Dust on the Bottle in Bordeaux, Aquitaine

Dust on the Bottle Self-Catering

Owned by two sisters with five children between them, it's fair to say your hosts know a thing or two about creating a family-friendly getaway. With its generous layout, relaxed atmosphere and wide selection of outdoor spaces – including a heated pool, three acres of fenced garden, swings and a well-equipped games room – for those who like the idea of letting their children roam free, this six-bedroom home could be a perfect choice.

Inside, you'll uncover an abundance of French rustic charm, with plenty of period features. Grand fireplaces, sparkling chandeliers and gnarled beams sit untouched since the home's halcyon days as a winemaking chateau. Split across the ground and first floors, there are six king-size bedrooms with four en-suite bathrooms and one large family bathroom with an inviting freestanding tub.

Despite the feeling of privacy and seclusion, the property is very accessible – just ten minutes from Saint-Émilion and well within an hour of Bordeaux and its airport. We'd suggest carving out some time for yourself to enjoy a distinctly French day out wine tasting at the countless vineyards within a short drive of the property, or booking a tee time at one of the nearby eighteen-hole golf courses.

When stocking up on essentials, there's practically a food market every day of the week, so you can steer clear of the supermachés and shop the way the locals do. And if all that poolside relaxing has drained you of any desire to cook, your hosts can help organise a private chef. Alternatively, there are plenty of top-notch restaurants within a short drive.


Home truths:
*Access to the home is via a private entrance
*There are three en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor, so the home may be suitable for those with more limited mobility
*Given the home's location, a car is a necessity – there's ample on-site parking available
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot, highchair, potty, bottle steriliser, pushchair, plastic tableware, changing mat, and a baby bath are available
*The welcome pack includes bread, jam, cheese and wine
*The pool is open seasonally – the owner can decide to close the swimming pool out of season for any reason
*Three of the king-size beds can be split into twins for maximum flexibility
*The discreet owners live in an adjoining home which is accessed separately