This stunning 17th century château, found just 80km south of Limoges in picturesque rolling countryside, is the ideal base to explore the beautiful region of the Dordogne. Château Tessyière is set within 15 acres of spacious grounds, gardens and orchards that open out onto to a lake with private woodland paths that lend themselves to leisurely strolls. The château had been in the same family for over 300 years – the Comtes de Tessyiere military family – and is the epitome of 17th century manor living. Now restored, all the rooms in Château Tessyière are individually furnished to an exceedingly high standard and are full of authentic French fabrics, antiques and silks. Château Tessyière is a truly magical holiday destination for kids, particularly those with a love for the outdoors, set within 11 acres of mixed woodland that will be sure to excite the imagination and adventurous spirit in kids of all ages. Further exploration of the grounds will reveal a number of deer, a fantastic local birdlife, a thriving world of creepy crawlies and a lake with many resident fish. There is also golf, canoeing and horse riding a short distance from the property. For those who prefer to stay within the comfort of the château there is no shortage of indoor entertainment including table football, badminton, and an extensive movie library for older kids, as well as a dolls house and toys for the younger ones. Features: Château Interiors Main Floor -    Stone-flagged entrance hall -    Grand Salon with antique furnishings -    Dining room  -    Bureau and petit salon -    Kitchen (recently updated with new, top of the range appliances) with two dishwashers, two fridges, microwave, stone sink, seating and open fire -    Large oak dining table with 8 seats (6 additional seats available in the dining room next door)  -    Utility/laundry room with pool changing/shower room First Floor -    4 x bedroom suites with double bed, antique furnishings and en suite bathroom Second Floor -    2 x bedrooms with twin beds, antique furnishings and en suite bathrooms Outside Grounds -    Swimming pool (6x12m, depth: 1.2-2.5m) with safety alarm and fencing -    Wildflower meadow -    Al-fresco dining terrace (by kitchen) with round table and valley views -    Al-fresco dining terrace (by salon) -    Arboretum/woodland overlooking a lake Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Heating -    Fireplace -    TV and DVD player -    Table tennis -    Laundry room Location: The nearest airports are Limoges (60km) and Bergerac (85km) and the nearest town is Thiviers, just over 1km away. Thiviers is a sizable traditional market town. It has three supermarkets plus a good range of shops, bars and a great market in the square on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The N21 runs between Limoges (68km) and Périgueux (33km) south of Thiviers. This is at the centre of the truffle and fois gras region of France at the northern end of the Dordogne. The château is found north-east of Saint-Émilion and the Bordeaux vineyards, north of the Bergerac wine area and south of the Loire. This is the perfect country for a food and wine tour. The castles of the Dordogne and fantastic Grotte de Villars are all also in close proximity. Popular local activities include tennis, golf, canoeing, cycling, walking, bird watching and nature trails. A beautiful horse race track can be found at the Pompadour just 40 mins to the east. Throughout the spring and early summer months National Hunt, eventing and dressage events take place. Terms & Conditions: Security deposit? £2000 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. Arrival time? 4.00 p.m. Departure time? 10.00 a.m. Energy costs included? Yes (except heating - see below). Heating costs included? Central heating included November to March, otherwise it's a charge of approximately £500/week, payable locally. Linen & towels included? Yes. Pets welcome? On request only (for one dog) and with prior agreement with the owner. Changeover day? Saturday. End of stay cleaning included? Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Smoking Allowed? No. Insurance? Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. Minimum stay? 7 nights. Other Ts and Cs? Please note that hot water is limited. Pool opening dates? Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.