Chateau Rochette
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Overview
As featured on Channel 4’s ‘Escape To The Château'
Chateau Rochette stands majestically, looking down across a valley once lorded over by this 12th-century Baronnie. The château was both witness and party to the Hundred Years War, now a sleeping giant of peace and tranquility.
Château Rochette has been meticulously restored with an eye towards preserving its original features. Modern comforts and amenities have been subtly woven into the fabric allowing the original château to remain at center stage. It is the perfect place for couples, families, and friends to come, relax, adventure and just be.
Château Rochette is central to and minutes away from all the remarkable places and adventures in the Dordogne and the Perigord Noir. Exploring the magnificent landscape and medieval surroundings will transport you to another century. It is minutes away from such places as Castelnaud, Beynac – the one-time stronghold of Richard the Lion heart, the ancient town of Sarlat, Domme and a seemingly unending list of places and remarkable experiences.
What you should know…
- Due to the ancient thick walls Wi-Fi is mainly available in the master bedroom and dining room with some coverage in the kitchen and patio.
- The third floor of the château is not occupied and not accessible to guests
This home is a part of our Great Value and Heritage Collection!
This is a historic home, and as such:
- It has probably been standing for over 100 years, which means it's full of historic value and charm but it may also have one or two quirks!
- Some of the decor and furnishings may not be brand new, but that should not detract from your holiday experience in this unique setting that allows you to take a step back in time!
This home is a part of our Sustainable Collection!
To be part of the collection, homes must meet a minimum of four criteria from our sustainable checklist, or three from the checklist and have a daily carbon footprint of 5kg or lower, based on full occupancy per bedroom. View the full collection here >
This home meets the following criteria from our sustainable checklist:
- Supports the local community (promotes local businesses)
- Protects and conserves local Heritage
- Promotes Sustainable Living (Recycling)
Property Features
When you arrive at Chateau Rochette, you turn into the long grassy drive and traverse the hillside until you are facing the Chateau, its terrace, and french doors leading into the kitchen. A massive wisteria clings to the Chateau. Great fortune if you are there during its bloom!
Kitchen
Entered through the French doors. Overhead are huge hewn beams as in all the rooms. The kitchen is fully equipped including a dishwasher, a microwave, a refrigerator, an electric kettle and gas four burner stove.
Dining Room
From the kitchen pass to the dining room. A huge fireplace, high beamed ceiling and stone walls the color of champagne greet you. Light pours in from the facing view of the valley on to the warm chestnut floors.
Stair Hall
From the dining room pass to the stair hall. One of our favorite parts of Chateau Rochette, it ascends to the 2nd and 3rd floor.
Living Room
Pass now to the living room whose chestnut floors, huge fireplace and dimensions nearly duplicate those of the dining room. The furniture is decidedly comfortable as is the atmosphere. It is a place to relax with friends and family after a day of adventure or to just read a good book.
1st Floor Bedroom
Pass out of the living room and up five steps to the 1st floor bedroom. A double bedroom faces view of the valley.
A stone fireplace stands against the high peaked ceiling. This part of the chateau was built somewhat later and as a result captured the lower portion of one of the towers which interestingly now functions as this sleeping chamber.
1st Floor Crimson Bathroom
Pass through the 1st floor bedroom into the bathroom. Without any question, this ensuite bathroom is by far the most incongruous part of Chateau Rochette. Created lovingly for a teenage daughter during the 1960s - with a sunken tub! - The walls, the floor, and yes, the ceiling, are all very beautiful crimson red tiles. Dazzling! Photographs don’t do it justice.
Duplex Room
Pass again through the 1st floor bedroom and through another door, and you will find a small room with a small table and chair, two tables for suitcases and then a spiral stairway leading up into the tower and the small tower double bedroom. Certainly a great place to be banished to and very romantic, it has a 1820's style double bed and the best view at Chateau Rochette over the pool and valley beyond. Through its own door, the tower room shares the crimson bathroom with the 1st floor bedroom.
Master Bedroom 1 - second floor
Opposite the bed and its hangings a massive fireplace is centered. The room is large and nearly duplicates the size of the dining room below. Adjoining it and also large is the master bathroom with tub, free standing shower, bidet, toilet and sink. A casement window looks out over the distant hills and valley.
Master Bedroom 2 - second floor
A beautifully carved stone fireplace stands adjacent to the bed with its warm red bed hangings. From there you can look out the tall windows across to the hills on the other side of the valley. The bathroom is located in the watch tower. The windows, once used by lookouts, were designed for these commanding views.
Included are a tub/shower, toilet, and sink.
3rd Floor
The 3rd floor is not occupied and not accessible to guests.
