My dream home from home

Guest: Si (Channel Islands)
Date of Stay: 10/29/11 Review Submitted: 01/12/12

I have been meaning to write this since getting back from yet another faultless, fantastic, relaxing (yes with a 2 & 6 year old) stay in October last year (2011). Where do i start, well with our wonderful hosts (now dear friends) Louise & David, nothing and i mean nothing is too much trouble from advise and recommendations of where to eat, shop or visit (if you have not found this in the comprehensive information folder which Louise has written herself) to a personal demonstration of how to use the equipment in generous utility room (it is idiot proof but i am a bloke). We have stayed in 3 of the 4 properties and in the Farmhouse on more than one occasion which i consider to be my dream home from home. It is very spacious yet cosy and oozes local charm, the kitchen is large & very well equipped & ideal to get the children involved. In the warmer months after a full day out (or a game of Golf 10 mins away) or a hard day playing and relaxing by the INFINITY POOL (WOW) it's a BBQ outside on the private patio under the arbor ( i think that's what it's called, sorry) and when the children have gone to bed another glass of the local wine on the front porch reading & watching the sunset, just tranquil. In cooler months the warm lounge is perfect to snuggle down with the family, the children normally have acquired a small shops worth of toys, games & books etc from the 'TOY BARN' (fantastic). The 4 bedrooms which sleep 8 comfortably are beautiful and guarantee a good nights sleep. I can't wait until we return this summer. In my opinion a 5 star destination without a 5 star price tag.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, pet owners, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.

Fantastic in October!

Guest: Kerry (Jersey Channel Islands)
Date of Stay: 10/29/11 Review Submitted: 12/17/11

This is our third consecutive stay in the Gorgeous rustic Farmhouse. However we have stayed overall 5 times on site.... A different time of year that we normally pick ( usually May/June, but couldn't pull it off with work commitments), but knowing the Farmhouse, the owners and the stunning area we were right at home as soon as we arrived - well we knew what just to expect! I definately needed a bit of relaxation and no fuss ( i work full time and have three kids too - never easy). In the F'house each child has their own bedroom and space, this is a huge plus for me. Year on year out Louise and David never cease to amaze us with there persistence in making us feel at home! The touches of homemaking here and there including lovely fluffy towels ( why can i never get them that way!), the welcome pack, which was a godsend. I do have a 2 & 6 year old so having immediate cold squash and cookies helped after an 8 hour drive through France! We arrived at 7pm so asked Louise to pop the heating on should it be a little chilly, she obliged regardless, it was a treat walking in.... never used the heating before ( as i said normally come in May which is Hot) but, found it idiot proof, really no bother. We didn't do much on this trip except chill, walks down to Daglan & Cenac eat copious amounts of French fare and just be family; away from busy lives back home. Daglan is a short walk down the hill, a beautiful quaint village with a sweet little market every week, a small store and bakery, not to mention the exquisite restaurant Le 'Petite Paris' - a firm favourite and they tolerate children however this time was a treat for my hubby and i to indulge alone ( louise babysat). The bakery in the village in Cenac is better, and of course the delights of Pito's patisseries are heavenly. You cannot resist, trust me, my husband bought me one every day - disgusting really but when i'm on my holidays it's a must to not watch the waist line; right? The children were very well entertained; dvd's, lots of toys to hand from the barn ( don't you find your kids always play with other peoples toys more than the ones you bought?). They played kick around a lot outside and we made up silly games. They used the slide a lot too. Of course years previous the stunning pool kept them busy. We took them to the aquarium in Le Bugue; suitable amount of fish and reptiles and the zip wires. Effortless holiday we've booked for next year already. kids happy = adults happy. job done ;)

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.

