Chateau Belle Vie
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Château Belle Vie has always been about the good life. It was built in the 1880s by a wealthy family as a home where they could entertain in grand style. Not s...
Read moreOverview
Château Belle Vie has always been about the good life. It was built in the 1880s by a wealthy family as a home where they could entertain in grand style. Not surprisingly, the reception rooms are the highlight of the house. Most have intricate wood paneling, all have views of the garden and the dining room still has the original table, which can extend to seat up to 30 lucky bon vivants.
The new owners had a similar dream: to restore the château to its former grandeur and create a spectacular holiday or events venue offering an intoxicating mix of both elegance and fun for all guests, from children to grandparents. And all of this so close to the UK!
Besides the elegance of the bedrooms, the grand dining room and the impressive entrance hall with grand staircase, the château also offers entertaining touches like indoor mini-tennis, a snooker room, table tennis and even an indoor trampoline room. The setting is tranquil and idyllic, in four hectares of gardens and woodland, with the River Aa running through the grounds. There is a heated swimming pool very close to the house, in a wonderful sunny, secluded spot surrounded by banks of wild flowers. The tennis court is in a beautiful setting, with trees all around, and lots of seating for spectators!
As well as being an easy journey from the UK, Château Belle Vie is also on the edge of a lovely village and just 400 meters from the village boulangerie. The village also has a cafe and a pharmacy.
The area has attractions galore: local markets, shopping, cathedrals, war museums and important sites and even the lovely beaches of the Opal Coast. Saint Omer, with all amenities as well as its well-known golf course, is only 10 minutes away and Dunkirk is also within easy reach.
Thanks to this magnificent restoration, Château Belle Vie is once again the perfect setting for memorable holiday or event of friends and family who are celebrating ‘la belle vie’.
What you should know…
- The brand new heated swimming pool is now ready - new photos to follow soon!
- The château is a 30-minute drive from the Eurotunnel terminal. From the UK, by car it takes 3 hours from Junction 5 of the M25. By train and then taxi/car it is under 2 hours from St Pancras International Station.
- Due to the fabulous location on the edge of the village, excessive noise is not permitted.
- There is a cottage in the grounds sleeping up to four additional guests, which can be made available at an extra cost for bookings of over 26 guests - please enquire.
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!
Property Features
Château Interior (4 levels)
Ground Floor
- Fully equipped kitchen with kitchen table (seats: 12), large range cooker, 2 fridge/freezers, chest freezer, hob, oven, microwave, 2 dishwashers, Nespresso machine
- Dining room (seats: 30)
- 2 sitting rooms
- Library with home cinema and satellite TV
First Floor
- 9 bedrooms
- 8 bathrooms
Second Floor
- 3 bedrooms
- 3 bathrooms
- Games room with table tennis and table football
- High-ceiling playroom with full-size trampoline
- TV room with Playstation and DVD collection
Basement
- Entrance hall
- Snooker room
- Guest W.C.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms in Château
- 12 bedrooms: 1 with super king size bed, 7 with king size beds, 2 with twin single beds, 1 with four single beds and 1 double room
- 11 bathrooms: 10 en-suite bathrooms (with bath and/or shower), 1 shower room
Outside Grounds
- 4 hectares of lawn and woodland
- Private heated swimming pool (8x6m, depth around 1.5m, two steps), reached via a safety gate (guests are given the key). Open approximately May to September
- Terrace
- Stables with indoor mini-tennis court for event use (fees apply)
- Parking space
- Barbecue area
- Outdoor seating area for up to 24
- Boules
- Swing
- Tennis court
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Central heating and logs
- Working fireplace
- Satellite TV
- DVD player with large collection of Blu-rays and DVDs
- 2 music systems
- Play Station 3
- Mini-tennis court with rackets
- Indoor trampoline (5m)
- Snooker table
- Table tennis
- Trampoline
- Boules
- Games room with table tennis and table football
- 8 bikes
- Large gas BBQ
- Washing machine
- Tumble dryer
- Iron & ironing board
Château Belle Vie sits on the edge of a quiet village with a small cafe, whilst lovely Saint Omer, ...
| Nearest Airport |
Lille/Brussels/Paris Charles de Gaulle
(80km-1h 15mins/200km-2h 30mins/240km-2h 15mins) |
| Nearest Ferry Port |
Calais
(45km/30mins) |
| Nearest Train Station |
Calais-Frethun
(45km/40mins) |
Location
About the surrounding area of Chateau Belle VieChâteau Belle Vie sits on the edge of a quiet village with a small cafe, whilst lovely Saint Omer, only 10 minutes away, is where guests will find supermarkets, other shops and an excellent golf course.
