WINE COUNTRY

Clos 1906

Saint-Émilion - France

A five-key old wine house among the vineyards of Saint-Émilion, with a saltwater pool and antiques in almost every room. Walk to the village, come back for a glass in the garden.

Village Life

Adults Only

Pool

Fireplace

Honesty Bar

Bikes Rental

THE SETTING

Clos 1906 sits just outside Saint-Émilion, in La Gaffelière Ouest. The village is close enough to reach on foot, but the house feels apart from the busy centre: vines around it, a garden behind the walls, the tower of Saint-Émilion in the distance.

The house was once a private residence linked to a wine cellar and vineyard. It was formerly known as La Madeleine, a name later associated with Clos La Madeleine. The current name dates back to 1906, the year the property took its present shape. That past wine is still easy to read. The address is surrounded by vineyards, with Château Ausone nearby and Saint-Émilion’s old streets a short walk away. You arrive through the gates and the mood changes quickly: gravel, stone, shutters, antiques, pool, garden.

Inside, the house has been renovated with a collector’s eye. Old furniture, art, vintage pieces and contemporary details sit together without turning the place into a showpiece. Some objects are part of the decoration; others are for sale in the antiques gallery.

The result feels grown-up, calm and useful for wine country. Sleep outside the village, walk in for dinner, return through the vines.

THE ROOMS

There are five accommodation options: four rooms and suites in the main house, plus the separate La Gaffelière apartment next door.

Madeleine is on the ground floor and takes its name from the property’s former name. It has wooden floors, a writing desk, 19th-century pieces and views towards the vineyards. Magnan sits upstairs, under the roofline, with original floors, exposed beams and a more tucked-away feeling. The name comes from Château Magnan La Gaffelière, one of the wines once produced on the property. The Saint-Émilion suite has a fireplace, built-in wardrobe, library shelves, a Napoleon III cabinet with Chinese inspiration and a large image of the vineyards. The Clos 1906 suite also keeps its fireplace, with an Art Deco mirror, an antique wardrobe and views over the village and vines.

La Gaffelière apartment works differently. It is a small house spread over three floors, with a living room, an open kitchen, two bedrooms, a large bathroom, a washing machine, and access to the garden and pool. It is the best option for longer stays or guests travelling with children.

THE FOOD

Breakfast is served in the dining room or outside on the shaded veranda when the weather allows. It is continental, with coffee, pastries, fruit, homemade yoghurt, charcuterie and the kind of simple things that work well before a day of tastings.

There is no restaurant at Clos 1906. In the evening, guests can have snacks between 6 and 8 pm: cheese, saucisson, foie gras or something small with a glass from the bar. The honesty bar is open all day, with local wines, grands crus, champagne, cognac, gin, soft drinks and snacks.

For lunch and dinner, Saint-Émilion is close. The hosts can help with restaurant bookings, and it is worth asking before the day fills up. In a village this popular, good tables are not always available at the last minute.

THE STAY

The garden is where Clos 1906 really slows down. There is a saltwater pool, loungers, shaded corners, vineyard views and enough space to spend the afternoon without feeling you should be elsewhere.

Inside, guests can use the sitting room and drinks area. The antiques gallery adds another layer to the stay. A green-and-gold Art Deco Sèvres vase, an Art Nouveau sculpture, a Napoleon III cabinet, vintage chairs, bronze birds — pieces like these appear in the house and boutique rather than in a separate shop.

Massages and treatments can be arranged in the room with advance notice. Bike rental is also possible, useful for moving between vineyards without planning a full tour.

AROUND CLOS 1906

Saint-Émilion is the obvious starting point. From Clos 1906, the medieval centre is about ten to fifteen minutes on foot. The walk is part of the pleasure: vines, stone walls, then the old village rising ahead.

Once there, the essentials are simple: the monolithic church, the cloisters, the Tour du Roy, the steep lanes, wine shops and cellars under the limestone. It is beautiful, but busy in high season, so early mornings and evenings are usually better.

Wine is everywhere here. Château Ausone is very close, and many other Saint-Émilion estates are within easy reach by car, bike or arranged visit. The team can help book tastings, private vineyard visits, guided tours of the village, classic car drives or even hot-air balloon flights over the vineyards.

Bordeaux is close enough for a day trip, around 45 minutes by train from Saint-Émilion station. Libourne, Pomerol and the Dordogne-side villages can also be added if staying longer.

THE OWNERS

Clos 1906 is run by Eduard and David, whose taste for antiques is evident throughout the house. Their way of hosting is practical and present: restaurant bookings, wine visits, bike rental, local advice, small details before guests have to ask.

The house reflects that mix: part guesthouse, part antiques gallery, part wine-country base. It does not feel anonymous. That is probably why Clos 1906 feels relaxed despite the setting. Saint-Émilion can easily become too busy or too polished. Here, the experience stays small.

GOOD TO KNOW

There are five accommodation options: Madeleine, Magnan, Suite Saint-Émilion, Suite Clos 1906 and Apartment La Gaffelière. The four rooms and suites in the main house are adults-only. The apartment can welcome children and works well for longer stays. Breakfast is served from 8:30 to 10:30 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 10:30 on weekends. Evening snacks are usually available from 6 to 8 pm. There is no restaurant on site. Pets are not accepted. The main house has stairs and is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Prices start from around €250 per night, depending on room type, season and availability.