Domaine de la Barde

Nestled in the Dordogne valley, this beautiful French chateau is being restored back to it's former glory. Tim & Krys from Chateau DIY are the proud owners and restorers. See the gallery below for more images of their beautiful estate and read my blog post to learn about this adventure. For those in the US, this show can be found on Peacock.

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Gallery

Domaine de la Barde

The view from the end of the gardens up to the manor reveal the extent of the grandeur. The newly placed lamp posts are a welcome added touch.

Small Gite

This small gite, or apartment, was originally a blacksmith shop and later became the bread ovens. Now it is being transformed into a small gite to let.

Side View

Driving into the property through the front gate, this is the view of the chateau between the large stately trees.

Front Gardens

Descending the front steps from the chateau patio are walkable gardens complete with fountain and cropped hedge trees.

Four Gites

This former walnut mill has now been converted to 4 gites to let. These are all complete with self-catering kitchens. Notice the dove cote in the wall above.

Small Gite Front View

This is the front view of the small gite. Apparently the kitchen will be upstairs. Waiting for the big reveal on this one.

Fruit Orchard

To the right of the main gardens and close to the chateau are the newly planted fruit orchard containing a variety of apple and pear trees.

Tennis Court

The tennis court restored to its former glory and use. The gravel path leads up to the court for a quick match.

Pool

Guests may take a refreshing swim in the large rectangular pool behind the orangery. The tile decking was nearing completion during our stay.

Terrace Dining

Too nice to eat your meal inside? Bring it out on the terrace in front of the chateau for a lovely view of the gardens.

Bamboo Forest

Many estates have bamboo forests on their premises. Krys has found a good use of the bamboo if you have watched the Chateau DIY series.

Ancient Trees

The unique feature of this estate are the very large trees watching over and shading the property. What stories they could tell!

Front Entrance

Marquee

Stag

Talking Tree

Lawn

Fountain

Proud Owners

Front Steps

Iris

Magenta Flower

Roses

Pool Table

Great Room

Large Armoire

Sand Fresco

Grand Staircase

Planned Entrance

Upstairs Bedroom

Garden View

New Wallpaper

Big Sky

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Domaine de la Salle

One hour forty five minutes northwest of Bordeaux in the French farmland sits a hamlet containing the stately Domaine de la Salle owned by Mariam & Jono. This 17th Century chateau exhibits wilding gardens and is surrounded by vast farmland.

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Gallery

Domaine de la Salle

Such a stately house with elegant tall windows. The front section was added in the 18th century to give it a more formal entrance.

Garden View

From a kitchen window, the air is so fresh, cool, and clear that in the morning hours, as the sun is coming up, the outside is invited in.

Garden Flowers

Out the side door off the kitchen, the greeting of lovely wild flowers and roses at any time of day is a feast for the eyes.

Side View

Once pulling into the drive where the outbuildings are located, the varying layers of building history are revealed, the front being the last to be built.

Breakfast Feast

Every morning Jono would go to town to the local bakery and we would sit outside and enjoy fresh breads, jams, coffees and good conversation.

Shelling Walnuts

One of my favorite memories was sitting at the kitchen table, shelling walnuts, drinking tea, and listening ro french music with a bit of middle eastern flair.

Pendant Art

In the center of the kitchen is a large oak island that is a piece of art but if you look above it, the unique pendant light arrangement was designed by Mariam.

Cafe au lait Suite

The Cafe au lait Suite is likely the best suite in the house. It overlooks the front garden and contains a luxury on-suite bathroom.

On-Suite Bathroom

The luxury bathroom sits behind the Cafe au lait bedroom and has a large window that overlooks the west gardens.

Hamlet Neighbors

A short walk away are neighbors to visit and check in on. This whimsical garden is their work of art with a wilding twist.

Market Day

Saturdays are popular market days in the local town of Rochefort. Fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, breads and cheeses fill the booths of each vendor.

Fresh Fish Market

Market Day continued from the fresh fruits and vegetables in the streets to the fish market under cover. Fresh seafood abounds!

