Knight Takes Rook in Bordeaux, Aquitaine

Knight Takes Rook Self-Catering

As featured on Channel 4’s ‘Escape to the Chateau', this 12th-century castle once saw involvement in the Hundred Years' War, but now offers a storybook retreat. You'll be touching centuries of history as you brush past stone walls and walk spiral staircases. Imagine rolling out of a four-poster bed and admiring the valley views from a former lookout, then curling up in the lounge to learn some French phrases.

Sip cafe au lait before hopping in the plunge pool on summer days. To forget all about your medieval surroundings, rustle up a barbecue dinner and take photos beneath the wisteria. Alternatively, why not hire a private chef to cook a feast fit for a king? In the atmospheric dining room, you'll saunter atop chestnut floors and break bread with your loved ones beside a grand fireplace.

Perched above a vegetable farm, you can stock the kitchen with fresh produce at the weekly village market. Furthermore, this superb home sits within driving distance of several landmarks, including the Château de Beynac – an old stronghold of Richard the Lionheart. From canoeing along the Dordogne river to picnicking in the nearby forest, there's plenty to do in the countryside.

Home truths:
*Due to the thick stone walls, the wi-fi here doesn't reach all rooms – it is mainly available in the master bedroom and dining room
*The fourth bedroom in the small tower is only accessible through a spiral staircase via the third bedroom
*Guests have access to all areas of the home, apart from the third floor which is not occupied
*Your host can provide a high chair for free
*You'll receive pool towels to use during your stay
*The owner requires guests to sign an agreement prior to their arrival, and the party leader must be over the age of 25
*There’s free parking here – due to the location of this home, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay
*The fireplaces in this home are not operational