Chateau de Lartigolle

A picture-perfect chateau in the Gascon countryside with cool contemporary interiors, sweeping grounds and 9 boudoir bedrooms (sleeps 18-24)

Take three funky graphic designers from London looking for a new laidback lifestyle, add a glorious location in southwest France and a stunning 18th-century chateau in need of a makeover - et voila: the ultimate venue for a group get-together or special occasion (including my own wedding, as it happens).

Investing their creative flair and eye for design, Emma, Chris and Nick have created a glamorous yet comfy dream-home with all the trappings of a boutique hotel. In the lounge and club room, groovy Paul Smith tapestries and Jimmy Hendrix pop art prints sit alongside magnificent French antiques and cosy sofas. Upstairs and in the owners' wing are 9 beautiful bedrooms, including a kids' dorm. Catering is flexible: you can whip up your own feasts, bring a chef, or have Emma and Nick indulge you with an extremely creative array of local delicacies. Within their 22-acre grounds are a stunning decked pool and a tennis court; inside the house there's a snooker table and kids' games room. Even without the special occasion, it's a truly special place.

Highs

• Bold, contemporary interiors marry Philippe Starck chairs with vast, dreamy beds and gorgeous antiques
• Beautiful pool, tennis court and 22 acres of grounds to keep everyone amused
• Children's playroom with TV, DVD and board games in case the weather isn't so great
• A peaceful library to retreat to for a read or snooze
• Charming owners on hand to assist you with excursions or to cook for you
• Just an hour from Toulouse

Lows

• The chateau is 10km from the nearest town, so you will need to have cars if you want to get out and about
• Apart from historic Auch (a 15-minute drive away), there is not much else locally in terms of nightlife, so you will have to make your own fun
• Only two baths - the rest are seriously cool power showers
• Sounds can travel through the old building, especially if it's full of noisy children
• It's pricey - but for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, it's worth splashing out