Testimonials

here follows just a few (we have many, many more in our comments book at the chateau!) of our guests thoughts on their holiday at Château de Clérac...

Finegan, Monti & Friends, IRL, I - stayed 1 week in October 2011

"Fantasic time at chateau, great weather, great company, great swimming pool!" "4 giorni favolosi, tempo magnifico e splendido vino..."   sampling some of the local produce!...

Born Family, UK - stayed 1 week in September 2011

"Ruby wedding anniversary celebration holiday was fantasic - Chaeau de Clerac was a great base to explore region. Thanks to Frank for a delicious meal and also thanks to Malcolm and Marika for all your help. We had a ball!!"

Goodwin & Friends, UK - stayed 1 weekend in September 2011

Roberts Family, UK - stayed 1 week in August 2011

"This is a perfact place for a family holiday. There is a little something for everyone and lends itself to balance and harmony with its various zones. I particularly enjoyed the use of the swimming pool and we were very lucky to have such excellent weather to enjoy such facilities. We al wish to say a big Thank You to Malcolm and Marika for always being on hand and for being such kind and and helpful people who always seemed to anticipate our needs."

Bourez Family & Friends, F - stayed 1 week in August 2011

"Charming and peaceful place. We had a wonderful week.. we hope to return next year!"

Hargreaves Party UK, NZ, HK - stayed 1 week in July 2011

"Thanks so much for having us to stay in the chateau. We had a great week with our friends from three different continents...The pool was a great focus on the days we stayed put. Otherwise we enjoyed the uncrowded towns and country French culture. We have all gone home quite a few kilos heavier!!"

O'Sullivan Party, IRL & F - stayed weekend in May 2011

"A big Irish-French celebration in the magnificent setting of Chateau de Clerac. Thank you so much Marika and Malcolm for your welcome. The chateau is beautiful, a perfect way to spend a long weekend with friends - we'll definately be back! Very hard to leave and go back to normal life. Thank you so much! Merci beaucoup! Go raibh maith agaibh!"

Dehnert Party, UK & AUS - stayed weekend in Ocober 2010

"...Brilliant wine-tasting, lovely area, fantastic meal by Frank & Sue, a quite incredible chateau which amazed us all. 'Hide & Seek' in the pitch dark was a particular stand out! The only shame is we're not here longer. Thank you for your hospitality, a perfect weekend!!"

Warwick family, UK - stayed 2 weeks in August 2010

Harvey Family, UK - stayed 2 weeks in August 2010

"Well it's the end of a fab holiday. We were all amazed at the vastness of our chateau, and threatened to tie pieces of string to our children, so they wouldn't get lost! All of the Harvey family had a really relaxing time, exploring all of the interesting places in Bordeaux, and especially enjoyed our lovely meal on our first night ... georgeous! And so lovely after a long journey. Thanks to both of you, Kinds regards, All of the Harvey Clan!"

Munkeby Family, Norway - stayed 1 week in August 2010

"We had a fantastic stay! We will be back in the future :) "

Vandecruys Family & friends, Belgium - stayed 1 week in July 2010

"It is good to be the king!" (of the castle!)

Jock & Jenny, UK - stayed weekend in September 2009

"Great weekend. Thanks a million!! Weather fantastic, great location. Your recommendation for the 'Relais du Chateau' was teriffic, best part of our stay. Book early!! The village restaurant was great. Good value, loved it!!"

Johnson Family, Ireland - stayed 2 weeks in August 2009

"A great time had at the chateau by all of us. 3 kids, mum and dad, grandparents and in-laws. A picturesque setting in a very quiet part of France. Not too far to travel to any of our preferred locations. Thank you for the great tips on where to go nd eat. We all had a ball."

Quarmby Family & Friends, UK - stayed 1 week in July 2009

"What a wonderful holiday - the best we have ever had!! A fantastic place to stay - beautiful weather and beautiful company."
"Had am amazing time at Chateau de Clerac - everything we could have dreamed of and more!"

Hansen Party, USA - stayed 1 week in September 2008

"Thanks so much for letting us stay in your lovely home. We enjoyed every minute of it. The countryside around here is lovely and this was a centralized location to visit various sites. We would recommend it to our friends."

Lazareff Family & Friends, France & UK - stayed 4 weeks in August 2008

"A whole month in the wonderful Chateau de Clerac with a mix of friends & family - a recipe for fun! Even the bats and the bad weather couldn't dampen our spirits! The wine tasting organised her at the chateau plus the catered dinner for 14 were highlights of a busy time. A special time down at the lovely, informal, lake at Beauvallon to celebrate mum's 70th birthday brought out the sun! Thans for all your help to make our stay so great"

McConnell Family, USA - stayed 1 week in July/August 2008

"We had a great time and really appreciated all your hospitality...the Thursday happy hour and Friday BBQ were great, as was the wild boar search! ... we also had one of our best experiences all summer at Caroline's farm with... the great meal. Special thanks too for and your kids playing with Mia and Kelly, and the "Clerac Olympics"! All the best, Mike & Lena."

