This beautifully restored property, overlooking the River Dordogne and close to the historic town of Bergerac (22km), dates back to 1790. For over a century it remained in the same family and since then its habitants have included (so the rumour goes) a spy and goats! Thankfully the current owners, who fell in love with the property on sight, spent a number of years carefully restoring it and have successfully combined tradition and contemporary to great effect, to create the perfect place for relaxed holiday living in a fabulous setting.
From the moment you enter the double height entrance hall, you cannot fail to be impressed: elegant yet informal living spaces, a stylish, modern kitchen to please any foodie, traditional French doors that open out on to the terrace and garden. Equally enticing, the bedrooms are beautifully decorated, each one unique (in fact, you will be hard pressed to pick a favourite!). The antique silk wall coverings remain, a backdrop to sumptuous comfortable beds, gorgeous fabrics and contemporary bathrooms (all bedrooms are en suite).
As the interior of Le Manoir has been designed to perfectly accommodate groups (friends, a multigenerational family or a few families holidaying together, so too has the exterior. The spacious garden is home to mature trees, fruit trees, lavender, lawns and dining terraces, offering plenty of spots to sit in the sun or in shade. Flanked by comfortable sun loungers, the private pool sits to one side of the manoir, nestled against the garden wall. And just by the rose covered pigeonnier, a door opens in the wall to reveal a hidden garden and a couple of entertainment spaces – a bar area to hang out in, a pool/snooker barn and table tennis.
The cottage is to be found in the hidden garden, a charming retreat complete with a vine covered terrace which runs the length of the building. With two bedrooms, a kitchen and lovely living area, it is ideal for those in the group seeking some independence.
There is so much to do at Le Manoir, you will be forgiven for spending most of your holiday there, especially as the nearest boulangerie, shop and restaurant are close by in Le Fleix (2km), with a further choice in Ste Foy la Grande (4km). But to do so would be to miss out on the surrounding area. With the Dordogne river just over the road, there are plenty of places to canoe, kayak, swim and enjoy a ‘gabarre’ boat trip. Bergerac itself is a delight to explore, its half timbered buildings home to shops and restaurants. Wine lovers must make a trip to St Emilion (36km), UNESCO listed and home to some of the best wines in the world. And finally, the glorious city of Bordeaux is only an hour away by train from Ste Foy la Grande.
