La Grange, beautiful barn conversion, Saint Martial Viveyrol, nr. Verteillac


La Grange is a beautiful 200 m² converted ancient stone barn. 4 spacious bedrooms ( 3 doubles and 1 triple with 3 single beds), and one family bathroom are located on the galleried first floor. The ground floor comprises a spacious open plan sitting room, dinning area and kitchen with 3 sets of French windows opening onto the garden. The stone-flagged entrance hall is double height with ancient oak beams. A further shower room (with WC) and separate utility room are located on the ground floor.
The 3000 m² grounds are idyllic. Open rolling views, mature trees, abundant flowers and a walled swimming pool provide the perfect setting for a tranquil family holiday in absolute privacy. La Grange is 5 minutes drive from the nearest village of St Martial Viveyrol . A further 5 minute drive is Verteillac.

Verteillac has essential amenities such as a bank, post office, cafe, restaurants, bakery, church and an amazing general store/DIY shop. This is a working town with markets throughout the year. Riberac, is just 15 km away and its Friday market is one of the biggest in the Dordogne and not to be missed. It is exactly how you imagine a bustling French market: lively, exciting and packed with the freshest produce. There is all the fruit, vegetables, meat and fish that you could with for and much more besides!

Within 30 minutes drive you find many beautiful, classified villages such as Bourdeilles, and Aubeterre-sur-Dronne with their picture-postcard settings, restaurants and galleries. Within 40 minutes you can drive to Brantome, the famous Venice of the Perigord Vert and gateway to the Parc Naturel Regional Perigord-Limousin. With its beautiful chateau, Romanesque bell tower, rivers, shops and restaurants, Brantome is an essential day trip destination.

Angouleme is a beautiful city 40 minutes drive to the north. It has a number of festivals including the Circuit International des Remparts and Piano en Valois. The former is a classic car festival held in September. The later a prestigious international piano festival held in October.

Just south of Angouleme is out door rock climbing at Les Eaux Claires in Puymoyen.

Periqueux is not to be missed ( 50 mins drive). The regional capital it has the Vesunna Gallo Roman museum and stunning Saint - Font Cathedral.

If you are like me though, you will spend much of your time in the garden enjoying the abundant flowers and enchanting views with just the odd chicken and cow from the farm down the road to disturb you. On most days the only vehicle you might hear will be the farmer going about his daily business on the tractor. Mostly it is unbroken peace and utterly blissful.The large garden offers beautiful views across the valley. There are plenty of trees including Fig and Walnut trees providing shade. Ideal places to sit and relax, talk, eat or read. In the evening you can watch the sunset. When the summer sun is out in full force then of course a dip in the cool waters of the pool is just a few steps away. If you are looking for relaxation on your holiday then you will find it here! Time seems to slow down as you pour yourself another cold drink...

Getting here could not be easier as the house is conveniently situated for transport connections. Angouleme, with its TGV connection to Paris and CDG Airport (3.5 h) is just 48 km. You can pick up hire cars at the station (Europcar or Avis) and you will be in the house after a 40 min drive. The nearest train stain is Montmoreau St Cybard ( 20km and 20 mins drive). If you prefer to fly there are airports at Bordeaux (1h 45 mins driving ) Bergerac (1 hour) and Limoges ( 1h 30 mins).

There are good road connections to the area with Roscoff being 7 hours drive, Caen/St Malo 5h 30mins and Calais 7h 45mins

There is a 9 hole golf course at Le Manoir du Longeveau. 18 hole courses are at Golf de Perigueux and Golf de L'Hirondelle Angouleme.

There are tennis courts in Verteillac, Riberac and St Severin ( 10 mins drive).

River beaches are found at Aubeterre-sur-Dronne and canoeing is very popular on the regions rivers. 30 mins drive south is the Foret de la Double. This is a nature reserve with many miles of walking trails and a 35 hectare lake with beaches and swimming.