Chateau Rural

In the heart of Gascony, surrounded by landscapes of sunflower fields and hills, is the magnificent estate of Château Rural. This charming and historical residence is a true reflection of this traditional region and is a wonderful retreat for families and friends looking for authenticity and relaxation.

The foundations of the estate date back to the Middle Ages yet it was in the 18th Century when the existing château was created by a famous countess who designed the magnificent park featuring statues and a small chapel where locals could go and worship. In the 19th century the new owner added an innovative irrigation system using windmills, two of which remain to this day, alongside other historical features such as the ancient wine cellar and the château’s original towers.

Inside, the style of the modern-day château is one of rustic charm and rural warmth, with twelve charming bedrooms featuring sweet and comfortable furnishings, delightful living and dining rooms, a games room with French billiards and a historic library featuring thousands of books.

The château’s managers, who live in a nearby gite within the estate, are experienced instructors in yoga, pilates and circus arts and can host individual or group classes for guests in their fantastic yoga studio on the estate. Whether aerial yoga, meditation or Hatha and Vinyasa, this is the perfect place to practice yoga or pilates in a beautifully relaxing environment.

Outside you are surrounded by six acres of parkland featuring ancient oaks, wonderful walks and a swimming lake or stay closer to home and relax by the heated swimming pool and glorious pool terrace. For the more active guests, you can kick a football around, play darts, ride the château’s bikes or play French billiards in the games room. There are also tennis courts within walking distance, as well as golf, horse-riding and canoeing within a short drive.

Gascony is one of the most unspoilt and rural regions of France with a fantastic reputation for its gastronomy with amazing Farmer’s markets dotted around local villages and towns and many fine local producers of Grand Armagnac. 

The owners can arrange a number of wonderful private excursions for guests from Armagnac tastings in St Puy to visits to the beautiful market towns of Condom and Auch. There's even a half-day trip to the lovely Ferme du Hitton where families can visit lavender fields and donkeys.

Château Rural is in the heart of Gascony, surrounded by six acres of parkland featuring wonderful walks and a swimming lake. The countryside around includes fields of sunflowers and wheat, creating stunning summer landscapes so typical of this region.

Gascony (officially The Gers department) is one of the most unspoilt and rural regions of France with idyllic local villages and towns, beautiful scenery and a fantastic reputation for its gastronomy with local markets selling wonderful local produce including foie gras and confits.

The nearest village is within walking distance, as are tennis courts whilst the nearest cafes, restaurants and shops are within a ten-minute drive to Fleurance (10km) or Lectoure (13km).

The historic hilltop village of Lectoure (13km) is incredibly attractive and there is a lovely antique market in what used to be the old 18th century hospital.  The Friday morning Farmer’s market is a must to buy some of the amazing local produce and there are also some excellent restaurants and cafes across the picturesque village.

Fleurance (10km) is another pretty market town and the weekly market on a Tuesday morning is one of the largest in the area. Other villages and hamlets in the area to explore include three of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, Fourcès (35km), Larresingle (27km) and Montréal du Gers (36km). The town of Condom (22km), only 25-minutes away, includes a Michelin-starred restaurant as well as boat rental, whilst Auch (32km), with its old quarter raised high above the Gers river, has an incredible cathedral. Private excursions can be arranged for guests to the towns of Lectoure, Auch and Condom, especially on market day.

The delightful town of Agen (47km) is famous for producing prunes, often soaked in local brandy, and it is also worthy of a visit for its remarkable history and covered daily market. The cities of Toulouse (101km) and Bordeaux (175km) are also within striking distance for an exceptional day out.

There is so much to do in this rural part of Gascony whether cycling, golf, horse-riding, hiking or canoeing on the River Baise in Beaucaire (20km). This is also Grand Armagnac country with plenty of opportunities to visit local producers; tastings and guided tours can easily be arranged.

Interior of Château

Ground Floor

-    Entrance hall and main staircase
-    Lounge 1 with sofas, desk and chess table
-    Lounge 2 with sofas, TV, desk and dining table for 6 guests
-    Dining room
-    Kitchen, well-equipped including Nespresso coffee machine
-    Lemon Tree Bedroom (set between hallway and lounge 1) with twin beds
-    Lillies Bedroom with two double beds
-    Pruneau Bedroom with twin beds
-    Family bathroom with bath and sink (between Lillies and Pruneau Bedroom)
-    Laurels Bedroom with twin beds and en suite bathroom with bath, two sinks and bidet
-    Family shower room with walk-in shower, sink and toilet
-    Espelette Bedroom with four-poster bed (single occupancy)
-    Laundry room
-    Chapel (next to Pruneau Bedroom, accessed only from outside)

First Floor

-    Games room with French billiards and board games
-    Library (French and some English books)
-    Rose Bedroom with two double beds, one single bed and small en suite shower room with shower, sink and toilet
-    Lavender Bedroom with single bed and small en suite shower room with corner shower, sink and separate WC
-    Capucine Bedroom with twin beds
-    Bamboo Bedroom with four-corner double bed
-    Bathroom with bath, sink and toilet (accessed via both Capucine and Bamboo Bedrooms)
-    Iris Bedroom with two double beds and adjoining tower room with double bed
-    Jasmine Bedroom with two double beds
-    Family shower room with walk-in shower and sink
-    WC

Outside Grounds

- Heated swimming pool (10mx5m). Open from early May to late October, secured by a fence and electric rolling shutter
- Wooden pool terrace with sun-loungers (100m2)
- Al-fresco dining area
- Barbecue
- Swing
- 6-acre parkland featuring swimming/bathing lake

Facilities

- Yoga studio (160m2)
- French billiards
- Books (mainly French, some English)

At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:

- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting / childcare services

Extras included at this property:

- Maid service: light house-keeping 1h/day

Extras available at this property (payable locally):

- Yoga classes (group or private, Hatha, Vinyasa and meditation)
- Aerial yoga (small group of 5 guests)
- Pilates classes (group or private)
- Circus Arts (group or private, Lyra/Tissu)
- Local chef who can prepare meals for guests (menus on request)
- Pre-purchase of groceries prior to arrival
- Taxis/car hire from Toulouse Airport or Agen Train station
- Help finding baby-sitters
- Various excursions in the local area including guided visits to local markets, Armagnac tastings and hot-air balloon rides

Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!

Security deposit
€1500 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time
3.00 p.m (all other times on request only).

Departure time
10.00 a.m (all other times on request only).

Energy costs included?
Yes.

Linen & towels included?
Yes.

Pets welcome?
On request only and with prior agreement with the owner.

Other Ts and Cs
Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges.

Changeover day
Saturday or Sunday. All other changeover days on request.

End of stay cleaning available?
Yes, standard changeover clean included. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Smoking Allowed?
Outside only.

Minimum stay
7 nights. All other durations on request.

Pool heating charge?
Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.

Pool towels included?
Yes.

Pool opening dates?
The pool is open approximately May to late October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.