Villa Millesime

About this property

A stay at Villa Millesime has the feel of an upmarket, boutique abode alongside the warmth of a beautifully designed French farmhouse with a nod to the owner’s American heritage. Set amongst the vines, this high-end holiday home is set within a wine estate close to Saint-Émilion and offers unparalleled comfort alongside a wonderful range of curated experiences. 

First of all, the six first-floor bedrooms are exquisite, each one so thoughtfully styled, paying respect to the farmhouse’s rich heritage whilst also offering modern luxuries such as air-conditioning, hypoallergenic beds (mostly king and super-king), bathrobes and en suite bathrooms with rainfall showers. The master bedroom is especially elegant with its chaise longue and private wooden balcony overlooking the estate’s vines. We also love the beautiful French fabrics, antique pieces and marble bathrooms across some other bedrooms, adding to the luxurious ambience of this special maison.

The craftsmanship continues across the ground-floor living spaces with the formal salon opening out to the terrace overlooking the vineyards, a relaxing lounge with Smart TV, the billiard room and splendid library bar as well as the picturesque Orangery, the perfect spot for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

This brings us to the stunning kitchen with its gorgeous décor and traditional range cooker – every gastronome’s dream. Not only is continental breakfast served daily, but a range of other culinary experiences can be arranged such as cookery classes, vineyard picnics and gourmet dining with top chefs.

Indeed, villa staff hope to curate the perfect stay for you and as such a range of services can be organised prior to your arrival from guided tours, hot-air balloon rides and bespoke day trips to tastings across renowned wineries and restaurant reservations in some of the best nearby establishments.

You should also find time to simply kick back by the swimming pool and enjoy al-fresco meals on the terrace, perhaps making the most of the barbecue and pizza oven. There is also so much to explore nearby, starting off in historic Saint-Émilion itself, loved not just for its UNESCO World Heritage vineyards but also its rich history and immense charm.

Elsewhere, canoe along the Dordogne River near Castillon-la-Bataille and soak up the vibrant ambience of Libourne’s colourful markets followed by a cruise along the river. The fine city of Bordeaux is less than hour away or continue further to the Atlantic coast for surfing and sand dunes followed by oysters and chilled white wine as the sun sets.

This exquisite farmhouse is set within a prestigious wine estate on a hilltop near Saint-Émilion, less than an hour from Bordeaux’s airport and Saint-Jean train station (Paris to Bordeaux is just over 2 hours by TGV).

Surrounded by beautiful vines planted on excellent soil, the wine estate produces three highly regarded wines - a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, a Grand Cru and a chardonnay – private tours and tastings can be arranged. The owners aim to cultivate wines sustainably using traditional farming practices including hand pruning and horse ploughing. The contemporary winery and wine-tasting bar are part of the estate.  

Overlooking vines towards the small local village, the villa’s environment is both authentic and enchanting. What’s more, the heart of Saint-Émilion is just 4km away – with advance notice the owners can arrange guided historic tours of the hilltop village as well as bookings at Michelin starred restaurants and wine-tastings at high-end wine châteaux. The Michelin starred establishments Logis de la Cadène and La Table de Pavie are both in central Saint-Émilion whilst Château Troplong Mondot is even closer. Hot-air balloon rides and helicopter tours over the vineyards can also be organised.

One of the world’s oldest and most desired wine destinations with unesco World Heritage listed vineyards, Saint-Émilion will captivate you in every way. The medieval fortified village is a joy to explore with its narrow lanes, boutiques, restaurants, arched gateways, underground catacombs and historic monuments including a 12th century Monolithic church dug out of limestone.

A little further afield, discover the beauty of the Dordogne at Castillon-la-Bataille (9km), a bastide town with a rich heritage, atmospheric Monday morning market, picturesque riverside setting and impressive historic re-enactments of the Battle of Castillon (on weekends in late July and August). In the other direction is bustling Libourne (12km), famed for its excellent Farmers markets on Place Abel Surchamp. Boat trips cruise along the Dordogne River from Libourne and there are canoeing/kayaking opportunities near both Castillon-la-Bataille and Libourne (see also Lac des Dagueys for summer water-based activities).

The wine-tasting opportunities across south-western France seem endless. Not only is Bordeaux less than an hour away by car (or 30 minutes by train) with its wine bars, vibrant restaurant scene, La Cité du Vin and surrounding wine châteaux, the Médoc peninsula is just a little further with Margaux (67km) and Pauillac (96km) easily reached. Then there’s Bergerac (55km) and the sweet wines of Château de Monbazillac (54km) for another fantastic day out for wine, food and history enthusiasts.

You could even venture west towards the Atlantic coast whether enjoying the surfing beaches around Lacanau Plage (101km), the mighty Dune du Pilat (111km) or the oyster farms around Arcachon Bay (111km). Once again, the owners would be pleased to arrange a bespoke itinerary for you when visiting the beautiful coastline and beaches. 

Accommodation

Maison Interiors (690m2)

Main Floor (with some steps)

-    Main entrance
-    Formal salon and dining room with doors leading to terrace  
-    Second lounge with TV and open-plan dining area
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped with breakfast table and doors leading to terrace and garden
-    Orangery with comfortable seating and doors opening out to garden with vineyard view
-    Billiard room
-    Library bar
-    Wine cellar

First Floor (Right wing via main staircase)

-    Master bedroom (74m2) with super king-size double bed (200x200cm), private balcony with vineyard view and en suite bathroom with large bath, walk-in shower, two sinks, separate WC and dressing area  
-    Bedroom (27m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and en suite wet room with shower, bath, two sinks and separate WC
-    Bedroom (40m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and en suite wet room with shower, bath, two sinks and separate WC

First Floor (Left wing via stairs from TV lounge)

-    Bedroom (31m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm) and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and separate WC
-    Bedroom (23m2) with queen-size double bed (160x200cm) and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and separate WC
-    Bedroom (31m2) with super king-size double bed (200x200cm, can be split as twins) and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower, two sinks and separate WC

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (11x5m) with jacuzzi section and electric safety shutter
-    Poolside pergola with table and chairs overlooking vineyard
-    Poolside sun loungers
-    Al-fresco dining terrace and lounge
-    Pizza oven and barbecue  
-    Garden with small fountain
-    Working vineyard, wine bar and winery/chai (all on site)

Other Facilities

-    Air-conditioning (bedrooms only)
-    Underfloor heating/cooling (common areas)
-    Robe and slippers in all bedrooms
-    Gym with treadmill, cycle, yoga mats and free weights