Chateau Aquitaine

Chateau Aquitaine sets the scene for a new interpretation of castle life: sharing-aesthetic, philosophical and lifestyle values. Chateau Aquitaine is not a hotel but a family home; a luxurious sanctuary for rejuvenation, providing the opportunity to open ones self to art at nature’s own rhythm.

In an elegant and naturally beautiful setting, the chateau owners, the de Commarques, have perfected the art of hosting. Situtated in beautiful surroundings, the family have a deep affection for the environment and the arts which is palpable in all that they do. A family home for countless generations, Chateau Aquitaine is now the backdrop for the Commarques principles: and their love of philosophy and local cuisine.

The Commarques have two great loves, culture and agriculture and they hope to convey these through the values expressed by the estate thus, under one roof fine connaisseurs and travellers happily coexist alongside art and nature. Playing host to a secret society of artists, researchers and writers, Chateau Aquitaine aims to serve a noble cause: to work together, mindful of humanity and nature, providing a catalyst for positivity

Firmly rooted in its precious natural environment, the Chateau aims to respect the biodiversity of its land and its history.To that aim restoration of the grounds began in September 2018 with new landscaping and a fully functional kitchen garden.

Chateau Aquitaine is an ode to change, to creation, to sharing and a passion for nature. This holiday retreat is now the perfect location for marriages and large made to measure events, a sanctuary .... an artists’ residence and an independent stage for concerts and conferences alike.

This historic 1400 acre château and estate has two beautiful swimming pools, beautifully decorated bedrooms with four poster beds, 12 acres of garden in the heart of a large estate, external reception areas, over 150 varieties of roses, and has the benefit of having the discreet presence of chamber maids and gardening staff.

The interior design was based on a series of colour palettes and the decor is a mixture of contemporary furniture, 20th century pieces and family heirlooms.Wherever possible the restoration has reused materials from the chateau itself using local artisans who are passionate about historical buildings. The result gives it a neo-baroque feel. The chateau has an ever evolving look however, thanks to the curiosities garnered by the owners who travels to the 4 corners of the globe.

The main wing of Chateau Aquitaine has been completely restored and is the main stage for a happy and peaceful retreat: everyone is invited to cook, play, withdraw into corners to read, tinkle on the piano or to wander from room to room by night, putting the world to rights.

For centuries, this part of the chateau has been shared by family and friends alike. Each room has been decorated thematically: inspired by the location and reimagined. See for example the “sakura’ cherry trees, the walnut tree wood that is sourced from the very forests at Chateau Aquitaine or the psychedelic spirals, present in the dining room.

On the ground floor there are four reception rooms, a large dining room, a medieval kitchen as well as a more contemporary one for the resident chef.

Bedroom Layout:

There main wing of the Chateau consists of 6 suites with luxury double bedrooms and private bathroom and have full use of the whole chateau.

Antarios Suite

With an exceptionally high medieval vaulted ceiling dating from the 14th century, this double bedroom is a rare opportunity to experience a unique 14th / 21st century architecture and design. The suite faces the garden, the park and the forest. With designer made to measure furniture and a genuine marble bathroom.

Bellatrix Suite

Elegant and original, this is the largest (2 person) suite in the chateau. Royal, rich and opulent with touches of oriental splendour, this suite faces the garden, the park and the forest. With designer made to measure furniture and a genuine marble bathroom.

Electra Suite

Exceptional bedroom for 2, suite Electra re-invents the idea of chateau living with its exciting, eclectic design and an open plan. With a freestanding bath tub in the room itself and antique perfectly preserved wallpaper, this suite faces the garden, the park and the forest.

Alcyone Suite

A most characterful room, Alcyone Suite is ideal for passing cosy warm winter nights. The double bedroom suite for two faces the garden, the park and the forest. With designer made to measure furniture and a genuine marble bathroom.

Poloris Bedroom

Suite Poloris was designed with the family’s youngest member in mind. This new bedroom for 2 is based on the maritime dreams of the daughter.

Vega Bedroom

At the very end of the corridor, this bright and spacious two person guest room dominates both the garden and the courtyard.

Independent Wing

The independent Wing, Le Brantôme, can accommodate up to 6 guests. With its warm atmosphere this relaxed and luxurious space is speckled with antiquities and curiosities.On the ground floor is an elegant living room with an antique chimney, books and games and a fully equipped kitchen/dining room for 6. The kitchen gives onto a pretty little jasmin scented terrace, a perfect spot to take in the evening sun.

