Chateau De La Vieille Tour

About this property

Centuries of history are written into the stone walls of Château de la Vieille Tour, a remarkable privately owned château in the Périgord Vert. With origins dating back to the 12th century and a past as a stronghold during the Hundred Years’ War, this is a place where history feels wonderfully tangible. Its protected tower, monumental stonework and walls more than a metre thick in places offer an extraordinary connection to medieval France.

Inside, however, the atmosphere is unexpectedly bright and contemporary - the ground floor has been opened into a vast, loft inspired living space, where pretty French windows bring the surrounding countryside into view and natural light plays across ancient stone. A fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and sitting room with library provide ample space for gathering, while the original medieval kitchen with its great historic hearth offers a fascinating reminder of the château’s past.

Five individually decorated bedrooms continue the story, each with its own en suite shower rooms and distinctive historical character. Ranging from an impressive 30 to 110 square metres, these generous rooms include spaces inspired by medieval and 18th century interiors. Two suites also feature bathtubs, while thoughtful furnishings and quality bed linen ensure comfort throughout.

Outside, nine hectares of private parkland invite leisurely days in nature. Follow walking paths through the grounds, relax on the lawns, or cool off in the natural spring fed plunge pool. 

The château stands in a tiny village in northern Dordogne, beside a church whose bells gently mark the rhythm of the day. Thiviers and its lively Saturday market are 8km away, while Saint Jean de Côle, one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, is just a little further. Historic châteaux, rivers, summer swimming lakes, prehistoric caves and specialist food producers offer rewarding days out.

For guests drawn to history, space and the quieter side of rural France, Château de la Vieille Tour offers the rare pleasure of experiencing centuries old surroundings as a refined private home.

Château de la Vieille Tour enjoys a charming setting in a tiny village in northern Dordogne, surrounded by the glorious landscapes of the Périgord Vert. Remarkably unspoilt even at the height of summer, this is a wonderful corner of France for discovering rivers, historic villages and châteaux without the crowds found in better-known parts of the Dordogne. The château stands beside the village church, whose bells form part of the rhythm of village life, marking the hours from 7am until 10pm.

Everyday amenities and traditional Périgord life are within a leisurely drive. Explore riverside Corgnac-sur-l'Isle (7km), while Thiviers (8km) is particularly renowned for its lively Saturday market, where local producers sell seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheeses, charcuterie and other regional specialities. Excideuil (11km), a characterful historic town dominated by its medieval château, is another lovely destination for a morning out, with its own colourful weekly market and handsome old streets.

For one of the Périgord Vert’s prettiest excursions, head to Saint-Jean-de-Côle (13km), officially recognised as one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages. Wander past stone and half-timbered houses, the medieval bridge and Château de la Marthonie, or enjoy a rather different adventure aboard the Vélorail Périgord Vert (8km), pedalling along a former railway line through the countryside. The magnificent Château de Jumilhac (17km) is another highlight, with centuries of architecture, elaborate Renaissance roofs and formal terraced gardens.

Nature and history are equally close at hand. The nearest swimming lake is in Nantheuil (5km) with a sandy beach and supervised swimming in July and August. Venture underground at the Grotte de Villars (27km), where spectacular mineral formations accompany authentic prehistoric paintings around 20,000 years old, or admire the Renaissance architecture of Château de Puyguilhem (26km). 

Slightly further afield, beautiful Brantôme en Périgord (35km) rewards a day trip with its historic Benedictine abbey and beautiful riverside setting. The surrounding countryside is also particularly rich in organic farms and specialist food producers, adding another delicious dimension to exploring this quieter side of the Dordogne.

Accommodation

Château Interiors 

Ground Floor (some steps)

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Large sitting room and library
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Dining room
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Large kitchen, fully equipped
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Original medieval kitchen with large historic hearth
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Study
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Vaulted cellar
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Separate WC
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Bedroom (30m2) with double bed (160cm) and en suite shower room with wash basin and private WC

First Floor 

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Bedroom (40m2) with double bed (160cm) and en suite shower room with wash basin and private WC
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Bedroom suite (110m2) with double bed (180cm) and separate small bedroom with single bed. En suite bathroom with shower, bath, wash basin and private WC
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Bedroom suite (80m2) with double bed (160cm) and en suite bathroom with shower, bath, wash basin and private WC
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Bedroom (40m2) with double bed (180cm) and en suite shower room with wash basin and private WC
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Large library/games room 

Outside Grounds

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Natural-spring fed plunge pool (4x2m, depth: 1m with steps inside)
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Terraces
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Barbecue
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Natural spring
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Pond (depending on rainfall/seasonal conditions)
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Gardens, extensive lawns and walking paths
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9 hectares of private parkland
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Private parking
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Bikes x 2

Additional Facilities

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Books and games for children
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Table tennis 
- Security camera