This part of France is rich in history, cathedrals, war museums and important sites, markets and shopping. Dunkirk is nearby and the lovely beaches of the Opal Coast are just a 45-minute drive away.
Other must-see towns are Boulogne-sur-Mer, Le Touquet and Wimereux.
Within easy reach of Château Belle Vie are Tournehem and Clairmarais Forests, which are perfect for walking, cycling and picnics.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Lille/Brussels/Paris Charles de Gaulle
(80km-1h 15mins/200km-2h 30mins/240km-2h 15mins) |
||
| Nearest Ferry Port |
Calais
(45km/30mins) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Calais-Frethun
(45km/40mins) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
Wimereux
(50km-45 minutes) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
AA Saint Omer Golf Club
(11km-14mins) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Saint Omer/Calais/Boulogne-sur-mer
(8km-15mins/42km-35mins/49km-45mins) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Aldi
(5km/5 mins drive) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Wisques
(2km/3 mins drive) |
||
| Nearest Village |
(500m) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
(600m) |
||
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesThere are 2 cots and 2 high chairs.
In a beautiful location, Chateau Belle Vie is just a 35-minute drive from the coast, making it ideal for guests looking to visit the beach during their stay.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Board games
- Xbox/Playstation/Wii
- Swings
- Trampoline
- Boules/Petanque
- Mountain bikes
- Indoor mini tennis
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Tennis Court
- Bicycles Provided
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Table Football
- Pool/Snooker
- Home Cinema
- DVD
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Complimentary Welcome Pack Included
- Fridge-stocking Service Available (at extra cost)
- Catering Available (at extra cost)
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:
- Complimentary welcome pack included
- Catering service available
- Arrival fridge-stocking service available
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
The walls and gardens of this château hold memories of the many exuberant and elegant French weddin...
Read moreEvent information
The walls and gardens of this château hold memories of the many exuberant and elegant French weddings that have been celebrated here over the decades. Just recently, the owners have transformed the former 19th-century stables into a beautiful wedding venue, for weddings and events. It’s a wonderful space that can be opened up on one side when the weather is fine. Light floods through the clear ceiling during the day. As evening approaches it is lit up by thousands of fairy lights, creating a magical ambience.
The château and grounds retain their former glory while also benefiting from the recent restoration and guests will be relieved and amazed at how close this glorious venue is to the UK by train or car. There are sweeping lawns, woodland and even the river graces the park with its presence for a short while.
Wedding Reception
140 guests can enjoy the newly refurbished stables. There is a large kitchen for the caterers, as well as a bar, dance area and toilets. The acoustics are so good that speeches can be made without microphones.
Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony can take place outdoors (no marquees) in the grounds or at the church which is 80m from the venue and can hold up to 200 people. The château manager can provide details of an English-speaking celebrant.
Where to Stay
26 people can sleep in the château and a further 4 in the cottage on-site. 12 guests can stay in nearby B&Bs and up to 80 more in the hotel, a five minute drive from the château. The owners can supply details of local transport firms.
Wedding Planning
The château manager can help with certain arrangements or can recommend an English-speaking wedding planner. Clients may also arrange to use their own planner.
Catering
The owners are able to recommend local caterers or clients may arrange their own. The kitchens and storerooms are large enough for the caterers to prepare everything.
Other information
Events can take place between April and September. For weddings and events there is extra parking on site. The owners can recommend many trusted wedding suppliers.