Disappointing

Guest: Alpha Delta (Oakham)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 12/09/11

Booked 2 week stay in October, to catch the last of the summer sun, relax and swim. Alas found the pool closed although no mention of this (website has now been amended). Whole house had a distinctly end of season shabby and grubby feel to it (note: owner now says she is redecorating). Dirty, greasy oven, which contained the remains of oven chips and which I had to clean before use Kitchen equipment was woefully inadequate. There were ample dinner plates, dessert plates and bowls and cutlery. There were four cups and saucers and teapot displayed on a tray, and a mix matched set of mugs. There were no food preparation bowls or jugs. A microwave oven was present, but no bowls or containers to use in it. No roasting tins, but bizarrely there were in fact several cake tins. Kitchen knives were provided after four days, but by that time I had bought my own together with bowls, pans and a roasting tin for our own use. The bathroom fell well short of an acceptable standard. Extremely poor lighting, cracked tiles and grout, and on investigating a foul smell, black mould around the base of the toilet. The toilet bowl stained with heavy lime scale deposits. In order to shower necessary to climb into the bath and use the bath tap shower spray. It was then necessary to stand in the dormer window space, this being the only place whilst standing in the bath with sufficient head height. 1 bathroom for a house for 8? Despite 2 log burners and two paraffin heaters (central heating appears to have been removed) no smoke alarms, or fire fighting equipment of any kind. Very concerned to read note in welcome book advising that pool alarm system is kept switched off as it is noisy! Complex is currently being offered for sale as owner wants to return to UK We were asked to vacate the house for a viewing.What it did mean in reality was that we had to spend time cleaning and tidying and moving our personal possessions, in particular items of value and importance, laptop computer, travel documents etc, into our car to take out with us, and which clearly we couldn’t leave lying around. Owner said property now removed from market but it is still in fact being advertised! A letter to the owner was met with vitriol, personal insults, and an accusation of simply taking away a tablecloth. This was a cheap plastic one which was accidentally melted with a hot dish. A new one (regrettably different colour) was bought and left with an apology and receipt.Overall, very disappointing.

Owner response:I imagine that all the guests that have stayed at La Prairie will be wondering why, how and where the above lady stayed for her vacation as it is so very far from an accurate description of our beautiful farmhouse. I was very distressed to read her review and honestly cannot understand her unpleasantness. She seemed a very nice person whilst here and even hugged me twice with the pleasure of being here with us. The house was immaculate upon arrival, warm, cosy and welcoming. Unfortunately all that the lady has written is almost impossible for me to answer as it is all untrue apart from the closure of the swimming pool which is advertised as being open from the 1st April to the 30th September. Thee were adequate kitchen utensils and the knives sharp and clean and provided after 2 days, with an apology for the tardiness, as I wanted them nice and sharp! I can only imagine that the lady has confused her stay with us with another property that perhaps she was unable to leave feedback with and has decided to take it out on us. We can only imagine that it stems from this or maybe some jealousy? For all those future guests who are thinking of coming to stay with us, if you are still anxious about this review then don't be! Look at the other reviews or ask me personally for a link to the email addresses of so many guests (now friends)who have loved and continue to love La Prairie.

Recommended for:Pet owners, sightseeing, families with young children.

A corner of heaven in the Perigord

Guest: Shona (Edinburgh Scotland)
Date of Stay: 08/14/10 Review Submitted: 08/19/11

We have stayed at the Farmhouse five times now and still get a thrill every time we turn up the driveway. Louise and David have put their hearts and souls into creating holiday homes at La Prairie to suit every size of group, taste, and wallet! The Farmhouse, where our family of two adults and three children have always stayed, is a gorgeous property with a kitchen most people would love to have in their own homes! What we love about the property is that there is space for everyone to have their own private peace and quiet, or to be as sociable as they want with others staying on the estate. The children especially love meeting and making new friends, which means Mum and Dad get a real break too! The area is jam packed with sites and activities to suit every traveller..we have golfed,visited castles, explored caves and canoed for miles, to name a few. We keep thinking we should be adventurous and rent elsewhere, but to be honest once we add all of the foregoing benefits together, and add to that the wonderful owners, always so friendly and helpful, without ever intruding, we can't see any reason to move! Warmly recommended.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.

Perfect Farmhouse

Guest: Deb (Coconut Grove, FL USA)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

A stone house with French character, tastefully decorated from top to bottom, gorgeous views from all of the windows including a chateau from the master bedroom, two wood-burning stoves for toasty warmth with comforting colorful quilts and down-filled cushions... It lures me and takes away all of tensions from the moment I walk along the lavender walkway to the porch with its wicker chairs and soft cushions. Once inside I found finely crafted wooden cabinets, tile flooring, large antique mirrors, two large comfy sofas, a big farmhouse table with table and chairs in the kitchen (perfect for talking, laughing and enjoying just one more helping of French food & wine too, of course) and so many nice touches to discover. Red roses climb the front of the house and purple wisteria covers the peaceful rear terrace. Fields of wildflowers, forests, valleys and hillsides surround the beautiful home and yet all of the places to see are just minutes away. Village groceries, restaurants, bakeries and anything you need is just a very short drive from this lovely home. David and Louise are nearby if you need them, but otherwise, you feel like it's your personal place. I just wish David and Louise were my next-door neighbors at home!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.

