Per week
from 990.00 to 1850.00 GBP
A quick flick through the guestbook here finds that, along with words like "fantastic", "wonderful" and "beautiful" seemingly on every line, names appear to be repeated time after time too. People return here like boomerangs and it's easy to see why. Parents, babies, toddlers, older children... everyone is well looked after here. From the huge sandpit, large heated paddling pool and play barn for little ones, to the tasty meal deliveries, pre-bookable babysitting, massages and additional housekeeping. Plus, the thoughtful list of nursery equipment. A holiday that is relaxing and enjoyable for everyone is pretty much a given here.
Let's not forget the scenery... Set in 14 lovely acres of woodland and meadows and on the edge of a pretty village and just a few minutes drive from Aubeterre (officially listed amongst France's most beautiful villages), the six pretty gites, picturesque chateau are both wonderfully picturesque and convenient. They date back to the 15th century and sleep from 2 to 8 (plus cots) separately, or up to 40 as a whole. Inside, the interiors are a pretty blend exposed honey-coloured stone walls, original wooden beamed ceilings, tiled floors and simple furnishings, plus luxurious Egyptian cotton bed linen. All have furnished and secluded patios - perfect for enjoying long summer evenings.
Stables Cottage has lovely views across to the Chateau and the valley beyond. Its large ground floor (approx. 6m x 9m) has an open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner. Upstairs are two twin bedrooms, a family bathroom with bath and shower over, and a double bedroom with ensuite shower roo. Outside is a privatepatio & garden with dining table, chairs, parasol & barbecue.
The cluster is situated on the edge of a tranquil little village which boasts a 10th Century Gallo-Roman church, 2 bars, post office and petrol station. Just a few minutes away by car are Villebois-Lavalette with its magnificent hilltop fortified chateau, and Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, officially one of "les plus beaux villages de France". Don't miss a visit to Villebois' market (Saturdays) and sample a dish of fresh oysters with a bottle of Muscadet under the ancient covered market square. Pretty Aubterre's many artist's studios, puppet theatre and a museum of butterflies (all 12,000 of them!) are charming. It has a lively village square - perfect for people watching with a coffee or glass of wine in hand, plus a fascinating monolithic (subterranean) church. But, for many, the sandy river beach is Aubterre's main attraction. It offers safe swimming, tennis, snacks and canoe hire The village has several excellent restaurants that are well worth booking a night or two's babysitting for. For a true French gastronmique experience a visit to the Hostellerie-du-Perigord is a must - Chef/Owner Fabrice Morel is well-regarded for pushing the boundaries of French cuisine. Another popular restaurant in Aubeterre's market square is Paseo del Sol, formerly owned and run by "EastEnders" star Sid Owen, who earned a surprisingly good reputation for great food.
Getting There:
The cottages are approx. 90mins drive from the airports at Limoges, Bergerac, Poitiers and Bordeaux. Angouleme is the nearest airport at just 20mins drive away. It is served by Ryanair from Stansted. The nearest ferry port is St. Malo at approx. 5hrs 45mins drive away.
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Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 70 days prior to arrival
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 70 days prior to arrival
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 70 days prior to arrival
click to view full-size image
Chateau de Gurat is owned and run by David & Nicki Needham, we live at the chateau and we are are here to make your stay a memorable one.
We have 2 young children, Jake and Pippa.
We moved to the Chateau in July 2004, since then we have been working none-stop to create a special holiday destination for adults and little ones alike. We love the relaxed French lifestyle, the amazing fresh local produce (truffles, fois gras and sublime Bordeaux!), and of course, the weather!
