We fell in love with Château du Rayet on first sight in 2022 and decided very quickly that this was the place for us. We (Gareth and Becky and our children Laila and Zac) live in the UK but after a few holidays with the kids and our dogs in and around the Dordogne, we decided we wanted our own home in France. 

What caught our hearts about the Château du Rayet was a combination of the magnificent architecture of the buildings, the beautiful countryside and the fact that it was so close to such a thriving town as Villeréal. We also loved the sense of history about the property; becoming one in a long line of custodians stretching back hundreds of years to the time when the Baron of Rayet lived in the château.   

We’re delighted with the renovations. Our goal was to reveal and pay homage to as many of the original features of the château as we could, while making it a comfortable home with modern amenities. We think that we’ve achieved that goal and we hope that our guests will agree and that you’ll love spending time here like we do.

Being in the French countryside, amongst nature and sleeping in a building that has stood for hundreds of years has a calming and relaxing effect on us all. For Becky and me, used to working in the hustle and bustle of London, it’s our sanctuary away from the noise and pressures of city life. It’s incredible how all that slips away once we’re sat in the courtyard, enjoying the sunshine and a glass of wine listening to the kids playing happily together in the pool.   

We’re excited to be able to share this wonderful place that makes us very happy with other people. We want them to also experience the same “wow factor” that we did when we first crossed the bridge over the moat and saw the château gleaming in the sun. It’s a property that works brilliantly for all ages, for families or for groups of friends, and we’re delighted to share it with you.