Location: Le Bugue, Aquitaine, France, Europe (35 minutes east of Bergerac Airport, 2 hrs east of Bordeaux) View Map
Accommodations: Farmhouse, 6 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 3.5 Baths (Sleeps 12)
Keywords: Countryside, Farmhouse, Villa, Luxurious, Family-friendly,
Not far from Les Eyzies and Sarlat, where the Dordogne river makes a dramatic loop, "Les Volets Bleus" is a very private, beautifully-restored 300 year old Perigord stone farmhouse. It sits on two acres of lawned garden, with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
With its characteristic blue shutters, this spacious retreat is elegantly furnished with French country antiques, and is situated among fig, peach and walnut trees. It has with three outstanding verandahs, two that overlook the large, magnificent pool that receives day-long sunshine.
Luxuriously furnished, and with all modern conveniences, "Les Volets Bleus sleeps" 12, with four double/queen bedrooms and two single/twin bedrooms, all with crisp white linens and sumptuous beds.
The property is ideal for one large group, or for two or more smaller family groups, since the Farmhouse property includes a wonderful converted Barn (attached to the main house), with both the Farmhouse and Barn having their own fully-equipped kitchens, dining and living areas, so that two groups can have their own completely separate eating/living spaces, or they can all join together in the huge country kitchen of the Farmhouse.
"Les Volets Bleus" offers quality and seclusion for a family or group of friends wanting to holiday together. With four bedrooms (three double and one twin) and two bathrooms in the Farmhouse, and two bedrooms (one double and one twin) and one bathroom in the Converted Barn, "Les Volets Bleus" offers a total country getaway in the heart of the Dordogne.
Walk or drive into the timeless village of Trémolat with its well-known Relais and Chateaux hotel with Michelin-starred restaurant, historic Romanesque church and casual bistrots, and you will immediately step back in time into the wonderful, yet simple Perigordian past.
"Les Volets Bleus" offers a unique retreat from the business of day-to-day life, while still offering you the comfort of modern conveniences, all set in an atmosphere of charm and stylish elegance - like WIFI and satellite TV inside a 300 year old stone farmhouse! The best of both worlds...
The property was recently purchased and renovated to an exceptionally high standard with all new furniture, beds, linens, appliances and filled with antiques. All this was done with a careful eye to modern comforts, while staying true to the charm and history of the area.
For enjoying the outdoors, there are plenty of sunbeds, outdoor tables and garden furniture along with barbecues to enjoy the warm summer evenings. The 11m X 5 m flood-lit pool sits in a large grassy area, with plenty of lounging chairs and umbrellas available.
'Les Volets Bleus' is situated in the Perigord Noir within easy reach of the famous caves and paleolithic history of Les Eyzies (25 minutes), Le Bugue (15 minutes) a lively local market town, Sarlat (40 minutes) with its medieval streets and famous market, and Bergerac (35 minutes), famous for foie gras, wines and ancient architecture. Périgueux (40 minutes) has fabulous shopping, while St Emilion (one hour) offers the perfect excursion to a quintessential Bordeaux wine-country town.
This region is rich in historic sites including the Lascaux Caves, and the fascinating Bastide towns such as Beaumont, Moliéres, and Monpazier which run along the spectacular Dordogne river.
Travel by car or by flat-bottomed "gabarres" (river boats) on the Dordogne to see the many magnificent châteaux to be found within easy reach of "Les Volets Bleus". Local, traditional markets abound and your days will be spent trying the freshest produce including the best selection of the classic food of the Perigord: foie gras, duck confit, walnuts, goat cheese, truffles and wine.
So find yourself a place in heaven, or rent it for a week at least, and enjoy long lunches out under the wysteria, or late-evening barbecues overlooking the pool. A delightful 20 minute walk through the countryside takes you into the nearby village of Trémolat, while a wander to the next-door farm offers a wonderful, local meal at the area’s best "ferme auberge".
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : The upstairs bedrooms are air conditioned. The rest of the house stays cool due to the stone walls.
