Highlights

Eight-bedroom 18th-century château

45 mins from Toulouse airport

Self-catering to fully catered – full event organisation service available

11 hectares of private parkland

16m swimming pool, tennis court, snooker table, trampoline, table tennis

Children’s playroom and TV lounge

Near fantastic local markets with one for every day of the week

Mountains are a one-hour drive away

Skiing within reach in winter

Smith tip

Mobiles work in the courtyard and upstairs in the château, downstairs, not so well – the walls are, after all, 75cm thick. You may find this a hindrance or, more likely, a relaxation-guaranteeing blessing! If you loiter in the courtyard though, phone signals are strong.

More photos

Château de Lartigolle

Gers, France[view map]

Style: Hip, historical manor house
Setting: Midi-Pyrénées parkland

This chic château 50 minutes west of Toulouse has every flourish you could wish for in a special-occasion hideaway. Stylish and luxurious without being fussy, there’s a chic sitting room for every mood and the boutique-hotel-style boudoirs make time in bed as alluring as hours spent in the sprawling leafy Midi-Pyrénées swimming pool-studded grounds. Statement mid-century furniture sidles up to centuries-old antiques creating an effortless elegance elemental to once-in-a-lifetime party celebrations as well as relaxing all-ages family holidays. Play architects to your own adventures or let the bon viveur proprietors take the reins and rustle up your fabulous meals using the best of the Gers produce and wine. Just sit back and enjoy the Lartigolle ride.

Need to know

Rates

€11,500 a week (low season) to €14,500 a week (high season); prices which include catering can also be provided.

Sleeps

As well as six ensuite bedrooms, there’s a huge studio which can sleep six more people, luxury dormitory style.

Ideal for

Special-occasion family gatherings, huge celebrations for friends, mini upscale private festivals and even fun corporate entertaining.

Minimum hire

One week, although long weekends in low season sometimes possible – two or three nights off-season.

Booking process

15 per cent of the cost payable as a Smith deposit on booking. 10 per cent payable to the property and then 25 per cent payable six months before arrival and the remaining 50 per cent a month before arrival. All catering, drink and housekeeping costs are billed on departure.

Property style

18th-century stately home.

Grounds

11 hectares of parkland, orchard, vineyard and woodland. The gated white-gravel courtyard at the front of the château is a great space for celebrations; the stone terrace at the back of the chateau has fantastic leafy views.

Also

They have two friendly dogs and two cute cats living on the estate, although obviously not in the château itself. They cannot therefore accept any other animals.

In the know

Eating and drinking

Emma and Nick, two of the co-owners, are fantastic chefs and, upon request, they can whip up delicious, seasonal meals using wonderful local produce. 22 people can be seated in the grand salon or in the courtyard under the shade of the chestnut trees. There is also a large barbecue available. If you would like to look after your own meals, the large château kitchen is at your disposal – it's the perfect place to socialise while preparing or cooking meals. Or, you can arrange to have a part hands-on, part luxury mix of catered and self-catering – it’s up to you, just chat to the owners when you're planning your stay. The wines of this region are relatively undiscovered but absolutely delicious and are becoming highly respected: let the Lartigollers make an intro to the local tipples. And as well as being famous for its duck and foie gras, the Gers region is also the home of Armagnac and an aperitif called Floc. The chateau provides an honesty bar, stocking local wines, beers and soft drinks. Santé!

Housekeeping

This fine vacation rental is obviously spic and span when you arrive, with luxury hotel style flourishes such as fresh fluffy towels folded and ribbon-tied on your bed, but as with most self-catering houses an additional daily clean has to be arranged especially for an extra charge, otherwise it's on a weekly/turnaround basis.

Entertainment

There's a stereo and also a huge selection of CDs plus iPod connection provided for guests’ use, plus an extra-large soundsystem available for events. Sky TV available and a DVD in the children’s lounge, free WiFi although the signal is restricted to the office area around the kitchen. There’s also a library full of books, a snooker room, board games and children’s toys for more lo-fi thrills.

Provided

Travel-size Caudalie bathroom products even include a lovely hand and nail cream. As well as all the hotel-style basics, they lay on separate pool towels.

Packing tips

Your swimwear in the warmer months, and then out of the summer season be prepared for the odd change in the weather – pack something cosy, just in case.

Eco policy

All rubbish and kitchen waste comprehensively recycled.

For a detailed description of all the rooms and grounds, click here

Also worth knowing

Children: Cots and highchairs are available. This is the perfect place for clan gatherings – tots to teens will love the chic dorm-style studio! There’s also a large children’s playroom on the ground floor with TV, DVD, games, books and toys. As you might imagine, keep an eye on younger children – it is a big old house with slippery wooden floors, filled with antiques a wide sweeping, slippery wooden staircase. The pool is one depth (180cm), with no shallow end. More…
Weddings: This property is suitable for weddings. More…

Smith card offer

A basket of the Gers region’s gastronomic specialities, all produced locally. This includes a selection of wines, aperitifs, pâté, confits and preserves.

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member