Au Cèdre - Dordogne - Sleeps 8

Traditional Dordogne farmhouse set in its own grounds, with heated pool

Within the 'golden triangle', famed for its dessert wines, near Monbazillac and just 18 km south of Bergerac with easy access from the airport and the N21; just off a country lane at the top of two valleys, this traditional farmhouse is equally well placed as a base to tour the 'bastide' towns, the vineyards of the Bergerac, Monbazillac and Bordeaux regions, or the châteaux and prehistoric sites of the Dordogne.

Set in private grounds, surrounded by mature oak trees but with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, this delightful and deceptively spacious 18th Century stone-built house provides modern amenities and is well-planned, equipped, and comfortable.

The farmhouse kitchen makes cooking the local produce a pleasure, but it is also within easy reach of good country restaurants, and then back for a brandy in front of the wood burning stove - though not in the heat of summer - when the stone and tiled floors keep the house cool.

Being at the head of two valleys, Au Cèdre benefits from gentle breezes during the hot summer months - most welcome when the temperature can rise from 25C to 40C.
Apart from a dip in the 5x7.5x1.2m deep pool (heated to 23°C during high season), there are 8 bikes of varying sizes, stored in the Grange, on which to explore the locality.

To pass away those moments when not exploring the Medieval Bastide towns, the vineyards and Chateaux, you can relax in the garden or simply select a book or listen to one of the many music CDs. Unusually, there is also an electronic piano. There is Satellite TV (FreeSat and Astra 1 for the European channels), DVD and video and CD systems, and Wi-Fi broadband.

The area: This is the Golden Triangle, the area south of Bergerac bounded by the N21 and the N133, dominated by the appellation contrôlée of Monbazillac and its chateau and the production of the dessert wines that the locals claim put the 'Or' into 'Perigord'. There are many wine growers locally and further afield who welcome visitors with free wine tastings. The house is between the more tourist-visited areas of the east Dordogne, and the attractions of St.Emilion and Bordeaux, accessible but away from the crowds. There are many tourist destinations within easy reach, or you can just enjoy France as she is really lived.

Local amenities: Of particular delight is the medieval village of Issigeac, 5 km from the house, with local shops and good restaurants, and three bakers for 'pain aux raisins' for breakfast. The Sunday morning market is a must for local colour and produce, especially in the autumn, when the 'cèpes', 'foie gras', walnuts and honey vie with each other to persuade even the most recalcitrant cook to have a go. We enjoy cooking, so the kitchen is genuinely well equipped. Within a short car (or taxi) ride there are more restaurants than there will be time to sample. The House Book at the property provides a wealth of further information and recommendations.

This property has been listed with Chez Nous for 3 years

Au Cèdre Property Features

• Rural

• Car Required

• Iron and Ironing Board
• Bed Linen Included
• Towels Included
• Safe
• Fuel and Power Included
• Pets Allowed
• Cot
• High Chair
• No Smoking
• Air conditioning

• Wood burner

• 2 Double Bedrooms
• 2 Twin Bedrooms

• Ground Floor Bedroom
• Ground Floor Toilet
• Ground Floor Bath
• Ground Floor Shower

• Outdoor Pool
• Heated Pool
• Private Pool

• Washing Machine
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Fridge
• Freezer
• Toaster
• Oven
• Hob
• Grill
• Coffee Machine
• Tumble dryer

• Wireless Broadband

• TV - Satellite or Cable
• CD Player
• DVD Player
• Books
• Games
• TV
• Radio

• Sun Loungers
• Patio Furniture
• Barbecue

• Private garden
• Terrace / patio

• Off road parking

• Fishing
• Wine Tour
• Outlet Shopping
• Theatre
• Golf
• Hiking
• Horse Riding
• Walking
• Cycling
• Pub/Bar within 1 mile

• Sailing
• Swimming (indoor pool)
• Swimming (outdoor pool)
• Canoeing
• Kayaking