Château de Rouffillac

Key Features include:
9 incredible unique suites
A state-of-the-art Wellness Center (fitness center, yoga, massages, and more.)
French gourmet chef kitchen
Library
100-acre forest lands to explore
Enclosed courtyard and two outdoor lounge areas
Outdoor dining area
Swimming pool

The Rouffillac estate encompasses a diverse range of zones and experiences, both indoor and outdoor. Painstakingly restored, the chateau and estate exude a blend of classic authenticity and modern comforts, offering complete luxury in a historical setting. Every suite has been equipped with modern amenities, including en-suite bathrooms, ensuring a five-star experience. Despite the inclusion of modern features such as air conditioning and USB charge points, the chateau maintains its timeless charm, adorned with countless antiques, paintings, and intriguing artifacts, providing an unparalleled environment.

Situated atop a hill, the luxurious chateau overlooks the breathtaking Perigord Noir region in the Dordogne. While retaining its original classic features, the chateau has undergone extensive modernization to provide opulent living spaces with a touch of period elegance. Surrounded by a 100-acre forest, guests can enjoy stunning views from the cliff edges and take leisurely walks through the woods to the ancient ruins of a Roman church.

Château de Rouffillac boasts remarkable facilities, including a luxurious cliff-top pool, serene courtyards, historic ramparts, Al Fresco dining areas overlooking the Dordogne river, multi-tiered gardens, and a state-of-the-art private spa. The spa features a steam room, a zen waterfall, a yoga studio, and a fully equipped gym, housed in a stunningly converted ancient building that seamlessly blends modern elements with period architecture, highlighted by a stained glass window.

Originally constructed in the 11th century as a mansion overlooking the Dordogne valley, the chateau underwent a revival in the 19th century, resulting in its current fairy tale-like appearance. With a rich history spanning centuries, the chateau played a significant role during the 14th-century Hundred Years' War, serving as a strategic location and shelter for soldiers. Numerous other historical events unfolded within its walls, including the writing of important diplomatic letters by the United States French ambassador to Thomas Jefferson in the beautiful library.

The prime location of Château de Rouffillac allows guests to explore the extraordinary region, abundant with over a thousand chateaus, Michelin-starred restaurants, renowned markets, Knight Templar citadels, and a myriad of activities such as canoeing, cycling, rock climbing, and hot air ballooning.

The chateau offers a variety of luxurious and classic living spaces, including nine impeccably designed bedroom suites with stunning views of the Dordogne valley. The Royal suite features its own turret, a luxurious bathroom, a sitting area with breathtaking vistas, and a separate bedroom adorned with a lofty stone cathedral vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows. Other notable areas include a grand salon with painted ceilings and a grand fireplace, a spacious French gourmet chef kitchen, a period library showcasing original tapestries, oil paintings, and intriguing artifacts, and a dining room with classic features, painted walls, and exquisite chandeliers fit for royalty. The chateau also provides a large enclosed courtyard and two outdoor lounge areas for evening relaxation, as well as an outdoor dining area overlooking the Dordogne valley. It is the perfect venue for high-quality celebrations, weddings, special events, or simply a tranquil retreat for groups of up to 20 people, offering an unforgettable and exclusive fairytale experience.

For ultimate relaxation, guests can indulge in Château de Rouffillac's recently added Wellness Center. This modern facility seamlessly integrates with the enchanting natural surroundings of the Dordogne. Guests can take morning strolls through the mystical forests, meditate in exclusive areas overlooking the idyllic valley, enjoy evening stretches in the serene wellness studio, or unwind on the tranquil cliff-top deck. The fitness center, a remarkable conversion of an ancient building, harmoniously combines modernization with preserved period elements, featuring a stunning stained glass window that makes it one of the world's most unique gyms. The fitness center offers an extensive range of modern cardio machines, including a Concept 2 rowing machine, stationary bike, and treadmill, allowing guests to elevate their exercise routines. Additionally, the center provides new strength training equipment, an assortment of free weights, and a multi-gymn and benches. Various relaxing services, including yoga, massages, and beauty treatments, are also available upon request. It is important to note that reservations are required for the fitness facilities, and guests are advised to express their interest during their stay at Rouffillac.

A little History:
Constructed in the 12th century, the chateau has stood for over nine centuries, bearing witness to the passage of time. It was originally built as a majestic manor house, positioned on the hillside to command a prominent view of the entire region. The Lords of Rouffillac, a powerful family, ruled over this section of the Dordogne Valley, leaving their mark on the chateau's history.

During the 15th century, the chateau found itself occupied by soldiers amidst the turmoil of the Hundred Years' War. With the Dordogne River serving as the demarcation line between the French and British armies, the chateau became intimately acquainted with both cultures, which influenced its art and architecture. Its strategic location and unobstructed views of the valley and river made it an important observation point for military purposes. Even today, remnants of the ancient stone structures used for observation can be found on the site.

In the 19th century, a renowned ophthalmologist from Paris undertook the restoration of the chateau, envisioning a whimsical fairy tale retreat. With a desire for a "madness" fairytale chateau, he spared no expense to transform it into a Renaissance-inspired masterpiece, leaving an indelible imprint on its character.

Following his death, his son Rene inherited the chateau. Rene's marriage to a wealthy Californian woman transformed the estate into a renowned party venue, garnering considerable acclaim. The presence of palm trees on the grounds serves as a nostalgic reminder of this vibrant era. However, the extravagant lifestyle, characterized by incessant parties and living beyond their means, eventually led to Rene's bankruptcy.

Left in a state of abandonment and disrepair, the chateau remained neglected until 1958, when it was acquired by Pierre Paul Grasse, a distinguished French zoologist. Known as the President of the Academy of Science at the Sorbonne and an authoritative figure in entomology, Pierre Paul Grasse contributed to the field by authoring a definitive encyclopedia. After his passing, his daughter assumed ownership of the chateau.

In subsequent years, the property was purchased by an English American family who dedicated themselves to meticulously restoring and upgrading the enchanting chateau to its present magnificent state.