- Linens Provided : Top quality all-white Indian cotton sheets, pillow cases, duvet covers and towels are provided with both feather and foam pillows. Pool towels are provided too.
- Washer
- Dryer
- Off Street Parking : A large private parking area at the side of the house is available for 5 cars or more.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace : Large, open fireplace in the country kitchen
- Wood Stove (2) : A wood stove in the Salon, and a wood stove in the living area of the Converted Barn.
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed (3)
- Twin/Single Bed (4)
- Convertible Bed (2) : There are 2 roll-away beds available
- Crib (2) : These are available with matching linens and pillows, as well as 2 high chairs
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (2) : We have full satellite TV with many channels all in English - with two TV's (one in the Farmhouse and one in the Converted Barn) to watch it on.
- DVD
- Video Library (2) : A DVD library of some of the latest films for children and adults.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Private Pool : A very large, well-fenced pool with newly-tiled area surrounding it, and lots of sunbeds and umbrellas - all set on a large grassy lawn.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen (2) : Both kitchens contain all amenities including microwaves, dishwashers, electric kettles, coffee makers, toasters, food processors and blenders.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : In addition we provide up-market large and smaller wine glasses as well as many regular drinking glasses, with plastic glasses for the pool.
- Refrigerator (2) : One in each kitchen - with a large no-ice freezer section
- Dishwasher (2)
- Microwave (2)
- Catering Available : Catering is available by our top-rated "ferme auberge" on the next door property - although most guests prefer to eat there for the atmosphere as well as the food.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Charcoal BBQ Grill (2) : Barbecues on 2 of the four patio terraces.
- Deck/Patio (4) : There are 2 patios on both the front and the back sides of the house - in addition to lawned areas surrounding the house.
- Communications
- Telephone : Free French and international calls
- Free Long Distance
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Bring your own computer - the WIFI is free and included in the rental.
- Other Amenities
- Doors and windows screened, Multi-region DVD players, Pool Chairs, Umbrellas, Lots of Garden Furniture, Swimming Towels provided, Hairdryers in every bathroom, Boardgames, Badminton and other games, DVD's, iPod speakers/playback system, Country Restaurant within 5 minutes walk, Babysitting available, Smoking Only Outside Please
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : All the main living areas are easily accessible on the ground floor (kitchen, bathrooms, some bedrooms), with some bedrooms upstairs.
- Kid Friendly : We have games and activities for children (badminton, pool toys, bat and ball) - and most of our guests enjoy the large outdoor spaces for their children to play
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking is only allowed outside
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Hiking
- Spelunking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Walking, Hiking, canoeing, visiting Chateaux, many pre-historic caves closeby, Mushrooming.
Rate Details (In EUROS)
June 4 – September 10, 2011 ..2,500 EUROS/wk
September 10 - October 24, 2011 .. 2,100 EUROS/wk
December 3, 2011 - March 3, 2012 .. 1,700 EUROS/wk
May 5, 2012 - September 8, 2012 .. 3,300 EUROS/wk
Rates can be paid by check or transfer in Euros, US Dollars or GB Pounds
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Luxurious, Restored Farmhouse with Pool, Perfect for Families
Year Purchased: 2005
Why the Owner Chose Le Bugue
We found this beautiful area in 2003 when we took cooking classes in the area - and were amazed by the gentleness of the region: gentle food, gentle geography, gentle people. In addition, it's really how you hope life will be when you head to rural France. Most of our guests are shocked that a place like this REALLY exists! We looked at other countries, and considered other areas of France, but we pinch ourselves routinely at how fortunate we were to find villages like Tremolat, Le Bugue, Limeuil, Ste Alvere, Paunat and a place like the Dordogne. In addition, we're 15 minutes walk into Tremolat and 15 minutes drive from Le Bugue and Lalinde, so the easy access from Bordeaux and all the area is a plus. We've never met more welcoming and agreeable people in all our travels, and have never enjoyed food and wine like we do when at "Les Volets Bleus"! We just love visiting our Farmhouse whenever we can. Rather than finding a holiday home, we've found a life.
