Stunning 15th Century Château & Lodge with Pool

The Château details

Home description

For a Romantic holiday of a lifetime!

This listed 15th Century Château, 'The House of The Senechal', with its four towers, is one of the most attractive in the Dordogne. It was owned by the Governors of the Barony of Périgord, who were appointed by the King, and is the second oldest of only ten in the whole of France.

The Château Des Sènèchaux is set on the banks of the picturesque River Dronne, and is part of the small listed village of Bourdeilles, which features it's own historical fortifications - literally breathtaking in every sense of the word. Do not miss this opportunity to stay in this beautiful romantic Chateau or Fisherman's Lodge for your holiday, or why not try to capture it's essence on one of our Painting Holidays or Golf weekends in Spring and Autumn.

The impressive Medieval Fortress and Renaissance Palace of Bourdeilles, with the village clustered at its foot, makes a delightful picture as it stands on the rocks that rise up sheer above the Dronne river.

Next door a 15th century Château Des Sènèchaux de Bourdeilles where you would be staying for your Holidays. From the terrace at the Chateau overlooking the Courtyard, enjoy the lovely view of the River Dronne, the Castle and its setting. A gothic bridge with cutwaters, an Old Mill in the shape of a boat, with the clear waters lapping the rocks below.

Four romantic Towers is the only way to describe this enchanting listed 15th century Château in a setting filled with romance and intrigue. The approach to the courtyard through two large iron gates, the Wisteria climbing the walls entices you with its fragrance to climb the steps to the sun terrace, filled with sunshine from March through to November.

Private Gardens:

From the large terrace go down a flight of sweeping 42 stone steps into the private gardens and the Swimming Pool which have a beautiful view of the River Dronne. There is a Pergola leading you to the overhanging buttress on the river. Here one can sit and while away the day, doing nothing, or maybe a little fishing, the view is magnificent.

Special Amenities:

On-Site: Magical Setting; Swimming Pool; Central Heating; Parking-Off-Street; Housekeeper; Chef for Banquets; Bed-Linens; Daily-Maid; Cook; Space; Tranquillity; Comfort; Exceptional Sunrises: Exceptional Sunsets

Special Holidays at the Château

Holiday Art: April, May, June, September, October

Learn to look, see, draw and paint in the beautiful Dordogne. One or two week courses depending on the individual or group requirements. Specialist facilities, materials and equipment provided. Expert and experienced teaching to all levels, from complete beginners to professionals.

The course concentrate on water based mediums and pastels, utilising, drawing and colour. The emphasis upon direct observation in the beautiful and intimate environment of the fortified town of Bourdeilles, its river, gothic bridge and impressive medieval / renaissance Châteaux.

Your holiday base at the Château des Senechaux offers a spacious studio in the west wing, which provides a freely available venue for further tutorials, lectures, critical appraisals, demonstrations and experimental material opportunities.

All holidays are completely informal and client based with the emphasis firmly placed upon Leisure, Pleasure and Learning. The teaching programme slotted easily into a relaxed working atmosphere.

The art courses are organised and directed by Ken Henderson DIP.A.D,A.T.C. a Fine Artist now resident in France. He has twenty-five years experience teaching and practicing in Schools, Colleges and Universities in the UK. He continues to work and exhibit internationally. With visiting Artist Wendy Cory from England, professional Artist, broadcaster and tutor. She has many years experience teaching small groups in a variety of locations and has recently taken part in the very popular UK Channel 4 Television programme, 'Watercolour Challenge', where she was on screen giving demonstrations, commenting on competitors' progress and judging winners. She continues to work and exhibit extensively. Wendy has a sound working knowledge of all mediums and materials and likes to encourage individual style and technique.

Course fee is £725 per person inclusive of all tutorials and materials if required.

Your accommodation in the Château will include Breakfast, picnic or al-fresco Lunches and on 4 evenings magnificent Dinners with wine. Nearby are several good local restaurants which are worth visiting. Non painting partners are welcome to share full board accommodation at a special rate of £495 per week. If you are an artist and you want to teach to your own group special rates are available.

Weddings at the Château

Due to the formal procedures and residency requirements for a civil marriage in France, most people opt for UK register office civil wedding and then have a blessing at the Château, symbolising the values of the marriage and a romantic ceremony according to European traditions. Let us create an unforgettable wedding day and honeymoon for you!

