A totally renovated terraced house with uninterrupted views across the park and river to the medieval town of Bellac on the hill. The property is on 3 floors with 2 bedrooms, bathroom, large open plan kitchen, dining and living area On the lower ground floor there is an entrance hall, a separate WC, and a laundry area with washing machine and ironing facilities. At the rear of the property there is a lawned area for al fresco meals and barbecues.
A riverside house in Bellac by a park with lovely views of the medieval town.
Bellac, Haute-Vienne, France
- House1000 sq. ft.
- Sleeps: 4
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Half Baths: 1
- Min Stay: 1 - 7 nights
0.4 mi to Bellac centerInstant Confirmation
Les Hirondelles, Bellac, Haute Vienne, Limousin, France - Situated In A Conservation Area By A Medieval Bridge With Views To The Town Beyond
Bedrooms
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
Property Manager
Vivienne Morgan
Member Since 2013
- Speaks:
- english, french
- Calendar last updated:
- Feb 13, 2019
About Vivienne Morgan
We retired in 2001 from our retail sports business in the west country of England. We had always loved visiting different countries on holiday and so we bought a motorhome and spent several months at a time exploring Europe. Our interests then were involved with anything to do with water and snow and for many years we indulged our passion for subaqua diving and ski-ing. Although we no longer dive, we still enjoy our annual ski-ing trip. We have 3 grown up children and 6 grandchildren in England and we love having them on holiday with us in Bellac. There are so many lovely places to take them plus of course the fun times we have on our local river or the nearby lakes.We are now permanently resident in France and live next to the gite.
Vivienne Morgan purchased this House in 2004
Why Vivienne Morgan chose Bellac
It was in 2003 while we were en route back to England from Italy when an untypical day of torrential rain prompted us to stop overnight in Bellac during the annual National Musical Festival. Late evening when the rain had stopped and it was warm and humid, we went for a stroll in the town and felt a charm that was difficult to analyse. The following day we explored the mediaeval quarters and then discovered the town was actually perched above a tranquil river that winds its way through the valley below. We were hooked and the following year we returned and bought our riverside properties. 9 years later we have no regrets and simply love this stunning region of France and the warmth of the people.Tourists haven't really discovered it yet which makes it extra special!
What makes this House unique
This perfect location combines semi-rural life with the convenience of a town within walking distance. Step out of the door into a pretty landscaped park which extends over both sides of the river. There are picnic benches and fishing platforms as well as a small play area for children. The 13th century bridge spans the river and downstream there is a charming walk through the small gorge. We are very close to open countryside too and marked walks are literally on our doorstep. Bellac is in the very heart of France and situated halfway between the Channel ports and the Mediterranean.This makes an ideal spot to spend a short break. Driving here is a real pleasure on excellent, quiet roads.
Amenities
- Internet
- TV
- Satellite or Cable
- Children Welcome
- Parking
- Heater
Bathrooms
- 1 Bathroom, 1 Half Bath
- Bathroom 1toilet, tub, shower
- Toilet 1toilet
- Bathroom with bath/shower over, wc and basin. Separate WC on lower ground floor
Location Type
- Rural
- Town
- River
Meals
- Guests provide their own meals
General
- Heatingthere are plug-in electric oil filled radiators
- Linens Providedall linen provide with a complete changeover every week for extended holidays
- Washing Machine
- Parkingoff road parking available nearby
- Garageonly suitable for the secure parking of motorcycles
- Internet
- Towels Provided
- Wireless Internet
- Wood Stovea woodburning effect electric fire in the lounge
- Iron & Board
- Hair Dryer
- Basic Soaps
- Living RoomIn the lounge area there is a sattelite flat screen TV with integral DVD player and a range of DVD's books and games. There is also an ipod docking station so that you can bring your own selection of music.
- Baby Gate
Kitchen
- Refrigeratorfridge / freezer
- Freezer
- Stovegas hob with 4 burners and a wok burner
- Ovenlarge oven
- Microwave
- Grill
- Coffee Makerthere is a cafetiere
- Toaster
- Dishes & Utensilsa full range of pans and casserole plus all the required kitchen utensils
- KitchenThe kitchen is fitted with fridge/freezer, gas cooker, microwave etc and the usual electrical appliances you may need. The farmhouse style dining table will accommodate 6 in comfort.
Dining
- Dining Area
- Child's Highchair
- comfy seating for 6 people
Entertainment
- TelevisionThe television is linked to an English satellite
- Satellite / Cable
- DVD Playerintegral in the television
- BooksThere is a range of novels in the gite and we are happy for guests to take one away with them if they haven't finished reading it by the end of their holiday
- Gamesa small selection of games is provided but a more comprehensive range may be borrowed fro the owners who live next door
Outside
- Lawn / Gardenthe pretty garden is on a hill with several level seating areas for relaxing. Guests enjoy sitting there on hot summer evenings, enjoying the views over the town.
