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Mont Joie is a charming 15th Century stone house located in the heart of the village of Beynac, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The chateau at Beynac is on the top of a 500 foot cliff and the village houses are positioned below - providing privacy and spectacular views from one side of the house, and village life on the other.
Extraordinary views of the magnificent Dordogne river and the Valley of the Five Chateaux present themselves from each of the four floors. The front door opens directly from the cobblestone streets - just steps from our private and unique parking grotte - into the main room of approximately 60 sq. meters. Honey colored stone walls, stone tile floor, ancient wooden beams and a huge medieval fireplace set the tone for this main floor. A fully applianced kitchen with a granite countered cooking area is built into one of the old fireplaces. Antique carpets and leather seating offers a comfortable area to relax, listen to the stereo or view English satellite television on the 30" flat panel television. The large dining table suitable for seating up to 6 diners is next to the window offering spectacular views of the river, the sunset and the colorful montgolfiers (hot air balloons) drifting by at dawn and sunset most days in season.
Down the stone staircase is the Master Bedroom with an ensuite bathroom combining modern fixtures with stone walls. A King-size bed with temperpedic mattress, reading lamps, desk and a large private full width balcony with loungers, barbeque and dining table for two make this room the ideal spot to relax with the a glass of wine to admire the view.
One floor down, the old merchants store room now is the second large bedroom, again with stone walls, ancient beamed ceiling and a river view. This room is set up as either a king size bed or two twins. An ensuite bathroom, and a full laundry room with washer and dryer complete this floor.
Because neither bedrooms are in the attic, and the thick stone walls offer a cooling insulator against the hot Dorgdogne summers, we sleep comfortably cool all summer long, many times with a duvet cover.
Another floor down brings you to two flagstoned terraces, one with a grape arbor for a shaded sitting area which includes a small fountain and a few steps down, the lower terrace - with full access to the sun. Wonderful views of the river from both terraces and views of the Chateaux of Fayrac, Castelnaud, Lacosse and Marqueyssac.
Eat, drink and be merry. The 64 steps from the lower terrace to the kitchen will help burn off those excess calories.
Feeling hot and want a cooling dip. We will tell you about about our favorite spot in the wonderful River Ceau. Crystal clear water with no chlorine, within 4 kms. Nice shady spot for a picnic, so pack the basket and experience the true French joie de vivre. |
