Le Jardin Du Chateau
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As featured in the Daily Mail: Escape to Brit-owned chateaux.
It’s said that in former times, fruit was picked from Le Jardin Du Château and served to aris...
Read moreOverview
As featured in the Daily Mail: Escape to Brit-owned chateaux.
It’s said that in former times, fruit was picked from Le Jardin Du Château and served to aristocracy in the imposing 13th-century château just opposite. Nowadays guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Château de Duras from the upper garden of their historic holiday home in this unique and spectacular setting in Dordogne-Lot et Garonne border.
Yet it’s not just the proximity to Château de Duras that makes this place so special. The owners have restored this listed ancient monument to a beautiful standard, creating a stylish and charming home with an eclectic feel yet still respecting its historic past. Downstairs there’s a vast living and dining space with an open-plan kitchen with high-end equipment, ideal whether you wish to create a feast or simply relax in the snug area with a glass of local wine and a great film. On the second floor there’s a second living-dining room and another superbly equipped kitchen and wine-fridge, allowing ample space whether you’re a large family or mixed group of friends.
Each of the six pretty en-suite bedrooms have been designed individually with some antique furnishings such as the Arts and Crafts bed in one of the rooms alongside simple yet smart style in others, all with linen from the White Company and Christy towels. At the top of the house enjoy the private double bedroom in the tower whilst families will appreciate the adjoining twin and double rooms on the first floor, each with their own bath or shower room.
Step outside from the lower living space into the south-facing garden and admire the wonderful views through the trees of the Dropt valley which has remained remarkably unspoilt over the years. A shady gazebo is a lovely place to lounge as kids splash around in the swimming pool and as evening approaches you can set up the al-fresco dining table by the Weber gas barbecue for a meal to remember by the beautifully lit pool.
From the second floor you can access the upper garden, a romantic spot with a lawn and sofas plus a second barbecue and table where you can sit and marvel at views of the Château de Duras so close. As evening falls, take your glass of Côtes de Duras wine, download a special app to your phone and you can control the coloured lighting of this 13th-century castle in a very 21st-century manner.
From the upper garden there’s a little path that leads straight to the village of Duras in minutes, where you can be exploring charming lanes, picking up breakfast in the boulangeries, buying fresh local produce at the twice weekly market or enjoying lunch in one of the restaurants. Indeed, this region is filled with many marvellous châteaux and pretty bastide villages, some in the neighbouring Dordogne region such as Eymet, Monpazier and Monflanquin.
Bergerac is also within easy reach with its medieval architecture, great restaurants and Maison des Vins. Wine-lovers should also try the sweet wine at the nearby Château de Monbazillac and spend the day in the idyllic town of Saint-Émilion. The city of Bordeaux with its surrounding vineyards and impressive La Cité du Vin museum is also a fantastic place to visit.
With undulating countryside of rolling hills, summer sunflowers and fruit trees, this is a sublime setting whether you wish to stay close to home or explore further afield. Whatever you choose to do, there’s no doubt that Le Jardin Du Château will leave you with memories for a lifetime.
What you should know…
- The double and twin bedroom on the first floor are adjoining, making a perfect family suite
- The house is a listed ancient monument so naturally some child supervision will be required at times. For example, there are various levels, stairs are steep with low banisters but stair-gates can be provided
- From 2024 only, around mid-July for three days (Fri-Sat-Sun), the exciting Durassic electronic music festival takes place just by the village château opposite, coinciding nicely with La Fête de la Madeleine on 14th July, when the village celebrates Bastille Day and beautiful fireworks are usually set off over the château.
Property Features
Chateau Interior
Ground Floor
- Open-plan kitchen-diner, well-equipped including large Falcon range oven and other high-end equipment plus living area with TV (French channels). Doors opening up to garden terrace and pool
- Separate WC
First Floor
- Double bedroom with king-size bed and ensuite shower room with WC
- Double bedroom and ensuite shower room with WC (adjoins to twin bedroom)
- Twin bedroom and ensuite bathroom with WC (adjoins to above double bedroom)
Second Floor
- Second kitchen, well-equipped with Falcon range cooker, wine-fridge and other high-end equipment
- Living-dining area with TV (UK channels)
- Double bedroom with ensuite shower room with WC
- Double/twin bedroom with king-size double/twin beds with ensuite bathroom with bath, separate shower and WC
- Access to upper garden
Tower wing – Top Floor
- Double bedroom with ensuite shower room with WC
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (11mx6m) with safety alarm. Open approximately May to end-September. Solar covering to retain heat at night
- Sun-loungers (x8) and shades
- Gazebo with lounge area
- Al-fresco dining table
- 6 burner Weber gas BBQ (near pool)
- Upper garden with dining and lounge area
- 4 burner Weber gas BBQ (upper garden)
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- UK Satellite TV
- French TV
- Fortnum and Mason picnic basket
- Pool toys
- Table tennis
- Boules
- Board games
- Books
Location
About the surrounding area of Le Jardin Du ChateauLe Jardin Du Château is in the charming and historic village of Duras in the Lot-et-Garonne department, close to the Dordogne and Gironde border. The house enjoys wonderful views of the Dropt valley from the lower garden, swimming pool and some of the bedrooms as well as Château de Duras from the upper garden.
