Chateau de Villette

We liked the surroundings, the main building and the cottage. Very beautiful and nicely furnitured. We also liked the possibility to cook for ourselves sometimes. We liked the hospitality of the hosts, tips and information and the fact that we were allowed to go all around the estate. The cottage was extremely nice and specious and beautiful, although not very clean.

Delightful 3 days at this secluded spot. Wonderful gardens, dogs and food. The hosts clearly love and know the area well.

A nightmare. Simply abysmal experience like I have never had at any other establishment before. After a 7-hour drive, we were so happy to finally arrive at the chateau until…..we were shown into a room where my children were meant to sleep. The room had black mould on the wall and mess/mould on the floor. My children discovered it first but I knew something was wrong because of the strange smell and stale air inside. My children became very upset thinking they had to sleep “in the mouldy place”. The owners were abroad so we asked the sister, who showed us the room, if there were any alternative rooms available. She told us no other rooms were available. I was shocked because, as can be seen by the photographs, the state of the property cannot have been a surprise to anyone. Mould like that does not just develop overnight and break through wallpaper. If it had not been discovered, it made me wonder whether it also meant that no one had bothered to even clean the room? When I first spoke to the owner over the telephone, he was utterly nonchalant and said it was too bad that we were “unhappy” with the room. I pointed out that unhappy was an understatement. Not only did the room not look anything like the standard depicted online, but it had hefty amounts of mould inside the wall cracks, which can be a hazard to health for a number of reasons. We were exhausted, with two children who needed food and rest. This was the high season (early July) and we were left with no suggestion of redress. I told the owner I would need to investigate my rights, and he replied that for that reason (me seeking my rights) he would not return my deposit. We ended up having to find emergency accommodation to the tune of over €2000 (on top of the €390 deposit we had paid to Chateau de Villette in January via bank transfer, per their request). We had to drive 1.5 hours in the night to the new place. Both my children and I were in tears. The other owner (the wife) promised me via text message that she would pay my deposit back when she returned to France the following week. I replied asking her to please just pay me back the money and that I wish to never hear from them again. “Please” was my last word. Not only did they not pay back the deposit nor respect my wish to please be left alone, but barraged me with messages on all sorts of media during my holiday. I believe that upon realizing that I have photographs and videos the husband undertook to “apologise”. When I finally psyched myself to read the message, it seemed like a genuine apology until….half-way when it became a litany of excuses for the mould in the room and conditioning the return of my deposit on me accepting such explanations. I simply did not have the strength to spoil my holiday further and did not wish to deal with them after the ordeal they caused us. I had asked to be left alone. Then, while still on holiday, I checked my work email and found a note from the husband owner stating that because I

Château de Villette is a stunning architectural gem with excellent, relaxed hospitality surrounded by glorious gardens and spectacular views. I have stayed more than once and my rooms have been exceptionally comfortable with the best beds and linen you will ever sleep in; bathrooms have really good power showers with big white fluffy towels, and every room is exquisitely furnished. Catherine is a highly-skilled cook and her food is as good as any serious restaurant without being pretentious; expect delicious, fresh, seasonal produce all cooked with a nod to Burgundy’s traditional classics and some clever twists. Coen is a wine expert with a varied cellar and plenty from the region. This is top hospitality and makes returning inevitable.

Chateau de Villette is a truly wonderful place to spend a few days, or if you are lucky, even more time. Catherine and Coen are perfect hosts - you feel completely at home as soon as you arrive. The peace and tranquility surrounding you is unique. We stayed in Chambolle Musigny, which is a lovely two bedroom suite with stunning views over the estate and beyond. The suite is charming and has an airy feel that is both welcoming and comfortable. Everywhere was extremely clean. We were very pleased to be able to dip into the pool to cool down from the hot summer temperatures, it was difficult to leave this peaceful spot in the late afternoon, but an early evening meal was tempting us. We enjoyed several delicious meals at Villette, whilst savouring the unique beauty of the magical environment around us. If you wish to head out in the evening, Catherine and Coen can recommend a variety of restaurants in the region and will even make the reservations for you! Your hosts are very knowledgeable about this beautiful location within the stunning Morvan Regional Natural Park and can help you plan a relaxing day - maybe wine tasting in one of the many famous vineyards or, if you feel more adventurous, cycling to the top of nearby Mont Beuvray. Breakfasts in the garden are a treat - a wonderful selection of fresh, local produce combined with friendly and attentive staff mean that you linger for as long as you can before you have to leave this rural idyll and head back to the outside world! Thank you Catherine and Coen for making our stay with you so special, we very much look forward to returning again.

Meant to stay four nights. The room where my children should have slept had mold on the walls and under the sink. Owner unapologetic and shrugged it off. Had to find a new place after 7 hour drive. Abysmal.