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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.
Farmhouse with it's vibrant Provencal theme is ideal for smaller families with two bedrooms one double and one twin it sleeps 4 plus cots. Outside there is a pretty little terrace which is a perfect spot to relax and maybe take in a good book and a glass of Bordeaux, whilst keeping an eye on the little ones playing in the sandpit just across the lawn.
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.
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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
Arrival: , Departure:
Price: GBP
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 70 days prior to arrival
Arrival: , Departure:
Price: GBP
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Chateau de Gurat's owners live at the Chateau with their two young children.
They are here to make your stay a memorable one.
We enjoy creating 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, swinging 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 non-stop. Until they go to bed at night, shattered and ready to do it all again tomorrow
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Sleeps 4+infants in 1xtwin& 1xdouble |
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 | It is 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. |
 | Massages and facials are offered by an English speaking therapist. |
 | The bergerie or play barn is the hub of our social activities, and an ideal place to retreat from the mid-day sun. 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. |
 | Inside the barn there's table tennis, table football. |
 | A wide selection of home-cooked meals, 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)and ofcourse the outdoor heated pool and paddling pool. |
 | Massages and facials are offered by an English speaking therapist. |
 | Stiargates provided |
 | Private terrace with dining furniture and BBQ overlooking central courtyard |
 | Wifi is avaialble |
 | There are some Pigmy goats, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, cats for the little ones to admire. |
 | Several cots and highchairs avaialbel on request |
 | Daily cleaning available on request (extra charge) |
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Please click the text to scroll through reviews.
What a fantastic place for a holiday with kids! Plenty for kids to enjoy on site, and some lovely towns to explore nearby - small towns rather than cities or resorts, which was perfect, as they were easy to park and explore for a morning or afternoon trip. David and Nikki couldn't be more helpful. Would highly recommend - we will return!Review dated 27/09/2012
Really fantastic. David and Nicki are brilliant hosts and catered for all of our needs.Review dated 03/06/2011
Excellent holiday that catered brilliantly for a toddler. The home cooked meals and weekly wine tasting evening were also fantastic.Review dated 13/06/2010
Excellent holiday that catered brilliantly for a toddler. The home cooked meals and weekly wine tasting evening were also fantastic. Overall rating: Outstanding!Review dated 29/06/2010
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
We'd just like to say that we didn't think we'd be able to have a relaxing and restorative holiday with 18 month twins in tow, but 2 weeks at Chateau de Gurat proved us wrong. All 4 of us had a fantastic, relaxing and fun holiday. Thank you Gurat for your hospitality and BFB for suggesting this magical place! Review dated 03/11/2009
Great place, hosts and venue. Would recommend it to any family.Review dated 03/11/2009
Overall ExperienceChild-FriendlinessLocationHospitality / Welcome
Interiors*Ratings by verified BFB guests who stayed here with young children.
Rated by 7 guests.