Château de Villette

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Château de Villette - restored to former glory

To the south of Autun in the Morvan National Park, Château de Villette has been given a new lease of life as an exclusive chambres d’hôte. ‘Laugh often, live well, love much’ is the philosophy of this special place to stay in the heart of Bourgogne.

It is the dream of many to own a château in the heart of France and turn it into a chambres d’hôte, welcoming guests to stay in their home. Not many people manage to turn the dream into reality.

Coen and Catherine Stork

Coen and Catherine Stork fell in love with Château de Villette six years ago, and decided to do just that. The house, surrounded by 500 acres of soft rolling countryside, was structurally sound, but the interior had not been changed for over 70 years.

Setting to with a team of builders specialising in château renovation, the work was carried out in two periods of six months duration and it was finished on time, on budget and to the required standard. Coen is justifiably proud of this – it is quite a feat when you hear of some building experiences.

Dinner at Château de Villette

With enthusiasm, the Storks welcome guests to sample the best of what Burgundy has on offer, using local produce in the kitchen wherever possible.

Catherine who comes from Belgium, creates and designs the meals taking the plentiful natural ingredients such as Charolais beef, wild duck and Bresse chicken, vegetables from the garden and fish from the lakes.

Coen, a Dutchman, is knowledgeable about wine and every year is invited to be a judge at the Mâcon Wine Festival. He has also reintroduced wild partridge to the area. ‘They are fragile birds and with intensive agriculture and pesticides, they had died out’ he says. Now on the lee of the hill opposite the château, they are self propagating.

Regal staircase in the Château

Château de Villette has two suites each with two bedrooms and one bathroom, and a double room with bathroom en suite. Meals are served on the terrace, by the pool or in the dining room. The interior is traditional, with magnificent high ceilings and French windows. A regal curved staircase with its reconstructed ornamental iron balustrade leads to the bedrooms. These are decorated with floral fabrics in café au lait, lemon or pink, with an eclectic mix of furniture, and lovely landscape views.

Relax by the pool or walk in the countryside. There are stunning views from Mount Beuvray nearby; visit the Bhutanese temple or the market at Autun. The atmosphere at Château de Villette will work its charm on you and transport you into a world apart.

Accommodation from 120€ per room per night
Dinner 45 € per person. Wine additional

For bookings catherinestork@wanadoo.fr

Photos © Château de Villette