We chanced on the Chateau whilst looking for accommodation in the Ardeche region SW of Lyons. The drive in from the road above Lamstre extends for more than half a mile and leads you in past electric metal gates to a fabulous house straight out of the musketeers. Not large but beautifully spacious, facing onto a huge terrace and a lovely pool (on a lower level) the house is built of warm stone and is immediately inviting.
The people are lovely and looked after us well, the maitresse showing us to a large, airy beautifully decorated room with a huge modern bathroom (with a jacuzzi bath). As it was warm meals were served on the terrace (there is a large dining room) and nothing seemed to be too much trouble. Fresh fruit was always available as were fresh towels for the poolside with its loungers and umbrellas. Not a problem for us but there is no lift.
The views over the surrounding countryside are superb and the large tree west of the pool shades the evening sun and is illuminated after dark – a nice touch. The whole area is wooded and many trails lead into the hills.
Lamastre, a couple of miles away, is a small market town and the area around is pleasant rather than spectacular, though there are a number of lovely villages nearby. The only caveat I offer here is that the roads are spectacular but should be lingered over – any attempt to get to places quickly is doomed to disappointment.
There are few places I care to go back to – this is one of them.
