Chateau Granit Rose
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Overview
If you are seeking an authentic French château experience surrounded by the historic landscapes of the Auvergne, Château Granit Rose welcomes 15-25 guests across its traditional château and two charming gites, set in a 12-hectare estate with a summer swimming pool and only half an hour from the spa-town of Vichy.
The serene atmosphere will enchant young and old – indeed, the estate is ideal for an extended family holiday or a relaxing get-together with close friends. It’s easy to get lost inside the 15-person château with eight pretty bedrooms scattered across various wings, five with private bathrooms. You will probably find the kids in the top-floor games room with air-hockey, table-tennis, table football and toys – a fantastic space at any time of year. Meanwhile, grown-ups will appreciate the formal salon, billiard room, tower poker room for a leisurely game of cards and brilliantly equipped kitchen and dining area. Gather for cosy evenings with a bottle of Côtes d'Auvergne in the TV lounge and library housed in a vaulted chapel that dates back to the Hundred Years’ War.
The fortified château’s history is fascinating with its 10th century origins. As well as the vaulted lounge, other characteristic details include medieval fireplaces, unique staircases and a traditional stove oven. The owners have taken great care to preserve historic features whilst adding modern comforts. The paintings across the château are impressive with great reproductions of French and Dutch masterpieces (Rembrandt, Van Gogh etc). Outside, admire the castle’s grand corner towers alongside pink granite stone from a local quarry. Meanwhile, the views of surrounding hills are simply glorious and the peaceful ambience is timeless.
For an additional 8 guests, the estate’s large rustic gite can also be included in the rental rate with its spacious living area, fully-equipped kitchen and four double bedrooms (one on a mezzanine). On top of this, the final two guests can stay in a smaller gite, just as charming with its little lounge and loft double. Both gites have patios for your morning breakfast or perhaps an apéritif on a warm evenings.
There is a long table set in the grounds for al-fresco dining by the barbecue. Why not take advantage of the lovely owners who live within the estate and can create delicious feasts for you with advance notice (including children’s menus). Breakfasts can also be prepared using locally sourced ingredients and even picnic lunches can be provided on request.
Set within a huge estate surrounded by hills, woodland and meadows, the swimming pool is fantastic for summer days or just laze in the hammocks set out across the grounds. Kids will love the trampoline and football field whilst the elevated terrace is an idyllic spot for a morning coffee or sundowner on the outdoor lounge.
Enjoy long walks and cycle rides straight from the estate or drive 4km to the local village to stroll around pretty houses, the riverside flower park and grand castle before dining out in restaurants and making the most of the useful shops, supermarkets and the weekly market. The area surrounding the village is popular with walkers, cyclists and fishing enthusiasts with its woodland, small lakes and river.
The historic spa-town of Vichy is just half an hour away, famed for its thermal waters and 19th century architecture. Wander through the beautiful parks, meander by the Allier River and look out for riverside beaches, seasonal boat trips, pedalo hire and watersports.
Meanwhile, discover hiking, horse-riding and mountain biking across the Montagne Bourbonnaise or venture further afield to the landscapes of the Puy de Dôme, the highest dormant volcano in the incredible Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne. Whether an outdoor enthusiast, keen historian or nature lover, this part of the Auvergne has so much to offer its fortunate visitors.
What you should know…
- The 15-person price includes the château only (8 bedrooms/6 bathrooms), the 23-person price also includes the large gite (4 bedrooms/1 bathroom) whilst the 25-person price includes the château, large gite and small gite (13 bedrooms/8 bathrooms in total).
- If you rent the château only, the gites remain unoccupied during your stay.
- Please see the ‘Property Layout’ for full details on the château and gites with various wings and other features.
- The welcoming yet discreet owners live within the estate.
