Harper's Bazaar, 19th century gatehouse.

The 19th century gatehouse of Chateau D'Arnac must be the grandest and most romantic self-catering destination in the Dordogne.

Situated to one side of a privately owned chateau, amid beautiful countryside full of Romanesque architectural treasures, the half timbered gatehouse is the sort of place in which any pair of lovers would want to hide away.

Under a curved ceiling with the noise of mill-rush blanking out all other sound, the four poster bed has a discreetly positioned heart-shape mirror in its canopy, with a chilled bottle of champagne to hand.

For breakfast a hamper of fresh croissants appears by the door.  You have to fend for yourself for lunch and dinner but the kitchen is fully equipped and you can lay the table on a shady terrace beside the stream and commune with the ducks and geese.

Set in extensive parkland planted with oaks and elegant avenues of planes, the chateau proper is a family house available for balls parties and weddings - when the gatehouse provides a seductive escape for the first night of wedded bliss.