The Rayet Residence

dordogne, southwest france
7 bedroom - 7 bath
(0 reviews)
Travel dates:
1
Adults
1
Children (Ages 4-17)
0
Children (Ages 0-3)
0
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€890 - €1,568 per night (EUR)
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Perks for the Parents

A historic château in Villeréal, one of France’s most beautiful villages, with fun activities for kids and an at-home gym. It sleeps 14. The château is the perfect holiday home for guests of all ages. Relax in the sun, enjoy leisurely meals together under the trees and simply soak up the peace and tranquility. Standing in a beautiful courtyard encircled by a moat, this 19th century property is ideal for large families, multi-generational trips or groups to share - each spacious bedroom has its own bathroom and there’s a separate 1-bedroom atelier which is perfect for grandparents or a nanny. Take in the beautiful 3.5-metre-high ceilings, the bewitching grand staircase and the blissful expansive grounds - every aspect of the chateau is pure magic.

Why Kids Love it

This enchanting and magical castle has endless gardens and 2 bridges over a walled moat - a truly fairytale setting! Kids adore the sense of history and uniqueness of the building, and there is so much for children to do: the heated swimming pool area, football goals, table tennis, darts, snooker and pool, table football, cricket, badminton, and go-karting. Indoors, they’ll find lots of space to play and relax: there are 3 reception rooms - an adult drawing room, a family tv room and then the snug, so you can set up movie nights or family games while other family members have their space and privacy. For parents with babies or toddlers, the hosts can provide travel cots and high chairs.

Things to Know

Minimum stay: 7 nights. Maximum stay: 90 nights. Safety notes: the moat does mean there is open water, but if you're in the property and the courtyard, there are walls, buildings and gates before the open water. Pets may be allowed for an additional fee of €150 per pet per stay, with a maximum of 2 pets. There is a gym with Peloton bike and a snooker/pool room. High speed internet is also available for those who need to work. It’s around 35 minutes by car from Bergerac airport. Car rental is essential here to explore the region.

About the Location

The house is located less than 5 minutes by car from Villeréal, one of the most beautiful villages of France, with great restaurants, cafés, bakeries and shops. The village was founded in 1269 by Alphonse de Poitiers, occupied by the English from 1279 to 1453. King Edward I of England signed the “Charte des Coutumes de la Cité” on 20 April 1288, which set the rules of life in the village community and fixed Saturday as the market day. The market day is still every Saturday, as it has been for nearly 750 years, around the amazing 14th century market hall. The Tourism Office has a guided walk through the village so that you don’t miss the Leper House with its elaborate sculpted door. Nestled on the border of Dordogne and Lot & Garonne, it’s a gateway to exploring a region rich in history and natural beauty, from prehistoric caves and bustling markets to countless châteaux and vineyards, charming bastide towns and breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, river valleys and limestone cliffs.

Accommodation Details

The property has 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, set across a main chateau building and a single floor atelier in the courtyard. The ground-floor atelier in the courtyard features a double bedroom with an open-plan sitting room, while the other 6 bedrooms are situated on the first floor of the main château. There are 4 bedrooms along the front of the chateau which are in pairs of 2 bedrooms - one is a double and the other a twin. Each pair of bedrooms is connected with double communicating doors (which can be locked) which ensure that parents can easily access their children. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom. You’ll find 2 stately halls, numerous reception rooms (including a drawing room, a cozy snug, a family TV and games room, a pool table room, a dining room and a private study). Outside, you'll be drawn to 2 main areas: the enchanting courtyard, perfect for al fresco dining under the shade of mature trees and for playing pétanque; and the pool area, featuring a heated 14 x 5-meter swimming pool, a covered seating area, shower and WC.

Style Notes

Historic Château. This 18th century château has been totally renovated to bring it into the 21st century and create a family-friendly home. The bespoke kitchen is stunning and very well equipped, with a gorgeous marble island and plenty of space to prepare family meals. There are heaps of period features and architectural details, including exposed limestone walls, huge windows and original shutters, beamed ceilings, travertine marble floors, parquet floors and fireplaces... it's perfect for parents with a love of history or architecture. We love the impressive gym (a worthy anachronism), the freestanding traditional bathtub and the grand blue front door.

  • Air Conditioning
  • Baby Bath
  • Baby Monitor
  • Babysitter / Nanny
  • Backyard / Garden
  • Balcony
  • Bathtub
  • Bed Rails
  • Bicycles
  • Cabinet Locks
  • Changing Table
  • Chef / Catering
  • Children's Dinnerware
  • Corner Guards
  • DVD Library
  • DVD Player
  • Dishwasher
  • Elevator
  • Fireplace Guards
  • Game Console
  • High Chair
  • Housekeeper
  • Outlet Plugs
  • Parking
  • Pet-friendly
  • Pool
  • Pool Gate
  • Stair Gates
  • Television
  • Toys / Children's Books
  • Washer / Dryer
  • Wifi
  • Window Guards
SLEEPS 14
5 queen
4 twin / single
sleeps 2
2 travel crib
Payment policy
An initial payment of 40% is required to confirm your booking and the balance is due 3 months before your arrival. If you are booking within 3 months before your arrival then the full payment is required at the time of booking.
Cancellation policy
If you need to cancel the hosts will try their best to re-let the property, and if successful we will refund your payment in full less any expense or loss incurred by us. We recommend you take out travel insurance. Any cancellations are also subject to a Kid & Coe cancellation fee.
Gareth R.
Member since October 08, 2024
Contact Host
We fell in love with Château du Rayet on first sight in 2022 and decided very quickly that this was the place for us. Being in the French countryside, amongst nature and sleeping in a building that has stood for hundreds of years has a calming and relaxing effect on us all. For my wife Becky and me, used to working in the hustle and bustle of London, it’s our sanctuary away from the noise and pressures of city life. It’s incredible how all that slips away once we’re sat in the courtyard, enjoying the sunshine and a glass of wine listening to the kids playing happily together in the pool. We’re excited to be able to share this wonderful place that makes us very happy with other people. We want them to also experience the same “wow factor” that we did when we first crossed the bridge over the moat and saw the château gleaming in the sun. It’s a property that works brilliantly for all ages, for families or for groups of friends, and we’re delighted to share it with you.

Dordogne, Southwest France

The green heart of France

The rural farming heart of France is a fantastic destination for a family getaway, amid fields of sunflowers and pretty market towns. The Dordogne river itself is good for canoeing and swimming, and there are castles and chateaux to explore, caves painted with prehistoric images and, this being France, sensational food.