Life at the chateau is busy, busy, busy for little ones. From swimming in their own little paddling pool, visiting the chickens & goats, feeding the guinea pigs, digging in the huge sand pit, swing on the swings, sliding on the slide, jumping on the trampoline or just chilling in the play barn with a good book or video - it's none-stop. Until they go to bed at night, shattered and ready to do it all again tomorrow:)
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Sleeps 6+infants in 3 bedrooms ( 2 doubles and a twin) |
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 | The cottages are approx. 90mins drive from the airports at Limoges, Bergerac, Poitiers and Bordeaux. Angouleme is the nearest airport at just 20mins drive away. |
 | Aubeterre has a sandy river beach with grassed play area, cafe and restaurant. St Aulaye the same, but with water slides too! |
 | There are two securely enclosed swimming pools, a 12m x 6m for adults and a 4m x3m paddling pool. Both are heated and open from mid April to end September. |
 | The bergerie or play barn is the hub of our social activities, and an ideal place to retreat from the mid-day sun. Inside there's a video & book library, lots of jigsaws & children's games. The mezzanine is set out as a kids |
 | Trusted, ex-pat British babysitting can be arranged on request. |
 | Equipment supplied includes: cots (with linen), potties, high chairs, changing mats, bed guards, stair gates, bath toys, baby monitors (with walk-about handset), bouncy chairs, microwaves, sterilisers, booster seats, hand blenders and night lights, plus plastic plates, cups and cutlery |
 | A small selection of books and toys is placed in each gite. |
 | A wide selection of home-cooked meals, all made by Nicki using fresh local ingredients is available any night, delivered to the gite, ready to pop into the oven. Ideal for arrival night. Prices from 6-9 Euros per meal. |
 | a lovely large sandpit close-by the gites acts as a social centre for babies and toddlers. Older children and parents enjoy the wooden climbing frame, 14ft trampoline (with safety enclosure, swings (baby and standard), boules, giant Connect 4, giant Jenga, archery, 5-a-side football pitch & mountain bikes (for hire). |
 | Massages and facials are offered by an English speaking therapist. |
 | stairgates provided |
 | Private terrace overlooking communal courtyard |
 | Wifi provided |
 | There are Pigmy goats, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs and cats for the children to admire. |
 | Several cots and highchairs can be provided on request |
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Please click the text to scroll through reviews.
Chateau Gurat provides a wonderful setting in which to relax with young children. There is plenty to occupy the little ones and it provides them with a safe freedom to explore, which allows you as parents some space. All facilities are kept to a very high standard and the hosts are very accommodating and friendly.Review dated 05/09/2010
We have been to Chateau de Gurat twice and can recommend it without any hesitation. It's the pefect family holiday. There is everything kids and adults could want for. The accomodation is superb and the owners so welcoming and helpful.Review dated 03/11/2009
"Quite simply, it was the most successful family holiday we've had!" Mother and Baby Magazine 2008Review dated 03/11/2009
I have just got home from our stay at Chateau de Gurat and I have to say that it caters amazingly well for the little tots. I have just put my 2 to bed, and my little girl(2.5yo) is still talking excitedly about the place. I really didn't expect it to live up to the reviews, but it did, and in every way.Review dated 03/11/2009
I highly recommend Chateau de Gurat, it was perfect for us and our 2 year old. They had everything she needed to make our stay a happy one. I would also highly recommend getting some of their evening meals, as they were delicious. We will definitely be returning.Review dated 03/11/2009
This is a brilliant place to bring pre-school children: there's so much to entertain them. Our 1-year-old loved the rabbits and chickens, he spent hours in the sandpit, he enjoyed the paddling pool along with the Aquaplay toys (actually Dad enjoyed these more!). And when it got too hot outside, the cool playbarn was perfect. And for the adults, the wine-tasting evening was a great chance to meet the other guests. David and Nicki are very friendly and helpful hosts, and they made us feel most welcomeReview dated 03/11/2009
We would have no hesitation in recommending Chateau Gurat for a fabulous, relaxing French holiday. Having just spent one week there with a 1, 3, 15 and 17 yr old we can say that all were kept amused and had a great time, particularly the youngest who delighted in the huge sandpit, indoor playroom (Bergerie) with toys and small pool. We loved the relaxed atmosphere and found David and Nicki to be perfect hosts. We have already reserved for next year!Review dated 03/11/2009
We had a fabulous holiday, our children (aged 4 & 2) also had the best time. My eldest son experienced the holiday blues for the first time as we were packing to leave, as he didn't want to come home. A very peaceful location with beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere, we were lucky that our fellow guests were also friendly and had children of similar ages. The fact there are only a handful of gites adds to the charm, and gives you confidence to allow the children some freedom to run about the place.Review dated 03/11/2009
A really good holiday, as not only was it baby-friendly but brilliantly parent-friendly.Review dated 03/11/2009
Overall ExperienceChild-FriendlinessLocationHospitality / WelcomeInteriors*Ratings by verified BFB guests who stayed here with young children.
Rated by 3 guests.