Long before Shakespeare wrote a word, or John Donne penned a sonnet, the village house on Rue St Felicien was built on a registered Gallo-Roman villa, in the ancient medieval village ISSIGEAC. This village has stood since 1317 amid fields of sunflowers, near the vines of the Bergerac wine appellation, and just miles away from the Dordogne River. Here in this vibrant, popular market village with all services at your doorstep, a luxuriously-renovated ancient townhouse sits in stone as a testament to the past, but with modern comforts. All around are reminders of a past where warriors wandered the streets, yet inside the village house on Rue St Felicien, the utmost in convenience and beautiful surroundings awaits you.
With walls of limestone and ceilings of walnut, the entrance leads through large blue carriage doors off a winding (walk-only) street, into a large hallway housing a magnificent, curved staircase. Down the passage is the downstairs double bedroom with queen-size bed and beamed walls. Next door there is a bed room, with another queen bed. Both rooms are individually designed with beautiful curtains, linens and 'heavenly beds' ('ciel du lits'). Next to the bedrooms is a modern bathroom with double sinks and a separate, large (American-style) shower, with a separate toilet next door. The washer and dryer are conveniently located in a nook nearby. NOTE: With 3 double (queen) bedrooms and bathrooms located on 2 separate floors, this home is ideal for 2 couples travelling together, and perhaps with an extra friend, relative or child. The bedrooms and bathroom on the ground floor are conveniently separated from the top floor suite and bathroom, so that your common living area in the middle allows each floor total privacy.
Ascend the ancient staircase to the 'great room' which will take your breath away with it's medieval stone and heavy beams. This room is the main living area with a dining area, a salon area, and an open kitchen. There are 12 foot high ceilings, 3 sets of double windows and a set of double French doors, which open out - with light and air pouring in day and night. Attention has been paid to every detail with antiques and beautiful fabrics everywhere, reflecting a design style of French country living.
In the kitchen, the stove-top and large oven offer professional cooks tools, and is equipped with every convenience from microwave to dishwasher. Chat to your friends and family as you cook or spend long lunches at the antique table with fresh cheese or local delights you've bought nearby.
A second magnificent staircase takes you up to the spacious, private master suite on the top floor. This enormous, light-filled room has dimensions to match its history. The beams were lifted to a height above 2 meters (6 ft 8 in), and four classic windows were added for light and magnificent views over the village of Issigeac below. This is surely not the usual attic-converted space in the least.. Take long afternoon naps lulled asleep by only birds and the sound of bells from nearby St Felicien, or enjoy a quiet read by the light of an open window. The ensuite bathroom is complete with bath, toilet and basin - you'll enjoy soaking in the claw-footed bathtub while enjoying the view up high.
Back on the ground floor, you can head out through double French doors to a spacious open, tiled courtyard where you can enjoy the day as it passes by. With table and chairs for 6, it's the perfect spot to taste your best effort at French cuisine, or to barbecue under the stars. Or in the morning, indulge in coffee and fresh croissants from the bakery steps away.
The village of Issigeac is just 15 minutes south of Bergerac in the Perigord (Dordogne) region of southwestern France. It is well-known due to its very popular Sunday market, and its easy proximity to the Bergerac airport (12 minutes away) and train station (20 minutes). It is also within easy reach of all of the world-famous French wine appellations of: Monbazillac, Bergerac and Saussignac, as well as being minutes away from other popular villages like Beaumont, Monpazier and Villareal. 45 mins by car will take you to Sarlat or Les Eyzies where you can explore the Perigord Noir with its caves and ancient paleolithic history.
One of the best reasons to stay at the village house on Rue St Felicien is living in the heart of an authentic medieval village - with absolutely everything within easy walking distance. There's never a reason to get in your car. With its 3 bakeries, 4 restaurants, 2 butcheries, and 2 grocery stores, you’ll have a wide variety of choices for all your needs. If it’s a bottle of great local wine you’re after, you’re sure to find it at the local wine shop, or if you just want a quick 'cafe', that's available too. If you're visiting in the summer months, the many wonderful night-markets are a chance to soak up the local flavor - and a glass of local wine! The Sunday market will have you trying the freshest produce of the area including the best selection of the Perigord: foie gras, truffles, walnuts and goat cheese. We offer a flexible changeover schedule as well, do come when it suits you!
Keywords: village house, stone house, stone cottage on 3 floors, villa, house, cottage.