MORE ABOUT THE CHATEAU
Chateau Robert is a spectacular house set in the rolling hills of Gascony, a region regarded by many to be the gastronomic heart of France. The Chateau, which was built in the mid 18th Century is set on high ground and enjoys stunning views down a broad valley to the west and, to the Pyrenees in the South. The interior of the house has been recently renovated and refurbished and is comfortably furnished throughout. All eight bedrooms have new en suite bathrooms. The Chateau is set in mature parkland with extensive lawns and provides a wonderful base from which to explore the Bordeaux wine region to the north, the Pyrenees Mountains to the South and the Atlantic coast to the west, all of which can be reached by car in one hour. Ten minutes drive away is the world‑renowned spa of EugenieLes‑Bains with Michel Guerard's Michelin 3‑star restaurant and, for the sport enthusiasts ‑ there are numerous challenging golf courses. surfing at Biarritz and trekking and fishing in the Pyrenees.
WHERE WE ARE
Local town: The abbey at Saint Sever is ten minutes away
Located on the border of the Landes and the Gets, this is a beautiful unspoilt corner of France characterised by undulating hills and arable farming. Wildlife abounds and it is not uncommon to see deer, badgers, foxes and the occasional wild boar. The area is famous for its production of Armagnac and there are numerous local wine producers, such as those of Tursan and Madiran. A number of the major wine estates of Bordeaux, particularly those around the beautiful town of St. Emilion can be reached in 1 hour.
To the west, the Atlantic coast can be reached in 45 minutes. This coastline is renowned for its spectacular golden sand beaches where the European surfing championships are held and, there are several challenging links and woodland golf courses that are open to the public. A short distance down the coast and close to the border of Spain, is the casino town of Biarritz and, thirty minutes drive further one can be in San Sebastian. South of the Chateau lie the Pyrenees Mountains and the historic pilgrimage town of Lourdes.
Grenade is a charming local town close to Chateau Robert
Closer to home, and ten minutes from the Chateau is the market town of Grenade Sur L'Adour. Aside from the typical brasserie, boulangerie and patisserie, the town has a beautiful small hotel, Pain Adour which has an outstanding restaurant on the bank of the Adour river. The beautiful abbey of Saint Sever is just ten minutes away in the other direction.
For those looking for the ultimate personal indulgence of a luxurious spa treatment rounded off by a meal in one of the best restaurants in France, Michel Guerard's EugenieLes‑Bains and Chez Guerard are a ten minutes drive to the south. The restaurant is justifiably renowned for its Michelin 3 stars and extravagant wine list. Adjacent to the spa is an ancient barn that has been wonderfiilly restored and converted into yet another superb restaurant, La Ferme Aux Grives. With a terracotta floor and stone walls, the menu epitomises French rural cuisine and includes a vast open fire that spit roasts `cochon au lait' and `poulet' as you order.
ABOUT CHATEAU ROBERT
Château Robert was built in the mid-1700s although the `Italianate Castle' west facade was built only at the turn of this century. The east front of the building opens onto mature gardens which are dominated by extensive lawns and mature trees and shrubs. At the end of the garden is the swimming pool and the newly constructed tennis court. With the house set on high ground, there are panoramic views to the south and west and the sun sets spectacularly down the line of the valley. The kitchen opens onto a broad terrace in front of the attached Orangerie, which is ideal for outdoor dining in the evening. Just below the terrace is a large permanent barbecue.
As a consequence of the beautiful proportions of the Chateau, despite being a large property, the rooms have a considerable feeling of warmth and comfort. All the rooms on both the ground and first floor have east or west facing views, which allow for large throughout with a mixture of European antiques from India dating back to the early days of the Raj, complemented by French regional antiques.
The ground floor is centered round a large entrance hall with a sweeping oak staircase to the first floor and the breakfast room which leads onto the garden. To one side of the entrance hall is the drawing room and the games room which has a table tennis table and pool table.
To the other side of the hall is the smoking room and TV room, the dining room and the kitchen. The kitchen is large, open plan with a new commercial twin oven with gas burners. It is ideally suited for casual meals and has a long table that can comfortably seat 18 people. The kitchen opens onto the terrace on the east side of the house. The TV room has UK satellite television with VCR and, a music system with a 25 CD changer.
The oak staircase opens onto a landing from which two halls lead off to either side. Immediately ahead in the central tower is the master bedroom and bathroom and either side are the other bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms. The master bedroom is a magnificent large east facing round room, dominated by a huge antique mahogany four‑poster bed. The bathroom for the master bedroom has a large round bath, antique dresser, built in antique armoire and separate washbasins.
The four bedrooms on the west side of the house open onto a terrace that runs the length of the building. The bedrooms are all different and have a mixture of antique wooden and brass four posters, or contemporary king or queen sized beds: two of the rooms have a pair of single beds. All of the bedrooms have new en suite bathrooms with bath and shower.
Attached to the house with access from the terrace is the Orangerie, which has also been fully renovated. The Orangerie consists of a large Sun room which is perfect for evening cocktails, and two bedrooms with attached bathroom.