I have never slept in an actual castle before (and I hardly think that’s rare). So when I had the chance to experience one, I jumped at the opportunity!

Along with my husband (and arguably only because of my husband), we had the privilege of sleeping 3 nights in a french Chateau (turned hotel). A castle that would have originally been a hunting Chateau (i.e. castle) used by both Henry IV and Louie XIII between the 1300 and 1600’s. I believe the Chateau was still being renovated and updated until more like the 1700’s, from what I can gather. Though I can’t piece it together exactly, the onsite chapel was added on in the 1600’s.

How Old is Old?

What I can say for certainty is the Chateau is magnificently old and a structure has been on this hilltop with out a doubt since the middle ages until now. Where it acts as a privately owned Chateau/Resort catering to business retreats. To say it was an experience doesn’t do it justice. It was by far the oldest place I have been privy to other than in an actual museum or tour and definitely the oldest place I have ever spent the night (and 3 nights at that).

Modern Conveniences

This particular Chateau was fitted with most modern conveniences, like electricity and radiators (instead of fireplaces) for heat in the rooms. And thank goodness – turns out castles are really cold! This castle also had a modern kitchen and staff that turned out the most incredible, jaw droppingly memorable meals!!

There was a tiny elevator (a welcome comfort – since we had to go both up AND downstairs to get to our room, including a tiny spiral staircase that was far from suitcase friendly). Stylish, but period appropriate, modern furniture (except in the chapel and a few other places) were in most rooms and common spaces. Complete with some of the most beautiful silk and satin curtains and decor that made me swoon.

Quirky Characteristics

However there was many different types of flooring that swayed and creaked and was delightfully uneven and worn all over the Chateau. Several inches higher here or lower there, a significant slant, a two inch lip and then an entirely different type of flooring. It meant you knew someone was coming – long before they arrived.

The Lock and Key Dilemma

Then there was the wrought iron lock and key on the world heaviest door to our room. It took a day and half to figure out the full 4 revolutions that the key needed to make in order to lock or unlock this ancient receptacle, both inside and outside the door.

Which included getting stuck on the inside of our room during a fire alarm. Trying not to panic (but totally panicking) – because I could not open the door for the life of me! Amazing how two minutes can feel like an eternity. However, following some light, inspiration talking to myself (that included reasoning like “do you smell smoke, Laura?! No you do not smell smoke. You are not going to die in a castle. You are amazing. Remember you have had two babies with nothing more than laughing gas – you can figure out a lock…oh yes you can”)!!! I was actually able to figure out that the key just needed to be inserted only 3/4 of the way in and wiggled back and forth just so.

That knowledge proved even more helpful the second time the fire alarm went off and I bounded down four flights of stairs and halls in my fuzzy pyjamas and jacket (again). Clearly making an adorable impression on all those there enjoying their fancy business dinner (and proving my husband wrong that I can be embarrassing or unprofessional). At least that’s what I assume he said as the adrenaline was causing my heart to beat so loudly, that was all I could actually hear was my own heart pounding! A true castle adventure perhaps?!

Time Travelling

I felt like I was in a time traveling book, fairy tale or movie (minus the fire alarm). It was incredibly inspiring and I experienced things I had only read about or watched in a movie really come alive, like I was walking through them. As cheesy as that might sound, the feeling was overwhelming. And anytime I would see the juxtaposition of a modern element or convenience up against the original or old,  it played with my mind. If I would catch a glance out the window of a car, I would do a double take, as strange as it sounds for this city girl. It seemed that bizarre a sight and out of place – your mind only expected to see a horse (which there were plenty of) and perhaps a buggy!

It’s possible that because I have never outgrown my vivid imagination or my fascination with old things, that I felt immersed in another world, as dramatic as that sounds. But castles are very dramatic!

