Belle Vue

The Dordogne may be a destination visitors adore, but rarely are guests fortunate enough to stay right in the heart of central Dordogne…or ‘The Old Dordogne'.

Perched up high on a rock face, Belle Vue is a private, hilltop retreat designed to take full advantage of the breath-taking views overlooking the valleys of the Dordogne and their waterways. It has been a family home for over 40 years, as well as a source of inspiration to many artists, including the owner's mother. A fabulous terrace runs the full length of the house, and below a large pool deck extends out over the valley on stilts. Indoors, a home away from home awaits, with antiques and family heirlooms and artwork, as well as many warm, traditional features.

It's easy to unwind in peace and privacy up here and feel ‘on top of the world' but at the same time, guests are not isolated; the local village is just five minutes from Belle Vue, beneath the Chateau de Castelnaud. It has an excellent bakery, butcher, small grocery store, two restaurant-cafes plus other amenities, including canoe hire for trips down the Dordogne and bicycle hire. The beautiful medieval market town of Sarlat and the ancient hilltop fortress at Domme are each just a 15-minute drive away, the chateau at Beynac just 10 minutes and the world-famous Neanderthal caves of Les Eyzies are just a 30-minute drive away.

Belle Vue will leave guests enchanted with its mesmerising views, its welcoming interior and its authentic and nostalgic setting in the very heart of the much-loved ‘real' Dordogne.

Features

Villa Interior

Ground Floor

• Open-plan living-dining room with sitting area, bar and library

• Well equipped kitchen (oven, hob, fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher, coffee machine) with small table and chairs. Doors leading out to large terrace
  First Floor

• Master double bedroom, with TV, large built in wardrobe/hangers
  drawers, hairdryer and en-suite bathroom (bath with over shower, double sink and WC)

• Double bedroom with wardrobe/hangers drawers and hairdryer

• Double bedroom with wardrobe/hangers drawers and hairdryer

• Twin bedroom with TV wardrobe/hangers drawers

• Family bathroom with bath with over shower and double sink

• Separate WC

• Utility room

Outside Grounds

• Terrace with stunning views runs the full length of the villa
• Private heated swimming pool (size:11m x 5m/depth: 1.6m/shape: rectangular) with rigid safety cover. The pool is located on the lower level and accessed from the villa via steps (children need to be supervised due to unprotected drops by the unfenced poolside)
• Poolside terrace with amazing views
• Outdoor shower
• Summer kitchen
• Pool house with fridge
• Gas barbecue
• Sun-loungers
• Armchairs
• Outdoor dining table (children should be supervised due to some unprotected drops in this area)
• Children's play area
• Off road parking

Facilities

• Wi-Fi (fiber optic broadband)
• Air-conditioning (bedrooms only)
• Heating (available late October to early April, charges apply)
• Working fireplace
• Large smart TV (Netflix, Amazon Prime)
• Blu-Ray DVD player
• Music System including I-Pod docking station
• Indoor board games
• Books and DVDs
• Washing machine
• Tumble dryer
• Iron and ironing board
• Hairdryers
• Gas barbecue x 2 (one on poolside terrace and one on terrace by kitchen)

Location

The beautiful local village, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, is just five minutes from Belle Vue, beneath the Chateau de Castelnaud. It has an excellent bakery, butcher, small grocery store, two restaurant-cafes plus other amenities, including canoe hire for trips down the Dordogne and bicycle hire.

The Perigord Noir area of Dordogne is much loved by visitors due to the beautiful natural landscapes, excellent regional cuisine, mild climate, enchanting castles and charming villages of old stone houses and cobbled lanes.

The village of Beynac (6km) is known as one of the most beautiful villages in this area with its stunning twelfth century castle on the banks of the Dordogne river.

The medieval market town of Sarlat (14km) has been known for its markets since the middle ages, they take place every Saturday and Wednesday mornings plus there is a night market every Thursday evening in the summer months and even a truffle and Foie Gras market in the winter. Visitors in the height of the summer may enjoy the spontaneous street theatre that fills the characterful lanes in the evening as well as the gourmet dining experiences on offer in the town and surrounding area. Other noteworthy villages include Domme (10km) and Belves (17km), plus many more within an hours drive or less.

Nature lovers must visit Les Jardins de Marqueyssac (3km), delightful and beautifully manicured gardens set high above the river with pretty views over nearby villages. In July and August you can avoid the summer heat by visiting them ‘by candlelight' once a week for a truly memorable experience. Combine this with a visit to the enchanting nearby village of La Roque Gageac on the north bank of the Dordogne river. The idyllic village has a rich history and very little has changed other than the unusual but beautiful tropical plants that have been planted around the village and thrive in the mild climate.

The Dordogne is well known for its hundreds of castles and chateaux, many of which are open to the public and within a very short distance. Chateau de Castelnaud (2.5km) is a few minutes by car with many more a short distance further.

The whole region is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike offering a wide array of outdoor activities, from horse-back riding, to tennis, mountain-biking, golfing and watersports, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. Children will love the nearby waterparks, exploring prehistoric caves, re-enacting history in one of the castles or even a magnificent hot air balloon ride across the stunning region.