There’s a little path that leads from the upper garden which takes you straight into the village in a few minutes. Here you will find some lovely cafes, four restaurants and a couple of bars as well as useful shops such as a bakery, butchers, and grocery store and an atmospheric Farmers market on a Monday and Wednesday morning. Look out for the guy who sells oysters from Arcachon on a Sunday morning!
There are events taking place throughout the year and from July to early September the village also hosts delightful weekly night markets where you can enjoy great local food and wine with live music. Wine-connoisseurs will also appreciate the impressive Maison des Vins just to the south of the village whilst history lovers can visit the Château de Duras with its fascinating history dating back to the 12th century.
This region is filled with undulating countryside with rolling hills, vineyards, summer sunflowers and fruit trees as well as historic châteaux and idyllic bastide villages, many with their own weekly markets. Highlights nearby include pretty Monségur (9km), 13th century Eymet (20km) with its beautiful main square, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (22km) on the banks of the Dordogne with its river beach and Montcaret (26km) with its excavations of a Roman villa. A little further afield, Issigeac (43km) has a delightful Sunday morning market and both Monflanquin (57km) and Monpazier (66km) have been classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.
You are also within easy reach of beautiful Bergerac (40km) with its medieval architecture, narrow streets of boutiques, great restaurants and Maison des Vins. In the surrounding region there are also many wine châteaux and vineyards where you can sample the local wines of Duras (Côtes de Duras) and Bergerac as well as the sweet wine of nearby Château de Monbazillac (35km).
Wine-lovers should also head to the idyllic wine town of Saint-Émilion (44km) as well as the vineyards around Bordeaux (98km) including the impressive La Cité du Vin in the city centre.
For those seeking sporty activities, there is canoeing in the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, golf courses across the region as well as many beautiful hiking and cycling trails and horse-riding. Head to nearby Sainte-Colombe-de-Duras, only ten minutes away, for a tree-top activity centre or towards Bergerac for a waterpark, miniature boat rides and go-karting.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Bergerac
(40km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Bordeaux
(102km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de La Reole
(25km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Duras
(5-minute walk) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Duras
(5-minute walk) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Boulangerie/Butchers/Grocery
(5/10-minute walk) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Carrefour Contact
(1.5km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Bergerac
(40km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf des Vigiers
(20km) |
||
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 AgesAs you leave the upper garden there’s a path that leads straight to the village and also to a small children’s playground, perfect for letting off steam at any time of day.
There are wonderful cycling and hiking trails as well as horse-riding in the region plus canoeing on the Dordogne and Garonne rivers. Those seeking adventure can discover a tree-top climbing centre near Sainte-Colombe-de-Duras, only ten minutes away or head to near Bergerac, where you’ll find a waterpark, go-karting, boat rides and a miniature ferry sailing lake.
Another sweet place to go with younger kids is Le Chaudron Magique, an organic farm where children can milk the goats and make goats cheese!
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Stair gates
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- <1hr to Airport
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Board games
- Boules/Petanque
- Children's books
- Pool inflatables
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Indoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Toys
Services Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Maid Service Available
- Welcome Basket and Wine Included
- Wine-Tasting and Tours Available
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
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Welcome basket including F&M jam, tea, local chocolates and 6 bottles of wine from a local vineyard
- Wine-tasting session in house
- Wine-tasting and tours at local vineyard
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 paid to the owner by bank transfer one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £1000 paid to the owner by bank transfer one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes (changed weekly). |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
| Pool heating charge? | No, however a pool opening/heating charge may apply outside the normal opening period if the pool is open/heated. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately May to mid-October. 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. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 12 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 24th 2024 - Mar 29th 2025 | £3,638 |
| Mar 29th 2025 - Apr 12th 2025 | £4,272 |
| Apr 12th 2025 - Apr 26th 2025 | £3,638 |
| Apr 26th 2025 - May 24th 2025 | £4,273 |
| May 24th 2025 - Jun 21st 2025 | £4,908 |
| Jun 21st 2025 - Jul 12th 2025 | £5,745 |
| Jul 12th 2025 - Aug 23rd 2025 | £7,693 |
| Aug 23rd 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £5,745 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025 | £4,908 |
| Sep 27th 2025 - Oct 25th 2025 | £4,273 |
| Oct 25th 2025 - May 28th 2026 | £3,638 |
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.
