Chateau De Rayze: Whole Estate

Description from the manager

Chateau de Rayze, situated near Sarlat in the Black Perigord region of the Dordogne, is a rustic paradise set in 20 acres of land. Facilities include two swimming pools, steam room, snooker table and trampoline, whilst the residents include goats, deer and even a few donkeys! Two stylish properties, are available independently or together for exclusive hire. The chateau & pigeonnier boasts 9 bedrooms (sleeping 18) whilst the maison du parc has eight (for 16 guests). Each property has its own pool and private garden. Both can be hired together to accommodate groups of up to 34 guests. The castle tower dates as far back as the mid 12th century.... It was built as a gift to a local family who had lent their support to the French Aquitaine, who were allied to Eleanor and her English husband Richard the Lionheart in their struggle against the French king Louis VII. Extensive modifications to the Chateau de Rayze were added towards the end of 17th C.

Two independent, but closely situated properties boast a total of seventeen double or twin bedrooms. The chateau (with the pigeonnier) is available for hire either separately or alongside la maison du parc for groups of up to 34. Properties each have their own swimming pool and private garden. Fifteen of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms, and four have 4-poster beds. Each property has its own living room and kitchen with all mod-cons (including washing machine), whilst internet access is available in the chateau and a fax machine can be found in the Maison du Parc. The Chateau has seven elegant en-suite bedrooms (Six doubles and one twin) with large kitchen, living room, dining room (seats 24), study and all mod-cons, including gas central heating. The garden is partly shaded by chestnut trees and boasts a swimming pool (secured) and garden furniture. The Pigeonnier, although structurally part of the chateau, nonetheless manages to retain an air of privacy and individuality. It is centrally heated, making it a cosy getaway during the long winter months. The living room gives way to a fitted kitchen with all modern amenities including washing machine, dryer and microwave. Upstairs there are two bedrooms (the double room has a cot), a twin room and an attractive bathroom with separate WC. A cosy attic room makes a fine bolt-hole for a teenager. La Maison du Parc has a fully equipped kitchen with everything an intrepid cook could ask for. There is also a reception/conference room that is a very spacious room opening onto a fine terrace. The six double bedrooms, four of which are en-suite, all have direct access to a private garden. There are two further twin bedrooms and two extra bathrooms. Outside numerous walking and cycling paths lead out from the chateau grounds in every direction. The chateau itself is situated at the summit of a hill and boasts 30 acres of rolling grounds with two swimming pools, kitchen gardens, an orchard with pear, fig and cherry trees, trampoline, centennial trees and acres of wilderness and forests. The Big Field is where you’ll find the donkeys, deer and resident goat! Wander the grounds or simply relax with a good book and enjoy this haven of tranquility.

*Please note, locations shown on the maps are approximations only The nearest airport is Bergerac 60km away but Toulouse and Bordeaux are also both available 150km away. The setting of the Chateau de Rayze is simply breathtaking: expect tree-lined hills, valleys, vineyards, walnut groves, orchards, maize and sunflower fields, foie gras farms, imposing chateaux and ancient villages and towns. The locals here are warm-hearted and friendly and the buzzword is food – you’ll find a wealth of choice here from chic gourmet to traditional family restaurants serving home-spun delicacies. Cazoules is the closest village and only a short walk away. It has a great boulangerie and bar restaurant. Souillac (3km) is a delightful town, only 5 minutes by car, with delightful streets, quaint little shops and it’s main draw, the twelfth-century church of Ste-Marie. Romanesque sculptures and carvings grace the interior of this massive-domed structure. The mechanical doll museum is good for some light relief, and particularly suited for children. The town can be reached in 5 minutes by car. The Saturday morning market in Sarlat’s market square is renowned for its vibrancy and buzz. Stunning medieval, Gothic, and 17th C architecture line the streets and a gorgeous square in the front of the Cathedral is a fine vantage point to observe the various goings-on and is also host to some good restaurants. Concerts and plays are held here during the summer months. A stunning medieval fort tops the cliff above Beynac and the river (20 minutes by car). The village nestles at the foot of the cliff and rises in stages up to the castle. In medieval times the only way to access the village would have been by river. On the other sides, a 200 drop and the fort’s double wall would have protected against any invaders. The famous wine-growing centre of Bergerac is an hour by car from the chateau. The neighbouring areas of Pecharmant, to the north and Monbazillac to the south, make fine red and sweet white wines respectively. The white is particularly recommended, and makes a fine accompaniment to foie gras or pastries, or simply by itself. Top Ten Things To Do In The Dordogne: 1. Hire a canoe on the river. 2. Visit the caves at La Cave, Domme or Lascaux. The latter, situated near Montignac, contains 17,000 year-old Cro-Magnon animal paintings. 3. Stroll through the grounds and meet the donkeys and deer. Try your hand at horse riding, cycling, walking, climbing, caving or golf. Bounce on our trampoline! 4. Take a day-trip to Limoges, Brive, Cahors, Toulouse or even Paris. 5. Take a day-trip to Sarlat, La Roque Gageac – perhaps one of France’s prettiest villages, Rocamadour or Martel. 6. Visit Cordes, the jewel of the bastides. 7. Visit a vineyard in Bordeaux. 8. Relax beside the swimming pools and make a barbecue. 9. Visit the gardens of le Manoir D’Eyrignac. 10. Eat beside the river at Brantome.

We have a local chef who will come in to cook for 25 Euros per hour. Maid service is available at additional cost.

Capacity Indoor reception capacity: 40 Outdoor reception capacity: 100 A marquee is possible in the grounds. There is a 1000 Euro fee for wedding administration. Availability All year round The Service There a chapel nearby that can be used for a service and access to an English speaking vicar or priest. Catering From 60 To 80 Euro Other Services Flowers: Yes, Live bands/DJs: Yes, Transport: Yes, Marquee hire: Yes Accommodation 30-35 guests can stay at the chateau. Nearby is plenty of accommodation for the rest of the party. Travel Around an hour and a half to Toulouse, Limoges, Bergerac airports.

Check-In: 4pm

Check-Out: 10amRead more

Additional Location Information

Rental fees

What Past Guests Are Saying

Have you stayed here?

This rental is awaiting reviews from past guests. Help out travelers and the owner by being the first to write a review!