DESTINATION: Bordeaux, France

DATES: 10. September 2020 - 13. February 2020

REASON FOR TRAVEL: PLEASURE

MODES OF TRANSPORT: PLANE (EasyJet), CAR RENTAL

Turning a dream into reality

For many people who have had the pleasure of travelling and seeing different parts of the world, the idea of returning to one of their favourite places and opening their own bed and breakfast has crossed their minds. While many of us dream about it, few of us do it. Linda Mayer and Peter Hood can count themselves to the doers of us dreamers. In 2019, Linda, having had a successful career in the corporate world and Peter, a trained chef and entrepreneur, decided to make the move to Saint-Seurin de Prats along the Dordogne River in France. The two Aussies had found a slice of heaven in the Bordeaux region, they first discovered in 2017 and packed up their lives in Switzerland, where they had lived since 2012 and headed west.

Corona can’t stop this dream

Finding an 18th-century château on the shores of the Dordogne, the two saw how their dream could become a reality. They closed the deal on the château in late 2019 and were looking forward to a grand opening in early summer, 2020. However, shortly, after moving to Saint-Seurin de Prats, the Coronavirus hit. The pandemic made restoring the centuries-old building difficult, but not impossible. Having a crew of workers staying at the château, was in some ways as a blessing because when the lock-down started, they had to stay there. While not having access to all the materials one could usually in normal times, Peter and Linda had healthy and abled workers from around Europe working each day on restoring the building. By July, and the easing of travel restrictions, Linda and Peter were able to welcome their first guests at the newly christened Château Destinée.

Visiting Château Destinée

We visited Peter and Linda in early September. We drove to the château from Bordeaux, a city that itself is worth a visit to witness modern urban redevelopment at its best. The drive took us past beautiful Saint-Émilion with its legendary wine houses like Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc and lesser-known Château Petit-Gravet. Approaching Château Destinée, one will notice that apple orchards surround it on three sides, which should remind any guest that while the region is famous for its wine, it's also a major agricultural area.

Arriving at the château, you enter a grand hall flanked by two sitting rooms with fireplaces. Straight ahead, the Orangerie with its tropically-inspired wallpaper and large windows welcomes guests. In the back is a beautiful courtyard with a fountain and views on to the Dordogne River. Standing in the courtyard, you can see how the château developed over the years. Initially, there were two buildings on opposite sides of the yard that were later connected by the main building housing the Orangerie.

Beautifully renovated rooms

We stayed in the peacock-wallpapered Gardenview Suite. The room was luxurious with a sizeable pink granite bathroom. Every room, suite, and apartment has been carefully restored with stunning wall coverings custom-made beds and a selection of antique and modern furniture, making each chamber unique. When all of the renovations are complete, the château will have space for 50 people, making it ideal for weddings, large family gatherings and business functions.

Staying at Château Destinée

Guests at Château Destinée can choose to have a breakfast buffet that is prepared daily with fresh baked goods, local cheeses, and eggs made to order. Peter, a trained chef, will also make a set menu dinner for guests upon booking. Those looking to improve their culinary skills can also book a class with Peter. Wedding parties and larger functions will love the fact that Peter brought his Food Truck with him and can set it up at different parts of the grounds for a relaxed and casual dining experience al fresco.

What to do when staying at Château Destinée

Those coming with road bikes will indeed want to ride around the region and pay a visit to Saint Émilion. Others can book a guided tour with Mark Pope, a Brummie, now offering private taxi tours to guests staying in the area. He'll take you to some great wineries and allow you to sample wine and other delights at your discretion without needing to worry about finding parking or getting behind the wheel afterwards. Furthermore, if you’re looking for an inspirational story that may change the way you think about life, Mark has one for you.

In Saint-Émilion, we visited the local Jam-Master, Janick Paytra. He makes some of the best tasting jams we've ever tried. The scent of freshly-cooked fruits wafting from his shop will surely lure you into his store. Of course, if you have time, have lunch or dinner in one of Saint-Émilion's many highly-rated restaurants. Gourmands will enjoy finding treats, like locally made chocolates at Chocolaterie Maëlig, or trying affordable wines at Boutique Château Petit Gravet. Of course, if you want to taste several wines and compare what the locals are doing to what's happening in other parts of Europe, visit the Wine Buff wine shop, rated as one of the top 10 in France.

Float down the Dordogne or relax by the pool side

In addition to biking, sporty travellers may also wish to hit the water and paddleboard, canoe or kayak down the Dordogne. The folks at Canoë-kayak - Club FJEP de Pessac-sur-Dordogne will happily take you about 10km upstream for a pleasant paddle back to Pessac-sur-Dordogne. Along the way, you can enjoy seeing the region from the water. Of course, one of the pleasures of getting away from it all at Château Destinée is that with its three-acre property, you can stay on the expansive grounds and relax by the pool. Sometimes the most incredible gift on vacation is the feeling of not having any obligations and finally reading some of those books you keep putting off.

Dream now, travel later

While we may be relegated to staying at home now or travelling locally, for the time being, passionate and hospitable proprietors are out there getting ready for when we can travel again. When the time comes, we recommend a getaway to the Château Destinée.