Property Features
1) Château only (15-person price) - 8 bedrooms / 6 bathrooms
2) Château + large gite (23-person price) - 12 bedrooms / 7 bathrooms
3) Château + both gites (25-person price) - 13 bedrooms / 8 bathrooms
Château Interiors (800m2)
- Entrance hallway
Ground Floor Left-Wing
- Salon with table (tearoom)
- Formal salon
- Round poker/cards room
Ground Floor Right-Wing
- Billiard room with professional billiard table
- Vaulted chapel library and lounge with satellite TV
- Kitchen, fully-equipped including dishwasher, oven, microwave and American fridge
- Dining room (partly open to kitchen)
First Floor Wing I
- Small tower bedroom with double bed
- Bedroom with double bed
- Bedroom with double bed
- Shared bathroom with shower, two sinks and WC (accessed via hallway and both above double bedrooms)
First Floor Wing II
- Bedroom with double bed and separate bathroom with shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with double bed (an extra single bed can be added on request) and separate bathroom with bath, separate shower, sink and WC
First Floor Wing III
- Bedroom with double bed and private bathroom with bath, separate shower, sink and WC
- ‘Secret’ bedroom with single bed
Second Floor Wing I
- Bedroom with double bed and separate bathroom with shower, sink and WC
Second Floor Wing II
- Bedroom with double bed, two single beds and private bathroom with bath/shower, sink and separate WC
- Large games room with sofas, table football, ping-pong, air-hockey, darts and toys
Large Gite Interiors
- Open-plan living room, dining area and kitchen, fully-equipped including dishwasher, oven and microwave
- 3 x bedrooms with king-size double bed
- Small mezzanine bedroom (above living area) with queen-size double bed (sloping ceilings)
- Bathroom with shower, two sinks and WC
- Outside dining area with table and chairs
Small Gite Interiors
- Small living area and kitchenette with doors leading to patio with table and chairs
- Small shower room (off kitchen) and WC
- Small loft bedroom with king-size double bed
Outside Grounds (12-hectare estate)
- Swimming pool (11x5.5m, depth: max 1.8m) with pool safety alarm. Open approximately June to end-September
- First-floor balcony with outdoor lounge and view of hills
- Outdoor dining table
- Barbecue
- Firepit
- Football field
- Table tennis
- Trampoline
- Hammocks
- Vast grounds (including open water)
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau Granit RoseIn the Auvergne region of central France, Château Granit Rose is around half an hour north-east of the historic town of Vichy. The nearest airport is Clermont-Ferrand (98km) whilst direct trains from Paris Bercy arrive at Gare de Vichy (taking just under three hours). If arriving by ferry, it is around a six-hour drive from Caen or Le Havre and usually less than seven hours from Calais.
Despite the rural setting, the local village is only 4km away with restaurants, shops, supermarkets, tennis and an attractive riverside park with beautiful summer colours and a gorgeous view of the village’s impressive castle. Classified as a ‘plus beau détour de France’, admire its historic centre as you stroll around the village and don’t miss the Thursday morning market to pick up fresh regional produce. Around the village with woodland, small lakes and the river, this area is loved by walkers, cyclists and fishing enthusiasts.
If staying in October, look out for the wonderful retro festival 'Grand Embouteillage' that takes place every two years to celebrate the road (and traffic jams!) when Parisians headed to the south of France every year (before the age of the autoroute).
The second largest town in the Auvergne, Vichy (31km) is a UNESCO listed spa town with impressive 19th and early 20th century architecture (the town was declared the first medically-prescribed spa in Europe in the 1860s). As well as making the most of the town’s spa heritage, you can learn all about Vichy’s political history in WWII or simply embrace its charming ambience as you appreciate its historic buildings and riverside setting. Look out for events taking place throughout the year whilst gourmands can stock up at the indoor Grand Marché de Vichy several mornings a week alongside the larger outdoor market on a Wednesday morning.
It is a joy to wander through Vichy’s town parks on a sunny day and in the height of the summer come across riverside beaches, especially popular with families. On the other side of the Allier, there is a 18-hole golf course and lovely riverside walks. Meanwhile, Lac d’Allier offers a range of seasonal watersports in a picturesque town setting. A summer boat trip is another great way to soak up the surrounding scenery.
