In a sought after location in the Périgord Noir, considered to be the most beautiful region in France and is famous for its numerous châteaux, pre-history sites and outstanding cuisine, is this charming, recently restored period stone cottage. The cottage, which has stunning original features, all contemporary fixtures and fittings to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay and a large, private swimming pool (11 x 5 metres) offering guests peace and privacy, has been awarded 4 stars, the highest star rating for self-catering holiday accommodation, as well as a 'diplôme de Grand Ambassadeur' for the quality of the cottage and the welcome and service provided to guests by its owners.
It is set within the spacious, leafy grounds of a 17th Century manor that was formerly the courthouse for the nearby Château de Losse, and was previously the Gatekeeper's cottage. The cottage and the manor are constructed in the local golden limestone with traditional stone-tiled 'lauze' roofs and stone window surrounds, typical of the old local architecture. It is set in 1.5 hectares of land with trees and flowering shrubs and lovely shady areas for outdoor dining with lovely views of the surrounding tree-lined hillside.
Tastefully decorated and furnished and equipped to a high standard, the cottage offers 2 charming bedrooms, (1 double and 1 single) with oak floors and beams, ideal for couples or 2 friends travelling together. There are 2 spacious modern shower rooms, a handmade fully fitted kitchen with dining area and a charming and comfortable living area with stone fireplace fitted with wood burning stove. TV/DVD (UK channels) and WIFI are offered and for those dreaming of lounging by the pool with a book, a large selection is available.
The village, is on the bank of the Vézère river and is just a few minutes away on foot. It has a grocery store where fresh bread can be bought daily and a boutique selling traditional local specialities. And for those who don't feel like cooking and don't want to drive home from eating out, there are also an organic vegetarian pizzeria, a restaurant serving traditional regional food in its delightful shady garden and a hotel restaurant on the banks of the river.
Thonac, although a small village, has 3 châteaux which featured on the 2017 Tour de France. It is located in the heart of the Vézère valley, the cradle of civilization in Europe, habitat of Neanderthal then Cro-Magnon man and world famous for its prehistoric sites and decorated caves. It lies between Montignac and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, home to the National Prehistory Museum and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The entire valley is peppered with ancient caves, their walls decorated with fabulous artistically and historically significant wall paintings. The most important is just a few minutes away in Montigac whose Lascaux caves are considered to be "the Sistine Chapel of prehistory". The new International Centre for Cave Art was opened in Montignac in 2017 and offers an exciting technological approach to retrace these celebrated caves.
Just a few minutes drive away you will find favourite tourist attractions such as the Château de Losse and its gardens, the glorious village of St Léon with its riverbank cafés and restaurants and the prehistoric settlement of La Roque St Christophe. The nearest towns offering all amenities are the medieval towns of Montignac (6km) and Sarlat (26km). Montignac is a small, pretty riverside town with an attractive stone bridge and lovely balconied houses along the riverfront. Sarlat is the third largest town in Périgord and boasts a host of splendid and beautifully restored Renaissance mansions and timber-framed buildings. Both towns are lively and dynamic, have twice-weekly markets and host festivals, art exhibitions and events from June to September. Local events include the international music and dance festival held annually in Montignac, regular flea markets and bric à brac fairs, as well as evening farmer's markets where you can sample the local cuisine and wines.
The area also offers many outdoor activities such as canoeing/Kayaking (hire station in the village, a few mins on foot), cycling (for hire in Montignac), woodland walks, horse riding, river fishing and lake fishing at the Etangs de Fongron just 10 minutes walk away. Other famous tourist attractions, including the historic medieval bastide town of Domme, the cliff side villages of Beynac and La Roque-Gageac and the medieval war museum of the château de Castelnaud are within easy reach. For garden lovers, there are the glorious topiary gardens of Les Jardins d'Eyrignac and Les jardins de Marqueyssac and the stunning modern gardens Les jardins de l'imaginaire at Terrasson.
So whether you are looking for a relaxing stay in a lovely natural setting, or dream of experiencing the fascinating world of former times, La Maison du Gardien is the perfect place to do all that and more.