The Unique Benefits at this Farmhouse
The most commented on benefit about staying at our property is the number and quality of double beds, the wonderful linens and cleanliness of the house. We feel that when you're on vacation, you should sleep as well as possible, and so we spared no expense in finding and furnishing really good, queen-size beds in our home. We furnish them with Indian-cotton linens and great pillows - accompanied by soft, fluffy white towels. Others warned us that putting in 4 double bedrooms (and 2 singles) would be a mistake since you "get more guests per room" if you put everyone in singles beds - but we disagreed! As a married couple, we LIKE to sleep together in a good bed when in vacation, so squashing together 2 tiny single beds is not our idea of fun! So at "Les Volets Bleus" at least 4 couples get to sleep in a "master" bedroom... rather than having one nice bedroom and then all the late-comers getting the dark rooms with single beds! Not my idea of fun either! In addition, we run our home like a boutique hotel with all the cleanliness, perks and amenities you'd expect at an upmarket location. We have an expert cleaning and prep team who go through the house with a fine-tooth comb... and it shows! So you can rest-assured that you will be sinking into beautiful, white, Indian-cotton sheets, and a bed that will give you the rest you deserve...and all in a house that meets the top standards for cleanliness. In terms of the outdoors, our guests also love all the terraces to sit outside on, and appreciate all the chairs and tables on each terrace, including all the pool chairs and towels. In addition, the beautifully clean, large pool (fenced to all highest EU regulations) is a winner with families of all ages in the summer. The proximity to all popular locations (being half-way between Bergerac and Sarlat) is also a definite plus, and our guests enjoy all the area has to offer, and not having to drive for hours to take part in it!
Owner's Map of Le Bugue
We (Bill and Janice) are the proud owners of “Les Volets Bleus” and purchased and upgraded/renovated the property in June 2005. Although our home is in California, we have traveled a great deal in western Europe and have rented many properties – some great, and some less than spectacular! We always appreciated cleanliness, comfort, good beds, furniture you could actually sit on, great linens and towels, appliances that really worked, and nice big wine glasses! After buying our dream French farmhouse, our philosophy hasn’t changed - and we have upgraded the standard of the house to meet or exceed the best we’ve seen. Basically, we have designed it to be the way we’d like it if we arrived tired and hungry from across the world.
READ REVIEW on our website.
Property Photos
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- Front entrance to "Les Volets Bleus" - Vacation Rental in Aquitanine, France
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- Large pool in back garden with secured fence (pool is 20ft x 43ft/6m x 13m) - Vacation Rental in Aquitanine, France
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- Farmhouse in spacious garden with trees - Vacation Rental in Aquitanine, France
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- Classic Country Kitchen with modern appliances
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- Kitchen table ready for dinner - with front door open to garden
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- Upstairs double bedroom (Farmhouse) with beams
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- Downstairs double bedroom (bathroom ensuite) in Farmhouse
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- Salon with french doors that open to the outside
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- End of Farmhouse with surrounding countryside and fenced pool on left
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- Converted Barn living/dining area
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- Twin bed room in Converted Barn
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- View of the Dordogne river & Tremolat near the Farmhouse
Traveler Reviews (10)
Holiday Heaven
Guest: R. Craig
(Sonoma county, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/20/10
Review Submitted: 03/02/11
We spent a beautiful week at Les Volets Bleus last September. There were just four of us so we had plenty of room. Next time, I would definitely invite two more couples. There was so much to appreciate! The comfortable bedrooms, the well decorated common rooms, and the spacious kitchen made it hard to leave sometimes. We loved the pool and the charming gardens. As this was our second visit to the Dordogne region, I am now convinced that this is my preferred place to visit in Southern France. The restaurant suggestions we received were perfect (and priceless). Our experience at the farm restaurant next door was unforgettably delightful and delicious. And we loved the walk into nearby Tremolat to dine or simply buy bread. I can't wait to return to this property and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a perfect balance of culture and countryside. The owners - Janice and Bill - are so helpful that I would encourage you to contact them with any questions or concerns that you may have.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, pet owners, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, people with disabilities, families with young children.