Perhaps it is because Vancouver’s oldest buildings don’t date much past 150 years and so these sights are far from common for me to see in person. It could be because we live in such a disposable era and items that last 10 years are considered to possess longevity. Or maybe it was just the simple fact that things this old can still exist and be touched and experienced. It’s hard to say exactly what it was, but I was fully enchanted.

Not A Museum

I have been fortunate enough to visit and explore old museums and buildings before in London, Paris, New York and even eastern Canada. It is one thing to visit something in a museum or from the outside and to walk through an old house, chateau or castle – behind the ropes and reading signs about the furniture or people. But to actually have the place to yourself to explore the grounds, the many staircases and different levels, the secret doors and passage ways was awe-inspiring and little intimidating (dare I say almost frightening).

The day I discovered an entire other staircase and full lower level (the most intriguing to me yet). Well, be still my heart. In fact my heart was a little in my throat to be honest. As the entire Chateau was on motion sensor lighting and so any winding stone staircase, room or hall (and castles are dark – even with old windows) was dark until you stepped into it! It was exhilarating (not the least bit dull or dry) and really took exploring alone to the next level. Especially when I stumbled upon the prison or the multiple surrounding  game rooms, that included an upstairs poker space that screamed secret society lair.

Solitude

And because my husband, and every other guest, was in meetings and workshops most of the day – I really was all alone. Except when a staff member would come to see about some space and find me reading in some enchanting corner of the castle and nearly jump out of their skin – like they had seen ghost!

I never could entirely shake the feeling like I shouldn’t be there either – like I was exploring things off limits to a layperson like myself and sitting on the forbidden museum furniture. And yet I hungered to see every corner and crevice of that old building and it’s secrets. In this once in a life time experience.

A Favourite Spot

My very favourite spot to cuddle up was a comfy velvet chair, directly next to the radiator with a cozy blanket and book. In the very bottom corner of the castle for what would have likely been the original kitchen (or rotisserie). I had to walk through the length of the winding rooms to reach it. It was quiet and private, I only ever saw another person once.

This very bottom castle corner had the most perfect natural light through the windows. Plus the view of the town and high arched ceilings with a giant fireplace/stove and so, so much history. It’s hard to say exactly what made this spot the one I spent as much time as possible in, but I loved it. This was the most special space in the whole castle to me. I took videos and pictures of the entire room and couldn’t resist writing the beginnings of a story of my own based on this space. If I had regular access to this space, the stories would write themselves. 

Exploring The Grounds

I searched as much as I could find, including the incredible hilltop grounds that took me over two hours to explore. I never did see it all. And I implored my better judgment to not ramble through the many rock quarries (used to build these magnificent buildings) on the property.

I did take time to climb the oldest stairs I have ever experienced onto the overgrown medieval ruins (of what I think might have possibly been stables). They were so old that trees had actually grown out of the foundations and there were several inches of dirt and overgrowth on top that gave the most delightful cushion underfoot. I think by this point the ivy and overgrowth was completely integral to the rock and brick.

Being there sent chills up and down my spine and made the hair on my arms stood up. I didn’t expect such a physical reaction. But the idea of countless people standing and seeing or experiencing exactly what I was since medieval times onward was a rather overwhelming sensation. It was incredibly inspiring and I fully and completely understood why there are countless books, movies and series about time travel. My vivid imagination fully expected someone to step out from the past, no matter what my logical brain knew. 

Castle Life

Overall staying in a castle and experiencing the beauty of the grounds, ruins and history was a very unique and memorable experience. One that I will never forget. I think that if had the chance to repeat another stay in a castle, I would. Though not likely the awkwardness of joining my husband on business to do so! But I also feel like if this was truly a once in lifetime experience, I would be alright with that too. I wouldn’t trade what I got to see or do.

However like so many other experiences, it was very different than what I imagined. Castle life would have been dreary, cold and damp and at times lonely. It was also opulent, beautiful and serene. Like most things it had both sides of the coin to experience. Castles are amazing! But hotels they are not. They are so much more. So if you get the chance to stay in one – jump at the opportunity – there is nothing quite like it!