Where are we?
Deep in the heart of Gascony, between Bordeaux and Toulouse. We arrived via Toulouse, driving through a scattering of small villages (a little anecdote: at one crossroads, a left turn leads to the village of Bretagne, a right to Montréal – quite amusing, in its own way). The road unspools past wheat fields, small vineyards and a distinctly French sense of place. Then you turn into a four-hectare estate and there it is: a fairy-tale château rising into view.
The lovely Château de Pomiro.
An utterly charming British couple, Serena and Adrian, decided some years ago to trade the bustle of London for life in the countryside. Restoring the old château to its full glory proved rather more work than expected. It took them five years to open its doors. But the wait shows: everything here is exactly as it should be.
Rooms
The quality of the rooms, above all, is pure luxury. Serena has a wonderful eye for colour, fabric and cosy corners. Even the kitchen, where the two of them prepare breakfast each morning, is a delight. You find yourself thinking: this is how one would like to live, if only one had the budget and the stamina.
The ground floor houses the living spaces, with a breakfast room and a sitting room for lounging, while the four bedrooms are upstairs on the first floor. There is also a self-catering cottage in the adjoining building.
Each room has its own character: high ceilings, original details, antique furniture paired with soft, contemporary touches. They go by the names The Blue Suite, The Marquise Suite, Robin’s Wood Suite and The Morning Suite. Ours, the Marquise Suite, was superb. The bathroom sits in the tower – quite unlike anything we’d seen before, a dream of a room, especially as the evening sun flickers through the shutters. Add to that fine linens, fluffy towels, bathrobes, fast Wi-Fi, fresh flowers and a small welcome hamper, and it all adds up to full marks. Breakfast is included for guests staying in the château suites.
For an afternoon coffee or a glass of wine by the pool, there’s an honesty bar.
Culinary
There is no restaurant on site, but breakfast is a lavish affair, with fresh eggs from the château’s own hens and local specialities. And the surrounding area is a culinary dream in itself. The Domaine Horgelus vineyard lies just 600 metres away, with further Armagnac and wine estates such as Pellehaut, Guillaman and Chateau Gensac only a short drive off. Those who prefer to browse for themselves will find plenty at the weekly markets in Éauze, Montréal and Vic-Fezensac, and in summer, at the atmospheric night markets too. Good places to eat are close by as well, among them Entre Les Lignes, in Eauze and Citrus, in Condom.
Surroundings
The Atlantic coast and the Pyrenees are each around two hours away, Toulouse airport is 1 hour 35 minutes, Bordeaux 1 hour 45 minutes, and the TGV station at Agen is just 45 minutes from the château. The nearest town, the picturesque bastide of Montréal-du-Gers, is only 7 km away.
Combine with
Maison Duroy in Nérac and Couvent de la Salette in Millau, followed by either the Côte d’Azur or the Atlantic coast, depending on where the journey began.
Ideal for
Couples in search of peace and quiet, and a chance to slow down. During our stay, an English couple was there for the second time, having taken the cottage so they could cook for themselves in the evenings. But families, too, could easily spend a lovely few days here. In theory, the château would also make a stylish setting for weddings or photoshoots – it also welcomes private events and retreats.
Rates
Doubles from 160 euros including breakfast.
Booking & Contacts
Château de Pomiro
3258 Rte de Pomiro
32250 Montréal-du-Gers
France