Heaven on Earth

Guest: Ali (Scotland)
Date of Stay: 03/14/11 Review Submitted: 03/14/11

Of all the places I've been to, and it's a few, I have to say that I have more good memories of La Prairie than anywhere I can think of. For those of us wishing to make the most our summer (or spring or autumn) vacations, at La Prairie you will find something extra special. It may well be able to cater for a relaxing family holiday with the kids or parents or both, but the different gites available there means you are sure to find one to suit your needs. The gites are unique, very clean and well presented, and continue to be developed year on year. The pool area, with its magnificent outlook, the open spaces, the unique decor, the chance to sample the french lifestyle, the nearby villages and restaurants, the bread, the wine, ah!! I could go on, but there is only one to find out! Louise and David will look after your needs, and ensure your stay is an enjoyable one. What better proof than to say I have been back on what must be ten occasions at different times of the year - every time it has something different to offer. I have recommended to friends many times, and none have been disappointed. Lie in the sun, canoe down the Dordogne, or get out and explore the region - you have the choice when based at La Prairie. Le Petit Paris in Daglan, or La Belle Etoile in La Roque Gageac - outstanding food at fair prices - not to be missed! All in all, it will be hard to find a more relaxing place to base your holiday - Bon Vacances!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, pet owners, sightseeing, families with young children.

Our Family Holiday

Guest: Lilly (Northamptonshire)
Date of Stay: 07/25/09 Review Submitted: 03/08/11

It is always nerve racking when you book a holiday on line, one that you have looked forward to for ages, well from the moment we first made contact with the Thums are minds were put at rest. As soon as we arrived at La Prairie we relaxed instantly with a fantastic greeting by Louise who is simply the kindest, friendliest person you could possibly wish to meet. The accommodation is a real home from home, you want for nothing, clean, tidy and perfectly equipped. The children had a fabulous holiday, playing on the swing, hide and seek with other children, and using the fabulous playroom that Louise and David have provided, not to mention the hours in the pool! This left us time to relax, read books and sunbath by the most beautiful pool. We have returned 3 times, knowing we will have a superb holiday. La Prairie is everything you read in the description and more, and until you see it for yourself it is hard to believe. We have taken our parents to stay in the beautiful farmhouse who had a wonderful time relaxing, taking a walk around the grounds, watching hot air balloons land in an adjacent field. The surrounding views are stunning and very unspoilt. There are lots of places to visit, Domme being a favourite of ours on a summer evening, visiting the local craft fair with plenty of places to eat suiting everyone, even a fussy vegetarian. In summary, the Thums family and La Prairie are a rare find, you will want to return time and time again to enjoy their warm hospitality and of course the delights of La Prairie itself. We highly recommend this as a holiday destination.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing, people with disabilities, families with young children.

Family Peters - Family of 4, with children aged 8 and 4

Guest: The Cat in the Hat (Suffolk, UK)
Date of Stay: 08/15/10 Review Submitted: 03/05/11

Without a doubt the best family holiday we have ever had in France. The location is stunning and very well placed to access loads of brilliant activities (Squirrel Forest, chateaux, caves, Sarlat, canoeing, beautiful gardens, golf to mention but some of what we did) - you would have to try very hard to get bored! We stayed in Kestrel which was comfy and airy with a lovely secluded terrace to eat on; the views toward Daglan are stunning and much to the girls excitment we were regularly visited by a friendly red squirrel. Lousie and David were excellent hosts and brimming with knowledge and enthusiams about the area, their dogs were fantastic with the children and Paldin (the shaggy retriever) seemed to adjust very easily to being renamed. The pool was a real hit with us all and all the children mixed into together. The sloping beach entrance was a real bonus as our younger daughter couldn't swim, but was able to play safely in the water and watch with amusement as everyone took part in 'le grand bombe' experiment - how much water could we displace if everyone jumps in simultaneously? There is only way to find out! We has a brilliant 2 weeks and will certainly be returning.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.