Didier Primat's Domaine des Etangs transformed into an 850-acre luxury resort

Home Top

Escape from the hungry hippos: Hapless impala nearly becomes lunch after being chased by menacing pair
Fearless daredevil takes 'human flag' trend to new heights as he scales all 1,420 feet of the world's tallest residential building
Holidaymaker gets the shock of his life when the window of the Ryanair flight he is on falls into his lap
The plane which could mean non-stop flights from the UK to Australia (but you'll have to wait until 2050 to try it)
World's longest helter skelter to be built in London's giant Orbit Tower - and it could be here as soon as Spring 2016
Chilling footage shows panic in cabin of Chinese airliner as passenger tries to start a fire with petrol he smuggled on board
Raging forest fire sees flights grounded and tourists stranded at Rome's Fiumicino Airport... only days after it re-opened following blaze in terminal
The perils of summertime drinking: Six million people a year miss the last train home with over a quarter sleeping on railway platforms (and some using their office as a hotel for the night)
Would you stay at the Titanic hotel? Now you can check into a resort modelled on the 'unsinkable ship' (complete with lifeboats)
No time to admire the view! Extreme parachute skiers narrowly avoid snow-capped rocks, forests and even a house as they sail down alpine course at 90MPH
Whistle stop tour! Stunning timelapse video shows American's trip to SIXTY countries after he quit the rat race
Violent stomach bug sweeps through four-star Tenerife holiday resort leaving dozens of British holidaymakers ill... yet First Choice dismiss it as 'holiday tummy'
Disgruntled mothers up in arms after Coventry hotel sign declares benches are 'for bums NOT babies'
Flaming craters, ice tunnels and hot springs filled with monkeys: The hotels on the doorstep of earth's most SURREAL locations
Cabin crew 'attacked and hospitalised' by six Chinese tourists angry with eight-and-a-half hour flight delay
Would you pay £57 for ten chocolates, £25 for a bottle of water or £10 for a SMALL tub of Pringles? Outrageous hotel mini bar prices revealed
Listen to the horrifying moment an airline pilot with just THREE minutes of fuel left is told he can't land in North Dakota because the airport is 'closed'
Drone takes a spin over the western region of the Dead Sea and captures the beauty and isolation of the landscape (as well as some camels grazing alongside it)
British family's four star 'holiday from hell': Tourists are served raw sausages and narrowly escape injury after tiles fell off walls in bathroom at 'luxury' Spanish resort
Era of fumbling for your boarding pass could be over: Alaska Airlines trials fingerprint identification for passengers to shorten airport queues (but experts warn the system can be tricked)
The upgrade that beats first class! Delta Air Lines passengers to be bumped up to a PRIVATE JET
Adorable sighting at the Kruger National Park captures baby elephant running around in circles as it attempts to chase away a flock of low-flying swallows
Ryanair plane makes mid-air U-turn and returns to airport after ground staff forgot to remove luggage from previous flight
Like living a fairytale: French billionaire's incredible 11th century turreted castle is transformed into an 850-acre luxury resort

Domaine des Etangs is open following extensive renovation
It was previously the holiday home of French oil baron, Didier Primat
When he died in 2008, his daughter helped to turn it into a hotel
It now boasts 27 bedrooms including seven suites and cottages on site

Published: 02:20 EST, 29 July 2015 | Updated: 03:36 EST, 29 July 2015

View
comments

If you are looking for a regal stay, look no further than this 11th century turreted French castle.

Previously the holiday home of French oil billionaire Didier Primat, who passed away in 2008, Domaine des Etangs has just opened to the public as a one-of-a-kind fairytale resort.

Located in the south west of France in Massignac, the château is complemented by 850 acres of sprawling country retreat, nestled within the rolling Charente countryside.

The enchanting Domaine des Etangs boasts 850 acres of sprawling country retreat nestled within the Charente countryside

Previously the holiday home of French oil billionaire Didier Primat, who passed away in 2008, the property has just opened to the public as a unusual romantic resort

There is accommodation to suit all, from seven unique suites to separate farm cottages spaced around the grounds, totalling 29 rooms

Domaine des Etangs offers activities that make the most of its picturesque woodland surroundings, including cycling, horse riding and walking in the grounds

The exquisite Domaine des Etangs opens following renovation

The honey-stone château is located three hours outside of bustling Paris, and offers a stay among quiet rural villages.

There is accommodation to suit all, from seven unique suites to separate farm cottages spaced around the grounds, totalling 29 rooms.

Domaine des Etangs offers activities that make the most of its picturesque woodland surroundings, including cycling, horse riding and walking.

For indoor types, thermal baths and a 40-seat restaurant are situated on the premises to leave anyone feeling like a pampered king or queen.

Food is served fuelled by local, seasonal ingredients, much of which is grown in the garden or used from livestock on the property

The property now boasts 27 bedrooms including seven luxury suites and quaint property cottages

The restoration project was undertaken by Primat's daughter, Garance, who collaborated with French landscape designer Camille Muller and architect Isabelle Stanislas.

They aimed to preserve as much of the castle's historic features as possible using the help of local craftsmen.

Original wooden beams and old stone walls have now been adorned with plush furnishings and family antiques to create an authentic royal retreat feel.

The rural honey-stone château is located three hours outside of bustling Paris, and offers a stay amongst quiet villages and rolling scenery

For the indoor types, thermal baths or a 40-seat restaurant are situated on the premises. Pictured is a comfy seating area to relax inside the château

The enchanting castle of the Domaine des Etangs dates back to the 11th century

Contemporary aesthetic: The restoration project was undertaken by Primat's daughter, Garance, who collaborated with French landscape designer Camille Muller and architect Isabelle Stanislas

Meals are fuelled by local, seasonal ingredients, much of which is grown in the garden or obtained from livestock on the property.

Sporty guests can play a round of golf at the 18-hole course located 20 kilometres away.

The magical château is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, which features a number of hand-curated properties which include everything from tree houses to hidden coves.

Rooms are available from around £565 (low season) and up to around £1,917 (high season) a night.

The restotation team aimed to preserve and as much of the castle's historic features using the help of local craftsmen

Domaine des Etangs is now open for guests after the extensive renovation project

Original wooden beams and old stone walls have been adorned with plush furnishings and family antiques to create an authentic royal retreat

The magical château is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, which features a number of hand-curated properties which include everything from tree houses to hidden coves