Château Ribagnac

• Sleeps: Varies
• Bedrooms: Varies
• Bathrooms: Varies
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Filled with magic and mystery, Château Ribagnac was thought to have been constructed in-between the 1640s and 50s, during the reign of Louis XIII.

Since its original days of war and revolution, the fairytale-like Limousin castle became a haven for artists and lovers of the finer things in life; such as porcelain, for which the region is famous. Legend also has it that during World War Two, the castle was used as a secret Resistance hospital.

Current owners Patrick and Colette, both former City lawyers, fell head-over-heels in love with Château Ribagnac from the moment they visited, and since 2003 have worked tirelessly to restore its unique character… also adding a few stylish twists all of their own!

The result is five spectacular, individually-styled rooms or suites to choose from, all with en-suite bathrooms stocked with fluffy towels and locally-made organic soap.

If you’re a small family celebrating something special, choose the Grand Suite, with its marble fireplace, oak floors, and magnificent parkland views. Equipped with a downy queen bed, there’s also a twin room and separate space for a baby, complete with a cot and changing station.

The Honeymoon Suite is ideal for romantic couples; secluded in the square tower and boasting a beautiful balcony that overlooks the parkland. Meanwhile, the large, traditional Hydrangea Suite boasts a sculpted fireplace, a glistening chandelier, and meadow-facing stained-glass windows, in a mesmerising space formerly used by the ladies of the château to receive their guests.

Last but not least, the quirky Beamed Suite, beautifully furnished in art deco style, adjoins the double Governess Room with its gorgeous glass skylight, in a combination that’s particularly perfect for family holidays.

At a glance

• A 16th century castle with five rooms or suites, secluded amongst 35 hectares of garden, meadow, and woodland in Limousin, France.
• Perfect for couples and families alike, each room or suite features luxurious en-suite bathroom facilities, with towels and organic soap provided.
• The Beamed Suite and adjoining Governess Room can be booked together for a family of up to 5.
• There are also two self-catering gîtes in or around the castle grounds, sleeping 4-7 guests.
• Château guests are invited to spend evening meals with the owners at their communal ‘guest table’, at which a five-course meal with an aperitif and wine is served, for an additional fee per person. Children are served a main course and dessert all together, a little earlier so the adults can unwind for the evening!
• Guests are welcome to explore the castle’s expansive grounds, which include a vegetable garden and a swimming pool with sun-loungers.

Features

• Family Friendly
• Large Groups
• Swimming Pools

More information

If you prefer a self-catering break, there are three furnished gîtes – or, holiday cottages – to choose from, set in beautiful grounds and sleeping between four and seven guests.

However, if you’ve chosen a room in the château itself, then you’ll be cordially invited to dine with Patrick and Collette at their guest table each evening… a fun and heartily convivial experience, during which you will break bread with many new and interesting people!

Following the table d’hôte tradition, which originally offered tenants and farm workers the chance of a hearty meal after a long day in the fields, you will be served an aperitif followed by a mouth-watering five-course meal, freshly prepared from local ingredients and washed down with good wine and coffee.

Note: the children will be served a main course and dessert all together, a little earlier so they can go to bed at their usual time and the adults can unwind for the rest of the evening!

What else? You will have the chance to explore the 36 hectares of gardens, meadows, and wildlife-steeped woodland completely at your leisure, or simply grab a sun-lounger by the shimmering turquoise swimming pool.

(It’s a difficult choice, but someone has to make it!)

Things to note

Although the castle has stairs, they are wider and easier to traverse than modern stairs, making getting around a little easier for guests with mobility issues. Please enquire to book the whole Château. The cottages are booked Saturday to Saturday for 1 week minimum stay during mid & high season. Out of season the cottages can be booked for the weekend.