Submitted by Name: Caroline From: UK E-mail: Contact
Comments: Dear Joanna & Bill,
We had a wonderful time in gorgeous weather. The chateau is amazing and we would be fascinated to know how you came to own it - the work you have clearly done has made it an idyllic holiday spot for all ages. As we had so many children we did not venture far but thoroughly enjoyed just being "at home". We ate delicious food and drank lovely wines. The kitchen was a delight to cook in - curiously the e mail you had sent before we left got blocked and I only just got your oven instructions! We worked it out for ourselves after a false start or two, all part of the holiday experience! We did as you suggested and did our first big shop in Cahors and thereafter in the village - thought the Monday market was a must. Jean-Claude and his wife were just lovely, so welcoming with everything just so, even flowers on the kitchen table. Frederique and (?)daughter arrived on Monday and we arranged for them to come in each day just to keep everything fresh.
So, completely brilliant holiday all round, made even better by discovering the weather here has been stinky!!
Thank you for returning the deposit so quickly - we cherished the place as if were our own - well, wish it was actually!
Kind regards Caroline
Added: August 16, 2009
Submitted by Name: Miranda Family From: France E-mail: Contact
Comments: The Miranda family made a music video of their stay. Search for Chateau Cardou on youtube... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OUBNHGEh_E
Added: June 25, 2009
Submitted by Name: Adam Stephens From: UK E-mail: Contact
Comments: Dear Jo,
Thank you so much for the use of Lamostonie for the two weeks. It was such a wonderful place to spend my 40th party. We made use of the pool, the tennis court, had a masqued ball, sung around the piano, and still had time to visit Rocamadour, Sarlat and St Cirq Lapopie. I sort of dont want to recommend it to anyone as it's such a lovely place, and I want to keep it away from the masses; but I wont!
Can't thank you enough for making beautiful Lamostonie available to the hoi polloi. We had high hopes when we arrived, but even they were exceeded – I really don't think the photographs on the website do justice to the wonderful restoration you have obviously done. All week everyone was saying how much better it was in real life than in the pictures.
We had an absolutely magical time – everyone did their own thing during the day (whether it was lazing by the pool, playing tennis or shopping and sightseeing) and we all met up for dinner each evening to exchange our stories of the day and generally set the world to rights. I particularly loved your amazing pianos, which gave me more pleasure than you can imagine.
The staff were unfailingly kind and helpful and we would all like to thank Frederique and Christine and Jean-Claude and Mme Delpech, none of whom could have been more charming. Your cook, Rose, was an absolute delight and she and I had great fun choosing menus, both of us trying to communicate in languages we only had the briefest smattering of. The meals she made us were delicious – we were only disappointed that we had to leave a pot of mouthwatering Vichyssoise in the fridge when we left.
The week passed all too quickly and now we are home in the rain, warmed only by wonderful memories – and actually looking forward to the next big birthday. With the best of wishes to you and yours,
Julia.
Added: August 06, 2008
Submitted by Name: Cynthia H From: Australia E-mail: Contact
Comments: Dear Joanna
Thank you for your prompt return of the refundable deposit. As expected, we had a wonderful stay in Chateau Lamostonie. Everything was so lovely – from the warm welcome by the staff, to the fresh flowers on windowsills and mantle pieces and offer of daily delivery of bread and croissants, picnic tables under trees, sweeping lawns and tall trees, magnificent views, the soft sound of cow bells, big dinners by fireside on unexpectedly cool summer evenings...
I don’t think we could imagine any place nicer. Everything that you could conceive would be necessary for our comfort had been provided (although another large cooking pot or two would be useful). We particularly appreciated the cleanliness of the Chateau and abundance of clean kitchen tea towels and new brushes and sponges. Thank you for making this interlude possible. I have quite fallen in love with the Chateau and with Lot generally.
My sister – the indefatigueable – made sure we saw as much as humanly possible – and the images of the countryside, haystacks, villages, farms and churches we saw as we criss-crossed the region will be etched in my memory forever. I am sure you will have great success with the Chateau and much repeat business.
Comments: We had a fabulous time at Trichot; glorious weather and a glorious setting off the beaten track and away from it all with friends and family. It doesn't get much better....
The holiday was absolutely FANTASTIC! Seriously, everyone is full of it: a HUGE success - so much so that they all want a repeat in 2 years! We shall see. Anyway, we have had the most wonderful emails from Canada, South Africa, Northern Ireland, Kuwait and of course good old Blighty, all of whom were represented. There were five brothers and sisters plus husbands/wives, 11 cousins, some with partners/husbands/wives, plus 6 tinies. The little ones had a ball too - there were so many of us, they just moved from one relative to another.
The weather, as you will know, was perfect; in fact the two 2/3 year olds wore pretty much nothing all week. Ben had his 3rd birthday on the verandah which was just as well because my sister gave him a water pistol. Granddaughter (5 yesterday) swims like a fish, neice Jordan (5 yrs) was frightened to get in the pool at the start of the week but by the end we couldn't keep her out. The two babies slept through it all - in the evenings they were asleep in their buggies by the dining table because, the noise level being what it was, we wouldn't have heard them from the bedrooms.
Everyone raved about Cardou, couldn't believe it actually. It was superb. Myriam and Antoine looked after us well - poor Antoine didn't bat an eyelid at the quantities of bottles he carried away. We ate and drank like Kings - did the pate de foie gras and asparagus and duck and and and ... consumed quantities of wine and beer; did three of the local markets and many of the local sites.
I have gone on far too long but I wanted to convey to you the enthusiasm and gratitude from all who went on holiday. They LOVED it, as did Michael and I.
Comments: We have just returned from two wonderful weeks at Chateau Cardou. The web pics don't do it justice, it's far more beautiful. Unreservedly recommended.
Added: December 15, 2004
Submitted by Name: Michael Partington From: E-mail: Contact
Comments: Looks super, planning big family party for 2002.
Added: August 19, 2001
Submitted by Name: John Clarke From: E-mail: Contact
Comments: We had an unforgettable week at Lafage!!! It was everything we had hoped for and more!! To say we are smitten with South-west France would be an understatement. We will return.
Name: Caroline
From: UK
E-mail: Contact
Dear Joanna & Bill,
We had a wonderful time in gorgeous weather. The chateau is amazing and we would be fascinated to know how you came to own it - the work you have clearly done has made it an idyllic holiday spot for all ages. As we had so many children we did not venture far but thoroughly enjoyed just being "at home". We ate delicious food and drank lovely wines. The kitchen was a delight to cook in - curiously the e mail you had sent before we left got blocked and I only just got your oven instructions! We worked it out for ourselves after a false start or two, all part of the holiday experience! We did as you suggested and did our first big shop in Cahors and thereafter in the village - thought the Monday market was a must. Jean-Claude and his wife were just lovely, so welcoming with everything just so, even flowers on the kitchen table. Frederique and (?)daughter arrived on Monday and we arranged for them to come in each day just to keep everything fresh.
So, completely brilliant holiday all round, made even better by discovering the weather here has been stinky!!
Thank you for returning the deposit so quickly - we cherished the place as if were our own - well, wish it was actually!
Kind regards
Caroline