Chateau des Etoiles, Ribérac, Dordogne, France

Imagine 2 weeks away with loved ones, living the dream in your very own luxury Dordogne fairytale chateau. Chateau des Etoiles, a large holiday house near Perigueux, offers exclusive use with staff included to cater for all of your needs (guests pay just cost price of food purchased by the chef). The emphasis is on flexibility and allowing guests to fully relax without having to worry about planning or cooking meals, affording time to explore the local area or simply chill out next to the fabulous pool.

Arriving at the chateau is particularly impressive with its sweeping driveway and welcoming entrance hall. Inside the property is very spacious and elegant with living rooms to die for. The drawing room is a place to unwind taking in the views through large period picture windows. Decor is stylish and opulent with exquisite French furniture and soft furnishings. This leads into the music room complete with a grand piano and an adjoining children's room.

The formal dining room is a wonderful place to get everyone together for a celebratory meal prepared by the in-house cook. The owners are proud of their reputation for delicious gourmet cuisine and guests certainly won't be disappointed. For an al fresco meal sit on the terrace next to the pool, all lit up at night, and plenty of comfy seating.

Accommodation is a combination of kings, twins or doubles, some zip-link, according to preference. Each bedroom has an individual design, luxury spaces for a good night's sleep in the quiet countryside. The children's rooms are bound to be popular, with lots of colour and murals. Facilities are plentiful and include 4 en suites and a family bathroom with roll top bath.

There are 3 acres of grounds within the chateau walls to keep the kids entertained with masses of space to run around while the grown ups enjoy the landscaped gardens and flower displays. The busy town of Riberac is a very short drive away with a Friday market, the largest in Perigord. 20 minutes away is the beautiful white sandy beach of Lake Jamaye, great for a picnic and family fun. Bergerac can be reached in under an hour, somewhere to book a tour of a vineyard and sample local wines.