How long have you owned the property?
I’ve been coming to the area since I was very young and remember falling in love with the house and Chateau way back the...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
I’ve been coming to the area since I was very young and remember falling in love with the house and Chateau way back then. In 2018 the house came on the market, I put an offer in that was accepted and I got the keys to the house in October that year.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The setting is magical – a large 13th Century Chateau behind the house and big rolling hills to the front. Because the house is south facing and on a hill, the sunrises and sunsets are stunning.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
Le Jardin du Chateau and the property next door once formed one large dwelling but it was divided in two in the 1990s. We are yet to explore the lower half of the tower but there are two arrow holes to the south side so we suspect, as is the case next door, that there may be a large stone staircase in there.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
I’m sure there were a few posh guests from the Chateau behind when it got fully booked!
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
- Must do?
Get the early riser to wander up to the village on Sunday morning to get bread, fresh oysters straight from Arcachon and some meat from the amazing butchers. Then enjoy a lazy family day by the pool.
- Must eat?
There is a lovely food market on Monday mornings and in high summer there is a night time market. Bring your Fortnums picnic basket up to the square, find a good table next to the live music and then go in search of a great selection of local food and wine.
- Must see?
The Chateau, the vineyards, the old hilltop towns, a day trip to le Canon in Cap ferret where you can relax with oysters and wine by the side of the water.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Get the wine chilled and then enjoy a nice glass or two from the gin terrace as you watch the sun go down then as night draws in take the rest of your bottle up to the upper garden and enjoy changing the colour of the Chateau using the colour application on the Chateau website.
Reviews
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This property is a quirky gem.
This property is a quirky gem. I mean, who wouldn't want a castle in their back garden?! There are parts of the stone walls supporting L'Orangerie that are as old as the original castle battlements themselves. And the view from this property out over the valley is breathtaking.
The town of Duras is steps from the back door of the house and is positively delightful. It is one of those great historic rural hill towns that, by the grace of local and foreign support and patronage (including that of Prince Albert of Monaco!?) is seeing a new life...house by renovated house We were there for a festival on the green behind L'Orangerie, as well as the Thursday night-market, and I cannot imagine a more warm and friendly crowd anywhere else in France.
Duras is also perfectly located at the center of all you might wish to do in touring Aquitaine and it's environs. 45 minutes from Bordeaux or Bergerac. 90 to 120 minutes to Cap Ferret or the prime wine growing regions of the Medoc. And, as with all towns in the region, it is surrounded by vineyards.
The owner of this property, Oliie, is a truly wonderful guy who has owned the house since 2018 and has done (and continues to do) great things with it. A fun sense of design permeates. But the lower garden and pool area will keep you out of the house when you are just hanging about, because it is truly heaven. Ollie provides suggestions for local chefs to cook in the property's well equipped kitchen and I recommend you engage one for your trip. Makes hosting a group so much more enjoyable. Also, sign up for the mid week housecleaning service. Well worth it
The only negative is that this house is 'highly vertical'. It is built into the former battlements and extends up four stories. But it has two entrances, at the bottom and top. We found that sneaking our heavy baggage around to the upper field and bringing it in the rear was a life-saver. If you have strong members of your party, not a problem at all. A bit of an issue for 100% seniors, I would think. You will get your steps in, though. Not bad when you are gorging on all the foie gras for which the region is famous!
Enjoy this oasis and have a great trip! -
Great service, great holiday
An absolutely stunning property in a lovely location. Would highly recommend. The owner was absolutely fantastic throughout, offering tips and recommendations on request.
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A benchmark impossible to beat!
What can I say - Le Jardin Du Chateau blew us away from start to finish! Olly is just a 5*****+++ host! He was there to meet us and show us around his stunning house and gave us lots of advice and tips for the local area. The house itself is just stunning; the original staircases, the Parisian style doors in the upper living room, the sleek kitchens, no expense has been spared in the interior and Olly has literally thought of everything: from beautiful Le Creuset mugs and cookware, Marshall sound system, the comfiest beds, The White Company towels, every single piece of equipment you could possibly need in both kitchens. Two kitchens! We were so spoilt - we ended up using the kitchen by the pool the most and it was perfect for our two families. We have to mention the Floris shower products (and scents) in every bathroom in the villa - we all smelt so good whilst were there and will be purchasing some when we get home!!!
