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Renovation and reopening of the château
With more than 300 years of history, Château de la Forge is a living testament to the care and dedication of those who have loved it over the centuries. We fell under its spell the moment we first saw it in 2017 - captivated by its quiet elegance, even though it lacked virtually all modern comforts.
Since then, we've lovingly restored the château from the ground up. The entire house has been replumbed and rewired, central heating installed, and the layout thoughtfully reimagined for contemporary living. Each of the six bedrooms now features a stylish en-suite bathroom. While preserving original architectural details, we’ve added our own personal touch - at this point, we’ve pretty much lost count of how many litres of Farrow & Ball paint have found their way onto our walls.
We also created a generously sized swimming pool (18 by 4 metres), born from our own frustration with hotel pools too small for a proper swim. Positioned just beside the expansive west terrace with its traditional stone surface, the pool area is the ideal spot to dine alfresco or simply sit back and enjoy the sunset.
Now, we’ve decided to take this elegant home a step further—opening it up to guests, whether for a relaxing B&B stay or a full château experience. From intimate, exclusive events that span a few days to memorable family holidays, Château de la Forge offers a unique setting for gatherings of all kinds. Whether you're planning a celebration, a retreat, or simply time away with loved ones, we’ll work with you to create an unforgettable experience for your family, friends, colleagues, or clients.
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Arriving to Château de la Forge
Château de la Forge is at the heart of a 32-acre estate, gently criss-crossed by ancient and mostly dry canals - a quiet reminder of the château’s origins as a working iron forge. Rolling meadows stretch toward the horizon and, our own local brook, the Crempse, winds through the landscape, creating a truly idyllic setting in this corner of the Dordogne-Périgord.
As visitors enter the estate, a tree-lined drive welcomes them, flanked by fields of hay and corn that change with the seasons, before a small bridge carries them over the Crempse. And then, the château reveals itself ahead - elegantly poised on a gentle rise.
Main entrance and halls
A steeply pitched roof with those remarkable broad hips -so typical of this region of France, and of this valley in particular- crown the perfectly proportioned country house. Above the main entrance, the coat of arms of the family who originally built La Forge still welcomes visitors, a proud echo of the château’s long and storied past.
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And beyond the entrance, the elegantly painted walls, and beautifully restored white wooden panels, high ceilings, original oak staircases, and beautiful lamps and mirrors guiding the visitor through the house.
The drawing room
The drawing room is the heart of the château - a beautifully preserved example of classic French boiserie. Original wood panelling lines the walls, complemented by an elegant marble fireplace and a series of graceful south-facing French windows. With large French doors at either end, the room is filled with natural light throughout the day, offering a serene and inviting space for long conversations over tea or a glass of local wine.
Chateau de la Forge (Dordogne, France) - Boiserie
Chateau de la Forge (Dordogne, France) - Boiserie
Fireplace at the Boiserie, Chateau de la Forge (Dordogne, France)
Chateau de la Forge (Dordogne, France) - Boiserie
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The dinning room
Just beyond the eastern French doors, with direct access to the East Terrace, our guests will find a spacious dining room that seats up to sixteen guests. It features its original fireplace, carved from local stone, and exudes rustic charm with timeless elegance.
On sunny mornings, breakfast becomes a celebration as golden rays pour in from the east, bathing the room in soft, natural light.
And in the evening, why not a candlelit dinner? Under the gentle glow of two beautiful chandeliers and the flickering flames of countless candles, the space is transformed into something magical. After all, meals should delight all the senses.
The kitchen
For those booking the entire chateau, our large, modern and fully equipped kitchen is available to try the wonderful and fresh local produce. We have stopped using the old Aga and replaced it with a brand new six hob Falcon/Range Master cooker. The old and new hug the more than 2 metre long white marble centre island, which serves also as a casual place for breakfast.
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The sitting room / library
In the château’s west wing, our small library overlooks the swimming pool and the often dazzling, bright-red sunsets. It’s the perfect place to finally pick up that book you never had the time to finish - or perhaps to begin a new one. The room also doubles as a quiet office, complete with a comfortable desk and chair. And if you feel like reconnecting with the modern world, you’ll find a hi-fi system, ideal for unwinding at any time of day - with or without a book in your hands.
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The billiard room
At the centre of the billiard room stands a new American pool table, giving the room its name and purpose. It’s a fun, laid-back space to enjoy time with family or friends - especially on hot summer days, just before heading out to the swimming pool next door!
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