Chateau Des Romains
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Overview
In the ‘Golden Triangle’ of the Tarn, Château Des Romains is a beautiful residence surrounded by acres of woodland and vineyards so typical of this part of south-western France. You are less than a 10-minute drive from the perched village of Cordes-sur-Ciel which peeks above the clouds on a misty day, and just half an hour from the important medieval city of Albi.
Once a historic winery, parts of this handsome home date back to Roman times. In recent years, the château has been sensitively restored, retaining so many original features whilst benefitting from the modern comforts you would expect. The lounge, with its stone fireplace and Art Deco furnishings, looks out towards the forest whilst the rustic dining room features original tomette tiles and exposed stone allowing it to retain warmth in the winter and stay cool in the summer. Step into the bespoke kitchen and you will soon realise that the owners are keen cooks with its elegant design, impressive appliances and sociable central island.
An oak staircase leads upstairs to five en suite bedrooms, three doubles with their own shower room and two king-size doubles each featuring an Italian stone bath. This allows up to 10 guests to comfortably and peacefully sleep at Château Des Romains, an inviting home with books, plenty of puzzles and games and an overall welcoming atmosphere.
The château is in a hillside position with tranquil rural views. The salt-water swimming pool awaits within a walled gated garden called Pompei, adding to the characterful ambience, and you can gaze at the château’s Roman watchtower as you swim. This is also a fantastic area for al-fresco entertaining by the barbecue, relaxing beneath the shaded pergola or simply sunbathing in the summer sunshine. Stroll through the newly planted olive grove and wildlife meadow and, if you are feeling active, wander up the woodland’s private path towards the remains of a Roman chapel before walking through the vineyards and forest beyond.
Cordes-sur-Ciel is only 8km away, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Potter around its medieval lanes with restaurants, galleries and artisan craft shops, and enjoy its Saturday morning market. There are plenty of summer festivities to look out for in the village whilst garden-lovers should take time to visit the Jardin des Paradis.
To the south, head France’s oldest vineyards in Gaillac, a picturesque historic town just 20km by car, and admire the beauty of the important medieval city of Albi, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, both by the banks of the Tarn River.
Embrace the slow pace of life in local villages, seek out joyful markets and wine tasting opportunities, then experience a wealth of outdoor adventures from walking and horse-riding to mountain biking and golf. Venture to the idyllic village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val on the Aveyron River for kayaking/canoeing and its Sunday morning market. Bring back delicious regional delights to prepare in your elegant kitchen and serve al-fresco surrounded by the beautiful Tarn countryside.
What you should know…
- The dedicated owners have been working hard on the château’s restoration - additional photos will be added later this year.
Property Features
Château Interiors
Ground Floor
- Entrance hall
- Living room with stone fireplace
- Dining area
- Open-plan kitchen, fully-equipped including integrated coffee machine and wine-cooler leading to a breakfast hall which opens into the garden
- WC
First Floor
- Landing and snug reading area
- Office area
- 3 x bedrooms with double bed (1.4x2m) and en suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with king-size double bed (1.6x2m) and en suite bathroom with double stone bath, sink and WC
- Bedroom with king-size double bed (1.6x2m) and en suite bathroom with stone bath, sink and WC
Outside Grounds
- Salt-water swimming pool (11x4.5m, depth: 1.4m) with safety alarm. Open approximately May to October
- Large terrace for al-fresco dining
- Barbecue
- Pergola with al-fresco lounge
- Walled garden
- Badminton/tennis rackets
- Walled orchard
- Olive grove with newly-planted saplings
- Meadow
- Private walking path to Roman chapel (and beyond)
- Woodland
- Parking (several cars)
- Entrance gates
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Smart TV with satellite box and English channels
- Outdoor games (badminton/tennis rackets)
- Puzzles and board games
- Books
- Washing machine and dryer (cellar)
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau Des RomainsChâteau Des Romains is located in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of the Tarn with Gaillac and Albi to the south and Cordes-sur-Ciel only a 10-minute drive away. This region is also known as ‘Tuscany in France’ thanks to its beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and vineyards.
The château is surrounded by private woodland which guests can explore – follow a trail all the way to a Roman chapel or beyond towards hills, forest and vineyards. There is a tiny village 500m away and within 8km you will reach the perched village of Cordes-sur-Ciel, passing rural scenery and woodland as you drive along the pretty country roads.
Cordes-sur-Ciel is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to a Saturday morning market and the picturesque Jardin des Paradis. Admire how perfectly the bastide village has been preserved as you wander around its narrow lanes and medieval gateways. Pop into art and craft shops across the village, dine in charming cafes and restaurants and look out for festivities taking place across the summer.
Wine-lovers will be especially keen to visit Gaillac (20km), home to France’s oldest vineyards with some dating back to pre-Roman times. The town itself enjoys such a lovely setting on the Tarn River and features interesting museums as well as the Maison des Vins and the historic Abbey Saint-Michael. Gaillac hosts food and wine events and concerts during the summer months whilst the Friday morning market is also a joy to explore.
