The Retreat

In a stunning rural setting, just south of the Dordogne river, perfectly located between Sarlat and Rocamadour, The Retreat is a charming home full of original features and great character. With vast gardens, a heated swimming pool and delightful interiors, this is a wonderful place from which to explore this enchanting region.

The caring owners have beautifully restored this 18th century home ensuring they have retained traditional features such as the wood-beamed ceilings and exposed stone walls in the inviting living room whilst adding modern comfort throughout. There are three sweet bedrooms, each with the added benefit of air-conditioning.

Outside you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Dordogne valley from the glorious grounds, where you will also find a heated swimming pool, a traditional stone barbecue and peaceful spots perfect for relaxing in the tranquil surroundings.

This home has a wonderful family ambience, not only because of the lovely interiors and spacious gardens but also because of the activities provided such as table-tennis, football, basket ball, badminton and more. Even pets have been thought of by the owner who has secured part of the vast grounds to allow dogs to play.

In a remote and quiet location in the Lot department near the Dordogne, it's just a short drive to the shops and restaurants in nearby St. Julien de Lampon or Souillac, both of which also have a lovely weekly market. In this glorious area you can explore some lovely villages across the region of Lot such as Gourdon with its honey coloured houses or the spectacular Rocamadour, built on the edge of a cliff.

Not forgetting the lovely Dordogne river where you can picnic on a beach, go for long walks or hire canoes. Follow the river to the west and discover idyllic villages such as Domme, La Roque Gageac and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.

Another must is the glorious medieval town of Sarlat to the north, with its vibrant Saturday morning market and amazing restaurants often specialising in Foie Gras or truffles.

The whole area is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike from horse riding and tennis to mountain-biking and golf, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. The Retreat really does offer the best of what south west France has to offer.

Features

Main Villa Interior (250m2 over two floors including a mezzanine level)

• Lounge and dining room (52m2) with open-fire
• Kitchen-diner (31m2), well-equipped
• Laundry room (basement)
• 2 x Double bedrooms
• Twin/double bedroom
• 2 bathrooms with showers and WC
• Separate WC

Outside Grounds

• Heated swimming pool (9mx4m), open April to October, with pool safety alarm
• Terraces
• BBQ
• Covered well
• 1 hectare parkland
• Secured area of parkland (200m2) for dogs
• Private parking for two cars

Facilities

• Wi-FI
• Air-conditioning (bedrooms only)
• Heating
• Volleyball
• Football
• Table-tennis
• Badminton
• Bikes
• Basket ball
• Washing machine

Location

The Retreat is located in beautiful countryside in the Lot department, close to the Dordogne river. With wonderful views, just off a small country road, it's a very tranquil place to stay. The local sleepy village (2km) has a hotel-restaurant (usually only open in summer months) where you can dine in the evenings.

You'll find a bakery, butchers, restaurants, cafes and a lovely weekly market in nearby St Julien de Lampon (8km) or head over the Dordogne river to Souillac (11km) for a greater choice of large supermarkets. Be sure to visit the impressive Abbey Sainte-Marie in Souillac and even better combine with a trip to the atmospheric market on a Friday morning.

Head south to Gourdon (15km) with its honey stone coloured houses set beautifully on the hill and lovely warren of little streets. Beautifully preserved Rocamadour (32km) is another amazing place to visit, built on the edge of a cliff with the river at the bottom of the gorge.

The Dordogne department also hosts a wealth of beautiful villages and towns, many of them classed as France's Plus Beaux Villages such as pretty Saint-Amand-de-Coly (41km), with the famous Lascaux caves nearby or the 13th century bastide village of Monpazier (59km).

Sarlat (27km) is one of the area's most famous towns with its maze of medieval narrow streets, lovely squares and amazing restaurants plus a famous market on a Saturday morning.

Other magical day trips include idyllic Domme (23km) high above the Dordogne river with its amazing caves, La Roque Gageac (28km), a perfect picture postcard village backed by steep cliffs and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (34km) just across the river.

Visit the topiary gardens at Eyrignac (22km) which opens up on Monday evenings in the summer for picnics and dance or Les Jardins de Marqueyssac (32km) set high above the river which also open on Thursday evenings in the summer when you can explore by candlelight.

The whole region is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike offering a wide array of outdoor activities, from horse-back riding and tennis, mountain-biking, golfing and canoeing along the river, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. Children will love exploring prehistoric caves and parks and historic castles or even a magnificent hot air balloon ride across the stunning region. The more adventurous may enjoy tree-top activities in the forests near Sarlat.