Wessell Party, Canada - stayed 1 week in July 2008

"Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. We had a really special time in your chateau. Good friends. Good wine and food, and the peacefulness of the wonderful French countryside. Chateau de Clerac has energized us."

Bevilacqua Family & Friends, Canada - stayed 1 week in July 2008

"It was great to be in such a nice location in France for a family reunion and celebration. Thank you for being so helpful during our stay."

Ostergren Family & Friends, Sweden - stayed 2 weeks in July 2008

"The families of Ostergren, Bruhn and von Platen have had a wonderful time here at your castle! Seven adults and four children has created an inferno of good fun around the house and wonderful wine tasting in the dining room. Take good care!"

Mr. Finegan & Friends, Ireland - stayed 1 week in December 2007

"Had a fantastic time at the chateau. Ate, drank and enjoyed ourselves way too much! Would recommend this place to anyone."

Lotte Family, UK - stayed 2 weeks in August 2007

"We had a truly memorable time at your lovely chateau. It was very quite and peaceful and we enjoyed being able to stroll down to the pool in the morning (indeed, the salt-water was really beneficial for the slight eczema on my legs). The kichen was well stocked with utensils and high chairs for kids. Fergus and Deby were great hosts too and very unobtrusive; the place is so big we often didn't see them for a few days!! We'd love to return again! Wishing you both the very best for the future, Mona."

The McIvor & McCormack Families, Ireland - stayed 2 weeks in August 2006

"Thank you for the fantastic hospitality we all enjoyed in Clérac. The chateau, the grounds and the bat (!) all provided us with wonderful entertainment throughout our 2 week visit. All the best for the future."

The Dennis & Lunn Families, UK - stayed 2 weeks in August 2006

"Thank you for a fabulous holiday. The chateau is wonderful and perfect for our extended family. 3 families met here for 2 weeks and had a "ball". Grounds perfect for 6 cousins to have water fights!"

Papperitz Family & Friends , Germany - stayed 1 week in June 2006

"Friends from Germany met here for a week,
Found everything that Tourists seek;
The weather was sunny and fine,
As well as the food & wine!
The chateau really had lots of space,
But alcohol made it a bit of a maze! "

Phil Summers & Friends, USA - stayed 4 weeks in April 2006

The Batesons and Friends - 1 week in September 2005

"What a delightful vacation we had in September 2005. There were 8 of us in our group – Simon and Wendy Bateson and Carl and Renee Jolley from Central New Jersey, Loranzo Alexander and Sue Torok from McLean, Virginia, and Bec Clarkson and Anjie Mailey from London. We arrived on a rather gloomy Saturday, only to find that our gracious host, Fergus had lit a fire in the living room’s gigantic fireplace - what a warm and cozy greeting that was. Our first hour or so was spent ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ about the wonderful rooms, and making the difficult decisions as to who should have which of the many charming and spacious bedrooms. A trip to the nearby town of Montguyen revealed an excellent supermarket, and we stocked up well with provisions. The wine selection was terrific, and we certainly tasted and enjoyed many different local offerings.

We prepared most of our meals in the chateau’s well-equipped kitchen, and the large dining room accommodated us all so comfortably, that our candle-lit dinners are some of the warmest memories of our vacation. We traveled around the area by car, and got quite pleasantly lost several times, but the countryside is lovely, and one doesn’t mind being lost in such pleasant surroundings. We visited St Emilion (a must), and spent a day on the coast in Arcachon, where we had some wonderful oysters. Just a short distance from Arcachon in Gujan Mestras is a delightful ornithological parc, and just south of Arcachon is the Great Dune du Pyla – well worth the climb to the top of this amazing natural phenomenon. We highly recommend the Chateau-de-Clerac, and if any prospective visitors would like to contact us for more information, they can do so at wbateson@comcast.net. Great accommodation, great host, great food, great wine – what a wonderful combination!"

The Jemma Family & Friends, UK - stayed 2 weeks in August 2005

Winery Exchange, USA - stayed 1 week in June 2005

Yde Family & Friends, Sweden, Germany & USA - stayed 1 week in June 2005

"It was the perfect way to gather family members from Sweden, Germany and the US at this charming chateau. Many thanks to Deby and Fergus for your hospitality. We wish you good luck with your development of the chateau." - Kjeld Yde & Yde Family

Donna Burns' 40th Celebrations, UK - stayed 1 weekend in April 2005

"Amazing experience with my closest friends. The chateau is fantastic, the food was excellent and the fireplace is to die for...you made it so easy." - Donna Burns

Burcak Simsek & Friends , Turkey - stayed 1 long weekend in March 2005

"Coming through the road, the chateau looked like a dream...so was the rest of the weekend. With your elegant taste, with your friendship you made it an unforgettable memory for us. A big thank you from all of us; from your Turkish friends." - Burcak Simsek.

