Astier Petit Chateau

Set in the heart of a beautiful market town yet entirely contained within private and quiet walled gardens with a large 14 metre pool, this petit chateau offers something for all ages. The main house and neighbouring cottage are rented together for groups of up to 16.

Astier Petit Chateau is situated in the heart of a lovely market town that plays host to several events during the year including night markets and local antiques brocants. Just a short walk from the house you can pick out your own seasonal vegetables, foie gras, local cheeses, olives, breads and much more. There are several restaurants, bars and bakeries within a short walk as well as the tranquil river L'Isle which feeds into the Dordogne.

The property consists of the main house (petit chateau) together with a period cottage to one side so that larger groups or families with different aged children can have privacy whilst also enjoy the shared gardens and living areas. 

The main house comprises a large kitchen/breakfast room that opens onto the terrace and pool area; a large drawing room with classic stone fireplace ideal for winter parties, two large double rooms with en suite bathrooms, two large twin bedded rooms with a modern family bathroom, and a DVD room with flat screen TV that can be converted into another double via a sofa bed if required.

The period cottage has it's own fully equipped kitchen with stone fire place, a king sized downstairs double room that opens on to the garden and pool area; a second upstairs double, a sunny twin room and a single room (that also contains a large wooden cot).

The property opens onto beautiful mature walled gardens with electric gates at both ends and parking for up to four cars. Guests are welcome to help themselves to any seasonal fruits from the trees including cherries, apples, grapes, peaches, apricots, pears and figs. The pool area is fenced with a child secure gate. There are several dining and seating areas around the garden as well as swings, a trampoline, slide and Wendy house to help occupy younger age groups. All amenities and restaurants are just a walk from the garden including a tennis court.

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

Astier Petit Chateau is situated in the heart of a lovely market town that plays host to several events during the year including night markets and local antiques brocants. Every Thursday morning a large french market comes to the town changing the atmosphere from a tranquil haven to a vivacious colorful scene full of delights from the local region. Step out of the house and choose your own seasonal vegetables, foie gras, local cheeses, olives, breads and much more. 

There are several restaurants, bars and bakeries within a short walk as well as the tranquil river L'Isle which feeds into the Dordogne. Facials and beauty treatments, canoeing, tennis and mini golf are also just a short walk away. Alternatively if you want the countryside there are many walks from the house up into the hills that offer unlimited options.

Services
On-Site:
-  Pilates sessions
-  Massage and beauty including:
-  Facials – with luxurious Charme d’Orient products from Paris
-  Balinais Body Massage - soft , stimulating and totally relaxing
-  Le Japonaise du Pied – Relieves aches and pains in the foot which affect how the whole body functions and relaxes
-  Le Lys – A royal massage with four hands
-  Shaitus – Japanese bodywork which calms the nervous system and improves circulation and alleviates stress
-  Babysitting – enjoy a child free meal out at a choice of restaurants which are a short walk from the house
-  Nanny Service – Let someone else take on the task of afternoon high tea and bath time whist you enjoy some relaxation in the garden or elsewhere
-  Children’s French lessons – Ensure the kids make the most of their stay in France by indulging in the language and local culture.  Young children will learn numbers, colour and foods in game situations and can even take a tour of the Thursday market with their teacher and bring back your bagette for lunch having ordered it themselves in French!
-  Home cooked food –Order in some freshly made dishes from our home cooked menu
-  Grocery Service – get the fridge stocked up before you even arrive on holiday
-  Chef Service – Let a local chef and his team cook you a special gourmet meal and clean up afterwards.  A small sample of the menu includes: Figs with Roquefort, fish roulard followed by filet mignon with foie gras and truffles or duck breast with Armagnac and prunes and finished with Tiramisu and rasberry coulis or Pear Tatin with white chocolate ice cream
-  Adult French lessons – for teenagers studying for exams to adults wanting to brush up whatever standard they are at.  All lessons are bespoke according to needs.

Off-Site:
- “Great value Girls day out” – Colour Me Beautiful 90 minute analysis with image consultant including lunch and what to wear to flatter your body shape + an in-site into what’s current in the french boutiques etc
- French Cooking Course – for 2 – 5 people.  Bespoke menus and lunch included – great fun and very personal.
- Riding lessons
- Tennis and Canoeing.

- Security deposit: £500. This is paid on arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection.
- Linen & towels: All linen and bath towels are included in the rental price.
- Energy costs: Reasonable energy costs are included in the main house but there is an extra charge for central heating in the cottage as per usage.
- End of stay cleaning: Please leave the property in the state that you found it. Alternatively an end of stay clean is available for €200.
- Arrival time: 5pm onwards.
- Departure time: 10am.
- Pets: No.
- Smoking: No smoking in the property.
- Bookings: The owner prefers bookings of 2 weeks in the peak season but will consider one week bookings. Please enquire.
- Other: During the winter (mid October to March) only the main house is available (up to 8 guests). Please enquire for a discounted rate.
- 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.

5/5 Beautiful Home, Beautiful People! Summer 2009.

Linzarelli

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‘We had a superb family holiday, teenagers adults and toddlers alike’

Anonymous

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We all had a wonderful time in your beautiful house. The children really loved the pool and walks into the town to buy breakfast!  All the toys here were much appreciated.  Thank you also to Heidi for looking after us so well.

Anonymous

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Homely, welcoming, thoughtfully equipped.  We recommend the ponies for the children, the local market, wandering the back streets of the town and as much relaxing and outdoor time as possible – thank you!

Owen Holt

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We couldn’t have asked for more from our holiday – a hugely warm welcome, a beautiful setting, a fantastically equipped house, lovely weather  - a real home from home. We hope to be back!

Caroly & family

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Dear Phillida and Heidi, Just wanted to say what a great time we had in St Astier - great weather, great house. It really was perfect. Loved the kayaking and La Polombiere, and, Heidi, your food was great. I'm a travel writer (for the Sunday Times) and I was very impressed by all the extra little touches (welcome pack, exhaustively stocked kitchen, gas BBQ, champagne flutes, iPod docks etc). Enjoyed the Cambridge pics round about too - most of us were at St Catharine's in 2001. Maybe we'll come again next year! Best regards

Martin, Sunday Times Travel Writer

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