A perfect French farmhouse
Guest: Travelsafar
(San Francisco, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/27/10
Review Submitted: 02/07/11
We found the Les Volets Bleus to be the perfect French country farmhouse ideally situated in the Dordogne for a long summer holiday. The owners have done a great job furnishing this authentic stone building with taste and comfort in mind. We loved that most of the ground floor rooms (kitchen, salon, bedroom) have big doors leading out to the yard and terraces allowing for warm summer breezes and easy in-out access for everyone between the indoors and the pool, garden, and lovely dining terrace. Each of the bedrooms is beautifully decorated with down pillows and comforters and high quality linens, making for some of the best night’s sleep we’ve had in ages. The thick stone walls helped keep the rooms both quiet and cool! In addition to the character and comfort of the farmhouse, its location immediately next to a small family-run restaurant (Les Truffierres) and just about a 15 minute walk downhill to the village (Tremolat) made it even more perfect for us. We had several meals next door and appreciated the delicious regional specialties, the affordability, and the warmth of host. A morning or afternoon stroll into the village for baguettes, pizza, a meal at the bistro, or a special treat at the Michelin starred restaurant made for such a completely sublime experience that we almost didn’t make it to all the wonderful sights in the region. We’ve told an endless number of friends about this particular place and hope we’ll be able to return many times in the years to come.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, people with disabilities, families with young children.
Such a memorable holiday at a beautifully maintained French country house
Guest: So french
(Melbourne)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10
Review Submitted: 07/05/10
I spent some time in researching the 'perfect' property in France so I could invite a group of friends to join us to celebrate my husbands 60th birthday. Can't believe how well I chose in selecting Le Volets Bleu! From my first email contact with the owner -Janice -I sensed I had found just what I was looking for. This wonderful property exceeded all expectations- all the descriptions and photos lived up to the image presented. The property was exceptionally well maintained and furnished and as one member of our group commented as she walked from room to room and then into the garden ' I think I'm living the dream of holidaying French country side' I would have no hesitation in recommending this house to anyone wishing to holiday with a group. The design of the property allows for together and separate times as well as providing high quality furnishing which just adds to the experience. The added bonus is Janice's spot on advice and recommendations on how best to enjoy all this beautiful area has to offer.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, people with disabilities, families with young children.
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/02/09
Review Submitted: 11/02/09
My whole family stayed at Les Volets Bleu for a week last July. We ranged from 11 to 85 in age and had a wonderful time. Janice greeted us warmly and had made a reservation for supper for us at the Inn next door which was delightful. She made us feel we could call her at any time if we had any questions. Everything about the house had been described accurately, it was very clean, well appointed, and the beds were very comfortable. We had no trouble deciding who would sleep in which room, and it all worked out beautifully. Janice had sent us an enormous amount of information before we went, and it was also available at the farmhouse. It included everything from maps, places of interest, distances,restaurants, local events of interest even to local medical information. She gave us the name of a place nearby where we could rent bicycles, and after a consultation one afternoon about sizes, sexes, ages etc. the bikes were all delivered the next morning and were picked up just before we left. We especially enjoyed the Cro Magnin caves, had a morning on the river in canoes, visited a castle and a chateau, had a delightful evening at a nearby village market with great music. The pool was great, and we liked being able to have supper comfortably outside when we didn't choose to go to a restaurant. We found the farmhouse to be very well located and we could easily explore all the many things of interest there are to do in the Dordogne region. I would highly recommend Les Volets Bleu and will hope to be able to return some day.
Recommended for:
Guest: Munsie
(South Africa)
Date of Stay: 08/21/07
Review Submitted: 08/21/07
Thank you Janice and Bill for a truly wonderful holiday. We loved the house and the ambience and we loved the area so much that we'd love to buy something there ourselves! - or maybe we'll just keep coming back to Les Volets Bleus instead! Your neighbours Lyzianne and Yanick were charming and their restaurant delightful - how fortunate to have them right next door - we were spoilt rotten with their fois gras. We had a wonderful family holiday - enjoyed the garden and swimming pool so much and lazing around the house and sleeping in was a luxury as the house is so beautifully appointed and the bed linen luxurious. Thank you again for your generous hospitality. Paula and family.