Swimming Pool
Please note the swimming pool measures approximately 8m x 4m. There is also a charcoal bbq for you to enjoy your summer.
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau RochetteA wonderful area for exploring off the beaten path where others don't go.
- You can find the untouched and original French countryside, farms, and amazing diversity of architecture.
- A canoe or kayak voyage down the Dordogne with a sandwich at hand is a day to remember.
- Very early mornings watching the mist burn off the hills and valley with a cup of hot coffee.
- Speaking or struggling with your French at the local village markets and meeting the lovely people who live here.
- Get everywhere before the others.
- Take a simple walk in a forest that attracts you along the roadside for just fifteen minutes- you'll be surprised.
- Keep bathing suits and a towel in the car at all times.
- Find a secluded spot on the Dordogne and slip into the water for just 10 minutes, dry, dress and continue on.
The Dordogne is one of the world centers of pre-history and holds Europe’s earliest art treasures. At Les Ezyies, 10 minutes away, you will find the magnificent newly constructed National Museum of Pre-history, the cave paintings at Lascaux, and the site of the remains of the Cro-Magnon Man.
Directly below Chateau Rochette is a wonderful vegetable farm that sets up at all the weekly village markets. Walk down the driveway and buy your dinner fresh from these lovely people.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Bergerac
(36-40 km ) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Miremont Haut
(Under 1 km ) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
La Bugue, Les Ezyies
(9 km ) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
La Bugue, Les Ezyies
(9km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
La Bugue, Les Ezyies
(9km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
La Marterie
(4 km ) |
||
Region
The pace of life in the Dordogne is languid, laid back and positively infectious. Relax in bucolic beauty as you drift along the Dordogne River, or wander among the forests and hillside of the Périgord Natural Park.
The foodie scene too, is a relaxed affair. Take your time over your lazy lunches of local duck, black truffles and goats cheese. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hunt for them yourself. The wine here is second to none, with infamous grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chenin Blanc all having a huge presence here.
The Dordogne is also brimming with history. Castles and chateaux are scattered throughout the region, among the enchanting medieval villages. History of an altogether more ancient sort can also be explored in the incredible prehistoric cave drawings of Lascaux and Grotte de Rouffignac.
Click to download your definitive Guide to the Dordogne >>
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesVery Historic but with wonderful ambience and plenty of space for playing
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Animal farm
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Horse Riding
- Go-Karting
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Extras
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting/childcare services
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | €1000 charged to clients' credit card prior to the arrival. |
| Arrival time | Between 5.00 and 8.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €1000 charged to clients' credit card prior to the arrival. |
| Arrival time | Between 5.00 and 8.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, including pool towels. |
| Pets welcome? | No |
| Smoking Allowed? | No |
| Changeover day | Saturday |
| Insurance | All guests are strongly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance which includes accident, cancellation, and civil liability insurance. |
| Heating costs included? | Not included. Extra cost for heating applicable based on consumption in winter months, payable locally in cash. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The owner requires guests to sign an agreement prior to the arrival. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The party leader must be 25+ |
| Pool opening dates? | Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 29th 2024 - Dec 29th 2024 | £3,147 |
| Dec 29th 2024 - Dec 28th 2025 | £3,147 |
| Dec 28th 2025 - Jun 2nd 2026 | £3,147 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
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A glorious place for a holiday
Château Rochette is the most charming place we’ve ever stayed. It is every bit a chateau, but comfortable and relaxed. The combination of antiques and contemporary art makes it not a museum piece. The views out of the chateau of the valley and the railway viaduct are lovely. The pool is particularly nice.
The caretakers provide particularly good service, care very much about the property, and have great suggestions to activities in the area. -
Lovely
Lovely place both charming and comfortable.
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Enchanting castle in special place
We loved staying at Chateau Rochette. Once you get over the WOW factor of staying in an actual castle, the property is very easy to live with. The kitchen is well-equipped, although the ancient sink does tend to splatter your front if you turn the tap on too hard. The terrace is perfect for evening meals. The bedrooms are well appointed and huge - it was quite a trek to the en-suite bathroom. The sitting room comfortable and the chess set perfectly located for some tight head-to-head battles.
The pool is fresh (presumably unheated) but oh so nice on a hot day. The location is great with fast access to the Vezere valley and all it has to offer. If you want to visit the most popular neolithic sites, it's worth booking as far in advance as you can - especially for Fonte de Gaume. Lascaux IV also gets booked up well in advance, especially for the English language tours. However, Grotte de Rouffignac, which is nearby, doesn't allow pre-booking - you just turn-up early on the day and choose which tour to go on. We would recommend it as an good alternative to some of the more popular sites.
