Domaine de Bidaudières

Driving up to the Domaine de Bidaudières, we thought we must have made a wrong turn—this sensational château could not possibly be a bed and breakfast but rather a wine estate of a prestigious hotel! Happily, we were absolutely wrong. Indeed, the 18th-century Domaine de Bidaudières, which sits in majestic splendor looking over a manicured terrace with swimming pool and farther below to a small lake and woodlands, does receive guests. Another fabulous surprise is that your hosts are also not what you might expect at all. Instead of being well on in years, formal, and reserved, Sylvie and Pascal Suzanne are a young, attractive, friendly couple with three children. They purchased the property in a state of dereliction and totally renovated it, even adding an elevator, a new wing with guest lounge, and a glass-enclosed sun terrace overlooking the gardens for breakfast. The decor throughout reflects the young, informal spirit of the owners, with cheerful fabrics and stylish furniture. All of the attractive guestrooms are of excellent quality and very pretty. My favorite, Le Clos Bouchet, is an especially spacious room with two large windows capturing a view of the gardens. The day we arrived there was a wedding dinner being held in the beautiful old wine caverns—a marvelously romantic setting.