Chateau Grand Cru - Five Bedroom Castle, Sleeps 10

In the very heart of its own vineyard, Château Grand Cru is an exceptional home which has been beautifully restored to welcome wine connoisseurs and Francophiles alike in an enchanting setting close to Saint-Émilion.

A typical Maison Girondine, this wine château is available all year round whether you wish to admire the wisteria-clad façade in late spring or relax amongst the golden-coloured vines in the autumn. Indeed, you are surrounded by glorious vines; this is an organic, bio-dynamic vineyard which produces a well-known Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. Watch workers tend to the vines around you, preparing for the rich harvest in autumn when grapes are sorted and processed at the château. To be staying in such a special working vineyard is a truly wonderful experience at any time of year.

The interiors of Château Grand Cru are exquisite with refined furnishings alongside ornate pieces and contemporary touches. The decadent living space with its gorgeous sofas by the fireplace and elegant billiard table opens up to the pool terrace whilst a sleek and modern kitchen is fitted with high-end appliances, perfect for feasts under the chandeliers or al-fresco on the shaded terrace. Upstairs, five air-conditioned bedrooms are gracefully furnished and luxurious details include beautiful fabrics and stylish shower or bathrooms, including a splendid claw-foot bath standing in one of the double bedrooms.

The heated swimming pool invites you to spend long, lazy summer days marvelling at your surroundings as you gaze at acres of vineyards around you. Relax poolside, prepare a barbecue for family or friends and drink the château’s own fine wine as the day ends in this remarkable setting.

Arrange daily breakfasts and perhaps a chef to come and cook for you so you can make the most of the relaxing ambience. The owner can also organise a tour of one of her estates or a chauffeur can be arranged to take you to one of the many other excellent wine châteaux surrounding Saint-Émilion, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The centre of idyllic Saint-Émilion is just 3km away where you can admire the beautiful architecture and learn about its fascinating history dating back to pre-historic times. Explore its winding streets and underground catacombs, discover historic delights and dine in fine restaurants.

A little further afield, hire canoes along the nearby Dordogne, cycle or horse-ride through the enchanting landscapes or visit some of the many other picturesque villages such as Castillon-la-Bataille, Montcaret and Eynesse. Explore the exciting city of Bordeaux, only 45km away or drive as far as the wild and stunning Atlantic coast in ninety minutes, including the magnificent Dune du Pyla.

The setting of Château Grand Cru couldn’t be more ideal whether you wish to explore this captivating region or simply relax in superb surroundings at this magnificent and beautifully restored home.

Features:

Château Interiors

Garden Level (split-level)

-    Lounge and dining room (100m2) with fireplace, French billiard table and wine-cellar
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped with upmarket appliances

Upstairs

-    Bedroom (37m2) with air-conditioning and en suite shower room
-    Bedroom (40m2) with air-conditioning and en suite shower room
-    Bedroom (23m2) with air-conditioning and en suite shower room
-    Bedroom (21m2) with air-conditioning and en suite shower room
-    Bedroom (32m2) with air-conditioning and en suite bathroom 

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (10mx5) with motorised shutter. Open approx. May to October
-    Deckchairs (x6) poolside
-    Al-fresco dining terrace for up to 10 guests
-    BBQ
-    Open bio-dynamic vineyards surrounding the villa (a working vineyard)

Facilities

-    Air-conditioning (in first-floor bedrooms)
-    Blue-tooth speaker
-    Karaoke
-    French billiard table
-    Hairdryers in rooms
-    Washing machine

Location:

Château Grand Cru is in a magnificent setting surrounded by vineyards only 3km from the beautiful wine-village of Saint-Émilion.

The château is part of a working bio-dynamic vineyard and you can often see workers tending to the vines, spraying the crops and processing the grapes, especially during their busy period from June to the end of September. The owners can give you a tour and arrange wine-tastings at one of their châteaux and vineyards and of course there are many other excellent wineries to visit across this wine-making region.

The enchanting wine-village of Saint-Émilion (3km) is just a five-minute drive away. The village and it’s surrounding vineyards have become a UNESCO World Heritage site. The history of the village dates back to prehistoric times and when you are wandering around the cobbled lanes you can discover beautiful Romanesque churches, underground catacombs and pretty squares. It’s known throughout the world for the incredible vineyards that surround the village – Saint-Émilion offers the perfect combination of historic charm and excellent wine.

Nearby you can arrange bike hire, take Saint-Émilion wine tours by Tuk-Tuk, road-train or even prestige cars and arrange hot air balloon rides or pleasure flights over the glorious surrounding landscapes. 

You are also just a short drive from the Dordogne river where you can hire canoes for wonderful days out with family or friends. There are also some lovely lakes to visit such as Lac des Dagueys (7km) with its summer inflatable water park and also at Blasimon (24km) where there’s a leisure base with various land-based activities, fishing, swimming at certain times in the summer and lovely walks.

There are also many picturesque villages dotted around this region, including Castillon-la-Bataille (17km) where you can watch the re-enactment of the famous battle in the height of the summer or a little further to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (36km), both on the Dordogne river. Eynesse (35km), Montcaret (24km) and the Jardins de Sardy (30km) are also lovely places to visit or spend the day in the nearby town of Libourne (6km) with its fascinating wine history and boat trips along the River Isle.

Wine and city lovers alike will be keen to visit Bordeaux (45km) during their stay with its great restaurant scene, awe-inspiring architecture and the famous La Cité du Vin. Bergerac (62km), a little further, is also a great place to spend the day exploring the picturesque old town and traditional Wednesday market as well as its Maison des Vins.

Beach-lovers can be at the Atlantic coast in around 90 minutes whether the wonderful long beaches near Arcachon (105km) or the famous and stunning Dune du Pyla (105km).

Terms & Conditions:

Security deposit?
€6,000 paid to the owner by bank transfer one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time?
4.00 p.m. (earlier on request, please enquire).

Departure time?
11.00 a.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes.

Heating costs included?
Yes.

Linen & towels included?
Yes.

Pool towels included?
Yes.

Pool opening dates?
The pool is open May to October, approximately. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance.

Pool heating charge?
No. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.

Pets welcome?
No.

Smoking Allowed?
No.

Changeover day?
Saturday in July and August. Flexible during all other periods.

Minimum stay?
7 nights in July and August. 2 nights during all other periods.

Tax?
French Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required).

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.

Other Ts and Cs?
Air-conditioning is featured in the first-floor bedrooms only.
Smoking - not allowed