Chateau De Charme

The Chateau de Charme is a 12th Century castle that has been altered over the centuries and is now totally restored and modernised. It offers luxury accommodation with all the facilities that one would expect including a private swimming pool.

This French chateau has 7 bedrooms and can comfortably accommodate 13 adults. Originally built in the 12th Century, this chateau used to be a military post; it was destroyed in the 16th Century, before being rebuilt and has been used as a family home ever since.

Located on top of a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding French countryside, this luxury chateau rental is only five minutes drive from the local village of Charlieu. The larger town af Saint Etienne and Lyon are also within easy reach of Chateau De Charme.

The property comprises the main chateau with 6 bedrooms and a 1 bedroom cottage located just 20m from the main building.

The chateau is made up of 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms that are all found on the first floor. On the ground floor you find a large kitchen/family room with huge chimney where up to 20 people can sit for dinner, a sitting room, a study, and a small dining room.

In the centre of the chateau is an attractive internal courtyard where up to 12 people can sit for lunch or dinner: from this courtyard you access a first floor loggia with another dining area. The seventh bedroom, which has also a sofa bed downstairs, is in an independent cottage with a mezzanine bed, a kitchenette and a bathroom.

Outside the chateau sits in rural hilly area where the famous 'Charolais beef' is bred, with panoramic views and a private swimming pool.

*Please note, locations shown on the maps are approximations only

The nearest airport is Lyon (100km) and the nearest town is Roanne (20km). Situated in a rural hilly area where the famous 'Charolais beef' is bred and offering  panoramic views, the chateau is 5 minutes away from a medieval village with all the necessary facilities (shops & restaurants).

The area has many famous restaurants, including the world famous Michelin starred Troigros which is 20 minutes away. There are also many vineyards nearby as the Beaujolais region is just 30 minutes by car. Burgundy is 45 minutes away and we even have our local wine  "Les Cotes Roannaises".

There are many cultural sites around including a well known tour of medieval roman churches as well as lovely medieval villages with beautiful old houses.

Catering is available at the chateau by local catering companies (traiteurs) - typically this will cost from 40 euros per person for a 4-course meal. Alternatively it is possible to hire a cook from the local village/town who can do any cooking that you wish during your stay – they are also usually happy to buy the food and clear up afterwards. Costs are typically between 15 and 20 euros per hour. Maid service is available for between 15 and 20 euros per hour.

- Capacity: The property comfortably sleeps 13 adults.
- Security deposit: €1000 or £1000. This is paid directly to the owner's bank account (by bank transfer) and must arrive at least 2 weeks prior to arrival. It will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection.
- Linen & towels: All linen and towels are included in the rental price.
- Energy costs: Included in the rental price in the summer. Heating charged to expenditure in the winter and to be deducted from the security deposit: as a guide it costs approx €500 to heat the chateau for 1 week in the middle of winter.
- End of stay cleaning:  Please leave the property in the state that you found it. Extra cleaning is charged to the client if the property is not left as found on arrival.
- Arrival time: 5pm onwards.
- Departure time: 10am.
- Internet: Wireless access.
- Pets: Pets allowed with prior consent.
- Smoking: No smoking in the property.
- Contract: a full and detailed contract, provided by the owner, must be signed before a booking can be confirmed.
- It is recommended that all guests take out insurance to cover against potential cancellation and any accidental damage caused during your stay at the property.

We are now all home in our various regular locations, and busy sharing the photos that will help keep our visit to the Chateau vivid. Reactions are universaly positive, and I think most of us would agree that this was the best location for our annual family get together (and this was the eighth). Let me summarize the points that made it so good - first, the kindness and consideration you and your wife showed in letting us take over your home, and the way you dealt so easily and quickly with all our problems.  The location is fantastic - the house was both attractive and comfortable, with plenty of space for our crowd and wonderful corners to hide away when one was tired of the mob.  The pool was ideal, the kitchen and bathrooms spacious and in full working condition, the terrace ideal, the view magnificent, in short, nothing was missing that could contribute to a wonderful family holiday. Many many thanks.

Bernard

"What a magnificent and unique home!  We came to the Chateau for family wedding and had an amazing stay. The house is situated in a fantastic location with wonderful views across the valley and surrounding countryside and the local Charolais cattle came to visit us each day.  The standard of comfort is excellent and everything we needed, and more was provided."

Barbara

We could not have picked a better place to spend our first visit to the French countryside.The Chateau was better than we imagined : more beautiful, more spacious, more comfortable, and in a more idyllic setting. Your hospitality went above and beyond. Our only regret is that we could not stay longer - one week was not enough. Thank you very much.

Weissman family, CA and NJ (USA), 9 July 2011

Thank you for a wonderful stay in your lovely Chateau. We enjoyed amazing cycling, beautiful scenery, delicious food and peaceful family time with our young ones. Best wishes to you and your family. PS. The next entry is by our sons: they had a very fun time and did not want to leave : I like the swimming pool in this house. We have been swimming in it very often, thank you. Zachary and Sam, 5 years old.

Lui family, NY/ London/Singapore, July 2011