Chàteau des Granges

Chambres d'hôtes, Valeuil, Dordogne, France

Reviews

A chateau with a view. We stumbled upon this chambre d'hote via the tourist office in Brantome. It was an absolute 'find', an ancient chateau painstakingly and expertly renovated by owners, Geoff and Christine who made us very welcome. We were only going to stay for one night, but decided on two as it was such a pleasant place. We were shown to the blue room, which was enormous and had an en-suite bathroom larger than some hotel bedrooms we have stayed in, it contained a large bath, wash basin, state of the art shower and toilet. The breakfast was a cornucopia of breads, pastries, fruit, yogurt, juice and coffee, accompanied by our hosts entertaining us with tales of their restoration work. The chateau is set in its own grounds well off the road and one of its boundaries is the local river. The location is very peaceful and quiet.
A real gem in the Dordogne. We've just returned from Le Grange, the second visit in twelve months. It's the perfect place to stay. The location is superb, lots of things to see and do. The chateau is amazing, and the warmth of the welcome is second to none. We spent this morning exploring the grounds, absolutely stunning, with the river running through. Nothing seems too much trouble for all Tim, our host, who made this short break with our grandchildren very special. They loved being there and felt very relaxed. She certainly has a way of making you feel like family. The breakfast is far and away the best I have ever experienced in France, delicious and copious. We shall certainly return, again and again...
I left a piece of my heart there. In moments I fell in love with this magnificent chateau. Christine and her family welcomed us into their beautiful home and had no objection to the dogs staying. I have two Jack Russell terriers. We were given the very lovely Blue Room; the first to be renovated I believe. It was immaculately and beautifully restored with an en suite bathroom complete with huge bath and a modern shower that just extended the feeling of old world opulence. Breakfast was a wonderful selection of bread and pastries especially chosen for us by Christine from the local artisan baker. When I went there later on in the day and asked about the bread the bakers wife knew immediately who we were and sold me the same loaf. Also included with the breakfast were tea or coffee, fruit juices and cereal. We were encouraged to explore the grounds, the moat and the gardens and walked by the river morning and evening with our dogs. It was so interesting and there was so much to see and learn about and that was without even leaving the property! We will definitely go back again. I really have to you see I need to look for the piece of my heart that I left there...
Seeing is believing! Where to start? First of all, this is not "Speciality", but neither is it a Hotel. But to describe it only as Bed and Breakfast, which it is, does not really do it justice! Let's do a tour. The approach. Tranquil countryside, villages that typify "La France", greenery, a wide driveway, stone-built buildings, an iron gate, a circular fountain in the middle of a lawn (see picture) and a facade that could only be a French chateau. The entrance. It just had to be a checked floor and a winding stone staircase (see picture)! The hosts. We could not have been more warmly welcomed. Tea on the lawn or a glass of wine in the lounge area, chatting about life in France or the UK, whatever, they clearly enjoy having guests to stay with them and do their very best to put you at ease and make you feel at home. The rooms. Well. Spacious doesn't begin to describe our room! The bed was comfortable, the en suite was well equipped and plenty big enough. Sure, the floorboards creak, but why wouldn't they in an authentic chateau?! The breakfast. Served in a congenial atmosphere there was an abundance of everything, fruit, cereals, bread - hardly a PETIT dejeuner at all! And decent tea, not always a "given" in French hotels! The grounds. Rolling down to the river Dronne where you can swim in safety. Acres of grass, trees and sheltered undergrowth. The mystery. whilst exploring the grounds, close to the river bank, try to find Mary (see picture). Who was she? Why is she there? For whom does she look so sad? Let your imagination run away, whatever your age - even put a story on Trip Advisor!? All this seems too good to be true? Try it, because seeing is believing!