Sunday, June 30, 2019

Chateau Lamothe du Prince Noir

We have enjoyed our stay at Chateau Lamothe du Prince Noir over the past four nights.  We have talked with the owner, Carla, several times and learned more about the property.  Carla was born and raised in Mozambique.  She purchased the castle seven years ago, from a pair of elderly spinster women, who had owned it for decades.  The estate had grown wine grapes and sold off sections over the years for nearby development.  The remaining estate is quite private and very historic.  Carla had the castle rewired and new plumbing installed.  Much of the castle structure is still original and is an ongoing maintenance project.

The moat is Greco Roman, well over 2000 years old.  The round turreted end of the castle was built in the 11th century and the square end of the castle was built in the 14th century.  Prince Noir had several estates in France, with this one used as a hunting lodge.

We have enjoyed breakfast on the terrace, light dinners on the front lawn, time in the pool, and strolls around the property.  We’ve had a wonderful and memorable visit.