- Balconythe rear double bedroom has a balcony with garden views
- Bicycleswe have bicycles which you a welcome to borrow
- Outdoor Grillbarbecue, tools and charcoal provided
- Deck / Patioa private terrace for alfresco dining
- Tennistennis courts are in the town
- GolfThere is a good 9 hole golf course at Mortemart (8 miles) as well as 2 golf courses at Limoges (25 miles) and an 18 hole course at St Junien (21miles)
Suitability
- wheelchair inaccessible
Notes
- Notes on accommodation: The owners live next door. There is internet available free of charge by arrangement with the owners. It is a 10 minute uphill walk or a 5 minute drive to the town centre where there is a small supermarket as well as a good range of shops and restaurants. However larger supermarkets are located on the outskirts of town. Also in the town there is a modern theatre, cinema, open-air swimming pool, tennis courts and numerous boules pitches. The downhill walk back to the river is charming! Outside: Outside at the rear of the property the garden is lawned and there is a separate sitting area for sunny breakfasts. There is a barbecue available. Cleaning / Towels / Linen / Maid service: All towels and linen are included and are changed weekly. Other: The large entrance hall on the ground floor provides a useful space for bicycles etc. There is also a separate WC and washbasin. We have recently installed a washing machine, iron and ironing board for your convenience.
House Rules
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.
27 Reviews
1 - 6 of 27
A relaxing week in a lovely clean and well presented riverside house
5/5 Stayed Jul 2018
Debbie C.
We have just returned from what can only be described as one of the most relaxing and enjoyable breaks we have had in France to date. When we arrived we simply gazed in awe at the charm and splendour of this delightful riverside house set in a terrace amongst other well presented houses. When we stepped inside we were greeted by a clean, well presented and well equipped house with views across the grass and tranquil river towards the town and its wonderful church. We were met by Vivienne and Roger (the owners) who guided us through the house and how to use the various appliances etc. Both were very friendly and welcoming and the welcome pack they provided ensured we were fed & watered until we had the opportunity to visit the shops. When we unpacked and familiarised ourselves with our holiday home the owners gave us some very helpful tips on where the shops, restaurants and local activities and places of interest were. These are all within a 5 minute drive or 20 minute walk and include a Carrefour, Intermarche, Lidl, Netto Eco-Gem (a little like Home Bargains/B&M) and petrol filling station. We were then invited to join them at the local music festival which was a real treat. Just 2 doors down from our holiday home is a lovely quaint pub (English owners) serving a variety of drinks and food which was a great look forward to after a days sightseeing. It's also worth mentioning the delightfully manicured and well maintained garden to the rear of the house which has an abundance of flowers, shrubs and even herbs which the owners allow you to use if you fancy cooking a meal. The views and seating areas (we counted 7!) offer a fantastic vista of the village and we never got bored of taking in these views in. We have to say, the photos on the website do not do this house and its setting justice, you have to be there to appreciate the wonderful surroundings and experience what can only be described as a fairy-tale setting. All in all this holiday home is everything you could want when holidaying in France and the owners have got it "spot-on". We'll definitely be back!
Submitted Jul 24, 2018
Beautiful gite and location
5/5 Stayed May 2018
Lindsay B.
I chose this gite based on the photos and reviews and can honestly say it has exceeded my expectations. The views from the bedrooms and garden are exceptional and the gite itself was comfortable, well equipped and ideally placed for walks into town. In fact everything we wanted to see was less than half an hour away in the car. We particularly enjoyed Chateauponsac and the Lac de Saint Pardoux for its scenery and swimming.
Vivienne and Roger were wonderful hosts, welcoming and helpful, Vivienne even shopped for our first evening as we arrived on Sunday night :) Nothing was too much trouble. Thank you for re introducing me to gin and tonic and your lovely aperitif nibbles both of you!
A bientot j'espere, Lindsay, Stuart and Georgia
Submitted Jun 8, 2018
Owner's Response:
Thank you so much for the lovely kind review. We always try our best to make sure that our guests have wonderful memories to take away from this lovely part of France. We love it here as it's not overly commercialised. We're glad the gite was up to and even above your expectations and I guess everyone will now expect shopping, aperitives and gin and tonics!!!!! That would be no problem though. Let's hope you will visit us again soon. Vivienne and Roger
Fabulous Gite overlooking the river.
5/5 Stayed Aug 2017
Ann M.
Vivienne and Roger's Gite is fabulous. It has everything you could possibly need to ensure that you have a relaxing and comfortable stay in France. The garden is magnificent and the ideal place to relax, read, snooze, enjoy a glass of wine.
Vivienne and Roger are very welcoming and helped to make our holiday a great experience. Roger went above and beyond when he contacted a local garage and even drove my husband there on more than one occasion when our car needed repaired. What could have been a very difficult situation was dealt with by Roger with great ease.
