Chateau de la Couronne

“What Rock Star or Fashionista could be disappointed by cutting edge design, a private cinema, a billiard room and bathrooms with twin bathtubs..” That’s what The Times said about Chateau de la Couronne.

Praise indeed. But they are not alone.

A long list of newspapers, design and travel magazines and books from all over the world have said great things about the Chateau. “Kick your shoes off comfy” said Grazia. “…Classic fairytale exterior that Tinkerbell would be proud to wave her wand over” said The Irish Times. And from The Guardian, a short but definite “One of the five best houses to rent in France”.

With such testimonials – and a guest list that includes the biggest Hollywood stars - perhaps the most surprising thing is just how cost-effective hiring the Chateau is for a family reunion or group holiday.

A creative and stylish fusion of ornate stone castle and super-chic interior design, it’s an oasis of space and light in the heart of France. Five acres of private grounds. A 14.5m heated swimming pool. Accommodation for up to 26, big, airy salons, huge dining hall, music area, cinema, billiard room – the facilities are extensive. There’s something for everyone, and every age.

And for families with children – you are in for a treat. Lots to do in and around the Chateau – Table Tennis, games in the grounds – even a private Football Pitch - and plenty to do in the surrounding area, from Kayaking to Karting on a Championship Circuit. Even the most demanding families will find something to occupy themselves should simply lying around the pool in the sun become a little tiring.

This is a Chateau that welcomes everyone, and provides an experience you will remember always.

It’s all about style and space in this fairy-tale castle with turrets and tower. The owners have highlighted and preserved the very best of the Chateau’s ornate original features, and created a stunning blend of ancient stone and oak beams, fused with eclectic, sympathetic interior design, gorgeous furniture and artistic flourishes.

Big bedrooms provide accommodation for up to 26 guests, all in individually designed and furnished luxury, all equipped with flat screen TV and DVD players and studded with interesting and beautiful art and objects.

A firm favourite with younger guests, one bedroom is a very chic and stylish “dorm” with four single beds and huge flat screen TV and DVD player – great fun for kids, and it gives them a bit of space of their own away from those noisy and disruptive adults!

The bathrooms are all indulgently elegant and spacious – some with two tubs, some incorporating the Chateau turrets, all with bathing products, big fluffy towels and Chateau Bath Robes.

The three large salons all open onto the Chateau’s rear terrace, with its bistro tables and parasols facing the formal gardens. The Stone Salon, with its exposed stone walls and wooden floors, has two chunky leather Chesterfields, Balinese Root Furniture, stone fireplace with wood burner, and includes a Bar and Fridge, which can either be stocked prior to your arrival, or supplied dry for you to fill yourself.

The White Salon, with its cool white walls and retro furniture is a calming place to sit and read while listening to the birds in the gardens.

The Piano Salon includes a Baby Grand for the more musical guests to idly tinkle the ivories. You can even hire a Pianist for special occasions to provide a cool musical backdrop to your party.

There is an office, with broadband internet access via Wifi, and a gorgeously impressive entrance hall with stone floor and dramatically lit walls.

The Private Cinema has a 9ft screen and surround sound system. There is satellite TV here, and an extensive – and carefully selected – library of DVDs which you can watch in the cinema, or if you wish take to your room to watch on your own flat screen TV.

The Music Area has electric guitars and amps for that impromptu jam session, and next door is the Billiard Room with full size American Pool Table.

The Dining Hall is an impressive room with its warm, honey-coloured exposed stone walls. Large enough to seat every one of your 26 guests at the same time, it’s a wonderfully convivial dining experience.

The adjoining Kitchen is an impressive, restaurant-standard facility, with walk-in store cupboards, range, ovens, big fridges, three sink stations, dishwasher and more crockery, cutlery and utensils than you are ever likely to need – everything to allow you to play Chef for a while.

And if it all gets a bit too much like work, the Chateau can provide as much or as little catering as you want – all provided by its professional caterers – from Breakfast to a one-off celebration meal, to meals every day. There’s even a Shopping Service, so you can have the larders and fridges stocked to your spec on your arrival.

And for a real personal treat, you can even make use of the Chateau’s own Beautician and spend a day being manicured, pedicured and pampered with the latest beauty treatments.

Outside, there is the 14.5m Heated Swimming Pool, surrounded with plenty of sun loungers. The five acres of grounds offer plenty of scope for games, picnics, or simply snoozing in the sun, whilst the two terraces offer lots of scope to break out the Chateau’s Barbecues and get cooking.

There are also Table Tennis, outdoor games, board games and books to keep you amused at the Chateau, whilst within easy reach are Tennis Courts, Golf Courses, Kayaking, Horse Riding, Cognac & Wine Tasting and Tours – plenty to fill your time and keep active minds satisfied.

Marthon is a pretty village on the border between the Dordogne and Charente regions in south-west France.

The Chateau sits on the edge of the village, a 500m level walk from the village centre. Marthon has all the essentials you will require: a Baker, Butcher, Tabac and a small Grocery Store (there is a large supermarket 9km away for major supplies). There is a Doctor is in the village, and also a Pharmacy. There are two small, simple restaurants in the village, with many more within a few minutes drive. Finally, there is even a village cinema which shows both French and International films.

Twenty five minutes drive away is the buzzy little city of Angouleme with its many pavement cafes, restaurants, shops and events. Food Festivals, Music Festivals even a Classic Car Street Race (the “Circuit Des Remparts”) – and with Brocantes and Garage Sales almost every week in the surrounding area, there is always something of interests going on.

Access:

Airports-

Rail-

Angouleme (TGV connection Paris, 2hrs 10 mins)

Road-

Calais (Tunnel): 7hrs 30mins

Caen: 5hrs 15mins

Santander: 6hrs 40mins

Bordeaux: 1hr 45mins

Barcelona: 8hrs 40mins

Paris: 5hrs

Price Includes:

• Hire on a self-catered basis.

• Catering services available, flexible to meet your needs, subject to additional charge and conditions.

• Additional Services (e.g. Beauty Treatments, Shopping Service, Stocked Bar) available, flexible to meet your needs, subject to additional charge and conditions.

• Exclusive Private Hire, with sole use of all the Chateau Facilities

• All energy costs

• All taxes

• Daily Housekeeper and Groundsman for 2 hrs per day (can be increased subject to additional charge – call for details)

One night: EUROS 2,000

One week (7 nights): EUROS 12,000

• Rates apply year round

• Min Hire Period 2 nights except July and August when min hire period is 7 nights (Sat to Sat)