Château des Sénéchaux — Hotel in Nontron

The Senechaux suite is one of three available to guests at the chateau. Also in the chateau, in the building opposite the suite, live the owners themselves - a hospitable couple from Great Britain who bought an abandoned castle, renovated it and literally turned it into a piece of art. The suite is very beautiful, comfortable, decorated with exceptional authenticity and taste, both overall and down to the last fork and glass. The suite has a large area, a lot of air and sunlight, and has both sunny sides and shade. It is comfortable both in hot weather (there are fans on each floor) and in cool weather (radiators and a fireplace). There is also space for relaxation inside the chateau: a terrace and a lounge area. Around: a green square, an authentic restaurant with fusion cuisine (it’s delicious!), a castle museum with a well-kept garden.||The hosts, Kay and David, are always and exceptionally friendly, always ready to help and proactively suggesting interesting locations and sights to see and restaurants to try. We had a case when we ordered a taxi that was supposed to take us to the train station, and it broke down just 5 minutes before reaching us. Having known this, Kay brought us to the station in her car. She also makes very tasty breakfasts ))||The village itself is small but very beautiful. And despite its size, it has several good restaurants, from home-style fusion cuisine to a Michelin-marked restaurant. From the chateau to any place in the village (shop, restaurants) - 5 minutes maximum by walk, a beautiful picturesque river flows through the entire city. We would love to...

Driving along the bottom road through Bourdeilles my first sighting of the Château Des Senechaux took my breath away. It stands proud above the river looking as if it has been taken straight from the pages of a fairy story.||||Upon arrival it does not disappoint. The guest accommodations have been meticulously created to ensure that not only has every comfort and convenience been provided but that it has been done so with a great sense of style. There is a clever marrying of modern hi-spec kitchens and bathrooms with French antique furniture and original pieces that the hosts, Kay and David, have picked up on their extensive world travels. I was fortunate enough to have be shown around all of the gites, each of which is gorgeous.||||A huge asset to any holiday is the location of the Chateau as it is in the middle of a picturesque village. Rare for rural France, there are restaurants and coffee stops a short stroll away so if you fancy a day or evening without driving you have everything you need on hand.||||Whilst perfect for a romantic couple’s break it would also be a brilliant base for a family holiday with plenty to do and see in the area. For the energetic, activities include canoeing, climbing and zip wires or for a more laid back pace there are beautiful medieval towns and villages to explore and many markets for a little retail therapy.||||Kay and David are kind, caring and generous hosts, nothing is too much trouble. Speaking to them about the renovation work they have undertaken to get the Château to such a high standard makes me marvel at their energy levels, imagination ...

I'd been to France numerous times before my last trip, but the truth was I may not have been doing it right until recently. Outside of Paris and a few other metropolitan areas, France, at its heart, is a rural country, A complex spider web of country roads and villages spread amongst farmlands, forests and hedgerows. By a stroke of luck and something beyond coincidence, I happened upon the small town of Bourdeilles, a town straight from the memory of some lost and forgotten poet. Cobblestone streets winding along the Dronne river, the smell of bread in the air, the ever heartwarming 'bonjour!' of those who live there and want to know your story, and perhaps tell theirs. Every Monday night they meet at the towns one restaurant to sing songs, drink wine, and of course, eat. Very soon I started to realize this was the way to live, for yourself and those around you, to be a community. Its something I can say I see very little of these days when traveling around the world, but I find comfort in knowing it exists in Bourdeilles.||||Kay and David, my gracious and selfless hosts, allowed me, a relative stranger, into their home with their amazing family for three unforgettable weeks, and I can say without hesitation they were some of the happiest days Ive had in a long while. I look forward to returning this spring when the flowers are in bloom around the Chateau. Speaking of which, is in immaculate condition considering its 14th century beginnings. Like any good woman she has her secrets, but is willing to share them with anyone if they're willing to look. Im...