Their hospitality is second to none.
Submitted Aug 21, 2017
Owner's Response:
Thank you Ann
It was also our pleasure having you as guests at Les Hirondelles. It really was no trouble helping you out of a possibly difficult situation with the car. Thank you in return for leaving the gite in such a good condition. We hope you'll visit us again one day
Viviennne and Roger
Comfortable and spacious gite with everything you need and a beautiful garden to enjoy
5/5 Stayed Jun 2017
Andrew P.
The property is spacious and very comfortable with everything you need. There is a beautiful garden and the setting in which the gite sits is lovely. There is a bar next door to the gite and their burgers are delicious (and I do not usually eat burgers) and for the brits the bar is run by two really nice young men who are english speaking. Vivienne and Roger the hosts are amazing and are extremely helpful - nothing is too much trouble and they will help you with anything you want to know about the area. We had a lovely relaxing holiday. Absolutely worth five stars
Submitted Jul 2, 2017
Wonderful location
5/5 Stayed Jul 2016
Paul M.
We have just returned after a wonderful week stay in this lovely Gite. Everything was as discribed on Owners Direct and the communication with the owners (Viv and Rodger) was second to non. The setting of the property is in the most fantastic spot by the river looking up to the church and old town. The Gite is excellent in every way extremely clean, well maintained and the garden is a perfect spot to dinner in. We had such a wonderful time and thank you to Viv and Rodger for helping to make it that. Hope to see you all soon.
Paul, Karen and Ethan
Submitted Aug 8, 2016
Owner's Response:
It was our pleasure having you as neighbours for a short time. The perfect guests and please to let Ethan know that the Coypu has been seen several more times since you left. Hopefully you'll visit again to stay or if just passing through.
Lovely Gite - Great for Cyclists
5/5 Stayed Aug 2015
ABBY n.
Excellent spotless facilities - gite lovingly restored with attention to detail. Hosts Vivienne and Roger really care about their guests, starting with a generous welcome hamper, and helpful and friendly throughout the week. Location great - 10 min walk uphill for the morning croissants and town centre, and off into the country just around the corner. The garden (shared with hosts) is delightful and we were invited to help ourselves to tomatoes, herbs and grapes from it.
Bikes are put downstairs in the hallway - there is plenty of room and no steps. The surrounding countryside provides great days out, among them approx 40 mile round trips to Oradour-sur-glane and Lac St Pardoux. Plenty of steady gradients and also shade along the way on the minor roads. Very little traffic, even for France, and good road surfaces. Perfect for cyclists!
Thoroughly recommended - would like to return ourselves.
Submitted Sep 13, 2015
Owner's Response:
thank you for the lovely review. we didn't realise that it was so ideal for cyclists. Please recommend us to any cycling buddies!
1 - 6 of 27
Map
Bellac, Haute-Vienne, France
Coast/Beach:
There is a large recreational lake at Saint Pardoux (16 miles) for boating, canoeing, swimming, walking, cycling and an adventure park through the tree canopy. The lake has 3 separate beaches which are lifeguard controlled in July and August.
Travel:
Limoges airport with Ryanair and Flybe flights from several Uk airports is 35 minutes drive away with car hire available from the airport. However, the owners can arrange transport to and from the airport. The train station in Bellac connects to Paris and the Eurostar via Poitiers. By road it is excellent travelling by either national roads or motorways from the Channel ferry ports i.e. Calais (411 miles) or Le Havre (323 miles)
Distances:
Limoges 25 miles. Poitiers 60 miles. Oradour sur Glane 18 miles. The Hills of Blond 6 miles. La Rochelle 121 miles
Further Details:
This area is the "green region" of France thanks to the abundance of woodland and rivers and far too many lakes to count! It is dotted with sleepy villages and is steeped in history and you are never far from the sight of the russet coloured Limousin cows. Limoges (25 miles) is famous for it's porcelaine and enamel industry and has many fine buildings and museums as befits a regional centre. Saint Junien (21 miles) is a very pleasant town which is renowned for it's glove making for the high end fashion industry. Both towns are worth a visit. If history is your interest, a visit to Oradour sur Glane (18 miles) will be memorable as well as the ruins of a Roman town near Rochechouart (27 miles). Sporting interests are also well catered for in the area. Due to the hilly nature of the Haute Vienne, cycling can be challenging and is really for the Bradley Wiggins amongst you. However, there are some lovely cycle routes in the area that are less demanding. There are several horse riding centres nearby where 2/3 day trekking excursions can be arranged. Fishing is available right outside the door, but there are many other opportunities locally. A licence will need to be purchased.
Rates & Availability
Taxes and fees are additional
The changeover day is usually Saturday but subject to availability, it may be flexible. The property will be available from 3pm on the day of arrival and you will be required to vacate by 10.00am