To brighten up the terrace, a small maze has been created and this occupies the space of the old vegetable garden. Why not come and see for yourself whilst you are in the region. And as a touch of originality, it is, of course, made of vine…

For the most part, the buildings have existed without major modification since their construction, probably at the end of the 18th century. At this time, the style in which Belles-Graves is built is very much in vogue: the Chartreuse, constructed as the secondary homes of the bourgeoisie of Bordeaux, who escaped the muggy heat of the city in summer, at a time when the bathing stations were not yet in fashion.

At the front of the property, facing south, the terrace dominates the slope that leads down into the valley of the Barbanne river and the prestigious vines of Pomerol. This area was covered with ancient trees including cedars, limes and maples which provided an oasis of calm and shade. The great storm of December of 1999 sadly denuded this area of its trees completely.

On the western side of the courtyard are situated the barrel cellar and the cellar for the fermentation vats.

In the eastern wing were found the servants’ quarters (kitchen, stores, barn, tables and pigsty) and a dwelling house for a family of workers. A part of this was converted in 2001 and 2002 to create an office and reception area.

The kitchen has remained just as it was, with its fireplace, its 18th century spit, and an original range.

The wings of the château’s buildings are situated around the rectangular courtyard. Facing south from here is the principal residence with its central part on a single level. It is here that the reception rooms are situated, and this part of the house is served by a long corridor which link the east and west wings of the château, which have 2 levels and were designed to be the private accommodation of the estate. The east wing is prolonged slightly, set back from the level of the façade, with an orangery whose three half-moon widows capture the sunlight. Beyond this once stood the pigeon loft, but this is thought to have been demolished midway through the 19th century.

In 2001, the terrace was planted as a traditional French-style garden, and limes were planted once again, although it will be long time before the new ones reach the great height of their predecessors.

Château BELLES-GRAVES - 33500 Néac - Tél. + 33 (0) 557 510 961 - Fax + 33 (0) 557 510 141 - Email : x.piton@belles-graves.com

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