You can opt for the all in Blessing and Honeymoon package or organise your own. Our all in package includes:

• Luxurious accommodations for up to eight people with exclusive use of the Chateau for the week.
• On-site Wedding Co-ordinator.
• Champagne reception
• Fresh flower bouquet for the Bride and boutonniere for the Groom
• Officiate to perform blessing ceremony.
• Fresh Flowers in rooms
• Professional Photographer
• Musician for ceremony and cake cutting reception
• Wedding Banquet 5 course with wine
• Elegant French wedding cake served by host/hostess
• Champagne for the toast
• French breakfast each day
• Two further Banquets with wine during the week.

Costs: £4950. Rate is for a group up to 8 persons per week with exclusive use of the Chateau, extra people can be added at £395 per person per week up to a maximum of 18 persons in the Chateau. For June, July, August add supplement of £950

Extra accommodation is available at the same rate in the Fisherman's Lodge (2 persons) Ivy's Cottage (4 persons) and Villa de Marvol - a French Napoleonic country house just outside the village with a large swimming pool. (8 persons)

Golf and Gastronomic Weekends

Long weekends and mid-week at Chateau des Senechaux, from Friday until Monday or Monday to Thursday (from January to May and from October to December)

It includes:

• Luxurious accommodations for up to four people with exclusive use of the Château
• Champagne reception, 5 course Banquet with wine, French breakfast each day

Price: £995 (4 guests) extra guests £250 pp (extra catering on demand)

Tributes from guests

Some comments and impressions from our previous guests...

... thank you for making our introduction to the Dordogne memorable, thank you it was a lovely experience. We wish you well in your venture, you deserve success via your efforts and enthusiasm - apart from being nice people.
The Leonard's - Wales

Many, many thanks for your kind hospitality this week and ensuring our stay was a quiet and relaxed one. We are well fed, well watered and well refreshed. What else could we ask. We love the Chateau, if you ever sell a share in it, please consider us and give us a call. We will certainly be back, soon I hope.
The Jobling's - Buckinghamshire

Many thanks for a super time and we will have to return so that we can find our place in the sun.
The Winter's - Surrey

Superb holiday with nice people.
Callaghan & Brown - Berkshire

One of the most relaxed and companiable holidays we have had.
The Stewart's - Somerset

A fisherwoman's dream. From the boat, the rock or off the bridge. To sit and watch the kingfishers whilst imbibing your choice of the local wines is just pure heaven. This has been one of the happiest holidays I have ever had.
The Drew's - London

A lovely place to spend a peaceful week. Fishing from the balcony in the garden is excellent - except that it's very difficult to reel in the big ones unless you have got a landing net with a long handle. It's also useful to have a patient wife who keeps you supplied with wine and food. Next time I'll catch the big one that got away.
The Goss's - Berkshire

One of the most peaceful and beautiful places to stay for a holiday, only a week isn't long enough. Beautiful countryside, lovely lodge and charming host!
Hunt & Goulbourn - London

Lovely setting, perfect hosts, memorable food and wine - what more can anyone want?
The Richard's (the October pioneers) - Wiltshire

Sun, rain, lightening, the lot!
But still Seneschaux is a beautiful spot.
The people, the restaurants, the food and the wine,
and our friends at the Chateau are all so fine.
As we say "au revoir" and go on our way,
We know we will return - one day.
Thank you all so much.
Wendy and David, Somerset

Few holiday destinations live up to the expectations created by a brochure. The Lodge does. and more. A tranquil week - we like the bells. I saw the kingfishers! Many thanks for the champagne and lovely flowers - most welcoming.
Hazel and Donald

Another excellent two weeks of peace and quiet. "Barbeque in excellent form" Did some fishing this year which was quite a change. We again found the magic of a moonlit evening overflowing from the champagne flute into indiscretion.
Frank and Jean, Yorkshire

Our first visit to the Fishing Lodge has given us a very restful week's holiday in the perfect setting of such tranquil surroundings. "Just what the doctor ordered" Thank you for the warm family welcome given to us and look forward to seeing you once again.
Adrian, Gill, Adam and Natalie Smith - Sierra de Altea, Spain

An exceptional week in a beautiful spot. The warmth of your hospitality has been unequalled anywhere else in the world.
Dee and John, Melbourne, Australia

The holiday we have just had will take some beating. Very fortunate to meet the whole family and felt we became part of it during our stay. It's a place you fall in love with straight away. Thank you for making our stay so memorable.
Guy and Christine, London

Thought last year at the Chateau couldn't be bettered! Guess what! Had a lovely time! Don't want to go! Have met some wonderful people, over and above the wonderful family! Nothing exists to beat this place!
Dave, Angie and Charlotte, Coventry

How comforting to return to the welcoming arms of Chateau des Seneschaux after a tiring day's sightseeing. Thank you Sue and Gerry for such a beautiful venue, every success for your venture.
Betty and Ron, Henley on Thames

To sum up the Dordogne - it is breathtaking in every sense of the word. You must not miss this opportunity to stay in this beautiful CHATEAU or ROMANTIC FISHERMAN'S LODGE for your summer holiday.

