Maison La Seguinie

In our quest for quality properties with style and character, it was a pleasure to discover Maison La Seguinie, a house that impressively meets all these criteria. Indeed it came as no surprise that the owners are an architect and an interior designer. Their combined skills have created a beautifully finished property that evokes the local style and exudes flair and taste. They also chose a fabulous location: overlooking woodlands but only 1.5km from the gorgeous town of Martel, where restaurants and cafes are housed in the beautiful half timbered buildings that surround the main square. 

On the main floor, a double height ceiling makes a striking impression and creates an airy, spacious feel. Within the open plan layout, there are three distinct zones: to one end sits the kitchen providing everything (and more!) for a self catering holiday, the dining area enjoys views over the pool and at the far end plump sofas are grouped around the wood burning stove. A double bedroom and shower room complete this floor.

An oak staircase leads down to three further bedrooms: two with en suite shower rooms and access to the garden; a twin bedroom and a family bathroom. Mention must also be made of the mezzanine, a bedroom/living space ideal for teenagers or young adults, with its fantastic views towards mountains in the far distance.

Attractively landscaped using local stone, with a profusion of shrubs and flowers providing colour, the rear of the property is mainly given over to the pool, positioned to capture the sun throughout the day. Mature trees provide shady locations in which to sit or play table tennis. Alfresco dining is catered for by way of the terrace, positioned at the end of the main floor level and accessed from inside and exterior steps. It is the ideal spot for lazy lunches and dinners, overlooking the pool and with the views across the trees. 

Martel (1.5km) hums with local life. Wander the narrow streets, past restaurants and shops, to reach the 'Place de la Halle', at the centre of which is the magnificent medieval wood framed market hall still in use today. It is the true heart of the town, where many events take place during the summer. This lovely town also boasts a number of excellent eateries, from a wine bar offering a modern take on local products to two restaurants that appear in the Michelin guide, the bible of good food!  Make sure you try the local walnuts 'la noix de Martel', for which the town has earned the accolade 'Site Remarquable du Gout'. 

Beyond Martel, the countryside is peppered with beautiful villages and places to explore. Enjoy a trip on the local steam train 'Le Truffadou', river swimming and canoeing on the River Dordogne (5km), and visiting the famous site of Rocamadour (21km). The interesting and pretty towns of Souillac, Sarlat-la-Canéda, Carennac and St-Céré should also feature on your list of places to see.