Romantic C13 fortified Chateau within walking distance of 'Bastide' village - Chateau Pelat

Chateau Pélat is one of the most fascinating properties we represent – historic, romantic, comfortable and civilised, with swimming pool, tennis court, dining terraces and wide grass areas bordered by shady old trees…perfect for a large family or group of friends.

As you work your way through the outskirts of the ancient ‘bastide’ village of Jegun, you may wonder what you will find when you arrive…and you will not be disappointed! You will first see glimpses of a group of solid stone buildings set amongst trees at the end of a long track. These glimpses resolve into the old Gatehouse with its wide carriage doors, the long perimeter wall and beyond this the windows and round staircase tower of the C12 Chateau itself.

The track takes you under trees and round the side of the attractive old wine-making buildings, up to the massive double wooden doors of the main entrance into the walled garden in front of the Chateau. As you enter here, you will find immediately on your right the original Round Tower and set into this, the massive oak entrance door with its old iron knocker. Beyond this is a charming, small East-facing terrace – perfect for morning tea or outdoor breakfast.

The property has stunning views that extend across the rolling hills of Gascony as far as the Pyrenees mountains about two hours’ drive to the South. The house and connected buildings are beautifully sited around a large walled garden with lawns and trees, offering lots of sitting areas in sun and shade. On the far side of the garden from the house, stone steps wind down to the pool and tennis court, both well sited on a lower, sheltered terrace.

The history of Pélat is closely linked to that of the nearby, very attractive, mediaeval ‘bastide’ village of Jegun, which you will enjoy exploring. Pélat and three other outlying fortresses were built at the same time as Jegun, around 1180. In fact, so closely linked are the house and village that there are the remains of a ‘secret’ tunnel linking the two places!

For the last thirty of its 800-year history, Pélat has been owned by an English family who have only recently decided to make it available for occasional holiday rentals. Very much a family home, Pélat provides great style and comfort within its massive stone walls.

Pélat provides very flexible accommodation. It can sleep up to ten adults in great comfort in the main house together with the one-bedroom “Bergerie’’. There is further space for an additional 4-6 children/teenagers, depending on ages, in the (summer only) “Tower” and “Owl” bedrooms.

The old doorway in the Round Tower leads to the ground floor of the main house and to the very fine original stone spiral staircase going up to the first floor. From the entrance hall you will gain access to the “Grand Salon”, the “Petit Salon” and the kitchen, all of which have many original medieval features, complemented by contemporary ‘objets d’art’. The Grand Salon is a particularly impressive and attractive room which includes the large dining table and has the original three metres wide working fireplace (that you can walk into!) as well as three very large sofas that make for an extremely comfortable and relaxed space.

The Petit Salon is lined with bookshelves holding some of the owners’ amazing library, from which you may select some great holiday reading. This is also the TV room and best place for WIFI.

On the first floor a wide, light landing leads off from the stone spiral staircase to the three elegant, light and very comfortable double bedrooms, a twin room with two single beds, two bathrooms and a newly installed modern shower room, and an additional WC.

Close by the main house are the other summer bedrooms and apartments. The Bergerie is really romantic - a suite of double bedroom/sitting room with a fireplace, a shower room with WC and basin, and a breakfast kitchen cupboard. The Owl bedroom has 2 large single beds and an ensuite bathroom, plus a covered outside sitting area in the old Gate House. The Tower bedroom in the old Gatehouse is accessed by a steep wooden staircase and has two bunk beds, sleeping 4 children. The outhouses also contain a laundry room, and a games area with table tennis table, pinball machine, archery equipment and other games.

The 40 acres of grounds include places for eating, drinks, games, walks, sitting and reading – or simply enjoying the fabulous views. Pélat has its own vineyard, and you will have an opportunity to taste the wine of ‘Chateau Pélat’ – another way for you to enjoy this truly wonderful and unique country house in Gascony.