Afternoon Tea

Sewing Room

Kitchen & Dining

Evening Sky

Chicken Run

Visiting Neighbors

Flea Market Finds

Colorful Cactus

Mariam's Wall Art

Mariam Artist

Fashion & Cats

Bedroom View

Wild Poppies

Tree-Lined Driveway

Red Dahlias

Bee Hive

Unique Staircase

Bedroom Windows

Grain Fields

Antique Oak Island

Wild Flowers

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Chateau du Puits
es Pratx

In the southern region of France near Narbonne and closer to the ocean sits the Chateau du Puits es Pratx. This chateau runs as a wedding & events venue and is owned by Tim & Sasha with help from their daughter Lily and her husband Luke.

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Entrance Sign

Wellness Garden

Private Retreat

Rear Gardens

Bamboo Greenhouse

Kinetic Wind Sculpture

Tour Guide Luke

Another Wind Sculpture

Rooster & Chickens

Back Terrace

Dining Courtyard

Oak Barrel Dining

Garden of Discovery

Private Viewing Bench

The View

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Chateau de la Fare

On the eastern side of southern France, about an hour's drive from Montpellier in Cendras, lies the magnificent Chateau de la Fare hidden amongst the trees. Driving from either direction on the local road, this beauty is barely visible until you are upon it and then a surprise of the grandeur encapsulates you.

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Gallery

Chateau de la Fare

This aerial photo from the chateau brochure best reveals the beautiful chateau otherwise hidden in the trees from the ground view.

Entry Door

A door fit for a castle. Upon driving through the front gate and parking your car, this is your entry into the castle, heavy iron knocker and all.

Entrance Hall

Entering into the chateau through the large wooden doors, you are greeted with these beautiful curved archways in the ceilings.

Bedroom Fit for Royalty

Entering into this room in the suite gives one the impression of being king or queen for a day. All others must ask if they can approach the majesty.

Room with a View

View from the window of the main suite bathroom. Can you just imagine waking up to this scenery every morning to the multitude of birds chirping?

Grand Suite Bedroom

This second bedroom of the grand suite sleeps two. It joins with the other 'royal' room with a kitchen and bath inbetween.

Mountain View

On the east side of the chateau is a lush green and view of the surrounding mountains. In the Spring this area is full of flowers.

Kitchen

The chateau kitchen abounds in size and function. Complete with large cooking pot and pizza oven, this kitchen served the many former occupants.

New Suite

Discussing accomplishments of the day, me - our travels, Philip and Janet - their progress on the new room for the upcoming filming.

Another Grand Bedroom

This room was completed in one of the seasons and is ready for reservations, along with several others. It is complete with on-suite bath and small kitchen.

Stormy Sky

Due to the proximity of mountains, the sky could change quickly to interesting clouds and hues of blue. Occasionally a brief shower would quench the earth.

Local Park

The greenery abounds in Cendras due to its setting in the Cevennes mountainous region. This park in the village of Malataverne is a good walk from the castle.

Entry Inside View

Handy Philip

Elaborate Armoire

Bathroom Window

Grand Staircase

Ground View

Starting Point

Unfinished Upstairs

Orangery

Village Roses

Grain Fields

Mosaic Floor

Sejour

Royal Mementos

Riding Boots

Numerous Levels

Host Janet

Nearby Uzes

Jasmine

Window Garden

Pont du Gard

The Journey
2023

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Merci Beaucoup

Thank you for stopping by. Be sure to read the blog posts in addition to viewing the wonderful photo galleries. Come back soon to learn about the next chateau in our adventure as several are already planned for 2024. In the meantime, a few blog posts will feature some French Canadian chateaux.

Blog

Domaine de la Barde

Gallery

The next Chateau...

Domaine de la Salle

Gallery

The next Chateau...

Chateau du Puits es Pratx

The next Chateau...

Chateau de la Fare

Gallery

The Journey 2023

Merci Beaucoup

Chateau du Puits
es Pratx

The Journey
2023