Please note that rental of the stables for events will be subject to additional charges and a venue hire fee which will be in addition to published rental rates and fees for renting the chateau.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | £1200 to be paid to the owner via bank transfer before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. Please note that in case of stag/hen parties or single sex groups, the amount of the deposit is £2400. |
| 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 | £1200 to be paid to the owner via bank transfer before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. Please note that in case of stag/hen parties or single sex groups, the amount of the deposit is £2400. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes, including fire logs. |
| Minimum stay | 3 nights (6 nights during Xmas/NY). |
| Changeover day | Friday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Pets welcome? | No. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, hen/stag parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Guests will be required to sign a copy of the owner's rental terms before the arrival. The guest signing the rental agreement must be aged 30 or above (an exception may be made for weddings - please enquire at the time of booking). |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean and tidy. This requires that all rubbish is disposed of, and that the kitchen, fireplace, BBQ and all rooms are left clean and tidy. Any extra cleaning, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Alternatively, guests may choose to book an optional exit cleaning fee of approximately £260/week or £240/3 days. Fees are subject to change - please check at the time of booking. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately May to September. 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 heating charge? | Included. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 26 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 23rd 2024 - Dec 23rd 2024 | £4,730 | £5,214 | £5,698 | £6,665 |
| Christmas & New Year | - | - | - | £13,796 |
| Jan 6th 2025 - Apr 1st 2025 | £4,730 | £5,214 | £5,698 | £6,665 |
| Apr 1st 2025 - Jun 15th 2025 | £5,537 | £6,020 | £6,504 | £7,633 |
| Jun 15th 2025 - Sep 10th 2025 | £8,815 | £9,675 | £10,535 | £12,040 |
| Sep 10th 2025 - Nov 3rd 2025 | £5,537 | £6,020 | £6,504 | £7,633 |
| Nov 3rd 2025 - Dec 22nd 2025 | £4,730 | £5,214 | £5,698 | £6,665 |
| Christmas & New Year | - | - | - | £13,796 |
| Jan 5th 2026 - May 27th 2026 | £4,730 | £5,214 | £5,698 | £6,665 |
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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Special
I don’t know if there are any words that can describe how special this place is. I have never stayed anywhere before where you can feel throughout the property how much love and attention to detail has been poured into every inch of the house and its grounds. There is not a single thing you could want for that isn’t here or cannot be arranged. Thank you for making this possible and allowing us to make memories we will carry with us forever ??
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Amazing
Amazing chateau in excellent condition.
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Fantastic
Fantastic venue, we have just spent an amazing 4 days here. The catering staff were amazing, could not be more helpful... Highly recommend!
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Fantastic!
What a fantastic five days we had. We were first out there after lockdown and the owners Amanda and Dan were so understanding about all the uncertainties. The Chateau is in pristine condition decorated and maintained so carefully with a modern touch giving the chateau a feel of unflustered opulence. The distance from the UK, the range of space in the chateau, the games rooms, the lack of corkage charges, the flexible use of the cottage if wanted (for extra beds), the use of the out house for lunch or evening dancing, make the whole experience so enjoyable. I could not recommend Chateau Belle Vie more highly. We all had a wonderful time and I am sure you will do as well.
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Wonderful weekend at this great venue
The Chateau is 30 minutes drive from Calais, so a very easy destination for travellers from England. We were a large family group (23) celebrating the 70th birthday of Denise, Granny to all the kids. A more perfect venue could hardly be imagined. The chateau looks beautiful from the outside but is truly sumptuous inside. The bedrooms are all individually styled and extremely comfortable. In the living rooms, dining room and kitchen it seems no expense has been spared to provide outstanding facilities to meet every need. There are many further facilities both inside and in the beautiful grounds to keep all ages occupied with sports and games so we all had great fun. Amanda was so helpful in assisting the booking and recommending a food service. from VincenTraiteur of Lumbres. This service provided 3 course evening meals of fine French cuisine cooked offsite and delivered to the kitchen. It was remarkable value at 15 euro per head per meal and can be thoroughly recommended. We had a wonderful weekend at this great venue and hope to return in the future.
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Fantastically luxurious
24 members of a Suffolk walking group gathered here for a long weekend towards the end of January and we had the time of our lives. The accommodation is fantastically luxurious, the grounds are beautiful, the facilities flawless and our host, Amanda, was prompt to respond, very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. We self-catered, because we enjoy doing that, and the kitchen was wonderful to work in, with everything one could imagine needing for big-group cooking. The trampoline proved a surprising smash hit, with even the grey of hair hopping and flopping around on it and shrieking with laughter. I can't think of any way this marvellous, convenient destination could be improved upon. Considering all this - and what one would pay for similar facilities in a hotel of similar quality - the rates are very reasonable.
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Not a bad word to say
Wow. There is not a bad word to say about this incredible Chateau. Grand yet homely, caters for all ages and was just simply perfect. We held a blessing for my parents on the stairs which we decorated and it felt like a fairytale. Every single person commented on how comfy the beds were. Pillows and duvets were heaven. We’ve already recommended the chateau to all of our other friends and will definitely be looking to stay again. There’s so much room for activities!
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Perfect retreat
We rented the chateau for a week in July to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Guests from America, Europe and the UK were amazed at the lovely accommodation. We especially enjoyed the fabulously equipped kitchen, even a magimix!!
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Magical weekend
We were a group of friends spending a relaxing weekend together, in grand yet extremely comfortable surroundings both inside and outside the chateau. The highlights for me were the top floor games room - I never knew table tennis could be so competitive; chatting together roasting marshmallows in the early evening round the glowing fire and a lovely dinner in the sumptuous dining room. The walks in the grounds were especially enjoyable with all the beautiful autumnal colours - though I would also love to be there in the spring when all the bulbs burst into bloom. All in all a magical weekend just right for enjoying being with friends.
