What is the name of your accommodation?

Château Réal and La Villa Réal

Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your life, such as your interests, hobbies, or background?

We are Kelly and Elian, a couple from Paris and the proud parents of two boys. As a family, we love discovering new places and observing how architecture and design shape living spaces, tell the story of a place, and reveal its heritage. Our shared passion for architecture deeply influences our daily life: we enjoy visiting iconic buildings, exploring neighborhoods with unique character, and imagining design or renovation projects. We also value the time we spend together as a family and the journeys that nurture our curiosity and shape the way we see the world.

How did your property become part of your life? When did it happen, and what inspired or motivated you to take it on?

Our journey with Château Réal began as a true love at first sight. Nestled in the heart of the Médoc, the property immediately captivated us with its charm, history, and potential. When we first visited, we were enchanted by the château’s atmosphere, its elegant architecture, and the authenticity of its surroundings. For a long time, we had been searching for a project that would bring together our passion for architecture, renovation, and heritage. Château Réal quickly felt like the perfect fit, a place rich in history yet ready for a new chapter. Our motivation has been to preserve its soul while infusing it with a contemporary spirit, one that honors its past while embracing the future.
As the project grew, Villa Réal naturally emerged as an extension of this adventure, a place designed to reflect the same philosophy while offering a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.

What was the process of creating your property like? Tell us about renovating, furnishing, or styling it.

Transforming Château Réal was both demanding and deeply rewarding. From the very beginning, we wanted to preserve the spirit of the place while giving it a contemporary touch. Every decision, from selecting materials to restoring historic elements, was guided by a profound respect for the château’s history and our love of detail. The layout and decoration focus on authenticity, natural materials, and pieces with unique character. More than a simple renovation, this project has been both a human and aesthetic adventure, a way to breathe new life into a heritage site while weaving our own family story into it.
For Villa Réal, we did all the work ourselves. We wanted a different atmosphere, but one that complemented the Château with a holiday home style. We spent a lot of time hunting for bargains. The idea was also to offer an even more kid-friendly location, because at the Château we only have one family suite and one cottage.

What makes your property truly special to you? Do you have any favorite spots, cherished memories, or personal touches that make it dear to your heart?

What makes Château Réal truly special is its unique atmosphere and the experience we love to offer our guests. Every space tells a story, from the elegance of the sunlit grand salon to the serenity of the garden, perfect for relaxing or enjoying moments with family and friends. We have paid careful attention to every detail of the décor and design, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance where each object and texture contributes to the overall experience. The château is a living place, where guests can feel the history and charm of the Médoc while creating their own unforgettable memories.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

The atmosphere at Château Réal is defined by serene elegance and the perfect balance between heritage and modernity. Nestled among vineyards and overlooking the Gironde estuary, this 19th-century residence exudes authenticity while offering contemporary comfort. Inside, each room has been designed as a sanctuary: original parquet floors, high ceilings, noble materials, and soft textures come together to create a warm and refined ambiance. From the sunlit salon to the stone terrace overlooking the pool and the tranquil surroundings of the vineyards, every corner invites guests to slow down, recharge, and savor the moment.  In short, Château Réal is a peaceful haven — a living, elegant space where the grandeur of heritage meets the intimacy of a personalized, welcoming experience. With this same vision, we later imagined Villa Réal as a space for families that would be just as welcoming and tastefully decorated.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

At Château Réal, we are mindful of our environmental impact and strive to combine comfort with respect for nature. We have adopted several sustainable practices: we hand-weed the gardens, use a compost bin to recycle organic waste, and welcome chickens and beehives, which help support biodiversity on the estate. Every action, from resource management to careful attention to waste and recycling, reflects our commitment to offering guests an elegant and responsible experience in harmony with the unique surroundings of the Médoc.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

We purchased Château Réal with the goal of sharing this unique and historic place with guests, so they too could experience its charm and atmosphere. From the beginning, offering visitors an authentic and memorable stay in an elegant and welcoming setting has been at the heart of our project. Our motivation comes from the joy of creating a space where people can relax, enjoy moments of togetherness, and immerse themselves in the history and beauty of the Médoc. Hosting guests allows us to bring the château to life while sharing our passion for this cherished heritage. As the demand from families continued to grow, it naturally encouraged us to open Villa Réal, extending the experience with a space designed to welcome them with the same vision and attention to detail.

What can guests expect when staying at your accommodation? Share the experience, the highlights, and perhaps the best compliment you’ve received from past guests.

When guests stay at Château Réal, they discover a place that is elegant, soothing, and full of character. They particularly appreciate the intimate and restorative atmosphere, as well as the thoughtful touches that make each stay memorable, from carefully selected toiletries to spaces designed for quiet reflection or convivial shared moments.One of the most touching compliments we often receive is praise for the attention to detail that defines every aspect of the stay.

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay, and do you have any special tips or recommendations to make their holiday unforgettable?

We hope our guests leave Château Réal with vivid memories, a renewed sense of well-being, and the desire to return. We want everyone to experience a timeless escape, blending relaxation, discovery, and wonder.
To make the experience unforgettable, here are a few recommendations we love to share:
– Enjoy a dinner at one of our favorite gastronomic restaurants, such as La Maison Estournel.
– Treat yourself to a beach getaway — Montalivet or Soulac-sur-Mer — to breathe, walk barefoot in the sand, and admire a sunset over the sea or estuary.
– Explore the region’s natural and architectural treasures: visit the Cordouan Lighthouse, spend a day in Cap Ferret, or climb the Dune du Pilat for breathtaking views.

By combining moments of relaxation at the château with discoveries in the surrounding area, we hope your stay goes beyond the ordinary and leaves a lasting impression.