Beautifully converted barn In peaceful and stunning location with private pool.

About Lesley and Toby Dorman-Groves

We both decided a change of lyfestyle was in order, and we left our careers in the UK in 2004 to come to the Charente for a more relaxed pace of life and an occupation that would give us time to travel. Toby was the general manager of an electrical engineering company and I was a project manager in reprographics and print. We renovated a farmhouse and converted two barns and then built a cattery, and after a lot of hard work we made a very successful gite complex. Two years ago we decided to sell the property in the Haute Charente, do some more travelling and then do the same again. More than one person questioned our sanity, as we sometimes do ourselves, but as always wished us the best of luck and many of our friends have since been out to help! We did a recce in Langedoc/Roussion and in the Lot Valley before deciding one of the prettiest areas in France was only and hour or so south of where we had previously lived, in the South Charente on the Dordogne border. We found Fresignac with its incredible potential, stunning views and total peace and tranquility and promptly bought it and began our renovations much to the despair of our parents! We call it 'Little Tuscany' as that is what the countryside reminds us of. Two years later, here we are in a place which must be one of the prettiest and most peaceful places, but in an area with so much to see and do. Maybe now we will finally hang up our renovation boots and enjoy the delicious food, wine and lifestyle out area has to offer!

Lesley and Toby Dorman-Groves purchased this barn in 2014

Why Lesley and Toby Dorman-Groves chose Montmoreau-Saint-Cybard

We looked at many properties once we had decided on an area and we had three main criteria in mind. One, that the properties should be away from any main roads so we can enjoy the many sounds of the countryside uninterrupted by the sounds of cars or trucks, especially at night. And two, that our properties should be detached, so people have nothing and no one else to worry about when enjoying their holiday to the max! Also that the properties had lots of potential and original features to renovate in a sympathetic style to reflect the area.We wanted to be close to a town or village with all the amenities for our guest and in an area that offered our guests plenty to see and do. One of our main aims was that if our guests, as so often is the case, need to escape to France after a hectic life in their own countries for a week or two of pure relaxation and a good wind down, then that is what our property would have to offer......and it does in spades! All these things we found in Fresignac and we didn't have to ponder too long before putting in an offer.

What makes this barn unique

We are in a stunning rural area, yet only 2 km from all amenities. Les Hirondelles is a detached property with its own private grounds and private 10 x 5 m pool. It has 5 bedrooms one of which is on the ground floor for those who may struggle with stairs, but also has 3 bathrooms which is very important when 13 people are sharing. The night sky offers amazing star gazing with no light pollution, and for those craving total peace and tranquility, this is the place for you.