Domaine de Vieux-Mareuil, Dordogne: A sustainable and stylish château escape
Where?
Scattered around the scenic countryside of Dordogne, south-west France, you’ll find a stunning quartet of private estates to make home for a long weekend, or enjoy a week with family and friends as you take in the idyllic views of the region and excellent local cuisine.
It’s around an 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Bordeaux airport, with flights from London airports taking the same amount of time. Though if you’re feeling adventurous take a road trip as part of your vacation with transfer cars available and the stunning French vistas to take in en route as you make your journey.
The properties are near Brantôme (dubbed the Venice of the Perigord) and Mareuil which boasts a medieval castle.
Style
Restored and curated impeccably to the vision of Madame Morlat – the long-standing proprietor who was born and raised here – each of the five locations are immaculately decorated with unique touches. There’s the 14-hectare, 11-bedroom Château de Chanet, with its individually named sleeping quarters, dry moat, swimming pool and outdoor cinema. Then the more modest four-bedroom La Villa de la Roussie with its panoramic views of the surrounding fields and forests of the region and idyllic sunset location. Plus an eight-bedroom Domaine de Bagatelle with its sunkissed terrace and pool, which overlooks perhaps the most idyllic fields in France. And last but not least, the nine-bedroom Domaine de Lavy, which is nestled in the hills of Saint-Pierre-de-Cole and boasts beautifully landscaped gardens and walking paths. Each estate offers tranquillity and the breathtaking scenery that London lacks.
“I love every property because each one contains a part of my soul and spirit,” says Madame Morlat. The designer’s passion for her family’s heritage and for saving these buildings for future generations is infectious. You can’t help but admire her determination. And from the permaculture gardens to ethical beekeeping, Morlat has paid close attention to sustainability with her vision for the estate.
Food and drink
Each location has its own private chef, who takes great pride when introducing each course, which is prepared using locally-sourced or home-grown ingredients in the permaculture vegetable garden. The day starts with an elaborate Continental breakfast consisting of croissants (of course) and other pastries, local cheeses, yoghurts, fruits and home-made preserves, with made-to-order eggs and fresh juices aplenty.
For lunch, I couldn’t resist the Confit de Canard (or Duck Confit) served with Sarladaise potatoes. The Perigold Salad with walnuts, duck gizzards and mixed greens was also a big hit. But dinner is the main event: Foie Gras with fig chutney and toasted brioche, Beef Tenderloin with truffle sauce and to finish it off (I’ve always got room for dessert) the most divine French Crème Brulee imaginable. Plus there’s Charcuterie (it just feels so royally opulent) and I was in heaven when we were presented with the finest cured meats and local cheeses spread imaginable. As for beverages, obviously when in France you should drink Champagne.
Facilities
Each location offers a concierge service, housekeeping and acres of land to roam around and lose yourself in the tranquillity of it all. Our highlights were the truffle hunting with the local expert and his sniffer dog; wine tasting and the outdoor cinema. It comes with blankets, beanbags, fairy lights and copious amounts of popcorn from the retro vending machine.
Each location also has padel and tennis courts. Feeling less energetic? Take a morning dip in your villa’s heated swimming pool.
The estates also maintain beehives on-site as part of an initiative to support biodiversity and the preservation of our pollinator friends. The sweet reward? The golden nectar extracted from different beehives which offer a variation of flavours depending on their habitual location. Perfect for spreading over homemade fresh-out-the-oven sourdough.
Extracurricular
The nearby historical medieval town of Brantôme is well worth a visit to take in the Insta-friendly Dronne River that runs through it which is lined with half-timbered houses and stone bridges. The 8th century Benedictine abbey is a mix of Gothic and Roman architecture. Pop into the quaint French shops for local delicacies. And for a lazy stroll around a sleepy village, head to nearby Mareuil-en-Perigold to discover the medieval castle.
Which room?
Mostly named after historical women, each room has its own unique style and story to tell. We stayed in the ‘Lady Purple’ room at Château de Chanet with a king size bed, chic en suite bathroom with rolltop bath, adjoining reading room and turret windows. The various rooms are interlinked, and it feels a little like you’re in Alice in Wonderland as you venture through the each chapter of the building – discovering quirky artefacts, paintings and artworks each with a personal story attached to Madame Morlat. Try to find the secret corridor and winding steps to a secret hideout room.
Best for
Families looking for a large venue where they can enjoy the privacy of their own bedrooms but share communal dining and leisure spaces together. It really is a home from home destination. It would also perfectly suit a wedding party.
Details
Rates start from €3000 per night for the whole estate; excludes activities. domainedevieuxmareuil.com