Our caretaker provided some excellent recommendations for activities and restaurants - we couldn't manage all his recommendations, but those we did were spot on. I would also add L'Auberge du Coq in nearby Florac to his list.
For those taking bikes, there are many good routes from the castle - the IGN map 1936 ET from its TOP 25 series is perfect. While it's a 1:25k scale, the map is huge and covers a good part of the best bits of the area. You can source it at Stanfords, London, before you go, or find it widely available in the local shops in the region. We found the dining room table served as a useful chart table for plotting cycling and walking routes.
Overall, a magical place in a wonderful part of the country. It was a wrench to leave. -
Incredible
This was our first time visiting the Dordogne and what an experience we had! The chateau is incredible and is brilliantly located to explore the prehistoric and medieval sites spread across the Perigord noir. The hosts were very helpful from the moment we arrived. We highly recommend.
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Wonderful stay
Interesting and amazing property. It really is in a beautiful area and we enjoyed exploring the countryside and local towns and villages - including kayaking along the river - and all in superb weather.
The house was spotless and had everything we required - Floris and Marije are excellent caretakers. Nothing was too much trouble. We could not recommend them or the property more highly.
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Outstanding
Brilliant location, quality facilities, outstanding cleanliness and helpful caretakers.
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Comfortable
House was clean and and comfortable. Caretakers, Floris and his partner were excellent. They made themselves available when required. House well equipped and lacked nothing - perhaps better quality outdoor wine glasses?
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Charming chateau
What a charming chateau in a tranquil setting. We loved our week here and wish we could have stayed longer. The property managers were nearby if we needed anything, and we appreciated the warm welcome. The chateau is beautifully appointed, and we enjoyed spending time by the pool. We hope to return next year!
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An enchanting stay
We had an enchanting stay at this beautiful medieval castle. The immense stone walls, the wonderfully artful interior and the sparkling pool made for an unforgettable experience. The location is wonderful--bucolic and private yet close to all the wonders of the Dordogne.
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A beautiful base for exploring the Dordogne
Chateau Rochette is wonderful. A "proper" castle, with thick stone walls and spectacular views, its rooms are cool and well furnished. The large fireplaces and high ceilings give a real air of luxury and connection to the past, whilst everything is practical, well kept and clean. The pool area and garden offer great views across to the (infrequently used!) railway line and viaduct and across the valley. In terms of location, this is a great base for exploration and activities, with caves, castles, rivers and riding all close by. Altogether, one of the best holidays we have had - a really special place.
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Wonderful property!
An absolutely beautiful base for exploring the Dordogne. Chateau Rochette is a true castle - thick stone walls, stone stairs, high beamed ceilings - and is furnished accordingly and to a high standard. The gardens and pool area are wonderful for a family. We spent many hours relaxing there, enjoying the views and the sunshine. The whole setting is a delight - the Fortresse de Miremont above and the valley and viaduct below provide an excellent backdrop. In terms of location, it couldn’t really be better - a great base for exploring both the Vevere and Dordogne valleys. Altogether, a really wonderful place for a family holiday.
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Fabulous chateau and excellent location
Chateau Rochette is a delight. She is an authentic, romantic medieval feel Chateau. We loved sitting outside the kitchen under a huge wisteria with amazing views of the beautiful valley beyond. The swimming pool was glorious. For holiday location, it could not be beaten.. it was within half an hour of most of the major historic sites to visit in the Dordogne. We had a fabulous week with our teenage sons. Thank you.
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An enchanting experience
My family and I rented Chateau Rochette last summer and it was a memorable place to stay at. The magnificently restored medieval Chateau sits on the hillside of a lovely little village with the ruins of the Forteresse de Miremont on top of the hill. With its thick stone walls, high ceilings and impressive fireplaces, it is easy to imagine a medieval “castle lady” although there is also up-to-date infrastructure including WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen and modern bathrooms. There is a nice sunny terrace near the kitchen where you can plan which attractions or villages to visit that day. Well situated near Sarlat and Les Eyzies and other small villages with its prehistoric caves, wineries, kayaking on the river and outdoor markets. It’s a wonderful place, we had a great time and we hope to come back. It was an enchanting experience to live in a castle for a week.
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I would 100% recommend
We will never forget our stay at Chateau Rochette. The castle has been carefully and lovingly restored taking both history and comfort into account. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a new swimming pool which was perfect on hot days! If you are interested in nature, you will not be disappointed with its scenic location. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking or swimming nearby. It is ideal for anyone looking for an authentic chateau experience or simply a relaxing getaway. I would 100% recommend
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
