Set in a tiny hamlet amongst the charming and gently rolling wooded hills of the Lot and within a stone's throw of the highly popular Dordogne, this picturesque 200 year old stone farmhouse is the ideal place for unwinding.
The house has been subject to a total renovation carried out by skilled local artisans, including the construction of the fabulous private swimming pool. The pool is larger than average and includes an adjacent baby/toddler pool (just 50 cm deep) and a sunbathing deck.
The house is full of character, is light and airy and comprises 5 attractive bedrooms (3 double and 2 twin) plus a mezzanine space that can be made into an additional double bedroom, allowing up to 12 adults to be accommodated (cots can be made available for infants upon request). The main reception room on the first floor is a charming heart-of-the-house feature room , affording some stunning views to the east, leading out onto a roomy sun terrace for outdoor dining and housing the well-equipped kitchen and dining room. There is a second huge, comfortable living room downstairs for putting your feet up and playing (TV, DVD, board games,snooker table, darts, piano etc) with doors leading out to the garden. The house is furnished in a fresh, simple, rustic style complimented by natural stone, oak and terra-cotta floors and understated but luxurious bathrooms. A stunning iron staircase, passerelle and balustrades add further personality. Enormous stone open fireplaces together with underfloor heating on the ground floor and radiators on the upper floors make the house just as pleasing in the colder months.
The house is set within a stone courtyard which is in the centre of approximately 3 acres of land. The courtyard has an open barn on one side which houses the barbeque and offers a further, shaded, outdoor dining area. The courtyard is a pretty garden in itself and is adjacent to an alluring little lavender garden which is perfect for a little meditation. The rest of the terrain affords plenty of space to kick a ball around or play petanque, and gives direct access onto miles and miles of walking and horse riding tracks around the peaceful countryside.
Once you have some energy back there is plenty to do and see. We are just 10 minutes drive from the Lot river where you can go pleasure-boating, fishing or canoeing. For the wine lovers amongst you, we are surrounded by vineyards that you can visit to sample the delicious regional Cahors wine. There are exquisite medieval stone villages to explore at every turn and many of these host weekly farmers' markets. The breathtakingly beautiful Chateau Bonaguil is literally just down the road from us (and there is a small golf course en route to it). We are also well placed to visit all the famous sight-seeing spots in the Lot and the Dordogne such as Rocamadour, Saint-cirq-Lapopie, le Pont Valentre at Cahors and the paleolithic cave paintings at Lascaux, to name but a few.
South west France is well known for its gastronomy and you will be delighted by some of the excellent local restaurants as well as some of the pop-up al-fresco eateries to be found in the summer. For an unusual and fun experience you could visit one of the local 'Marche de Nuit' s or night markets where you buy food and wine from local producers and eat it at trestle tables in a very convivial village atmosphere usually to the accompaniment of live music.
So whether you choose to relax by the pool, take in the sights, get energetic down at the river or sample the enticing local refreshments there is something for everyone of every age who takes their holiday here.