Closer to home, there are glorious walks and hikes straight from the estate or venture a little further afield to experience the Montagne Bourbonnaise across 400km of marked trails – you may even be able to see as far as the Puy de Dôme. The mountain forests also offer opportunities for horse-riding, mountain biking, rock-climbing, fishing and more. Keen walkers note there is an especially beautiful hike around Cascade de la Pisserote, around half an hour by car – bring good shoes and a picnic!
Outdoor adventurists can discover canoeing near Jaligny-sur-Besbre (22km), water-skiing and wake-boarding at a lake just north of Paray-sous-Briailles (33km) and lots more water and land-based activities including a tree-top adventure centre at a reservoir near Saint-Clément (32km).
Other great trips out include visits to nearby castles with guided tours including the château in the local village and medieval Château de Billy (25km) set in a pretty village. The owners can also help you find atmospheric flea markets and brocantes across the region and advise on other wonderful experiences.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport
(98km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
(167km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Vichy
(28km) |
||
| Nearest Ferry Port |
Caen/Le Havre/Calais
(595km/580km/638km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Local village
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Vichy
(31km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf du Sporting Club de Vichy
(35km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
Local village
(6km) |
||
Region
Rhône-Alpes is the essence of adventure. With nearby rivers and mountains, it’s open season for thrill seekers and anyone with a passion for the outdoors. And although it may be hard to believe, the air is crisper in this beautiful central region of France. Perfect for families, couples and groups of friends, everyone will come back with a story to tell. Whether that’s taking a big bite of nougat or exploring the snowtopia of Chamonix – Rhône-Alpes is a paradise unlike no other. And if you’re looking for the perfect base, don’t forget to check out our villas in Rhône-Alpes.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesFamilies are warmly welcomed here and it is a great place to spend quality time with your children. Kids will love the games room at the very top of the château with air-hockey, table-tennis, table football, darts and toys whilst there is table tennis, football field and a trampoline outside, alongside the summer swimming pool and vast amounts of space to play. The château has two baby beds and a highchair in the dining room.
There are plenty of activities and days out to keep all ages entertained. Start off in the local village, home to an impressive historic castle and a flower-filled park by the river with a playground for children. Vichy (31km) also offers summer attractions for families – look out for events taking place, enjoy a boat trip along the river, splash in the water at one of the riverside beaches and partake in a range of watersports at Lac d’Allier (part of the river). There’s also mini-golf and pedal boats by the river and lovely riverside walks.
As well as walks and hikes (including lovely routes straight from the estate), discover horse-riding, cycling and mountain biking across the region, especially through the glorious wooded landscapes of the Montagne Bourbonnaise.
Vichy Aventure (36km) features seasonal canoeing/kayaking, rafting, paintballing, archery and bubble football whilst there is wakeboarding and other watersports at Natural Wake Park (30km) near Paray-sous-Briailles. Also around half an hour by car, keen canoers may enjoy excursions along the river around Jaligny-sur-Bresbre or head to Le Plan D'eau de Saint Clément for canoeing, pedal boats, archery, quad biking and a tree-top activity centre.
