L’ORANGERIE
The Setting
L’Orangerie is set within its own 2 acre walled garden enclosed by electronically activated high gates for maximum privacy. The original orangery serves as an elegant pool house at the edge of the large terrace which surrounds the 5m by 10m swimming poolThe surrounding area (around 2 acres) is laid to lawn. L’Orangerie is 2 minutes by car from the ancient village of Gensac, for shopping and restaurants, and 15 minutes away from Ste. Foy-la-Grande and Castillon-la-Bataille. The famous medival wine town of St. Emilion is just 25 minutes away.
The House
L’Orangerie is complimented by a large, 4 metre wide terrace that runs the whole length (32m) of the house. The house retains many of its original features such as stone walls and oak beams. The floors are stone-coloured on the ground floor, terracotta tiled on the first floor. All 8 bedrooms are located on the ground floor. Each bedroom (4 double and 4 twin) has a fully equipped modern en-suite bath or shower room. There is also a separate WC on the ground floor. All rooms are tastefully decorated with modern and antique furniture, and are designed for comfortable holiday living. Each bedroom has french doors opening directly onto the terrace, facing west for the afternoon and evening sun. All linen and towels are provided.
A wide stone staircase leads to the first floor living rooms and kitchen. Original oak beams compliment each room and full length french windows overlooking the walled garden and rose beds create a light and airy, yet elegant atmosphere. A double full length glass door provides lots of light for the first floor foyer, which also can be used as a small sitting room. There is a large music room, (10m x 7m), with open stone fireplace. The room is tastefully furnished with antique and modern furniture plus a beautifully restored 19th century Erard concert grand piano. The room is equipped with a quality Quad hi-fi system with ESL 63 loudspeakers (described in Hi-Fi World as "a reference against which all other speakers are judged."), Krell amplifier and Meridian CD player. The sound is spectacular, the acoustics are exceptional. There is also a computer with internet access.
Across the foyer is the cinema room (8m x 7m). The cinema set-up comprises a large retractable screen (3.5m by 2m), a DLP video projector and a 5 channel amplifier plus DVD player - all of which will astonish and delight film and music enthusiasts. Free-to-air satellite TV channels also.Large sofas add to viewing comfort.
The doors to the dining room beyond fold back close to the walls, creating a very large entertaining room (16m x 7m) if so desired. The dining room, an elegant room with a large oval oak gateleg table, sits 16 people comfortably. Antique dining room furniture includes a 19th century sideboard and there is a snooker table. Further double doors lead through into the kitchen, which is fully equipped and designed with ease in mind - American fridge with ice-maker, twin dishwashers, twin ovens, double stone sink, microwave, washer and drier, and plenty of work space. Another double, full-length glass door looks onto the gardens and makes the kitchen a bright and airy place. Housecleaning, babysitting, musicians and a chef are available as optional extras at a separate cost upon request. Please ask us about Orpheus and Bacchus Gourmet, which offers a live-in chef. Riding, golf, canoeing, fishing, boat and bicycle France are all nearby. Wine tours to the chateaux of the Medoc or locally may be arranged upon request.
The house is centrally heated; heating/logs are a separate charge between 15th September and 15th May.
Outside
Large terrace with bbq in front of the house, with table and chairs. Large rosebeds. Lawned garden with pool (10m by 5m). Table tennis, parasols, and 16 sunloungers are arranged around the pool. Elegant Orangerie.