Our Domain d’Essendiéras is situated on one of the highest hills of the Dordogne with a magnificent view over the valley of the Isle, bordered by the river de Loue and the Haut-Loue.
After taking over the dilapidated buildings in 1999, our history starts with the renovation of this charming French cultural heritage.
The total country estate has a surface area of 350 ha and consists of 7 farms with barns and ten labourers’ cottages. The centre is dominated by XVIth and XIXth century castles with annexes such as stables, barns, administrator’s residences, a large park and an orangerie.
From time immemorial it has always been an agrarian domain where highly prominent French families, often with a cultural or political background, resided.
The business foundation of the domain has also changed through the centuries. For example, tobacco and wine were cultivated in the XIXth century; the old tobacco lofts in the annexes are still intact, but due to a shortage of staff, these activities were replaced after WWI by a farm with livestock and arable farming. In the ‘60s, the previous owner, Sylvain Floirat, converted it into one of the largest apple orchards in Europe.
As the new owners, we also believe it is important to preserve this cultural heritage in its authentic state. We are permanently working on restoring all buildings to their original condition while trying to give them a new function.
The farms have been restored and prepared as holiday residences. We have employed the ‘Gîtes de France quatre etoiles’ standard, which means that there are at least two bathrooms and adequate comfort and living space.
Naturally, you will also find a magnificent heated swimming pool. Horse lovers can find what they are looking for on our domain. Take your horse along on holiday; we have stables, sufficient pasture and more than 100 ha of woods to enjoy for hours.
The outside walls of the XIXth-century castle have been completely restored. Also the XVIth-century castle has been completely renovated. It now accommodates different dining and seminar rooms as well as the bridal suites on the top floor.
http://www.essendieras.com

Château d'Essendiéras

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The Château de Hautefort is a French château and gardens located in the town of Hautefort in the Dordogne. The castle originally was a medieval fortress that was reconstructed in the 17th century, and embellished with a Garden à la française. In 1853, the landscape architect, Count of Choulot, redid the gardens, adding a landscape garden, geometric flower gardens, topiary gardens imitating the domes of the château, and a long tunnel of greenery. Next to the formal gardens is a hill with an Italian garden with winding shaded paths. Notable trees in the park include a Magnolia grandiflora and a Cedar of Lebanon. The gardens are listed by the Committee of Parks and Gardens of the Ministry of Culture of France as one of the Notable Gardens of France.
In popular culture
The Château de Hautefort was used in the 1966 film 13 (now known as Eye of the Devil).
The Château de Hautefort was featured in the 1998 film Ever After starring Drew Barrymore. The château was portrayed as the character Prince Henry's castle. Many of the film's scenes were shot in and around the Dordogne.

Château de Hautefort

The Château de Jumilhac is a modified castle in the commune of Jumilhac-le-Grand in the Dordogne département of France.
Its construction dates from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. The edifice is composed of the castle itself, constructed in the 15th century, and two wings added during the reign of Louis XIV. A covered porch and two arcaded walls link the ends of the wings and thus form an almost rectangular court of honour. At the rear façade is a terrassed lawn and an orangery. A parkland completes the site.
The central part was classified as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture in 1922, the right wing in 1923 and the left wing in 1924. The castle and gardens are privately owned but are open to the public.

Château de Jumilhac

In the middle of the magnificent valleys of the 'Périgord Vert', near to La Coquille, lies the Castle of Mavaleix (Château de Mavaleix), built in the 13th century. The domain spreads over 60 hectares with its beautiful forests, gardens, small lakes, meadows, fields and rivers. It is the ideal environment for those that wish to relax, be at one with nature and enjoy the quality of the lifestyle offered by the French countryside.
As soon as you enter, the medieval castle will transport you back to the time of knights and lords, adventures and romance. On exploration of the beautiful greenery of the park, with its centuries old trees, you will also discover the castles large vegetable garden, the swimming pool, along with a boules pitch and tennis court.
The castle of Mavaleix is the ideal place for an overnight stay, to enjoy a gastronomic meal, to hold a buisiness meeting or seminar, to celebrate a marriage or other festivity, all in a beautiful environment.It is the place for all those that appreciate that special 'attention to detail'.
History
In the Middle Ages the castle of Mavaleix was a fortress, built to protect the forges that were along the lenght of the small river 'La Valouze', against invasion from the occupying neighbours. The forges were vital as they produced weapons, instruments, keys and locks necessary for the nobility. The castle was, at the same time, the residence of certain "Master Ironsmith" who often acquired a noble title.
One of these illustrious residents was Nicolas-Emile Grenouillet of Mavaleix. This Master of the Forge, well liked within his entourage, was the mayor of the community of Chalais for several years. His imposing tomb, dating of the end of the 19th century, can be found hidden in the woods of the castle. This monument can be still be visited today, although his remains have been transferred to the cemetery of Chalais where one can admire a copy of his tomb.
Dreams of vacations…
The historical environment of the castle lends itself to a place of relaxation in the middle of the large open space of gardens, forests, fields and ponds.
At Mavaleix you will relax and resource yourself in a natural, healthy environment with a family ambiance.
At any given moment you can take yourself off to a charming corner, read a book, enjoy a drink at the bar, have a game of boules or parktake in a game of tennis… For children too, the castle is a real paradise; between the swimming pool, the farm animals and the park, they will meet friends from all over Europe.
Do not forget that the Dordogne is a region where there is a lot to discover and visit. You can take a canoe at Brântome (one of the most beautiful villages), visite the prehistoric caves of Villars, and stroll around the local markets and antique shops. Of course, there is a lot more to discover and we are available to advise you.
http://www.chateau-mavaleix.com

Château de Mavaleix

Near from Antonne, on the river banks of Isle, the chateau, formerly surrounded by a moat supplied by the river l'Isle. 
It consists of a lodging at the east-west, flanked by a square tower on the south and two round towers at the northeast and northwest. 
Its building started in 1494 for Dame Jeanne de Hautefort, Lord Jean de Saint-Astier's widow. 
The castle was besieged several times during the French religious wars and during the Fronde. 
It offers large grassed terraces that can welcome tents for receptions.
http://www.chateaux-france.com/chateau-des-bories-antonne-et-trigonant/