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Wow, mindblowing!
Wow, mindblowing! That's the first thing that comes to mind when you enter the chateau grounds. It's beautiful, spacious and very well equipped! We were glad that we didn't did groceries on forehand, because a lot of standard supplies are already there. The reception rooms are beautiful, with a very nice dining room. We saw the pictures of it and then planned to organise a 'murder dinner'. It was a great success!
Al the bedrooms are lovely, with good beds and bedding. And we still can't believe there is a trampoline room...Enough options to spend your time, even when the weather is not that great.
On forehand I had a lot of contact with the owner, who was very helpful to plan our stay. We've booked a chef, Olivier, to cook us dinner (very, very good!) and Pascal did a great wine tasting at the chateau. The owner responds very quickly and is very friendly.
The weekend was a surprise for most of my colleagues and they were all very excited! So, when do we return to the chateau? I hope real soon! -
Incredible holiday!
We visited for one week in August, 21 people, 4 families with ages ranging from 2 months to 68 years old. It looks just like the images and is incredibly well-equipped and furnished, clearly a labour of love. There's somuch to do here, whether you're a sports nut, gastronome, TV lover or simply love recliningin front of an open fire with a bottle of wine. The hosts are lovely and very helpful, making us feel welcome but not overwhelmed. We had an amazing chef's dinner one night, otherwise eating al fresco from the barbecue - dispersing in packs for snooker, table tennis, trampolining or just to recline. Can't speak highly enough of the chateaux and would recommend to anyone wanting a french getaway with friends or family.
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A chateau of delight!
I stayed at the Chateau Belle Vie for a birthday party with friends. It provided a fitting backdrop to the perfect weekend. Beautifully maintained and rich in character it is also equipped for every form of relaxation. The grounds are delightful, the facilities offer everything you need or could reasonably want. I cannot recommend it too highly.
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Incredible chateau!
We enjoyed our stay very much and the chateau allowed a large group of people to stay comfortably. Photos do no justice to the beautiful home. The kitchen was very well equipped with all one needed. Thank you Amanda for your prompt responses to the many questions I had!
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Really excellent service!
I found Oliver's Travels by mistake really, and they went completely over and above expectations. I had a personal advisor who was always on hand to answer any questions, they kept in regular contact for any relevant info regarding the booking and also sent a box of goodies before the holiday. It was a very personal service and I'd certainly use them again! The chateau that we rented was absolutely stunning and perfect for celebrating our best friend getting married. 23 of us stayed there over the long weekend and had a great time exploring. There was so much space and every room was large but also cosy. Tennis court was in great condition so we spent a lot of time down at the bottom of the garden. It was a surprise party and everyone was very impressed as we pulled up. Lots of friends and family have already been asking where we stayed as they've seen all the pics. I'd 100% go back again!
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The perfect setting for a lovely celebration
Chateau Belle Vie is a beautiful house which has been very tastefully restored to it's former glory. It has plenty of comfortable communal spaces to relax, watch television and socialise. The entrance hall is very grand and first impressions are that you have arrived somewhere really special (which is true). The kitchen is very well equipped for large groups including 2 enormous fridges and 2 dishwashers. Each of the bedrooms has it's own character and colour scheme and are all really large with en-suites. Our bed was amazingly comfortable and we slept so well.
The house is set in large grounds on the edge of the village so has the best of both worlds. There is plenty to do with bikes available, ping pong, snooker table and even an indoor sponge ball tennis court! The perfect setting for a lovely celebration weekend, thank you so much. -
A wonderul chateau: we recommend it!
We stayed at the wonderful Chateau Belle Vie in May and were thoroughly impressed by the place. It was so easy to get to from south west London taking just four hours door to door! The chateau has been renovated to a very high standard. Each of the bedrooms are individually decorated and all are ensuite which was perfect for our large party. We stayed in a beautiful room overlooking the picturesque gardens with a river running through. The kitchen is extremely modern and is kitted out with everything you need including coffee machine and kitchen aid. The two reception rooms are stunning as is the dining room. We loved the indoor table tennis table and the snooker room which kept everyone entertained. There are also bikes you can use to ride the nearby cycle path. You need never leave the chateau! A highlight was a visit to a nearby wine cave and a trip to the market at quaint Saint-Omer. We would definitely recommend Chateau Belle Vie for a large party or groups of families.
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Had a wonderful week at Chateau Belle Vie!
Great location from Euro tunnel and easy to find. The chateau is great and amazing to explore. Very big so excellent for a large group. Our room was lovely. The colours are all gorgeous though! The huge, modern kitchen is fab with everything you need.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
