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.

Rates (GBP)
Room
Jan 2010
Feb 2010
Mar 2010
Apr 2010
May 2010
Jun 2010
Jul 2010
Aug 2010
Sep 2010
Oct 2010
Nov 2010
Dec 2010
Jan 2011
Feb 2011
Mar 2011
Apr 2011
May 2011
Jun 2011
Jul 2011
Aug 2011
Sep 2011
Oct 2011
Nov 2011
Dec 2011
Room: 
2 nights
Jan: 
400
Feb: 
400
Mar: 
400
Apr: 
450
May: 
450
Jun: 
450
Jul: 
450
Aug: 
450
Sep: 
450
Oct: 
450
Nov: 
400
Dec: 
400
Room: 
3 nights
Jan: 
550
Feb: 
550
Mar: 
550
Apr: 
600
May: 
600
Jun: 
600
Jul: 
600
Aug: 
600
Sep: 
600
Oct: 
600
Nov: 
550
Dec: 
550
Room: 
4 nights
Jan: 
765
Feb: 
765
Mar: 
765
Apr: 
850
May: 
850
Jun: 
850
Jul: 
850
Aug: 
850
Sep: 
850
Oct: 
850
Nov: 
765
Dec: 
765
Room: 
5 nights
Jan: 
945
Feb: 
945
Mar: 
945
Apr: 
1150
May: 
1150
Jun: 
1150
Jul: 
1150
Aug: 
1150
Sep: 
1150
Oct: 
1150
Nov: 
945
Dec: 
945
Room: 
6 nights
Jan: 
1125
Feb: 
1125
Mar: 
1125
Apr: 
1250
May: 
1250
Jun: 
1250
Jul: 
1250
Aug: 
1250
Sep: 
1250
Oct: 
1250
Nov: 
1125
Dec: 
1125
Room: 
7 nights
Jan: 
1260
Feb: 
1260
Mar: 
1260
Apr: 
1400
May: 
1400
Jun: 
1400
Jul: 
1400
Aug: 
1400
Sep: 
1400
Oct: 
1400
Nov: 
1260
Dec: 
1260

* Rates in GBP

Additional information

  • Neareast Airport: Limoges.
  • Distance from Airport: 1.5 hours.
http://www.chateauarnac.co.uk

Hide & Chic Retreats

2 Rooms

Good for:

a romantic fairytale break in the grounds of a medieval castle

Rates starting from

GBP 400
per night for a minimum of 2 nights

A welcome drink before a private tour of the gorgeous Chateau

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