The Gate House - Dordogne, France
About this Chic Retreat
The Gate House is a beautiful lakeside retreat in the grounds of the Chateau D'Arnac in the Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. Ancient plane trees line the approach to this secluded gem, the perfect setting for a romantic break or honeymoon. It is not certain when the Gate House was originally built, but parts of the Chateau date from as early as the 12th century and the area has a rich history with guests such as Richard the Lionheart who is thought to have stayed here. The Gate House was rebuilt in the 1900s, but many of the original features remain in this rustic chic retreat.
Accommodation
There are 2 en-suite bedrooms to choose from in the Gate House, each on a separate floor. The master bedroom suite has a wonderful arched timber roof and a grand four-poster bed with fairytale white curtains. The bathroom is tastefully decorated in green tiles and has a rain shower, wc, bidet and green glass bowl sink. The second suite is decorated in Colefax and Fowler wallpaper and the bed is clothed in a silk bedspread, crisp cotton sheets and a cashmere throw. There is a separate wc and bidet and in the atmospheric black bathroom, guests can take a long soak in the double ended bath. This beautiful bathroom has a black stone bowl sink, Manuel Canovas wallpaper and under floor heating. Both bathrooms have lots of thick towels and a range of bathroom goodies and both beds have luxurious goose down pillows and duvets.
On the ground floor of the Gate House, there is a sitting room with a stunning inglenook fireplace and there is a decked area outside with a view of the lake. The kitchen has everything you might need with a halogen hob, bosch electric oven, smeg dishwasher, belfast sink and breakfast bar. On the first floor, the red snug has satelite tv, a selection of cd's and books, persian rugs and comfortable sofas. The living rooms and kitchen have the original stone flooring and are luxuriously decorated with beautiful curtains and antique furniture.
Activities
The natural surroundings of the Gate House are perfect for romantic drives, bike rides, walks, rock climbing and horseriding. Guests can visit the moors of the Plateau de Millevaches, the Brive regions, the forests of the Tulle and the gorges of the Dordogne. The fertile valleys of the Auvézère and Vézère rivers are a sight to behold. There are many historic sites in the area, well worth a visit as well as a variety of beautiful gardens and natural sites, including some impressive caves. Guests can follow trails from the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route, which has many important artisitc and architectural sites along the way.
With many rivers in the region, keen fishermen have a wealth of waterways to choose from and for more active guests, canoeing is available. Traditional arts and crafts are on offer in the region, from copperware and lace to locally made liqueurs.
Dining
Sample the local cuisine, from hearty potato pies and dumplings to Limousin lamb and beef accompanied by morel & chanterelle mushrooms and truffles. Treat yourself to freshwater fish such as trout and pike and round off your meal with a delightful fruit tart. There are many markets in the area where guests can find some tasty morsels to take home or cook up in the Gate House kitchen.
Rates
Rates at The Gate House include breakfast, a bottle of champagne, open fire lit, fresh fruit and flowers. The Gate House is your very own private detached little house, all to yourselves within the Chateau grounds.
* Rates in GBP
Additional information
- Nearest Airport: Brive Vallee Dordogne or Limoges
- Distance from Airport: 25 minutes or 1.5 hours.
Hide & Chic Retreats
Good for:
your very own private little house, within the Chateau grounds.Rates starting from
for a 2 night stay ie. £250 per night
Members also receive
A welcome drink before a private tour of the gorgeous Chateau
Other hotels in France
- L'Abbaye-Chateau de Camon, Midi-Pyrenees
- 15 Grand Rue, Languedoc
- Histoires de Bastide, French Riviera
- Port Rive Gauche, Languedoc
- Chateau de la Couronne, Poitou-Charentes
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