At the Château Saint-Pierre de Serjac, the sustainable lightness of being

The Saint-Pierre de Serjac estate offers hotel rooms and several summer houses. D.R

The Saint-Pierre de Serjac estate, with its infinity pool, castle and summer houses. – Kerry Morgan

Le spa est ouvert toute l’année et offre un espace de détente et de soins. – Patrick Brunet

The Château Saint-Pierre de Serjac and its estate, between Magalas and Pouzolles, bring together the ingredients for a stay with sweet alchemy. In the heart of a vineyard, the property offers hotel rooms, villas, a restaurant with local products in a setting where lightness is breathed in.

Past the long, straight path lined with cypresses that traces a furrow in the vineyard, the Domaine de Saint-Pierre de Serjac, on the four-star side, reveals itself, an unsuspected setting in this countryside between Magalas and Pouzolles.

This summer, you would readily believe that the sun reserves its softest rays for the surroundings of the large infinity pool in which you swim with a view of the Château de Serjac on one side and the vineyards of the Pays d'Oc and its gentle hills on the other.

Small villas, the famous swimming pool, a 19th century château, a vegetable garden, vineyards all around, that's the decor, which combines luxury and nature. The estate offers hotel rooms and villas, called “summer houses”. In high season, it costs 315 euros per night for a standard room (two people plus a baby under 3 years old) and 669 euros for a two-bedroom villa (up to four people plus a baby under 3 years old).

Combining luxury and the holiday spirit

It was the company Domaine & Demeure, which specializes in transforming castles and wine estates into high-end holiday destinations, that renovated the property after its purchase, investing 25 million euros. The work lasted two years.

The site, as it is today, opened its gates in spring 2016. The château extends its offer out of season, with a wine shop, a spa (with indoor pool, massage rooms, solarium and space dedicated to yoga classes) and the restaurant, open all year round, as do the hotel rooms and villas. The latter regularly host seminars.

Irishman Karl O'Hanlon, founder of the company Domaine & Demeure, has left his mark here, which runs through the three properties he has bought in the region. Namely, combining the chic and intrinsic beauty of the place, high-end tourism standing and the holiday and relaxation atmosphere, intimacy and hospitality.

International and French tourists come with their families to enjoy the eight suites and 36 summer houses, from 40 to 220 m2, built in the former outbuildings of the castle. Up to 200 people can stay at the same time.

A domain where the whole family meets

Everything is done to make the stay enjoyable for families, with the possibility of renting summer houses – some of which have their own private swimming pool – for a more intimate atmosphere. “We have a lot of families who come, including those with young children. They can enjoy week-long stays for which they bring their own groceries“, explains Lara De Nitto, communications manager for Domaine & Demeure.

A kids club offers activities based around nature, arts and sports, including treasure hunts, archaeological digs, theatre and tree houses. Younger guests will also be delighted to find a mini-farm with goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits and ducks. And for sports enthusiasts, the estate also has a tennis court and activities such as yoga.

For adult wine lovers, the estate's teams offer walks in the vineyard with tastings. In the evening, the bar puts on its party attire. Theme evenings are organized there, with happy hour and special evenings for children.

A restaurant that favors the short circuit

The chef of the restaurant of the château, Fabien Guillaume, concocts recipes inspired by his travels and his four years spent on the island of Reunion. He favors the short circuit and seasonal vegetables, most of which come from the large vegetable garden hidden between the vines at the bottom of the estate. the wine page, the product of the vineyard surrounding the estate is of course on the menu. The restaurant is open all year round. Lunches and dinners are taken at the restaurant.

Château Saint-Pierre de Serjac. Restaurant open every day, from 12 to 2 pm and from 7 to 9:30 pm. Bar open from 12 pm. Spa open every day, from 9 am to 8 pm, in high season. Access for people with reduced mobility. Pets allowed. Information and reservations: domainedemeure.com or at 04 67 80 76 00.