Chateau de la Motte Husson Bookings

The magnificent Chateau de la Motte Husson, famously known from the television series 'Escape to the Chateau', offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience its grandeur and charm. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic getaway, a special celebration, or simply an immersive historical experience, booking a stay or an event at the chateau requires a little insider knowledge. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your journey to this enchanting French estate is as smooth as possible.

Understanding the Booking Options

Chateau de la Motte Husson operates on a multi-faceted booking system, catering to different visitor needs. It's important to understand the primary ways one can experience the chateau:

Overnight Stays and Experiences

Dick Strawbridge and Angel Adoree, the passionate owners, offer a curated selection of experiences for guests. These often include:

• Chateau Stays: The chateau boasts beautifully restored rooms and suites, allowing guests to truly live like royalty for a night or more. These stays are often themed and include unique touches that reflect the chateau's history and the personal style of its owners.
• Event Hire: The chateau is a sought-after venue for weddings, parties, and corporate events. If you're looking to host a truly memorable occasion, the chateau provides a breathtaking backdrop.
• Workshops and Courses: Occasionally, Dick and Angel host workshops and courses related to their skills, such as gardening, DIY, or even culinary arts. These are highly popular and book up extremely quickly.

How to Book Your Stay or Event

The primary and most direct way to book any experience at Chateau de la Motte Husson is through their official website. The website is meticulously updated with availability, booking forms, and detailed information about what each offering entails. Here's a general step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the official Chateau de la Motte Husson website. This is the most reliable source for all booking information.
2. Explore 'Bookings' or 'Experiences' Section: Look for a dedicated section on the website, often labelled 'Bookings', 'Stay', 'Events', or 'Experiences'.
3. Check Availability: This is a crucial step. The chateau is a private residence and a working estate, meaning availability can be limited and dates are often released in advance. Be prepared to be flexible with your dates if possible.
4. Understand the Offerings: Carefully read the descriptions for each available option. Pay attention to what is included in the price, such as meals, activities, or specific amenities.
5. Complete the Booking Form: If you find a suitable option, you will typically need to fill out an online booking form. This will usually ask for your contact details, preferred dates, the number of guests, and sometimes specific requests.
6. Payment and Confirmation: A deposit is usually required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due closer to your stay or event date. You will receive a confirmation email once your booking is processed.

Important Considerations Before Booking

To ensure a smooth booking process and a wonderful experience, keep the following points in mind:

Timing is Everything

Due to the immense popularity of the chateau, especially following its television appearances, booking well in advance is highly recommended. For popular events or peak season stays, you might need to book many months, or even over a year, ahead of time. Keep an eye on the website for announcements regarding when new booking slots will be released.

Flexibility is Key

As mentioned, availability can be scarce. If your heart is set on a specific date, you might be disappointed. Being flexible with your travel dates will significantly increase your chances of securing a booking.

Read the Terms and Conditions

Before confirming any booking, it is vital to read and understand the chateau's terms and conditions. This includes cancellation policies, payment schedules, and any specific rules or guidelines for guests.

Direct Communication

If you have specific questions about booking an event or a bespoke experience, don't hesitate to use the contact information provided on the official website to reach out directly to the chateau. This is often the best way to clarify details for larger bookings or special requests.

What to Expect During Your Stay

When you do manage to book a stay at Chateau de la Motte Husson, you're in for an immersive experience. Dick and Angel are known for their warm hospitality, and guests often report feeling like part of the family. You can expect:

• Authentic Chateau Living: Experience the romance and history of the chateau, often with modern comforts seamlessly integrated.
• Beautifully Appointed Rooms: Each room is uniquely decorated with Angel's signature style, blending vintage charm with contemporary flair.
• Delicious Food: Many stays include meals, often prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients, sometimes from the chateau's own gardens.
• Unique Activities: Depending on your booking, you might have the opportunity to explore the grounds, participate in activities, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere.

Booking for Events and Weddings

For those considering the chateau as a venue for a wedding or a significant event, the process is slightly different and often involves more detailed consultation.

The website will typically have a dedicated 'Events' or 'Weddings' section. Here, you will usually find information on venue capacity, what is included in event packages, and a contact form or email address specifically for event enquiries. Due to the bespoke nature of event planning, direct communication with the chateau's events team is essential. They will guide you through the available dates, pricing structures, and how to tailor the chateau to your specific needs.

Key factors for event bookings include:

• Venue Hire Fees: These will vary depending on the season, the day of the week, and the duration of your event.
• Catering Options: While the chateau might offer in-house catering or recommendations, you may also have flexibility here.
• Accommodation: If you wish for guests to stay overnight, the availability of rooms will be a critical factor.
• Exclusive Use: For weddings and larger events, you will likely be looking at exclusive hire of the chateau and its grounds.

It is crucial to approach event bookings with ample time. The chateau's popularity means that prime dates for weddings and large events are often booked years in advance. Enquiries should be made as early as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How far in advance should I try to book?
For overnight stays and workshops, it's advisable to book as soon as you see availability that suits you, as dates can disappear quickly. For weddings and larger events, a minimum of 12-18 months in advance is recommended, though even longer is sometimes necessary.

Q2: Can I visit the chateau without booking a stay or event?
Chateau de la Motte Husson is primarily a private residence and a venue for booked experiences and events. While there might be occasional open days or special public events announced, general visits without a booking are typically not possible.

Q3: What if I can't find availability on the website?
If you are struggling to find availability, keep checking the website regularly. New dates are often released periodically. You can also subscribe to any newsletters or follow their social media channels for announcements regarding new booking periods.

Q4: Are there specific 'Escape to the Chateau' themed experiences?
While not always explicitly advertised as such, many of the experiences offered by Dick and Angel are inspired by their journey and the chateau's renovation, offering guests a chance to feel immersed in the world they've created.

Q5: What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies are detailed within the terms and conditions on the official website. It's essential to review these carefully before booking, as they will outline any fees or refund possibilities based on how close to the booking date you are cancelling.

Final Thoughts

Booking a visit to Chateau de la Motte Husson is an aspiration for many. By understanding the booking channels, being prepared for high demand, and approaching the process with patience and flexibility, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a memorable experience at this truly special place. The magic of the chateau awaits!