The Gatehouse

STEP INTO THE FAIRYTALE WORLD of The Gatehouse, a love nest deep in the heart of France’s beautiful Dordogne region. This little nid d’amour sits in the grounds of a 15^th century French chateau.

Still retaining original features, the rustic-chic Gatehouse is split over three floors, providing everything you need for a holiday à deux. The sitting room has a cosy inglenook fireplace perfect for snuggling up in front of on a cool winter’s day.

Owned by Lady Sarah Tetley-Hall, this romantic hideaway for one or two couples overlooks an ornamental lake fed by the bubbling Menoire River. Its entrance is lined with ancient plane trees.

Wander up into the adjacent round tower to the stone-floored kitchen, where you can rustle up dinner with local chanterelle mushrooms, truffles and lamb from the nearby food markets. Dine under the stars, overlooking the lake on the outdoor patio – perfect for catching a tan in summer months.

Scarlet-walled snug

The stunning master suite sprawls beneath an arched timbered ceiling. Sink into the grand four-poster bed wrapped in wispy gossamer drapes, or get drenched under the rainforest shower and then wrap up in a fluffy bathrobe.

On the first floor you’ll find the scarlet-walled snug where you can snug up in front of a movie, watch TV or simply read a book. There’s also a second bedroom here, where silk bedspreads, crisp cotton sheets and cashmere throws are complemented by chic Colefax and Fowler wallpaper and an atmospheric black floral bathroom complete with a double-ended bath for two.

A breakfast of fresh fruits, bread and cheese is brought to the Gatehouse by the ‘chateau fairy’ every morning. Champagne, fresh fruit and flowers welcome guests arriving at this fairytale little French nid d’amour.

© Room for Romance