Chateau Les Tourelles

About this property

As featured in Vogue!

As you approach Château Les Tourelles along the incredible driveway you will be in awe of the beauty around you as the hill rises, surrounded by acres of woodland and glorious views of the Dordogne valley and river. Yet it’s not just the setting of this 17th château that will inspire you – step inside and discover a luxuriously appointed fairy-tale castle that will exceed your expectations in so many ways.

The new owners of Château Les Tourelles have recently transformed this hilltop castle into a place of remarkable period charm, retaining so many historic features whilst modernising each of the nine sumptuous en suite bedrooms. Gather with family and friends in the grand salon with its extraordinary furnishings and ancient paintings, prepare feasts fit for royalty in the fully modernised vaulted kitchen, then dine by candle-light beneath the medieval chandelier in the original period dining room. Upstairs, seek solitude in the incredible library with its historic bookshelves and leather furnishings – it even features a desk where it’s said that in the early 19th century the US Ambassador to France wrote letters to the then President of the USA. 

There are nine air-conditioned bedrooms, each one splendidly themed and beautiful modern bathrooms have been added. Look out for one of the bedrooms inspired by Versailles with opulent furnishings, triple plush carpets and marble tiling, another with original tapestry wallpaper and 18th century artwork or admire the bedroom designed in the colours of Provence with a romantic stand-alone bath with 360 degrees valley views. The Royal Suite is possibly the most magnificent with its stain glass windows, original stencilled walls and a grand copper bathtub.

Outside, dine al-fresco in the inviting courtyard, relax by the stunning swimming pool and poolhouse, then wander around the glorious gardens taking in the mesmerising views of the Dordogne valley. The 32-hectare estate also includes vast woodland, old stone walls and the ruins of an ancient church up on the hill. Follow the private hiking paths through the forest, discovering flora, fauna and maybe even wild boars. Walk down to the banks of the Dordogne river for a picnic in idyllic surroundings.

To add to the sense of luxury, VIP services can be arranged from a champagne reception to daily breakfasts and a chef service. You can even be picked up by a helicopter and taken straight to your castle or luxury car transfers can be booked. Picnic hampers, cooking classes, wine-tasting at the château and even truffle hunting in the late autumn; the welcoming caretakers onsite will help you achieve the holiday of your dreams.

You are perfectly positioned to explore the Perigord Noir and all its allure. Gastronomic restaurants are within a short drive and some of the region’s most idyllic villages and towns are close by such as Domme, La Roque-Gageac and Sarlat. Visit endless châteaux, delightful markets, pre-historic caves and beautiful gardens - there is so much to see and do in this enchanting region.

In an astounding location in the Dordogne, this really is the ultimate luxury French château experience.   

Reached by a breathtaking driveway, Château Les Tourelles is set in 30 hectares of glorious grounds featuring forests, hills and amazing views of the Dordogne river and valley. Explore the estate, discover local flora, wander through the ancient woods and you may even come across wild boars. There’s old stone walls, wells and even the ruins of a 12th century church.  You can walk down to the Dordogne river and enjoy a picnic on the banks of the river, looking over towards another impressive castle on the other side.

The nearest village is around a 15-minute walk through the forests or just five minutes in the car – here you will find a boulangerie as well as a small grocery store with some fresh produce as well as other basics. Furthermore, at the end of the château’s winding drive is a charming little bar and restaurant which has live music on a Friday evening. Also within walking distance is somewhere to hire bikes and kayaks.

For a good choice of restaurants, artisan shops, lovely cafes as well as a supermarket, head to Souillac (13km), about a 15 to 20-minute drive away. Don’t miss the Friday morning market and take time to visit the lovely Abbey Sainte-Marie. Golf-lovers will appreciate the Résidence Souillac Golf & Country Club, around a 25-minute drive away.

Gourmands can experience some of the region's very best cuisine at one of the many restaurants within a short drive, ranging from rustic establishments serving regional fare to high-end cuisine at one of the nine Michelin-rated establishments nearby.

