When we visited the Chateau de Montcaud for the first time two years ago, we were surprised at how well la Grande Dame had kept herself – keeping in mind that the original hotel conversion was carried out almost thirty years ago, and that the chateau and annexe buildings had been abandoned for over three years. It was the vast park where nature had been given free reign which hinted at the property’s deep slumber. We would like to use this space to give you an insight into the renovation works through a series of blogs on the transformation of the Chateau de Montcaud and naturally, we hope to spur your interest in view of the hotel’s reopening in summer 2018.

Renovation of the Hotel Rooms

A closer look behind the thick walls of the chateau showed us that even though the building was in good overall shape, a certain need for renovation could not be ignored; a few examples are documented below.

Modernity and Tradition

The fresh start at the hotel Chateau de Montcaud will be accentuated by a rejuvenation of sorts, e.g. the wallpaper is removed, and modern technology is set up. But aside from bringing in modernity, it is imperative to respect both historic and regional traditions and to make sure the distinct character of the French chateau is kept alive. For these reasons, we chose to work with the local architect Michel Sudres, who was responsible for the original conversion of the chateau and therefore knows the property and its history inside and out. On the other hand, the interior design plans were drawn up by Iria Degen Interiors, Zurich, and are being applied by Sophie Petit, Montpellier.

Peace and Quiet – Rest and Relaxation

Aside from its furnishing and amenities, the most important feature of a hotel room is its ability to make you feel comfortable, safe and secure, so that you can relax in it. However, the old doors to the rooms could not keep any noise in or out of the rooms. New, wider doors are therefore fitted, which manage to absorb sound for more peace and privacy inside the hotel rooms. A sleek and elegant yet stylish interior design allow the historic rooms to speak for themselves, providing the ideal environment for well-deserved rest and relaxation.

A Haven of Well-being

A hotel room’s ensuite bathroom is just as important as the room itself to ensure guests’ sense of well-being. At the Chateau de Montcaud, natural light is brought in wherever possible, unnecessary partitions and ceiling panels are removed, and shower curtains are replaced by glass-walls around the new walk-in showers. Needless to say, the hotel room’s overall sleek design is brought into the bathroom by adding designer tiles and stylish fittings.

Ecology and Sustainability

In terms of energy consumption, a large potential for savings was detected – not just in terms of cost but first and foremost in terms of sustainability and the protection of the environment, which run close to our hearts. The region’s delightful climate brings warm summers, with lots of sunshine particularly on the south side of the chateau, whereas the north side feels the effects of the famous mistral wind. In order to balance the temperature inside the chateau, an additional layer of insulation was placed on the walls, therefore reducing the need for air conditioning and heating.

Luxury, Style and Comfort

The extensive renovation works will produce 29 unique rooms, including three amazing suites: on the ground floor, the original salon is being transformed into a “bijou” featuring a bathtub with a view. Two floors above, a second bedroom is added to each of the two original two-storey suites, making them the perfect place to stay for families. Additionally, the charming guardhouse at the entrance to the property is being transformed to feature two rooms, a living-room, a kitchenette and an exclusive private terrace, making it the perfect hideaway for an extended stay.

To be Continued

As mentioned, measures to refurbish and refresh the Chateau de Montcaud do not just include the extensive renovation works inside the main chateau building. The annexe is also currently being refurbished, and the landscaping work is ongoing in the five hectare park. Over the next few weeks, we will publish a series of blogs to document the works in process; please watch this space to follow them.