Albi (29km), another UNESCO World Heritage site, is also a must-visit if you can find the time. It is a small medieval city perched above the Tarn River with an impressive Gothic cathedral, atmospheric covered market, plenty of inviting restaurants and a museum all about the life and artwork of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
Elsewhere, this part of south-western France offers wonderful walking opportunities, mountain biking trails as well as horse-riding, swimming in lakes and cycling (bikes can be hired and delivered to the villa). In the summer, venture to Tarn-et-Garonne’s Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (23km), yet another idyllic village, popular for canoeing and kayaking on the Aveyron River. For the less active of guests, the Sunday morning market in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val is well worth a visit or just potter around the pretty village and its canals.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
(88km/1hr) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Rodez-Marcillac Airport
(99km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Carcassonne Airport
(142km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Cordes - Vindrac
(4.5km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Tiny rural village
(500m) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
In and around Cordes-sur-Ciel
(8km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Carrefour Express
(8km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Gaillac
(20km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Albi
(29km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf d'Albi
(30km) |
||
Region
A relatively new addition to France, the Midi-Pyrénées was created to surround the cultural capital of Toulouse in the late 1970s. You might think that its relative youth would mean the Midi-Pyrénées is short on character or identity, but remember, this is France we’re talking about – the whole country is steeped in history and tradition. Encompassing parts of Gascony, Languedoc, the Gers and several others, you’ll get a varied slice of the whole French experience here, not least if you stay at one of our beautiful chateaux in the Midi-Pyrénées! And if you want to discover the best of what the region has to offer, our Midi-Pyrénées travel guide is here to show you where to go, what to eat and how you can make the best of your break with some amazing activities.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesThe relaxed pace of life in the Tarn is wonderful for families with children of every age. Keen walkers can set off for rambles through the countryside, there’s mountain biking and horse-riding opportunities as well as canoeing and kayaking along the Tarn and Aveyron Rivers.
Enjoy a boat trip on the Tarn River in Albi, a medieval city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, before visiting the Palais de la Berbie and its magnificent gardens and art museum. You can also tour the small city via the tourist road train, then head to the Base de Loisirs near Lac de Pratgraussals with its skatepark, tennis, playground and picnic areas.
Even closer to home, kids will love the tree-top adventure centre near Cordes-sur-Ciel, less than a 10-minute drive away, with trails suitable for a variety of ages (minimum height applies per trail, starting at 1m).
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- <1hr to Airport
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Badminton
- Board games
- Tennis rackets
- Child-Safe Pool
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Pre-Stocked Fridge 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
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Pre-stocked fridge/shopping service
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 | £750 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £750 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes and mid-stay linen change for stays of more than 14 nights also included. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Extra £250, payable locally. 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. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€5 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately May to 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. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. All other durations on request. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Cot and highchair are available on request. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 10 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 29th 2024 - Jan 1st 2025 | £2,625 |
| Jan 1st 2025 - Jul 1st 2025 | £5,250 |
| Jul 1st 2025 - Sep 1st 2025 | £5,907 |
| Sep 1st 2025 - Jun 2nd 2026 | £5,250 |
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?
5 years
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The potential to bring the property back to its fo...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
5 years
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The potential to bring the property back to its former glory. The setting and the views. The story behind the walls and the Roman Watch Tower.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
Originally a Chateau stood here with a Roman Look-Out tower. Eventually the Chateau became derelict and was rebuilt using stones from the local Medieval Monastery becoming a successful winery. It stayed in the same family for 5 generations and gradually fell into disrepair before we purchased it in 2018. The Roman Watch Tower (classified as a Monument Historic) remains in its original form!
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Yes.
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do?
Have fun!
Must eat?
Shop local markets for the best produce.
Must see?
Albi and its magnificent Cathedral. Tour the wine caves and visit the many Bastide villages
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Treat it like your own home and enjoy its calmness. This is rural France with a twist of sophistication visiting UNESCO-Albi. Remember most things close between 12 noon and 2PM, so relax in a bar or restaurant if you are sightseeing.
Reviews
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An excellent holiday
A big thank you for the warm welcome we received at Chateau. We had a wonderfully relaxing holiday in this very special place, which I would highly recommend in future!
My thanks for Gilles and Maya, who were very good hosts. They have put a lot care and attention into renovating the house, and will no doubt continue to be an excellent addition to the Oliver’s Travels portfolio. -
Our greatest experience to date
Hands down our greatest experience to date. Just hoping to get back to this magical part of the world again soon, before its impossible to snag a booking.
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The place to be!
The place to be! An idyllic and relaxing setting. A place with character renovated and decorated with great care and harmony. The pleasure of enjoying the pool freely and its enchanting setting overlooking a wilderness. A perfect place to recharge your batteries and discover a beautiful region. We cannot wait to come back again!
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A real pleasure
Everything is conducive to disconnection: a magnificent pool, 180-degree views, silence, the forest…a real pleasure.
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Beautiful
Beautiful house!
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Beautifully restored house
Beautifully restored house. Charming with chic and uncluttered décor. Everything is done with taste and care.
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Magical place
Magical place, the brightness reflecting on the building in the evening is simply magnificent, from the pool to the inside of the house.
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I will definitely recommend this spot
A wonderful location, serene and beautiful from sunrise to sunset. Lovely rooms that offer modern amenities while maintaining their original, ancient charm. The property of the fields, terrace, and pool offer scenic views and plenty of quiet corners to enjoy a good book or a romantic meal. I will definitely recommend this spot to friends.
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An unforgettable stay
An unforgettable stay in a magical setting. Everything is perfect.
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Wonderful stay
We had a wonderful stay. The house, freshly renovated, is located on the edge of the forest which gives it a peaceful and relaxing side. The pool area is also very beautiful!
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Perfectly placed
The castle is perfectly placed to shine in the beautiful area.
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An incredible place
An incredible place, beautiful, quiet, picturesque
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