Currey Family & Friends , UK - stayed 1 week, New Year 2005

"After a very long journey arriving in the early hours of the morning we were greeted by a warm fire and the warm welcome from Deby & Fergus. Our party have had a wonderful time and the children have enjoyed the vastness of the the chateau and grounds. Hopefully we will return and experience the chateau in another season. Best Wishes - Susan, Alastair, Samuel & Olivia Currey."

The Sanders Family & Friends, Ireland - stayed 2 weeks in August 2004

The Wheeler Family & Friends, UK - stayed 2 weeks in July 2004

"Bonjour Debbie and Fergus,
Thanks very much for providing us all with such a wonderful holiday at Chateau de Clerac and for your excellent company as our hosts.

It’s rare for a group of people with so many different interests and varying ages to all be accommodated in the same place for a holiday and really love it. We recently got back together to view photos and recap and all agreed we had the best holiday we can remember.

It’s been very hard to kick back in to the different pace of life here and we’d much rather be back dipping in the pool and relaxing with a glass of wine. We would love to come back and enjoy another holiday in the future and have recommended the Chateau to our friends and colleagues. Hope you and the children are well and enjoying life.

Warmest thoughts,
Steve, Jenny, Aaron, Ben and Jonathan.
Phil, Heather and Robin"

Mr. Saunders & Group, USA - stayed one week in June 2004

"Your chateau easily and comfortably accommodated all 13 of us, and you were so helpful arranging things. With a little imagination one can visualize life at the chateau a hundred or more years ago--but you all are making it a contemporary experience, taking off the formality, and letting guests experience the past and the present in the peace and quiet of a charming village. You are well located for day trips to Bordeaux, wine towns like St. Emilion and Cognac, and other sights of the region like nearby Blaye. The tour you helped set up at the Chateau des Tourtes winery was absolutely unforgettable and so informative. It made a huge difference to us as Americans to have the tour led by a fellow countryman--we were his first American group! His enthusiasm for his family, the Bordeaux region, and his family's life work was evident: the wine was excellent, the special lunch buffet delicious. Friends back home could not believe it when I said we arrived at 10:30 a.m. and did not leave until nearly 3 p.m! Getting 13 grown people to agree on anything is sometimes difficult but we all comfortably managed to make breakfast and a couple of other meals in your spacious kitchen and dining room. And we enjoyed the local Auberge des Lacs Bleus--twice! The strolls along the rural roads of your area were so relaxing. And to see a patisserie-boulangerie going in is a wonderful sign of the vitality of your village. We are passing on the word of your success to others who might enjoy the experience of your hospitality for themselves. Many thanks again.

Sincerely,
Don Saunders
Blowing Rock NC USA"

Mr & Mrs Arnason & Friends, Canada - stayed 1 week in April 2004

Upon our arrival,our hosts, Deborah and Fergus welcomed us,and during the week were always discreetly available when we needed them. We made glorious use of all the rooms....with leather couches and chairs in appropriate places. The beds were excellent in large, airy bedrooms, wide windows opening on to the quiet countryside.

Chateau de Clerac is a remarkably beautiful and comfortable home!

Mr and Mrs Wald, USA - stayed one week in September 2003

We spent a delightful week at the Chateau L’Espie and were enchanted by the quaint village of Clérac and the truly outstanding Auberge within walking distance of the chateau...it is a very nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban living and have the opportunity to enjoy the French countryside.

We explored the surrounding areas, including days trips to Arcachon, Blaye, Aubeterre, St. Emilion, Bergerac, and Montinac. Although the roads in the area are fairly well marked, the maps we brought were not terribly helpful. Some well diagramed local maps would be a real plus for those wanting to take driving tours.

Mr Trender, UK - stayed 2 weeks in July 2003

As far as local amenities go the Water Park in Montguyon is great for families. The Auberge in Clérac is just wonderful - we had several nights just in the bar and some good meals in the restaurant. The drive up to and including St Emilion is perfect for some chateau visits with free tasting at several! Bordeaux is a really easy trip but be aware that the whole city centre is being knocked about in preparation for a tram system - I wouldn't let that put you off though - still a great city. La Rochelle is a bit of a trip as are Limoges and Périgueux but if you have the time I would recommend at least one of the three.

The Chateau itself is imposing to say the least - you can spot it from about 5 KM away on one of the approach roads! The accommodation is huge as one would expect, the added advantage of super thick walls and tree-top ceilings being cool indoor temperatures even when outside is scorching ! The lay out is very user friendly for a large group, having 2 huge sitting rooms and a dining room with could comfortably seat 20 (we had one evening with 14 at dinner with plenty of room to spare).

For our particular groups needs the Chateau was close to perfect, the fact that it wasn't fully furnished with expensive antiques was most likely an aid to relaxation with children about! ...
The only things I would like to add are our thanks for a great holiday and a reservation for the same 2 weeks next year !

Many thanks - Mike Trender and friends

Mr Lundsgaard, Denmark - stayed one week in June 2003

"We where very pleased for the stay at the chateau... All in all we had a very pleasant stay at the castle, and all 7 of us will recommend it to our friends.
Thanks again and Best Regards - Søren Lundsgaard"