The wing also consists of three double bedrooms: respectively green, lilac and blue with tiled bathrooms. All three bedrooms overlook the rose bushes and lemon trees and get the morning sun but are in the shade during the hottest times of the day and so remain cool and comfortable.

The Area:

Perched on the edge of a hill on the protected lands of what is known as “black” perigord, the estate benefits from a perfect geographical position in the heart of a lush valley in the Dordogne. Surrounded by lush gardens, valleys and woodland, the landscape invites you to find inner peace through contemplation of the exterior. The Chateau's structure built in golden stone, typical of the region, of the “black” Perigord, adds not only to the charm of the building but somehow to its spiritual warmth.There is an enchanting atmosphere to the Chateau... thanks somewhat to the lemon trees that border the courtyard or the climbing roses that scale the walls.The chateau and its estate are in fact protected by the Batiments de France the equivalent of the National Trust in Britain. The estate is approximately one kilometre from the south of the charming Peregourdin village of Urval itself home to a fortified church from the 11th century.

The Legend of the Castle:

A little known fact and unusual for France: this chateau has remained in the same family for generations never having been sold.Home to a flowery, vivacious and alternative family for more than 800 years... The Chateau has been formed, revolutionized and modernized by every different generation that it has harboured.On two separate occasions in fact, it was under the control of women, first in the middle ages and again in the 19th century: something that was truly unheard of in both eras. Today it is very much in the image of its patrons: an artist and a writer.

Additional Information:

• Please note that there is the possibility of adding two baby cots at guests request.

• Regarding parties, is important that each event need to be staffed and the venue need to be hired and insured separately

• Regarding animals, we are quite flexible. However as we do have other dogs within the estate, we need to understand each situation

The Estate can be rented as a whole or separately depending on the wing of the property. To view the various options, please refer to the listings below:

• Château Castillon

• Le Maurois

• Château Le Gontaut

• Le Brantôme

• Electricity, gas, water, heating, the services of the Estate Guardian, a daily housekeeping service, full gardening and pool cleaning service, all household linen and pool towels, linen changes.
• A genuine french breakfast: fresh bread and local patisseries all fresh from the local boulangerie.
• A small discreet team is at your disposal to attend to your specific needs or to spoil you rotten all the whilst giving you the best advice about the Perigord region
• Daily turn down service and freshly made bed
• Daily chamber maid service
• Stack of logs for the chimney
• 2 gardeners and pool attendants(extra hours for additional cost)

• Extra maid service available up to full time 6 days a week - 27€ per hour
• Personal laundry service - 27€ per hour
• Meals and cooking - on request
• Shopping service- 60€ per hour with car
• Beverages, including bottled water- on request
• Gratuities for staff
• Personal expenses such as communication charges, phone, fax, etc
• A full fridge
• Private chef
• Cultural retreats can also be organized
• The staff can organize themed visits: prehistory, gardens, chateaux or the bastides (medieval walled villages)... all by foot, bicycle or on horseback!
• This property manager can organize tailored personalized fitness, relaxation and well-being activities
• Pilates and Yoga
• Wine tours around Dordogne, from the famous historic vineyards to the new local organic manufacturing in Bergerac. Also tastings and truffle hunting with a multi-lingual guide.
• Wild foraging expeditions of forest mushrooms and truffles, and even a wild boar or venison hunt can be arranged.
• Visits to local artisan producers
• Cookery classes with local expert chefs
• Mountain and electric bike hire and guided tours
• Flying lessons: light aircraft or helicopter, a thrilling way to enjoy our beautiful landscape
• This property manager can arrange canoe, kayak and bike tours, or give travellers tips on hiking routes through the 5000 hectares of forest surrounding the area.
• Hot air balloon tours of one the most beautiful stretches of the Dordogne river valley
• For the nostalgic, this Property Manager can organize the hire of Citroen 2cv’s with or without a chauffeur
• Horse riding tours and treks in and around the Dordogne river valley, with the option to arrange for the tour to start from the estate
• Golf: There are 2 golf clubs just 10 minutes away, both 18-hole courses
• Tennis: there are three communal tennis clubs at Siorac-en/Perigord
• There are many ”plages vertes”, secret islands and wild places to swim in the wonderful Dordogne river within 10 minutes of the property.
• Plane and helicopter pick up can be organized, small planes can land on an airfield next to the estate