Chateau Des Puys

About this property

Located in the Auvergne-Limousin region Château Des Puys, which dates back to the 17th and 18th century, is the family residence of an international artist. It sits on the edge of the Forêt de Drouill, in a uniquely peaceful and calm position overlooking uninterrupted views of the picturesque countryside, rich in  characterful villages, lakes, forests and country lanes.

The château has large rooms, high ceilings and impressive fireplaces whilst oak flooring and original cornicing can be seen throughout. The interior is designed to a wonderful standard with unique designer furniture throughout. The highlight is the spacious and well-appointed kitchen, ideal to prepare delicious meals using fresh ingredients from local markets.

Outside there are landscaped grounds, an orchard as well as herb, vegetable and rose gardens. There is also an outdoor dining area beneath the pergola or choose to relax with a glass of wine by the lavender. The heated swimming pool comes with a pool house featuring Wi-Fi and a music system.

This is the perfect place for those who seek total peace and tranquility, spending long hours out hiking, horse-riding or fishing, away from the crowds and tourist chaos. The closest village is a 5-minute drive away, a truly authentic French little gem! There are restaurants within driving distance too, where you can sample the authentic and delicious local cuisine.

Discover wonderful walks and waterfalls by La Sioule River and summer watersports at Lac des Fades, both around half an hour away. Then there's the four volcanic massifs in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne including the famous Puy de Dôme - reach the summit by train or you can admire the incredible landscapes via a hot air balloon ride.

Elsewhere, spend the day in the picturesque spa-town of Évaux-les-Bains, visit the historic towns of Aubusson or Montluçon and venture towards the very beautiful Château de Villemonteix around a 45-minute drive away. Further afield, if you are into wine and historical castles, keep in mind that the Loire Valley is a few hours drive away!

Château Des Puys enjoys a rural setting near the border of the Creuse and Puy-De-Dome departments, around 58km north-west of Clermont-Ferrand and a 90-minute drive from Limousin.

A small village is just a five-minute drive away, home to a boulangerie, butchers and restaurant-bar, whilst there are two other small villages within a 5 to 10-minute drive. Further amenities and a supermarket can be found in Auzances (13km), an attractive small town which is also home to tennis courts, horse-riding and an animal park with gallo-Roman remains and a picturesque fishing lake.

Across this region you can spend time visiting good local markets and historic châteaux, fishing in local lakes and discovering beautiful landscapes for long walks, cycle rides and more. Just under half an hour away, Lac des Fades is a great spot for walks and lakeside picnics; in the height of the summer look out for watersports such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, sailing, jet-ski and an inflatable water course.

A little further, find glorious walks along La Sioule River, coming across the waterfalls at Montfermy (35km), and venture towards the nature reserve at Puy de la Coquille (45km) for incredible views of the Puy de Jumes.

Of course, the four volcanic massif of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne also await, an absolute paradise for hikers and experienced cyclists or you could even take a hot air balloon ride over the incredible scenery. Look out for the rack-style railway (5.2km long) that takes you to the summit of Puy de Dôme and learn more about volcanoes at the theme park, Vulcania (43km).

Elsewhere, head to the attractive spa-town of Évaux-les-Bains (30km), spend the day admiring historic tapestries and rugs in Aubusson (45km) and visit the beautiful Château de Villemonteix, just outside the pretty village of Chénérailles (44km).

Montluçon (55km) is a gorgeous town to visit if you have the time, classified as one of France’s "towns of art and history" with its medieval architecture and grand 19th century houses. Clermont-Ferrand (58km) is another fine day out, the capital of the Auvergne region and one of France’s oldest cities with many buildings constructed from volcanic rock.

Accommodation

Château Wing Interiors

-    Drawing room
-    Kitchen and dining area, fully-equipped including dishwasher, range, microwave, large fridge and oak kitchen table. Door lead to terrace
-    Library/office
-    Laundry room

Bedrooms and Bathrooms (various floors, steep steps)

-    Bedroom with double bed, single bed and en suite bathroom with bath and WC
-    Bedroom with double bed and ensuite bathroom with bath and WC (shared with twin bedroom below)
-    Bedroom with twin beds
-    Bedroom with twin beds (reached via steep steps)
-    Bedroom with single bed (reached via steep steps)
-    Ground floor bathroom with bath and separate WC (shared between above two bedrooms on different floor)

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (12x4.5m, depth: 1.2-1.8m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately June to end-September
-    Pool house with Wi-Fi and music system
-    Poolside pergola with lounge chairs and hammocks
-    Barbecue
-    Pergola for al-fresco dining 
-    Garden
-    Water feature
-    Bikes
-    Trampoline and swing/slide
-    Table tennis
-    Electric gates
-    Secured parking

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi (fast fibre)
-    Heating
-    Smart TV with English and French channels
-    DVD player and DVDs
-    Table tennis
-    Bikes
-    Children’s games/toys
-    Pushchair and baby bath
-    Board games and children’s books