The bedrooms were just superb - The children were so excited choosing their rooms - I often find that there is an obvious master suite in airbnb villas but it wasn't the case at Le Jardin Du Chateau - each had it's own style, the upper rooms were all equal size and all had exceptional views over the countryside so it was almost impossible to choose our rooms!
The pool was fantastic and much bigger than we expected and just off the Lowrys kitchen with a comfy outdoor sofa area right beside it. It was a nice open space so not many mossies. Lots of parasols for shade around the garden. The views were spectacular! parking was perfect and we easily fit our two cars.
We booked Le Jardin Du Chateau without knowing anything about the area and we were so pleasantly surprised. A 4 minute walk into town past the stunning castle which made it the perfect location. Duras is really quaint and has an absolutely amazing boulangerie and butcher, a few restaurants (book once you arrive!). The Monday day market is really nice and the Thursday night market is bubbling with atmosphere. Grab some moules frites, a bottle of rose and sit at the banquet tables in the square and soak in the music and atmosphere - it was brilliant. We had great fun going on the app and changing the colours of the castle!!
Honestly Olly, you have spoilt us and Le Jardin Du Chateau is a benchmark which will be difficult for our future trips to top! We will definitely be back!! Thank you so much. -
Fantastisch!!
Fantastisch huis, goed geoutilleerd, naast een prachtig kasteel en op loopafstand bij het levendige stadje Duras.
Ruim zwembad en beschutte tuin en last but not least zeer sympathieke betrokken gastheren !
We hebben hier een hele fijne tijd gehad. -
Great Holidays!
Our week at Le Jardin du Chateau felt like the perfect meeting of past and present – an old building given a new life, an old friendship rediscovered in a new place.
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Excellent - highly recommended to!
It's a short drive from Bordeaux airport through the land of good wine to the town - an even shorter drive from Bergerac. The Jardin du Chateau itself is built into the side of the hill on which the chateau is built. It is an intriguing building with the perfect combination of original architectural features and modern appliances! All the rooms have fabulous views over miles of vineyards. All bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and the sort of decor, linen and toiletries you might usually expect from a boutique hotel. There is ample room for entertaining with two living/dining areas, each with its own beautifully designed kitchen. The ground floor opens out onto a swimming pool and garden area. The town provides plenty of opportunity for pottering a around local bars and cafes plus a great market for stocking up on cheese to go with the local vino. Once inside the property, it is so quiet that you can't help but relax.
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Highly recommended!
With spectacular views over the valley, Le Jardin du Chateau is stylish, luxurious, comfortable and relaxing.
All the south facing rooms have been elegantly and thoughtfully appointed with sumptuous mattresses and bed linen and luxurious bathroom toiletries. Every
detail has been considered to provide guests with the utmost comfort. The ground floor, open-plan space with kitchen/dining and lounge areas is perfect for a day by the pool and summertime dining whilst the second floor kitchen/dining and lounge area has more far-reaching views and is ideal for cosier dining. The house feels secluded and private whilst also being only a 5 minute walk from the village which has a good selection of shops, cafes and restaurants. While on my 5 day stay at Le Jardin du Chateau, we also enjoyed a day trip to Bordeaux (about a 1 hour drive away) and Toulouse (a 2 hour drive) - both beautiful cities worth a visit and there are also lots of other lovely, picturesque local villages to visit in the local area. Overall, it was a wonderful holiday - A stunning house with spacious rooms in a beautiful location. -
Great Property!
I had the most wonderful holiday at Le Jardin du Chateau. The location was perfect with views southwards over an undulating landscape covered with grapevines and, to the rear, a Chateau which rises dramatically above the garden so that one really feels immersed in the history. The accommodation is particularly elegant and extremely comfortable. All of the bedrooms are ensuite and are simple yet stylish with very comfy beds and luxurious bed linen- all have views over a torqouise swimming pool to the vineyards beyond. There is so much space within Le Jardin du Chateau and in the gardens that it’s hard to imagine it ever feeling cramped even at maximum capacity. The town itself is a special little town with lovely cafes, fromageries etc. with pretty walks to be enjoyed very close by. A little further afield, both Bergerac and Bordeaux offer visitors numerous attractions and places of interest.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
