Chateau Ridou And Gite Region: Champagne Sleeps: 32 Overview Chateau Ridou is accessed along a 3km private road in the renowned Champagne region of France. Beautifully secluded in the 2000 hectare Ardennes Forest, the chateau dates back to the 1600s, and is peacefully located in a vast valley. Chateau Ridou was built by Oranje-Nassau, using rocks from the mountain next to the château. The chateau itself sleeps a large group up to 18 people and, if the gites on the estate are also rented, the estate can accommodate up to 60 people. Facilities available on the estate include a tennis court, table tennis, fishing and petanque. Please note that you should bring your own equipment. The area around the chateau is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers, and mountain bikes are available for hire. Guests are welcome to bring their own horse, as the estate and forest are excellent for riding. In addition to the chateau s own beautiful dining room, which includes an open fireplace, the estate benefits from a large reception barn that is furnished as a restaurant and available for hire. Chateau Ridou was renovated and rebuilt in the 18th century by the King of Belgium, Leopold II, who acquired the property for his mistress. The King planted exotic trees from the Belgian colony of the Congo in the chateau gardens, including palm trees, which can still be seen on the estate. The oldest tree is now more than 300 years old. Today, the chateau estate benefits from a superb collection of rare plants and trees. The oldest building on the estate is the tannery, also built from stone from the mountain next to the chateau. Good news! This property is available as a Vill otel Page 1
Yey! Wait what is that? It s the perfect combo of the privacy of your own personal villa, with all the luxury and convenience of a hotel. What s included? Breakfast, cleaning, welcome drinks and hamper, plus more! Check the Extras tab for all the details. Facilities Page 2
Interior & Grounds The ground floor benefits from an entrance hall with WC, huge sitting room with satellite television and VCR, attractive dining room with music system, and a large fully equipped kitchen with electric oven, microwave, dishwasher and gas range. On the first floor, guests will find three twin bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and two large double bedrooms with king size bed and en-suite bathroom. On the second floor, one will find the dormitory-style bedroom with five single beds and en-suite bathroom and the bedroom for three people with three single beds and en-suite bathroom. The small farmhouses, dotted across the estate, are ideal for larger groups or those seeking more privacy. Gite Lavendin, the largest, sleeps 14. It consists of 7 bedrooms, 3 separate WCs, 2 large bathrooms, kitchen and living room with satellite TV. Chateau Ridou has fantastic facilities for guests to enjoy during their stay. An outdoor BBQ, wonderful dining terraces, ample parking, tennis court, tabletennis, boules, swimming and fishing at River Meuse, in front of the chateau is a well known"voie verte". This is a cycling road around 83Km. Walk,cycle, rollerblade or even horse ride alongside the river Meuse in the heart of the regional natural reserve. Page 3
Location & Local Information The nearest airport is Brussels (120km) and Calais is 300km away. The nearest town of Vireux is 5km from the chateau. The Ardennes region is beautifully diverse, and a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers and riders, with woodlands, vast lakes, winding rivers and a variety of terrains. The river valleys consist of canyons reaching up to impressive green mountainous peaks. Towns close to the chateau include Namur, set around a 19th century Citadel and benefiting from excellent restaurants and great bars, Dinant, Rochefort, St Hubert, Bouillon, which is renowned for fantastic canoeing along the River Lesse, and Vireux, a super choice for restaurants, street markets and shopping. There are so many places to explore around the region: the Chateau and Abbee at Chimay, the Han caves, canoeing along the River Lesse and hiking in the woodlands. This makes Chateau Ridou a fantastic base from which to discover the region of Champagne. Page 4
Terms & Conditions - Security deposit: 600. This is paid on arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection. - Arrival time: 16-18h. - Departure time: 9-10 a.m. - Energy costs included?: Utilities (water, gas and electricity): July-August = 80 per night / October April = 110 per night / Rest of the year = 90 per night. - Linen & towels included?: Yes - Pets welcome?: No animals allowed in the castle. Animals are only allowed in the cottage on demand, 10 per animal, per stay. - Changeover day: Friday or Monday, except July and August when it is Friday. - End of stay cleaning included?: Extra 230 - Smoking Allowed?: No smoking in the bedrooms of the property. - Insurance: Client Insurance of Responsibility: Required and to be sent after booking confirmation before arrival - Tax: Tourist tax to be paid to the owner on arrival: 1,10/night/person 18+ years old for the chateau & 0,50/night/person 18+ years old for the gites. - Minimum stay: 2 nights, except July, August, Christmas and New Year when it is 1 week - Other Ts and Cs: Wood box: 10 each (to be paid to owner). Breakfast, Additional Bedrooms, Party Hall: Prices on Request. - Other Ts and Cs: Please note: If you only rent the chateau, the other gites within the estate may be rented to other guests. However, these properties are entirely separate from the chateau and self contained so your privacy is ensured. Page 5