The Courtyard & the Moat

The Courtyard is a beautiful place for large breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It has beautiful views over the valley and a large wooden table that can seat at least 14 and is shaded by ancient trees which create a magical dappled light. Roses, wisteria and fig trees create a place you won’t want to leave.

There is a Weber BBQ situated in the shade of one of the barns which frame the courtyard - which makes a natural place for the BBQ-ers to congregate (cold beer in hand).

There are two 2-person hammocks perfect for lazing and enjoying a book or just finding some stillness to enjoy the peace and tranquility. The Courtyard is also the perfect place for playing fun, group games like boules and Molki.

The Château is on its own private, little island surrounded by the moat. For peace of mind, we have made sure that small children cannot access the moat from the Courtyard (protected by walls built from the same stone as the house and spring close gates).

The moat offers plenty of wildlife watching opportunities. There are plenty of heron which feed from the fish filled moat (you will hear and see the fish jumping) and even a pair of Kingfishers. You are very welcome to fish in the moat if that takes your fancy (there are some very big fish in there).

The Grounds

The Château is set in the beautiful, rolling hills of the South West French countryside with beautiful views over the valley of the Dropt to Villeréal.

The meadow behind the Château and the ancient woodland belongs to the Château so please feel free to take a stroll and look for the family of deer that live in there (they usually come out for an early breakfast and late dinner in the meadow behind the house).

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The Surrounding Area

The Dordogne is renowned for its spectacular views and limestone cliffs. The countryside is stunningly beautiful with river valleys, magical Châteaux, cliffs, caves and rolling hills full of vineyards. There is so much to explore and see (or you can just relax in a hammock!).

At Château du Rayet, your holiday will be nothing short of extraordinary

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We love the beautiful, old stairs which have had centuries of feet walking up and down them. I love to imagine the people and the stories they’ve witnessed. The craftsmanship and stone is exquisite and they look as stunning seen from underneath
This is the beautiful bathroom for one of the double guest rooms (the one with the stunning four poster bed). It has the beautiful zelige tiles, all individually laid, the bespoke wooden cabinet and the @fantini_official Italian shower and taps. The
I love this little corner of our island - it’s so peaceful watching the sunrise and listening to the dawn chorus with a coffee in hand. It’s a wonderful way to start the day and ready myself for whatever the day might bring.
The wisteria looks gorgeous against the wall of the house even without its flowers (although it seems to be in a fight with the trumpet vine). Modelled beautifully by Bernie the dog @cornishdoodles
The cabinetry in the guest en-suite is also made by hand by Adam who made the kitchen and the master en suite cabinetry. He poured so much care and attention to detail into every creation.