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Renovation and reopening of the chateau
With more than 300 years of history, the chateau we enjoy today is the result of the love and the dedication of many people over the years. We fell in love with the elegance of the chateau at the first sight in 2017, despite the complete lack of modern living facilities.
Over the last two years, we re-plumbed and rewired the whole country house, installed central heating, reconfigured the rooms to fit modern living and built new en suite bathrooms to each of the six bedrooms on the first floor. Whilst retaining the original features, we added our own touch - we are losing account of how many litres of Farrow & Ball paint we have shipped from London.
We also built a generously proportioned heated swimming pool (18 metre by 4 metre), as we have always been frustrated by small paddling pools not suitable for swimming. Nestled close to the large stone surfaced west terrace, the pool also provides the perfect place to dine alfresco or just watch the sunset.
Now we decided to take the elegant house further and open up it to guests, either on a B&B base or as a whole chateau experience.
From intimate, exclusive events taking over part or the whole of the chateau and lasting several days, to family vacations. Let us know what you have in mind and we will help you create an unforgettable experience for you, your family, your friends, colleagues or clients.
Arriving to Chateau de la Forge
Chateau de la Forge sits in a 32 acre estate, criss-crossed by several ancient canals reminiscent of the historical role played by the chateau as a forge. Rolling meadows seem to go on and on, beyond the horizon, and our own local brook, la Crempse, forms an idyllic setting in this part of France, the Perigord.
Entering the estate, visitors would follow a short drive lined with trees on both sides and fields of hay and corn beyond. Soon after, as the path crosses our small bridge over la Crempse, the line of trees opens up and Chateau de la Forge appears straight ahead, slightly up on the hill.
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Main entrance and halls
Steep roofs, typical from this part of France, and this valley in particular, atop the perfect proportioned country house. On top of the main entrance, the coat of arms of the family who originally built La Forge welcomes visitors.
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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 chateau, and a wonderfully preserved example of French boiserie. With its walls covered by original wood panels, its original marble fireplace, a set of beautiful South-facing French windows, and its large French doors at both ends, the drawing room offers a bright and tranquil environment to enjoy long conversations over a cup of tea or a glass of local wine.
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The dinning room
Across the french door on the east and with direct access to the East terrace, lies a large country dining room with its original fireplace made of local limestone.
On sunny days, breakfast becomes a feast, as the sun raises on the East and floods the room with its golden rays. Or, perhaps, breakfast al fresco?
In the evening, candle-night dinners? All is possible under the light of the two beautiful chandeliers and a plethora of candles filling the room with their flickering flames and their warm tones.
After all, meals should be an experience to all senses!
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The kitchen
if you take the whole chateau, you will have the opportunity to use our large fully equipped kitchen to try the wonderful and fresh local produce. We have stopped using the old Aga, replaced it with a brand new six hob falcon cooker. The old and new hug the 2 metre long white marble topped centre island, which serves also as a casual place for breakfast.
The sitting room / library
On the chateau's west wing stands our library, with views over the swimming pool and the frequently bright-red sunsets.
A perfect spot to pick up that book you never had a chance to finish (or even to start reading!). And if you want to connect to the modern world (but using smart phones or tablets), there is the hidden flat screen TV.
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The billiard room
In the centre of the billiard room stands a traditional French billiard table, the very first antique we bought after taking the key of La Forge (yes, with only 3 balls). The table arrived to the house even before we lit the very first fire to warm up the house....
