Septemeber Stay, Chateau La Thuiliere
Full disclosure, we visited Chateau La Thuiliere back in 2017, but I am 100% confident that the same things we adored about our stay will still be fully relevant to this day. It was around this time in 2017 that we visited, so I thought why not do a little throw back?
You know that feeling when you look back on something with such fond memories that you just smile? That is how I remember our stay at Chateau La Thuiliere. Like a beautiful dream I never wish to forget.
As you turn into the grounds, your breath is taken away. The road to the car park leads you through the grounds where you are greeted by Jordi, the owner. From our conversations with him, the Chateau has been a real labour of love to bring the building to the magnificent hideaway it is now.
Once you are all checked in, a quick tour around the Chateau and you are set to take a deep breath and relax. The Chateau has so many little spaces here and there that you can enjoy as a couple, but when it comes to meals, you are brought together, like a family.
Some delicious courses served at the communal dining table
You have a large communal sitting room with an honesty bar and a communal dining room where guests dine together, so you get that feeling of being 'at home' while still enjoying the incredible food and service you would expect from such a venue. The kitchen on the ground floor is another communal dining space where you can enjoy a feast of a breakfast to start the day right.
Kitchen at breakfast
Looking out across the grounds, you almost forget the 'main road' is there as the hedge line hides it from sight so you are left looking out across the stunning countryside. There is also an outside pool which I can confirm is not heated. On a hot summers day, this is delightful, on the day I decided to jump in, it was a rather 'refreshing' experience. I decided that for the rest of the trip, it was best just to pop my feet in.
Outside pool
Our room looked out over the back of the property, over the forest. This meant that when we woke up in the morning, we could lay in bed with the window open and listen to the birds, blissful! The way in which the rooms have been designed is really quite smart. The bathroom is almost like a self contained block that sits in the space without disturbing the architecture of the room and still being sympathetic to the surroundings. All modern amenities are there, while still allowing the historic gems to shine through.
Bedroom window
Speaking of gems, something else that also adds to the experience of stay at Chateau La Thuiliere is the little boulangerie just the down the road. The chocolate eclair is to die for. When you pick it up, the weight is unreal due to the filling but so delicious. If you fancy a little bike ride (as you can borrow bikes from the Chateau) then I would highly recommend that you pop down to grab a french delight.
I honestly cannot put into words how much I enjoyed our stay. I would highly recommend this to couples looking to have some time away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. I wouldn't suggest it is the ideal location for children or the elderly given the number of stairs.
The beauty of Chateau La Thuiliere, I think, is it's ability to make you feel at home in so many ways but also feel like you are staying at a luxury venue in others. It is a tricky thing to get this balance, to make your guests feel so welcome, but not taking away the magic of the experience of being on holiday. And Jordi and his team have managed to do this. The other thing is that they are always there, but also not. If you need someone, you will find them, if you don't you wont. Again, not an easy thing to achieve, but done so perfectly at Chateau La Thuiliere.
(All pictures taken & owned by SistersDineOut unless otherwise stated)
