This well-maintained chateau looks as if it has been plucked from the middle of England. Indeed it has, because this part of France was part of English territory when the chateau was built in the early 1300s. Since that day the chateau has remained in the same family and it is reported that it escaped destruction in the French Revolution, because the owner at the time doubled his worker’s pay and asked them to leave the chateau intact, "touch nothing except the finest wines of the chateau". That successful ploy has resulted in a chateau that has required only the normal external maintenance. Inside, has been extensively restored under the quirky and creative style of le-Duc a fashionable internal designer of the late 19th century who was attempting in his own inimitable fashion to recreate the medieval feel of the castle. He failed on that but his legacy is an extravagantly designed interior in a superbly maintained Chateau.
The gardens were great to explore and many a child was enjoying a mock battle with the backdrop of the fort as a reminder to their own reality. Whilst exploring the grounds we checked out the small "family chapel", St Michael’s, built on the estate back in the late 1300s and the 12th century dovecote, still fulfilling its original intention.
But the sumptuous interior is the real eye catcher in this building. We took advantage of the local guide who led us through the exciting and elaborate Le-Duc rooms. An impressive white stoned staircase was added and then the designer set about painting every millimetre of space on the wall with an extensive mural. The classy dining room with its geometric carpet and an extraordinarily dominant archway leading the eyes to a less than impressive fireplace and a mass of wood panelling offset by a light green background absolutely smothered in foliage and some delightful bird life. A simple chandelier hangs from a supreme regency striped ceiling.
The Rose bedroom stands out in my memory. Once again a dominant arch leads to a magnificently luxurious sleeping area with a raised bed protected by a suspended canopy. The ceiling’s geometric pattern is central to the room’s design and leads the eye to an unadorned white fireplace set in an overly ornate carved and brightly painted canopy. At the top of the canopy three art nouveau angels oversee the bed and the large attached lounge. No room was left alone and although the then owner ran out of cash Le-Duc still left the chateau looking great. His star room was intended to be the Great Hall but although still grand it’s incomplete. However, the chateau still has a small watercolour "artist’s impression" of how things would have been. What a nice bit of history!
There are "secret" passages to explore, hidden rooms and a multitude of incredibly sculptured fireplaces. Masterpieces in their own right. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the unique Chateau de Roquetaillade