, Turlough, had heard in advance that I play the guitar and he had borrowed a USA Fender Strat and Vox amp to make me feel truly at home. My two boys loved playing around with the piano too, as well as the other various musical instruments left around for young souls to experiment and explore. What's more, whilst we adults enjoyed our first drinks, the children loved dressing up from the rich, varied dressing up box and getting to know the delightful Lolo ( son of Linda, the housekeeper ). It was truly a wonderful, memorable start to our short break. This was heightened further when we sat down to the most delicious French food prepared by Pat, the chef. Thanks go to her for not only cooking up a variety of different French culinary dishes from varying traditions (French Indian, French Indochina etc) but catering for my allergy to onions by cooking separate dishes for me each meal - hugely appreciated! It was great talking to Turlough about the local wines too, which came with each lunch and supper. During the day times we were lucky enough to get the odd spell of sunshine and we all took to the pool, which Turlough had kindly heated in advance of our trip at our request. My boys played in the garden's woods with Lolo pretending to be French resistance freedom fighters. By twilight we were exploring the 43 acre estate, admiring the bats that flew around the two dovecotes. Our room was above the games room and came with not only the world's biggest shower but a gargantuan bath big enough for me and my two boys to fit into all together after a swim in the pool. As a family we all had the most brilliant time, full of laughter and songs. The chateau has the most wonderful vibe. It feels like arriving for a weekend at a rockstar's country retreat. Thanks go to Pat and Linda for looking after us so beautifully and making us feel so welcome. Special thanks though go to Turlough, for being such a terrific host. Nothing was ever too much trouble. We can't wait to come back another time as my wife, my boys and I loved our time in this enchanting rural retreat. Room Tip: Every room's a winner. We loved the room above the games room though for the mega bath.
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Best family weekend ever!!
My wife, my 3 girls and I absolutely loved our time at this stunning Chateau. We had heard this was a special place and our high expectations were more than satisfied. The architecture, the estate setting and views of the rolling landscape are exceptional. I loved exploring the gardens bare foot and jumping in and out of the gorgeous swimming pool. The bedrooms are all beautifully decorated with the most comfy beds and there's a perfect balance between contemporary luxury and historical charm. We sang songs around the piano in the music room, played endless games of pong pong in the games room and enjoyed hilarious evenings in front of the fire in the grande salon with our most excellent host Turlough. An exceptionally interesting and friendly chap; he has some great stories and not a bad singing voice too! What makes this place special is the way it's run as a home and the warmth of the team. To say they go the extra mile would be understatement but it's the relaxed, thoughtful and friendly way you are looked after that makes you genuinely relax. Their generosity creates an environment that allows the kids to be free and the adults a stress free stay. Linda and Pat had prepared all sorts of activities and treats keeping them occupied having great boisterous fun throughout our 3 day stay. The food prepared by Pat was insanely good paired with an abundance of superb local wines, served in a joyous and celebratory manner. I really hope to come back soon and bring my friends to enjoy this fantastically luxurious home from home.
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A fantastic weekend. A real gastronomic experience!
If you love your food and you love your wine, this is the place for you! Turlough, Pat and Linda make an amazing team and you cannot fault their hospitality and attention to detail. The Chateau, rooms and grounds are stunning and we loved the fact that a lot of the menu’s ingredients are home grown. The risotto for lunch on the first day was just amazing, all made with a variety of different mushrooms harvested from the grounds. It was, of course, accompanied by a glass or three of local vin blanc! All the food was amazing and Turlough has done a great job in selecting local wines to accompany each menu. My wife and I had a top weekend and we’ll definitely be going back, hopefully with friends in tow! PS a final apology to Linda for our awful attempts at speaking French!
See you soon, guys! -
Our experience has far surpassed all expectations
Wonderful long weekend full of fun, food and wine!! We had heard a lot about Chateau Noble, but our experience this weekend has far surpassed all expectations. The welcome (with a glass of Floc!) from Turlough, Linda and Pat could not have been more friendly and full of bonhomie. Arriving at Chateau Noble really does feel like coming to stay at a great friend's house. Our room (complete with a baby cot for our 19 month old girl) was very comfortable and clean and full of all the creature comforts. However, the food that Pat cooks is second to none! I have never eaten so much in my life, but I just cannot stop! It is all too delicious and lovingly prepared. These yummy snacks and meals, coupled with the attention to detail from Linda does make the house look and smell fantastic. Finally, it would not be possible to complete a review about Chateau Noble without mentioning the best host ever - Turlough! He has made us feel so welcome that we started to relax from the moment that we arrived. What a great weekend - We look forward to coming back soon!
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Delightful Different
We stayed for 3 nights, of complete fun, excellent food and wonderful hosts. All the rooms were expertly decorated, with super comfortably beds. The place felt like home, the children loved it, the extensive gardens, woods and views made for a brilliant time.
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Wonderful hospitality!!!! Best host ever !!!!
The château felt home away from home as the host was so kind and warm. Very Child friendly. Excellent food and drink. Great weekend for relaxing and spending quality time with family. I would Come back anytime.
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Unique, Chateau Noble is unique
In a fine classic chateau, relaxed comfort derives from its medium size, large family spaces, and recently updated bedrooms. Rolling hills in the distance, and a glorious semi-formal garden to which the cypress and towering cedars lend antiquity and splendour, provide the backdrop.
This is not a hotel, 'location', 'venue', 'experience', club of friends, private home. At least it is none of these alone. It is a combination of them all, offering relaxation and hospitality, and delicious food and wide, all supported by its staff... except that it is wrong to call them staff; they are hosts and friends. Central to the whole show is the resident owner who brings this all together. You won't miss him; he's larger than life! Noble has a warm heart because of his generosity and his joy in the place. Do you want a hotel with hot and cold running everything, and dozens of 'amenities' which form the tick-box list of qualifications for the 5-star label worldwide? If so, don't come here. If you want immersion in something truly one-off - the sort of escape from the norm which you will actually never forget - then do. Room Tip: When booking, ask for descriptions; the views in almost every direction are spectacular. -
This is home
A great place located in a really nice quiet neighbourhood. Tourlough who owns the place is a great host but more than a host he feels like someone who knows you for s long time. The food and the drinks especially the French food is to die for and absolutely gorgeous. The highlight of Our experience was getting trained under a Michelin starred chef specially arranged for us. We knew after a few days of prepping, cooking and serving French food for a couple of services why French cooking is the best in the world. But the reality is that you can have French cooking anywhere BUT to taste French cooking and sit around a table with friends that you know only for a day but feels like family surrounded by a huge farm with local produce and local wines to taste and be merry , you only have this one Chateau Noble. A vacation spent in this chateau and Turlough can give you - guaranteed is not something you can buy with money but only be given in love.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.