Accommodation detail

The Château is spacious and furnished throughout with antiques in typical French style creating a comfortable atmosphere. All main rooms have high ceilings and fabrics decorate many of the walls. Some rooms are wood panelled, there are tapestries, paintings, and a splendid Venetian chandelier.

The accommodation comprises:

Ground Floor:

• Reception area - stone carved arched entrance
• Breakfast room - opening out onto the beautiful court yard. With American fridge/freezer and large coffee maker. Seating for 19 persons
• Drawing Room - silk walls, beautiful fireplace with firewood, fantastic views and a splendid Venetian Chandelier
• River - Double bedroom - shared facilities, bathroom off drawing room views over river
• Banquet Room/Dinning room - magnificent room set in renaissance splendour
• Kitchen - with all modern appliance including large cooker, microwave and dishwasher

Up the magnificent spiral Walnut staircase to the first floor.

First Floor:  See suite information.

Second Floor:

Exceptional views from almost every room. There is access to the towers at this level, but strictly under guidance.

• Nostradamus - Double Bedroom - en-suite, spectacular views of renaissance palace and river
• Aquitaine - Double Bedroom - en-suite, overlooking the river
• Jacquette - Double Bedroom - shared facilities, overlooking the river
• Arche - Twin Bedroom - two single beds, shared facilities, overlooking the river

About the location

The Loire and the Dordogne are two famous valleys in France. In the Dordogne you will find sleepy country roads, rolling green hills, mountains dressed with vineyards and magnificent Châteaux - as one Château fades from sight, another seems magically to appear on the horizon. Groves of Aspen and Birch blaze in the sunlight along the lazy Dordogne as it winds its way through this splendid region of France. Take advantage of the Bordeaux wine region and follow the Dordogne, passing through romantic little villages along the way up the River Dronne tributary to the enchanting village of Bourdeilles, the setting is idyllic.

The enchanting village of Bourdeilles with its Medieval Fortress and renaissance Palace has many modern amenities. The village boasts two small supermarkets, a pretty tea room, two boulangeries, a Post office and a selection of café's and restaurants. There is a variety of small shops for gifts and essentials, three restaurants, and two small bars. Also there is are very good bread shops one being a patisserie which sell all manner of food for a wonderful French style breakfast, fresh bread daily - what better?

The village of Bordeilles has another Castle, which is open to the public, and is well worth a visit.

History and architecture

History begins with earliest man who established himself in the Vezere valley around Les Eyzies and where today you can visit the best examples in the world of prehistoric cave painting and artefacts. The middle ages saw this region under English rule and as centre-stage for the hundred years war 1337-1453 fought between the English and French for control of this part of France. The legacy that survives is a wonderful collection of fortified castles perched on hilltops such as Beynac and Castelnau, which watch over each other across the valley to this day. There is a marvellous circuit of fortified 'Bastide' towns with arched squares - Montpezat being one of the finest. The traditional architecture of Perigord is a constant delight: Honey-coloured stone, mellow-tiled roofs, some still with the traditional stone 'Lauze' tiles and on the grander buildings many 'Pigeonniers' - Pigeon Towers Turrets.

Climate

The climate is delightful, with Spring arriving early in March and nature treats you to a wonderful array of blossom and fresh pastel colours. The Summers are generally long and can be very hot. My favourite seasons are April, May and June when the days can be surprisingly hot and, perhaps even more, September and October when there are misty early mornings that clear to wonderful crisp sunny days with spectacular golden colours, days showing this mellow part of France to its fullest advantage.