Recommended for:
Guest: Mike & Christine Coleman
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/11/07
Review Submitted: 08/11/07
'We had a fantastic holiday in your farmhouse with three generations of our family. The swimming pool and delightful grounds were a great success, especially with the children. The dogs loved to lay in the cool shade under the beautiful wisteria canopy, whilst we whiled away the afternoons over long, lazy lunches. The accommodation far exceeded our expectations. We have rented many holiday properties over the last forty years and rate ‘Les Volets’ Bleus as the best.’ - Mike and Christine Coleman + Family
Recommended for:
Guest: Vince & Kathy
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/26/07
Review Submitted: 07/26/07
There's no doubt about it...France has changed our lives! We have tasted and touched a culture that probably would not have been experienced if not for "Les Volets Bleus". Thank you Janice and Bill for a wonderful venue for a 50th celebration. Our stay was incredible...so many acute memories...we can still almost taste and smell them! The dinner at "Le Vieux Logis" was fantastic with six courses of heaven and two great bottles of wine. Auberge "Les Truffieres" was incredible and Yanick and Lyzianne, the perfect hosts. I really want to ask them for the recipe for the garlic soup! In retrospect, every place we stopped had wonderful food. And the wine...wow...our California-wine taste buds are shot and "Julien de Savignac" [wine shop in Le Bugue] rocks!! Thanks again for all you efforts to make our visit spectacular...it truly was! Arriving to wine, milk, eggs, butter and bread is a special touch and really needed after the long journey. Thank you again...
Recommended for:
Guest: Laurie & family
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/15/06
Review Submitted: 09/15/06
Thank you so much for your gracious hospitality. Our stay at "Les Volets Bleus" was incredible... the realization of the perfect vacation in the Dordgone. We knew from the photos that the house was charming and romantic, but it was even more so in person. Your farmhouse is the epitome of 300-year-old Dordogne charm, but renovated with your very special eye and genuine, all-out care. The house functions beautifully, from the kitchen to the pool to the laundry room to the terraces, and is spacious and easy to live in (great beds, too!). We loved the great big farm table in the kitchen! But, most of all we want to thank you for your consideration and caring to insure that we had a very special time. We are grateful for the experience of such a wonderful, delightful place. Let Volets Bleu and the picture-perfect town of Tremolat will remain one of the very special memories of our lives. We look forward to returning another time.
Recommended for:
Guest: Paul and family
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/15/06
Review Submitted: 09/15/06
Many thanks for ensuring we had a great week at your place last week - we very much enjoyed your wonderful home and the whole setting. Even though the weather wasn't perfect, we still managed to get into the pool and really enjoyed sitting around it on the loungers. Ella liked going into the little paddling pool you provided too. We also particularly enjoyed the meal at the farm next door - great value and ambience! Your caretakers were a great help and we enjoyed an evening with them at the food market in Cadouin on the Monday evening. All the directions and suggestions you gave us (and all the maps you left) were also very useful. Thanks also for the welcome pack you left us with the bottles of wine - good to have after a long trip! Thank you again for a great holiday and we look forward to recommending you to our friends!
Recommended for:
Guest: Catherine, Jeremy & Family
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/01/06
Review Submitted: 09/01/06
Thank you so much for all your help, directions and attention to detail -we had a lovely time at "Les Volets Bleus" - the weather was quite mixed,but there's so much to do in the area that the weather doesn't matter too much!The house was really comfortable - we really appreciated the good qualtylinens and towels, and the excellent kitchen equipment. In all our years ofrenting houses in the Dordogne, we found your home and facilities to bethe best we've ever experienced - they were really a "cut above" the otherplaces we've stayed. You have thought of everything we might have needed!We also really enjoyed the village of Trémolat and had a good time wanderingdown the path to the village in the morning for our croissants - Jeremy evenmanaged a jog or two.All in all it was a great holiday in a fantastic setting - thanks verymuch indeed! We look forward to returning.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #79727
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