Chateau Grilliere

Amid the dreamy landscapes of southern France, near the Canal du Midi and Black Mountains, this elegant 19th century château has been one of the stars of the British television series, Escape to the Château DIY. As avid viewers will know, the dedicated owners have put all their heart into the restoration of their beautiful château. After months and months of careful planning and exceptional designs, they have created a wonderful abode, ideal for special holidays and French wedding celebrations. Upstairs, each of the four themed suites have been gracefully styled and feature hand-made touches such as canopies over two of the king-size beds and an exquisite Chinoiserie panel in the oriental-themed bedroom. The master suite’s wrought iron balcony is a romantic spot for a glass of local wine whilst the Italian marble walk-through shower is sure to impress you in its en suite bathroom. Downstairs, a fifth bedroom has the most magnificent ceiling, silk curtains and striking pieces of antique furniture. Soak up the romantic ambience in the sophisticated lounge, enjoy an aperitif by the stylish bar and feast together in the welcoming dining room. Downstairs there’s also a snug with Smart TV, a relaxing orangerie with pool table, an honesty bar and a library with lots of information about the local area. A chalk board will show you what events or festivities may be taking place during your stay and the hospitable owners are on hand, just across the road, for anything else you may need. Outside, the vast grounds are a haven for wildlife with ancient trees, spring bluebells and a lovely front terrace for al-fresco dining and lounging by the plunge pool. Use the château’s bikes to cycle by a little river to the local town or it’s under a ten-minute drive away by car. This 14th century bastide town is home to one of France’s best markets on a Saturday morning! In a region known for its excellent vineyards, the owners can organise wine tours and help you make the most of this historic and beautiful region. Look out for vide-greniers taking place at the weekend, hire boats, walk or cycle along the Canal du Midi or swim, canoe or pedalo in the wonderful lake at Bassin de Saint-Ferréol, just 7km away. Then there’s walking in the Black Mountains, visiting the colourful riverside houses of Castres, the grand city of Carcassonne as well as enchanting villages and historic market towns. Also within an hour from the rose tinted city of Toulouse, this is a perfect destination for a restful stay in this alluring part of southern France. Features: Château Interiors Ground Floor -    Living room -    Dining room -    Library -    TV lounge -    Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, Lacanche double oven, gas hob, microwave, mixer, blender etc. -    Orangerie with pool table -    Bedroom with super king-size double (or twin) and en suite bathroom with shower First Floor -    Master bedroom suite with super king-size four-poster double bed, separate sitting area, mini-fridge and balcony with garden view. En suite bathroom with walk-in shower and two sinks -    Bedroom with super king-size double bed, mini-fridge and en suite bathroom with shower -    Bedroom with super king-size double bed with canopy and en suite bathroom with shower -    Bedroom with super king-size double bed with canopy and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower There is also a mini-fridge in the landing between the above two bedrooms   Outside Grounds -    Plunge pool (3.5x2m, depth: 0.7m) with pool safety alarm -    Gas barbecue -    Millstone with charcoal -    Al-fresco dining area -    Boules set -    Bikes (x5) -    Vast grounds (1.5 hectares) Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Heating -    TV with English channels and Netflix -    Mini-fridges (x3) -    Honesty bar -    Pool table -    Boules set -    Washing machine Location: Château Grilliere can be found in the Haute-Garonne department of southern France, between the great cities of Carcassonne and Toulouse. It’s a 5 to 10-minute drive to the local town or use the château’s bikes to cycle by the narrow river all the way to the town in about an hour. Here you will find a good range of restaurants, cafes, shops and useful supermarkets. This 14th century bastide town is also home to a wonderful medieval market hall which hosts a Saturday morning market, known to be one of the best in France! Market lovers should also look out for vide-greniers that often take place in local villages and at the weekend. There are also many atmospheric festivals and music events across the region in the summer – the hospitable owners are on hand to let you know what’s on during your stay. They can also arrange wine tours and tastings for you in some of the region’s magnificent vineyards. Just a ten-minute drive away, the lake at Bassin de Saint-Ferréol is stunning and a perfect place for gorgeous walks as well as summer activities such as pedaloes, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and swimming. There are restaurants in the area or take a picnic and find a secluded spot by the lake’s shore. Other activities near the lake include mountain biking, mini-golf and a tree-top activity course. A little further away, Bassin de Lampy (33km) is another idyllic spot for swimming and walking in the foothills of the Black Mountains. Indeed, La Montagne Noire is an incredible area of forests, lakes, streams, vineyards, enchanting villages and historic castles. Head to the attractive town of Castelnaudary (15km) to admire its bassin and of course the Canal du Midi which passes through. There are boat excursions along the canal as well as some lovely walks and cycle rides. Stop off in a restaurant and try the regional speciality, cassoulet, that is said to originate from the town. The grand city of Carcassonne can be reached in under an hour by car. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site and be amazed by its beauty as you explore its medieval fortress and historic lanes. There are so many more beautiful villages, interesting towns and impressive cities across this part of southern France. From the colourful riverside houses in Castres (34km) to the lovely markets in Mirepoix (50km) and Limoux (56km). Not forgetting the fascinating city of Toulouse (50km), also named as ‘La Ville Rose’, yet another brilliant day out during your stay. Terms & Conditions: ? €1000 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 5.00 p.m. 10.00 a.m. Yes. Yes, changed once every 7 days. Not allowed. Weddings and special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Stag/hen parties are not allowed. Flexible. Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Outside only. 7 nights. All other durations on request. Yes, except Christmas/NY when a supplement of €500 applies (for heating and firewood), payable locally. Yes. 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.