Château de Cambayrac

Restored from a shell by passionate owners, this compact 16th-century château is an elegantly tasteful escape with a dollop of homely warmth. Underfloor heating keeps you toasty, Italian showers feel indulgent while character and charm have been retained and elevated with contemporary touches.

The huge ‘play’ room on the top floor will tempt children (and grown-ups) with its comfy seating, books, games and an enormous wall mounted TV, plus there’s a snug for escaping the crowd, and a smart salon calling out for candlelit dinners. Stretch out in generous bedrooms with pastoral views, all spread over three floors and reached via a turreted stone staircase.

Balmy weather means you’ll be outside floating in the pool, tumbling on the lawn or playing table tennis, badminton and boules. Wander off down private woodland trails then fire up the barbecue on the terrace or dine out in lovely Villefranche-de-Rouergue.