Le Pal (35km) is a very charming theme park and zoo with attractions for a range of ages (from train rides to rollercoasters) or venture further afield to Vulcania (115km), a volcanic-themed amusement park around a 90-minute drive away. Closer to home, go-karting enthusiasts should check out Circuit Jean Brun Karting (30km) near Varennes-sur-Allier.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Forest park/High-rope course
- Amusement park
- Zoo
- Watersports
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Trampoline
- Board games
- Soccer
- Football net
- Darts
- Child-Safe Pool
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Table Football
- Pool/Snooker
- Toys
Services Available
- Breakfast Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Breakfast Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- 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 in cash):
- Private chef
- Breakfast
- Extra 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 | €1500/£1500 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €1500/£1500 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, changed once for stays over 14 nights. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes and mid-stay cleaning for stays of more than 14 nights also included. 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. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is included. |
| 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. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights (June to September) or 3 nights at other times. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The château has two baby beds and a highchair in the dining room. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The welcoming yet discreet owners live within the estate. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The 15-person price includes the château only (8 bedrooms/6 bathrooms), the 23-person price also includes the large gite (4 bedrooms/1 bathroom) whilst the 25-person price includes the château, large gite and small gite (13 bedrooms/8 bathrooms in total). |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 15 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19th 2024 - Jun 1st 2024 | £3,316 | £4,157 | £4,998 | £7,076 |
| Jun 1st 2024 - Oct 1st 2024 | - | - | - | £7,076 |
| Oct 1st 2024 - Jun 1st 2025 | £3,316 | £4,157 | £4,998 | £7,076 |
| Jun 1st 2025 - Oct 1st 2025 | - | - | - | £7,076 |
| Oct 1st 2025 - Nov 20th 2025 | £3,316 | £4,157 | £4,998 | £7,076 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 23 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19th 2024 - Jun 1st 2024 | £4,172 | £5,285 | £6,398 | £9,040 |
| Jun 1st 2024 - Oct 1st 2024 | - | - | - | £9,040 |
| Oct 1st 2024 - Jun 1st 2025 | £4,172 | £5,285 | £6,398 | £9,040 |
| Jun 1st 2025 - Oct 1st 2025 | - | - | - | £9,040 |
| Oct 1st 2025 - Nov 20th 2025 | £4,172 | £5,285 | £6,398 | £9,040 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 25 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19th 2024 - Jun 1st 2024 | £4,463 | £5,671 | £6,879 | £9,714 |
| Jun 1st 2024 - Oct 1st 2024 | - | - | - | £9,714 |
| Oct 1st 2024 - Jun 1st 2025 | £4,463 | £5,671 | £6,879 | £9,714 |
| Jun 1st 2025 - Oct 1st 2025 | - | - | - | £9,714 |
| Oct 1st 2025 - Nov 20th 2025 | £4,463 | £5,671 | £6,879 | £9,714 |
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? 10 years
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with? The fact that it is well hidden from any road a...
Read moreOwner Profile
How long have you owned the property? 10 years
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with? The fact that it is well hidden from any road and that it has its own fantastic weather climate.
Are there any interesting stories in its history? Certainly, in the Second World War Henriette Pichon hid here Jewish children.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying? Yes, yet we promised not to reveal their names…
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do? De-stress, enjoy the view, do things you would do in the sixties. Family play, good conversations, read a book, enjoy the swimming pool in summer.
Must eat? Enjoy any food from this area, it’s honest and tasteful: honey, Charolai meat, biological vegetables, fruits, and wines from St. Pourcain.
Must see? Go walking, cycling, horse riding and enjoy the fantastic friendly landscape. Vichy is a must-see city, a World heritage Spa town.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area? Even if you don’t speak French, the people are very friendly and will help you in any way they can.
Reviews
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Extremely friendly hosts
We were able to arrive with our children in the middle of the night. Everything was already ready for us and we were able to get straight into our bed. Delicious breakfast consisting of croissants, eggs, bread, different kinds of toppings, tea, coffee, juice etc. Highly recommended to make your stay even more relaxing. Beautiful grounds, lovely swimming pool, lots to do for the kids. I would so come back here again.
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Beautiful
Being able to live a full week as real castle residents with elderly people, children and grandchildren, in full luxury, with favourable weather gods. All is present in this very quiet area, with a beautiful swimming pool and entertainment for young and old.
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We all enjoyed a wonderful stay
We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary at Château with our entire family of 14. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the hosts with a comprehensive tour of the château to properly familiarize us. We were welcome if we had any questions, other than that we had all the privacy. A beautiful château with plenty of space and extensive opportunities for young and 9 old. A beautiful environment for trips and walks in nature. We all enjoyed a wonderful stay.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
