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With a wide variety of castles for rent in France, Chateau St Philippe is one of the finest, and certainly one of the oldest renovated chateaus, almost 1,000 years old. Perched on a rocky outcrop looking across a wide valley, the Alps and Mont Blanc are a stunning panoramic backdrop. It is in the glorious Haute Savoie region of France known for its natural beauty. It is one of the few chateaus for rent near the Alps, and only one hour’s drive from Torino (Turin) in Italy – host city for the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Taking into consideration the wishes of discerning vacationers looking for wonderful chateaus for rent in France, the American owners have tastefully modernised Chateau St Philippe taking great care to preserve its architectural integrity including part of the original old cloisters. The chateau has the perfect combination of history, charm, and contemporary luxury. It is a wonderful vacation destination for family get-togethers, corporate retreats or for groups of friends (up to 20 people).
If you are looking for a castle to rent for a week, or even two or more, Chateau St Philippe has everything. Vaulted ceilings, original wooden beams, marble fireplaces, and ancient stone abound throughout this exceptional estate. In a home that was once a monastery, you certainly won’t live like a monk! Each of the large 10 bedrooms has its own character. Many have fireplaces, beamed ceilings, and exude history as well as comfort. And, unlike most vacation castles for rent, all have luxury en-suite bathrooms – three in the round towers - and unlimited hot water. Antique French beds have new custom-made mattresses. You won’t have to take a vow of silence either: the home theater and game room provide plenty of entertainment, while living rooms and outdoor terraces are quiet places to relax and take in the scenery.
Chateau St Philippe is tastefully furnished with a mix of antique and contemporary styles. The owner’s mother is an accomplished artist and many of her exceptional paintings grace the walls of Chateau St Philippe.
Enjoy breathtaking views, good food (the area is known for its cheeses) and wine, the countryside, the historical beauty of local towns and villages, fresh air, and recreational activities throughout the year - all on your doorstep.
Chateau St Philippe visitors rave. “Our experience in France (is) even more memorable by experiencing life in a chateau for rent. We loved every minute of it.” “This has been the most memorable and magical vacation of our lives.” “Out of every window is a picture, around every corner a surprise. Your senses come alive and at night you dream again: crisp clean air, majestic mountain views, lush green fields. Ancient caves, water tamed and pure, old structures and wonderment. Open meadows, shady paths and a cool dip in an inviting pond children free to explore, run. We will hold our visit close to our hearts.”
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Rental rates The chateau is rented by the week and is available year round. The standard rate is $12,750 per week and $13,950 for the summer season from June 10 – September 5, winter holidays from Dec. 18 – January 6.
Travel The Chateau is easy to get to. Both Lyon (France) and Geneva (Switzerland) international airports are 90 minutes’ easy autoroute drive away. The Chateau is quietly located only ten minutes drive from the main highway. Car hire is available at both airports.
Climate The chateau’s thick walls mean it stays cool in summer, and with the help of a great new heating system, it stays cozy in the winter. The valley has its own micro-climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters, making it a great destination year-round.
Facilities
Three main living rooms: the Salon with its hand-painted rural scenes, mountain views and two fireplaces, the Library, and the Living Room with its coved ceilings, wood floors, terrace, fireplace, and mountain views.
Home Theater Over 150 movies to choose from, comfortable seating, surround-sound, and satellite television; Game Room with pool table, bar, poker table, games, TV, music system, wood-burning stove.
Dining Room - Formal dining in a wonderful room with vaulted ceiling, fireplace and wood panels, and its own private bathroom in the adjacent tower. Kitchen with vaulted ceiling, informal dining and easy access to outside terraces and barbecue areas. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art appliances including high-calorie state-of-the-art kitchen range, microwave, separate electric ovens, dishwasher, and marble worktops. All silverware, flatware, cookware is provided.
Terraces, courtyards, gardens, barbecue areas, ancient restored barn for indoor games and communal activities, cellars.
Swimming hole, streams, orchards, woods, fields.Nearby The attractive small town of St Pierre d’Albigny is only a few minutes’ drive, and has butchers, greengrocers, bakeries, supermarkets, banks, post office, doctors, a weekly outdoor market, small family-run restaurants, bars and cafes, a swimming pool and tennis courts.
Activities The Winter Olympics in Torino (Turin) are only one hour away. And closer still is one of the biggest ski areas in the world, the ‘Trois Vallees’ (three valleys). The 1992 winter Olympics were based at Albertville (30 mins. drive), the gateway to major ski resorts like Meribel, Courchevel, the Val d’Isere, and Chamonix (where the first Winter Olympics was held in 1924). Besides winter sports, this is the land of mountains and lakes and all they provide: mountain biking, hang-gliding, hiking, climbing, fishing, water sports, lake cruises. It is 20 minutes from the Lac Bourget, the largest lake in France.
Nature lovers will be in heaven here. The chateau is surrounded by ancient trees and woods, home for a wide variety of flora and fauna, and thousands of varieties of butterflies. Nature parks, bird sanctuaries, and game reserves are all nearby.
If the history on your doorstep at Chateau St Philippe is not enough, there are plenty of other ancient castles and monuments in the area. Or visit the historic town of Chambery, once the capital of Savoy, with its museums, pedestrian streets, and year-round festivals. For a day’s outing, experience the beauty of Lake Annecy. Annecy is the capital of the region, a beautiful town with a medieval old quarter, it is built on canals that have earned it the nickname of the French Venice. Around the vast lake lie other small towns and villages, including Duingt, ‘one of the most beautiful villages in France.’
A local event planner is on hand to organize trips, book activities and restaurants.
Bernard VISSOUD, a wine-specialist and a mountain-guide who was born in Savoy offers to take you on a pleasurable one or two day tours of the history, beauty and delights of this region. You will see the sights and meet winegrowers, hike through the countryside, taste rare and unusual wines, and eat gourmet meals, all in a cheerful, convivial atmosphere.