Chateau de la Couronne

French Trad meets contemporary design at this über-chic Charentais château rental (sleeps 20-26) - ideal for house parties and celebrations

When a successful interior designer and a top buyer for one of London’s major fashion stores (Topshop) turned their eyes towards a 16th-century château, you’d have expected the decorative sparks to fly. They did, and the rebirthing of Château de la Couronne has set a new benchmark in the château rental league of south west France.

Preserving the best of the château’s original features - a turreted exterior, ornate fireplaces, high French windows, parquet floors and a fabulous oak staircase - they decorated the 9 huge bedrooms and the glorious reception rooms with an eclectic mix of 60s and 70s design classics, Italian glass, jazzy art, and sculptures from the world over. Chrome, glass, suede and stone have been strikingly juxtaposed to create a series of spaces which are as exuberant as they are vast. There are 3 salons, a dining hall, a cinema, a billiards room, a heated outdoor pool, and a huge kitchen where you can self-cater or be catered for. And the cherry on this festive château cake? The welcome is as warm as the décor is cool.

Highs

• You’re right on the Dordogne border, yet this part of the Charente remains virtually undiscovered
• Funky, imaginative and whimsical décor that sits beautifully within its classical French context
• Plenty of entertainment come rain or shine - extensive grounds, a cinema, ping-pong and billiards, games, a Baby Grand piano, even a music area with guitars and amps
• Owners Nicky and Mark successfully balance caring for you and being mindful of your privacy, and can arrange anything from celebratory meals to beauty treatments
• You're only a 5-minute stroll from Marthon, a small village with a couple of restaurants, bars and shops

Lows

• Such style and facilities don't come cheap - but for a special occasion or get-together it's worth splashing out
• Only 2 twin rooms, though there's also a dorm-style quadruple and extra beds can be provided
• There's a 7-night minimum stay (Saturday-Saturday only) in July and August