C18th Burgundy Chateau

The chateau is a grade I listed, 18th century family home located in the heart of Burgundy, close to the Morvan hills and 50km from Beaune, the wine capital of the region.

An outstanding venue for memorable family celebrations and idyllic getaways with friends, the chateau was recently recommended by best-selling wine expert Hugh Johnson as an ideal base for wine-tasting tours of the Burgundy region. With on-site staff available to prepare meals and look after the day-to-day task of running the Chateau, you can relax into the holiday of a lifetime at this glorious location.

Situated on its own private island and surrounded by a broad moat, the chateau is approached through an avenue of lime trees, with private woods and a large kitchen garden alongside it. Inside the chateau you will find 9 large, bedrooms and 5 bathrooms (several en-suite), a magnificent entrance hall, two dining rooms, a large salon, library & TV room and a ping-pong room.

The chateau has retained its 18th century period décor, with beautiful fireplaces, panelling and staircases throughout, while the exterior is largely unchanged since 1760.

On the ground floor is a large and magnificent entrance hall with a grand piano and a sweeping stone staircase. Beyond is a wood-panelled and mirrored salon with open fireplace, leading on to the recently repaved rear terrace - ideal for a pre-dinner drink overlooking the most amazing view of the valley. Also on the ground floor are a library with TV and DVD player, a ping-pong room and one double bedroom with en-suite bathroom.

Breakfast is laid out each day by the resident staff in the east-facing breakfast room and dinner is served each evening either in the formal dining room (with open fireplace) or on the rear terrace. Lunch can be taken outside on the north terrace or on the rear terrace. All meals are prepared by the staff in a large and well equipped kitchen with adjacent ‘servant’s hall’.

On the first floor are one single, four double and three twin bedrooms. Three of these have en suite bathrooms whilst two have adjacent bathrooms. Every single room has the most beautiful view, looking out onto the grounds of the chateau and beyond, with high ceilings ensuring that all the bedrooms are cool and welcoming after the heat of a typical Burgundy summer’s day.

Guests have exclusive use of nearly 5 hectares of private grounds, including a 30 year-old avenue of lime trees, a large croquet lawn on the island, woods for children to explore and play in and a superb kitchen garden with home grown produce. There is a rowing boat for those who wish to while away an hour on the moat and in the centre of the kitchen garden is the “bassin” - a stone-lined, shallow pool that is ideal for children to splash around in and for adults who want to cool off in the summer heat. Ample car parking space is available on the island and in the grounds.

*Please note that children must be supervised around the bassin and the moats at all times, although there is an efficient balustrade to prevent access to the moat from the island.

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

Situated in the Côte d’Or, mid-way between Paris and Lyon, the chateau is easily accessible by the A6 or by the TGV train. It is in the centre of the three principal wine regions – Chablis, the Loire and the Côtes de Nuits and Beaune, adjacent to the Morvan Natural Park and the market town of Saulieu is 15km away.

Beautiful, unspoilt villages and towns are abound in the Auxois and the Morvan, the two regions which envelop the village. The local supply town is Saulieu, 13 km to the west, where there is a Saturday morning market, numerous restaurants and a fabulous Basilica.

Avallon, Semur-en-Auxois, Flavigny–sur-Ozeron (as seen in Chocolat), Chateauneuf-en-Bourgogne and Nolay are other small towns or villages worth exploring. At the heart of the Burgundian vineyards, Beaune, the ancient seat to the Dukes of Burgundy, boasts colourful roofs and acts as a perfect base for wine tastings.

Burgundy has always been known for its elegant châteaux, family homes which have evolved over the centuries. Those most worth visiting locally are Bussy Rabutin, Commarin, Sully-en-Bourgogne, Époisses, Bazoches and Chateauneuf.

Certain abbeys and religious sites are also a must to visit, in particular Fontenay (where Cyrano de Belgerac was shot), Vézeley, Citeaux, and Cluny, which is further to the South.

Burgundy is bursting with activities, including horse riding, tree climbing, golf and even balloon riding - one of the best ways of seeing this wonderful unspoilt countryside is from the air.

A taster of events on offer in the region include regular brocantes (car boot sales) in surrounding towns and villages, the Fete de la Musique (21 July) Cajun Nights (start August) in Saulieu, and Musical Encounters at Vezelay (end August).

Activities available nearby include swimming, golf, horseback riding, ballooning, fishing, flying and day trips to other nearby chateaux.

Two full time English and French speaking members of staff are included within the rental price. The staff are there to assist with running the chateau and to help arrange excursions within the region.

With regards to catering, we will agree budget and menus with you at least 4 weeks before your stay, and the staff will do your food shopping and prepare meals for you. Cost of food purchased is not included within the rental price and will therefore be passed on to you with no additional mark-up. Meals will also include some freshly picked produce from the garden throughout your stay, depending on availability.

- Security deposit: €1000. This is paid prior to arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection. A signed rental agreement is also required before guests can gain entry to the property. This will be sent to you by the owner prior to arrival.
- Linen & towels: All linen and towels are included in the rental price. Linens and towels are changed every Saturday and mid-week.
- Energy costs: Included in the rental price.
- Cleaning: Included. Please leave the property in the state that you found it and please return items, such as books, to where you found them.
- Arrival time: 4pm onwards.
- Departure time: 11.00am.
- Smoking: No smoking indoors.
- Pets: Please enquire.
- 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.

Peace and tranquility with superb hospitality!

Anon

A little corner of heaven and linen sheets. Complete bliss.

Anon

Coming back to the chateau is like a love story with a happy end.

Anon

The chateau puts you right where you need to be.

Hugh Johnson