Château du Rayet

Bring the family together at Château du Rayet, a restored 18th-century château in the Lot-et-Garonne countryside, close to the Dordogne border. Sleeping 14 across seven en-suite bedrooms, this much-loved family home offers an inviting setting for a milestone birthday, an anniversary or a holiday bringing several generations together.

Spend long afternoons beside the private heated pool, gather for dinner beneath the courtyard trees, and enjoy the space to be together without being on top of one another. Stone walls, high ceilings and exposed beams sit alongside thoughtfully furnished rooms and modern comforts.

Seven bedrooms, with room to retreat

Six bedrooms are on the first floor of the château. Each has its own en-suite bathroom, air conditioning and heating; two rooms also have freestanding baths. There are double and twin sleeping arrangements, with connecting doors between two pairs of bedrooms. Ask Becky about the best layout for your party.

The seventh bedroom is in the Atelier, a separate apartment in the former Coach House. Included in the château rental, it has a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, living area, fridge and Nespresso machine, along with air conditioning. It is a useful option for grandparents or anyone who would enjoy a little extra privacy, and is only let with the main house.

Gather, cook and celebrate

The kitchen has a large central island, an Aga, two conventional ovens, a fridge-freezer, two dishwashers and a Nespresso machine. An electric pizza oven and gas and charcoal barbecues offer more ways to enjoy relaxed meals together. The dining room seats 14, and the courtyard has a large table for outdoor dining.

For a special birthday or anniversary meal, Becky can recommend private chefs. Yoga classes, massages and wine experiences can also be arranged separately. Discuss your plans and any additional costs with her when enquiring.

Several comfortable living rooms provide space for conversation, board games or a film on a Smart TV. There is a pool room, table tennis and darts, plus a well-equipped gym and yoga studio in the Coach House. An air-conditioned office and high-speed Wi-Fi make it easier to keep in touch when needed.

Pool, courtyard and countryside

The private heated pool sits in an enclosed pool area with loungers, parasols and pool towels. A pool house provides a shaded seating area, a fridge and a WC. Beyond the courtyard, explore the château's meadow and woodland or settle into a hammock. A moat surrounds the château, with walls and gates separating it from the courtyard.

A holiday for all generations

Children are welcome, with cots and high chairs available on request. Bed linen, bath towels and toiletries are provided, and a washing machine and tumble dryer are available. Pets may stay by prior arrangement, with a charge of €150 per pet per stay. The main-house bedrooms are upstairs; please discuss any access requirements with Becky before booking.

Explore the area

Villeréal is about five minutes away by car, with restaurants, bakeries, shops and a weekly market. Explore the surrounding countryside, visit nearby bastide towns and vineyards, or simply enjoy time at the château. Bergerac airport is around a 30-minute drive away. A car is needed for this rural setting.

Planning your stay

Rates start from €7,900 per week for the château and Atelier together, accommodating 14 guests. Please enquire for the price and availability for your dates. A 40% payment confirms a booking, with the balance due three months before arrival; bookings made within three months require full payment. A refundable €1,000 security deposit applies, and tourist tax is payable separately. Check-in is from 4pm and check-out by 10am.