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In one of France's most pastoral areas, two 17C self-catering farmhouses with huge swimming pool, surrounded by 20 hectares/50-acres of parkland and pasture, stunning hillside views, peaceful and private. The Dordogne, known as Périgord since Medieval times, is a land of green valleys, charming honey colored villages perching on forested hillsides, lazy meandering rivers - a feast for the eye. Ancient doorways and archways abound, guarding their secrets. The countryside is dotted with dovecots & drystone huts crowned with "lauzes", the famous dry stone roofs.
This is Eleanor of Aquitaine country where troubadours sang in feudal castles. Later, for a century, site of bitter warfare between English and French Kings. Legacies of this era are everywhere: vast fortified churches, over 1000 castles & chateaux, the 'Bastides' - walled towns built by the Kings to attract settlers.
In our more peaceful times, summer evenings offer a medley of concerts & festivals in the ancient churches and chateaux, antique fairs and flea markets are held under the arcades. Lovely just for a leisurely stroll!
Périgord, with a pleasant climate and abundant wildlife, became a center of human culture already in pre-historic times. Early man has left the region with some of Europe's oldest art treasures, the 20,000-year-old cave paintings of Lascaux near Montignac, Font de Gaume near Les Eyzies and many others. Spectacular caverns such as the 'Gouffre de Proumeyssac' and 'Grotte du Grand Roc' contain stunning natural rock formations millions of years old in a seemingly infinite variety.
Who could pass up the local cuisine and wine?! Rich 'paté de Foie Gras', the famous 'Confit' of duck or goose and the 'black diamonds' of Périgord, truffles, are among the local culinary traditions. Lively country markets offer fresh produce, cheeses, wine, homemade specialties. The world-renowned St. Emilion and Bordeaux vineyards are a short drive away. The Bergerac area next door has tasty red, white and rosé wines. Monbazillac is a luscious sweet wine alternative to Sauternes.
Our 17th Century Perigordian estate "Cantegrive" is situated on 20 hectares/50 acres of forest and pasture on a hillside with sweeping views, just one of two properties on a small country lane that ends in a cul-de-sac about 3/4 mi (1 km) past the house. The tranquil location offers peace, quiet and privacy. However, shops, sites and services are a short drive away. American and Finnish nationals, we live on site together with our horses and dog.
La Grande Maison has 300 sq m/3300 sq ft of living space on two floors. On the ground floor is your fully equipped kitchen with adjoining dining room, living room with fireplace, and a well stocked library. Upstairs is one bedroom with ensuite bathroom and its own roof terrace overlooking the pool area, plus two other bedrooms sharing the second bathroom. Terracotta floor tiles, exposed oak beams, wall-to-wall carpeting in bedrooms.
Around the house are spacious shaded lawns and terraces. Our large 20x50 ft (8x18m) pool, equipped with an alarm system, is in its own landscaped area. For your vehicles there is a covered carport.
La Grande Maison can be rented together with La Bergerie (2-4 people) ref VRBO #168525
The perfect place for the vacation of your dreams! |