A Luxury Holiday with a Home Feeling at Domaine Fabriges  

 

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A Luxury Holiday with a Home Feeling at Domaine Fabriges  

Set among the rolling hills of the Lot, Domaine Fabriges is a stunning, countryside château complete with heated pool, 12 ensuite bedrooms and an inspiring renaissance story.

The château caught the eye of owner Genevieve Brunwin and her partner 14 years ago. The Jersey-based couple were looking for properties in France that could accommodate their family for holidays and gatherings. They began looking over in the Bordeaux region but weren’t quite convinced. Their estate agent mentioned one property, “a distress sale” he called it, closer to Toulouse. “It was just stunning. Beautifully decorated by a Parisian interior designer with an amazing flow inside,” remembers Genevieve. “We loved the space, the privacy and seclusion it offered and how cosy it felt.” 

A phoenix rising from the ashes 

When the house was not occupied with big, happy, family reunions, they began renting it out for friends, extended family and also for weddings which were very successful.  

Everything came to a screeching halt when a devastating fire broke out in 2018. “Because of its seclusion, it took a while for someone to sound the alarm and it took three days and pompiers (ed: the fire brigade) from five different districts to put it out,” Genevieve explains. 

The property was in ruins and the decision to renovate it, enormous. But they pushed through. “It was a huge decision to put it together again. The house was perfect before, so we decided to recreate it almost identically, though we added two bedrooms and a commercial kitchen as well as air conditioning. It was definitely a labour of love and a massive amount of stress.” 

The renovations took about five years and overcame Brexit and Covid-19 but Genevieve is seeing the light now. “It really is like a phoenix and our previous guests have been waiting for it to rise from the ashes. This year is the first we’ve opened up to the public again,” she smiles. 

Homely luxury 

The château is certainly jaw-droppingly beautiful. A long, tree-lined drive plunges visitors into the lush atmosphere of the private domaine, whose vast grounds are ideal for even large parties to enjoy moments of privacy and peace. The main house boasts eight en-suite bedrooms and a separate building, a former barn, has a further four bedrooms. Each one is tastefully decorated with a unique feeling and offers plenty of comfort and space, as well as beautiful views over the grounds or the countryside. 

Downstairs, the house offers so many different spaces it can feel hard to choose which room to enjoy: the cosy living room with plush sofas, the sophisticated billiard room, a second, vast sitting room with a cathedral ceiling and a stunning fireplace, an air-conditioned TV room, the homely kitchen with its country table and bar, or the beautiful dining room that is bathed in light. 

Outside, a tennis court, kids play area, hyacinth-covered patio and chic outdoor sitting area will keep nature lovers busy while the pizza oven and gas-fired barbecue ensure perfect al fresco dining. The cherry on top is the outdoor, heated swimming pool and hot tub, surrounded by beautiful Quercy stones – a separate bar allows for chill pool parties while avoiding the slippery, wet footprints in the kitchen as you dash inside to pour yourself another glass of rosé. 

Everything has been imagined with the comfort and ease of guests in mind. “We want people to have a holiday and feel like they’re in their own home,” Genevieve emphasizes. “However, it’s still a high-end holiday rental and because of its size, it’s always staffed. Guests don’t have to think of anything, including doing the dishes.” Indeed, a manager and housekeeper are always on site and included in the rental price to ensure a smooth experience. 

The extra mile 

But Domaine Fabriges is indeed more than a mere rental. In such a gastronomic-rich area, the property caters to those guests with a gourmet side. For parties over 10 people, a chef must be hired to take care of meals and shopping so that guests can truly sit back and enjoy their stay without worrying about meal planning. Wine tastings are possible in the property’s cellar too. 

Genevieve is also seeking to expand the commercial opportunities of the château. “We’re off to a strong start in 2024 with weddings which are very popular,” she says. “But we’re looking to tap into wellness retreats too. More and more, people are looking for a bit of solace and the château is perfect for that with the wooded grounds and countryside seclusion.” To cater to that, Genevieve is planning a gym/pilates studio and an outdoor gym too. 

Excursions are possible to the surrounding bastide villages but Genevieve admits that most people prefer staying at the château and enjoying all the amenities it has to offer. “There’s something for everyone, truly. And the value for money is exceptional as the property is so much more than you expect.” 

Book your stay at Domaine Fabriges with Oliver’s Travels: www.oliverstravels.com/france/midi-pyrenees/domaine-fabriges/

Lead photo credit : Domaine Fabriges © Oliver's Travels

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