Chateau La Thuiliere, Near Saint-Front-de-Pradoux, Dordogne, France - Explore & Book
"From the exterior, La Thuilière looks more Victorian-era country manor than château. It's a discreet, romantic hideaway in the Dordogne countryside, to the east of Bordeaux, and your first impression will be a gingerbread-looking mansion set in 7 hectares of rolling parklands. Dating back to 1889, it was originally built as a wedding present for the owner’s wife. A stay here is rather like being invited to some supremely thoughtful friends' opulent country retreat. We particularly liked the sumptuous, cosy interior, which combines contemporary design with stately antiques. A dramatic wooden staircase sweeps up from the lobby, drawing your focus to an autumnal stained-glass window: its centrepiece is the château's original owner dressed as a medieval knight. There’s a large sitting room with an enticing honesty bar, perfect for fixing an aperitif or a digestif. The original 20-seat table runs the length of the dining room, and 19th-century wall hangings, almost as good as new, adorn all the communal rooms. Breakfast is taken in the state-of-the-art kitchen (in the basement), or on the terrace overlooking the verdant grounds, where you’ll find a pool, a winter garden, hammocks, and possibly Patch the dog. Highs Hosts Stephane and Laila are a lovely couple - welcoming, laidback, knowledgeable and helpful Outstanding 3-course dinners with charming details like handmade herbal teas and personal wine recommendations from the well-stocked cellar A bucolic setting with the pretty towns of Bergerac and Périgueux nearby, artisan markets to explore and the Dordogne river for boat trips and swimming Beautifully decorated rooms with great views across pea-green lawns; one has a fabulous balcony, too Graceful lawns surrounding the house, with a sleek pool and mountain bikes to use (free for XL Suite guests) Lows WiFi was patchy during our stay, but it didn't bother us Not suited to families - this is more of a couples' hideaway, although one suite can fit a family of 4 (over 12s only) Communal dining is often the order of the day (a plus for some), but it is possible to dine à deux The hotel requires a substantial initial deposit" - Abigail Blasi
