Stunning Chateau in the Heart of SW France

The Château de Beduer is one of the most romantic and historically important in the ancient region of Quercy, playing its part in history from the time of the Crusades until the present day. In the 20th century it became the scene of intrigue and of one of the greatest love stories of modern times. The Château Buildings The Château is built on a rocky promontory overlooking the valley of the Célé. Surrounded by high walls on three sides, it was originally protected by a dry moat on the south side spanned by a drawbridge. The buildings we see today date mainly from the 13th and 17th centuries. Of the earlier castle, only the outline remains: a “U” shape, open to the north where there would originally have been stables. Below the north end of the courtyard are tunnels leading to loopholes for archers from where the castle could be defended. The main tower, reached by a stone staircase to the west of the courtyard, dates from 1204 and the time of the Albigensian Crusade. The tower lost its original roof and its top floor after the revolution but still dominates the surrounding countryside. To the east of the courtyard is the Grande Salle or Salle des Etats, a two-storey galleried room, with thick walls demonstrating its medieval origins. To the west of the courtyard are workshops below a terrace where the chapel stood until the Second World War. In a very poor state, the chapel was demolished and replaced by a terrace by the then owner Jeanne Loviton after she acquired the chateau in 1939. The main entrance to the courtyard and the chateau, guarded by two lions, bears the arms of the family Lostange, owners from the early 17th until the 19th century. The Marquis Louis de Lostanges was the Seneschal of Quercy, the king’s representative in the region until the Revolution. The Grande Salle The beautifully decorated 100m2 Grande Salle (or Salle des Etats) is the main hall of the chateau, dating from the 14th century. The Parliament of Quercy met three times here during the Hundred Years War and it was from here that the barons of Quercy planned the successful siege of the English garrison at Saint Circ Lapopie. The present appearance and furnishings of the Grande Salle are largely due to Maurice Fenaille, the owner of the chateau from 1911 until 1937 – see “History”. The hall can seat up to 120 (160 including the gallery) for concerts, seminars and presentations, and up to 80 can be comfortably seated at 10 tables for a banquet. The Salon The Salon or “Salle des Notables” is the main reception room of the chateau. A large family room, it is equipped with satellite TV, DVD player and stereo system as well as a baby grand piano. A french window gives access to the garden terrace. The salon normally seats up to 17 but can seat up to 40 in comfort should the need arise. In spring and autumn a log fire and dimmable lighting add to the romantic appeal of the room. The Dining Room The dining room (La Salle Voutee) is the only room in the chateau that retains its original vaulted ceiling. It provides seating for up to 16. The Grounds The chateau sits within its own gardens and parkland with a private 14 x 7 metre swimming pool, and is surrounded by its own meadows and woodland. The grounds include a rose garden, an orchard with mature fruit trees, a sunken garden with shaded seating and a fountain, and a tree-shaded park with stunning views along the Célé valley. The pool has male and female changing rooms and showers, a kitchen area and toilet. Around the pool are chaises longues with cushions and parasols. The Lot is one of the few remaining unspoilt regions of France, with vast areas of primeval oak forest, tranquil river valleys, historical sites and hill-top villages.