Festivals

Mid July and August: Drama and Music Festival at Sarlat. Mid July: International Folklore Festival at Montignal. A Medieval Festival, Elanor of Aquitanne at Brantome in July . Open air concerts at Chateaux throughout the season advertised locally. 1st week in August Festival in Bourdeilles

Market days

• Monday TOCANE 8 Miles
• Tuesday LISLE 5 Miles
• Wednesday PERIGUEUX 14 Miles
• Thursday ST ASTIER 18 Miles
• Friday BRANTOME 6 Miles
• RIBERAC 16 Miles
• Saturday PERIGUEUX 14 Miles

Food and wine

A restaurant clings to the narrow bridge, tables are set out on the terrace on warm summer nights the setting is romantic and perfect for enjoying wonderful Perigord specialties. View of the Bridge and Renaissance Palace at Bourdeilles from the river, Being a rich agricultural area on the edge of the world's most famous vineyards, Perigord has also established a reputation for being one of the cradles of French Gastronomy. Here you will find some of the richest and best Pates, sometimes with Truffles, the famous 'Confit' (meat cooked in its own fat usually Goose or Duck) Foie Gras, Game in season, marvellous Mushrooms notably 'Cepes', Walnuts and all manner of Fruit; Cherries, Plums, Peaches, Pears, Apricots etc. Small Family Restaurants and famous ones, nearly all give excellent value for money. There are no local 'Dordogne' wines, but the best regional ones come from around Bergerac or Cahors. The local sweet dessert wine is from Monbazillac, south of Bergerac. The Bordeaux vineyards are within an afternoons visit. There are also local 'Eaux de Vie' made from Walnuts, Hazel-nuts and Plums, Grappa.

Nearby places of interest

Brantome - This picturesque town lying in the valley of the Dronne, known as the Venice of the Dordogne, is famous for its medieval Abbey, Caves and Museum. It has a solid reputation for good restaurants. There is also a superb market on Fridays - not to be missed. After a crippling fall Pierre de Bourdeille (1540-1614) retired here as abbot to write his racy memoirs, allegedly his lovers included Mary, Queen of Scots. Outside Brantome stands the fine Renaissance Chateau de Puyguilhem.

Périgueux - This ancient town with urban architecture and white domed Cathedral. Well known for its gastronomic specialities, truffle and foie gras, famous throughout the world.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities near by

Canoeing, Cycling, Drawing and painting, Fishing, Flying, Go karting, Golf, Gourmet dining, Horse riding, Photography, Riverside activities, Rock climbing, Sightseeing, Swimming, Tennis, Walking, Wine tasting, Wine touring

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

The Château is a reasonable day's drive from St.Malo/Caen/Cherbourg/ Le Havre ( the overnight crossings to any of these ferry points is recommended.) and a full days drive from Calais/Bologne.

Important points to remember when choosing your ferry are:

• That you arrive at the Château normally between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and vacate by 10 am on your date of departure.
• If you opt for a night crossing, a cabin is worth considering although most ships do not have sufficient accommodation to guarantee everybody a berth.
• Do bear this in mind and consider a day crossing with an overnight Hotel stop as an alternative that may cost less than a cabin on your overnight Ferry.
• Arrival time in France - for most of the summer months France is one hour ahead of Britain. Book early especially for weekend and night crossings to ensure a cabin.

Route suggestions:

Ferry ports by car

'N' 'D' Roads from Cherbourg , Le Havre or Caen to Tours, Autoroute from Tours to Poitiers 'N' and 'D' roads to Bourdeilles. Or Autoroute from Calais, Paris then Limoges, 'N' and 'D' roads to Bourdeilles.

Airports

Fly to Paris then TGV - high-speed train to Angouleme. Or fly Paris to Angouleme / Perigueux. Fly into Bordeaux then car hire or train to Perigueux. Fly London Stansted- Ryanair to Limoges or Bergerac from £30 return. Fly from Southampton to Bergerac with Flybe from £49

Approximate distances to Bourdeilles from:

• Calais/Bologne 480 miles - Le Havre 400 miles - Cherbourg 410 miles
• Caen 355 miles - St. Malo 340 miles - Santander Spain 320 miles
• Paris CDG Airport 322 miles - Bordeaux Airport 85 miles
• Angoulême 40 miles - Périgueux Airport 20 miles
• Limoges Airport 59 miles - Bergerac Airport 49 miles

By train

From London with Eurostar and TGV high-speed train to Angoulême from £80.

By motorail

Motorail service operates from Boulogne to Brive/Bordeaux then Autoroute and 'N' and 'D' roads to Périgueux, Brantome and Bourdeilles.
Motorail is an alternative option for reaching the Chateau quickly without a long journey by road Significant savings are made on Petrol, Motorway Tolls and Hotels.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.