Follow the Dordogne river west and you will soon reach famous villages such as Domme (20km), La Roque-Gageac (21km) and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (27km). Visit idyllic castles such as Château de Beynac and discover beautiful gardens such as those in Eyrignac or the Jardins de Marqueyssac in Vézac. Hire canoes for a day exploring the Dordogne or have picnics by the riverside; this is the Perigord Noir at its very best.

The famous town of Sarlat-la-Canéda (17km) is also within easy reach. It’s well known for its foie-gras and truffles and has a wonderful weekly market on a Saturday as well as gastronomic shops and gourmet restaurants. The historic architecture is incredible and you can spend hours exploring the narrow lanes of the old town.

Saint-Amand-de-Coly (30km) to the north, classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, is an ideal place to visit alongside the pre-historic Lascaux caves near Montignac (35km). You are also near the border with the Lot department which is filled with yet more beautiful villages such as Gourdon (18km) with its charming honey-coloured houses and Rocamadour (38km), an amazing place to visit. Wine-lovers could even travel as far as Cahors (60km) and its vineyards which produce some of the finest wines in the world.

Accommodation

Chateau Interiors
Ground Floor

-    Grand salon with comfortable sofas, large decorative fireplace, historic furnishings and painted ceilings
-    Period dining room with large decorative fireplace, medieval chandelier, original fleur-de-lis tiles and dining table for up to 20 guests
-    Modernised period kitchen with vaulted ceilings, well-equipped including gas hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, American fridge, coffee maker and toaster. Long dining table and doors leading to al-fresco dining courtyard
-    Guest WC x 2

First Floor
-    Historic library with sound-system, high-painted ceilings, original book shelves with 17th- 19th century books and large chandelier
-   Bedroom 1 with king-size bed, mirrored antique furniture and en suite bathroom in turret with walk-in shower 
-    Bedroom 2 with super king-size leather bed, Dordogne river and valley views and en suite bathroom with double sink and walk-in shower
-    Bedroom 3 with four-poster double bed and en suite art-deco style bathroom with walk-in shower
-    Bedroom 4 with super king-size bed, opulent furnishings and en suite marble bathroom with double sink and shower
-    Bedroom 5 with king-size bed, flamboyant furnishings and en suite marble bathroom with walk-in shower

Second Floor  

-    Bedroom 6 with super king-size bed, furnishings inspired by Provence and en suite bathroom in turret (via five narrow steps) with stand alone bath, hand-held shower, double sink and panoramic valley views
-    Bedroom 7 with twin beds, tapestry wallpaper, valley and river views and en suite bathroom with double sink and walk-in shower 
-    Bedroom 8 with super-king bed, hand-carved furnishings, discreet WC behind the armoire-style door and en suite bathroom with shower, double sink and stain glass windows
-    Royal Suite (Bedroom 9) refurbished to original style. Bedroom with super king-size double bed, discreet LED lighting and stain glass window. Living room with sofas and copper stand-alone bath. En suite bathroom with shower and stain glass window

Outside Grounds

-    Cliff-top swimming pool on two levels (shallow children’s pool area and main pool, 5x7m in total, depth: 60cm in shallow part and 1.35m in main pool. Features two safety alarms and is enclosed by walled and fenced area. Heated on request (subject to a supplement) approximately May to September
-    Sun-loungers and umbrellas
-    Pool house with bar, fridge, ice-maker, shower and WC
-    Pool deck with valley views
-    Large enclosed courtyard with al-fresco dining area and LED lighting
-    Barbecue
-    Water feature in courtyard with pond and 5m high waterfall
-    Al-fresco dining terrace with Dordogne valley views
-    Cliff top al-fresco lounge area
-    Yoga centre and meditation deck (overlooking forests)
-    Gym and wellness centre with steam room and zen waterfall
-    Chateau gardens
-    Extensive grounds (30 hectares) featuring private hiking paths, woodland, stone walls, wells and ruins of a Roman church

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Air-conditioning (bedrooms only)
-    Heating
-    Bathrobes
-    Yoga centre and meditation deck (overlooking forests)
-    Wellness centre and gym
-    Trampoline (12 foot, in the ground)
-    Washing machine and dryer