Guests say
Le Jardin Du Chateau receives high praise for its blend of historical charm and modern luxury, offering stunning views, sumptuous decor, and a tranquil yet convenient location in Duras. Guests are consistently impressed by the property's elegance, comfort, and the attentive hospitality provided.
There is no specific mention of cleanliness in the reviews, so it is not possible to provide an accurate score for this category.
The property's location is highly regarded, being described as quiet and private yet within a short walk to the village with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Its proximity to Bordeaux, Bergerac, and picturesque local villages adds to its appeal.
Guests rave about the comfort of Le Jardin Du Chateau, noting the luxurious bed linen, sumptuous mattresses, and well-appointed rooms with spectacular views, ensuring a relaxing and comfortable stay.
The facilities are consistently praised for their combination of original features and modern appliances, including well-equipped kitchens, a large swimming pool, and high-quality toiletries. The presence of two living/dining areas and the attention to detail in the amenities are particularly appreciated.
The thoughtfulness of the host is evident in the provision of high-quality items and local tips. While gifts like Floris shower products are mentioned, it is important to note that such personal touches, although delightful, may vary and are not guaranteed.
About this property
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.
As seen in the Daily Mail and the Standard!
Le Jardin Du Château is located in the historic village of Duras, in the Lot-et-Garonne near the Dordogne and Gironde borders. The house enjoys beautiful views across the Dropt Valley and towards the impressive Château de Duras, with a small path leading directly from the garden into the village in just a few minutes.
Duras offers cafés, restaurants, bars, a bakery, butchers and grocery store, alongside lively markets on Monday and Wednesday mornings. During summer, the village also hosts atmospheric night markets with local food, wine and live music. Wine lovers can visit the nearby Maison des Vins or explore the region’s many vineyards.
The surrounding countryside is dotted with rolling hills, vineyards and charming bastide villages such as Monségur, Eymet and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. Further afield, discover Bergerac and the famous vineyards of Saint-Émilion.
Outdoor activities include canoeing, golf, cycling and horse riding, while nearby family attractions include a treetop adventure park and water-based activities close to Bergerac.
Accommodation
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 (with Firestick for Netflix and other 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 mid-May to en-September. Solar covering to retain heat at night
- Sun-loungers (x8) and shades
- Gazebo with lounge area
- Al-fresco dining table
- BBQ
- Upper garden with dining and lounge area
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Cable TV
- Pool toys
- Table tennis
- Boules
- Board games
- Books
Reviews (12)
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Daniel
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!
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Daniel
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!
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Tom
An absolutely stunning property in a lovely location. Would highly recommend. The owner was absolutely fantastic throughout, offering tips and recommendations on request.