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 (GBP)
Room
Jan 2013
Feb 2013
Mar 2013
Apr 2013
May 2013
Jun 2013
Jul 2013
Aug 2013
Sep 2013
Oct 2013
Nov 2013
Dec 2013
Jan 2014
Feb 2014
Mar 2014
Apr 2014
May 2014
Jun 2014
Jul 2014
Aug 2014
Sep 2014
Oct 2014
Nov 2014
Dec 2014
Room: 
2 nights
Jan: 
360-400
Feb: 
360-400
Mar: 
360-400
Apr: 
360-400
May: 
360-400
Jun: 
360-400
Jul: 
360-400
Aug: 
360-400
Sep: 
360-400
Oct: 
360-400
Nov: 
360-400
Room: 
3 nights
Jan: 
550-550
Feb: 
550-550
Mar: 
550-550
Apr: 
550-550
May: 
550-550
Jun: 
550-550
Jul: 
550-550
Aug: 
550-550
Sep: 
550-550
Oct: 
550-550
Nov: 
550-550
Room: 
4 nights
Jan: 
680-750
Feb: 
680-750
Mar: 
680-750
Apr: 
680-750
May: 
680-750
Jun: 
680-750
Jul: 
680-750
Aug: 
680-750
Sep: 
680-750
Oct: 
680-750
Nov: 
680-750
Room: 
5 nights
Jan: 
800-950
Feb: 
800-950
Mar: 
800-950
Apr: 
800-950
May: 
800-950
Jun: 
800-950
Jul: 
800-950
Aug: 
800-950
Sep: 
800-950
Oct: 
800-950
Nov: 
800-950
Room: 
6 nights
Jan: 
1040-1150
Feb: 
1040-1150
Mar: 
1040-1150
Apr: 
1040-1150
May: 
1040-1150
Jun: 
1040-1150
Jul: 
1040-1150
Aug: 
1040-1150
Sep: 
1040-1150
Oct: 
1040-1150
Nov: 
1040-1150
Room: 
7 nights
Jan: 
1220-1350
Feb: 
1220-1350
Mar: 
1220-1350
Apr: 
1220-1350
May: 
1220-1350
Jun: 
1220-1350
Jul: 
1220-1350
Aug: 
1220-1350
Sep: 
1220-1350
Oct: 
1220-1350
Nov: 
1220-1350

* Rates in GBP

Additional information

  • Nearest Airport: Brive Vallee Dordogne or Limoges
  • Distance from Airport: 25 minutes or 1.5 hours.
http://www.chateauarnac.co.uk

Hide & Chic Retreats

2 Rooms

Good for:

your very own private little house, within the Chateau grounds.

Rates starting from

GBP 360
for a 2 night stay ie. £250 per night

A welcome drink before a private tour of the gorgeous Chateau

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