Chateau Du Sureau
A fairy tale awaits you in Oakhurst, California, just minutes from Yosemite in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas at Chateau du Sureau. Everything from the European style stucco building to the life-sized chess board will evoke a feeling of being transported to another place and time.
Wrought iron gates emblazoned with the Château’s elegant crest open to reveal the stately 9000 square foot stucco Inn, complete with a stone turret, Parisian balconies and shuttered windows, all on nine acres of meticulously landscaped park grounds.
Walking paths, fountains, a swimming pool, a bocce court and a life-size chess set add to the natural cachet and charm of the area. Once inside, guests are quickly enveloped in the Château’s extraordinary European hospitality. It was Erna’s desire to bring the traditions and hospitality of Europe’s grand houses to the States and she has truly captured it here. Chambermaids, attired in black dress and white linen aprons, present baskets of refreshments and tea. There is no front desk, no check in, no credit card imprinting (only a hand written bill discreetly presented before guests leave) and no televisions in the guest’s rooms.
Each guest room is individually decorated and named for restorative herbs that can be found growing on the property. Erma’s Elderberry House, one of the finest restaurants, is located on the property for your dining pleasure.
The Chateau du Sureau offers a complimentary full breakfast to each guest and also provides coffee in each room. Besides the ten rooms within the main building, there is also a two bedroom villa available for those who wish more privacy.
The Chateau du Sureau offers exercise equipment, a pool, lawn games and several balconies for your enjoyment. The facilities is totally non-smoking. With the peaceful surroundings available here, you may make this your only destination.
Clifton – The Country Inn
Charlottesville, Virginia, is home to the elegantly landscaped grounds of Clifton – The Country Inn. This 1799 country inn exudes southern refinement with its uniquely decorated rooms and gracious service.
Every one of the fourteen of the room are filled with antiques, have wood burning fireplaces and views of the manicured grounds and private lake. A complimentary full breakfast will start any visitor’s day off on a positive note, as will the coffee that is available in each and every room. Activities include a pool, whirlpool, lawn games and lighted tennis courts. Clifton also offers in-room massages, custom picnic baskets and private dinners in their gazebo.
The seven rooms and suites situated in the main house are extremely comfy, yet stylish. The diverse, but equally striking, views from these rooms include Monticello Mountain, cascading waterfalls at the pool, and gorgeous lawns and flowering gardens. These rooms are furnished with antique stuff, Waterworks fixtures and spa jet showers. All rooms offer the finest in modern amenities including high-speed Internet access. The facilities are totally non-smoking.
Clifton’s three Livery Cottages were fashioned from an original dependency on the property. The building offers a huge deck, ideal for taking in the view of the private lake. Each of these rooms features a separate sitting area and exceptional antique soaking tubs in the restrooms.
If you choose to wander off the grounds, you can take a tour of Monticello, go horseback riding, enjoy a walking tour of the historic downtown Charlottesville area, take in a game of golf or do some rafting. The possibilities are endless. One thing you won’t want to miss is a tour of the multitude of vineyards in the area. This tour alone is a day long event and well worth the time. Some of the state’s finest vineyards call this area home.
