Villas in Aquitaine

Once the playground of French royalty, you’ll find a glamorous edge to this south-western corner of France. To the west, wide, whitewashed beaches and stylish seaside towns and to the east, the gentle rolling hills of France’s most famous vineyards. Hole up in a sprawling country mansion, the perfect point from which to take in the all this renowned region has to offer.

Start with the culinary delights that await you in the region’s capital Bordeaux. Nestled on the Garonne river, this historic city is France at its finest. There’s a noble grandeur to the buildings, a sophisticated sense of superior southern living. Sample fresh oysters and crisp white wine at one of the market stalls, or take a quick whisk round the stunning Musée des Beaux Arts.

In the sweet surrounding countryside, enjoy thousands of acres of vineyards - the region reading like a carefully selected wine list, from Médoc, St. Emilion, Margaux to Pauillac. Take a drive round the fabulous Dordogne, pausing to admire medieval villages and stunning chateaux, before returning to your own piece of history - your sumptuous country mansion. As your chef prepares dinner on the terrace, the smell of truffles drifting from the kitchen, you’ll feel you’ve stepped back into another era entirely.