Domaine De La Foret is an exceptional hilltop retreat centred around a grand courtyard, combining a 19th century mansion and a 18th century hunting lodge.
Domaine De La Foret is an exceptional hilltop retreat centred around a grand courtyard, combining a 19th century mansion and a 18th century hunting lodge, surrounded by 165 acres of beautiful private estate.
The interior design is lavish yet cosy in delicate shades of white and blue that complement the exposed stonework, creating bright and spacious interiors across fantastic dining and living spaces. Each house benefits from four inviting bedrooms in a family friendly mix of twin, double and bunk beds, as well as an extensive list of amenities such as Bluetooth music speakers.
The grounds are timeless in their grandeur, offering acres of expertly preened Aquitaine countryside that includes lawns, walled gardens, an arboretum, a wildflower meadow, private woodland and two small lakes. Spend summer months relaxing by the heated swimming pool with its wonderful terrace and stunning views. As the evening nears, sit out on the gravelled terrace overlooking the formal lawns and stay until the sun sets romantically between the historic gateposts.
There really is little you could want for when staying in such luxury, but you must be sure to explore the fantastic region that surrounds the abode, where you'll find exquisite restaurants, magnificent chateaux and endless tranquil countryside.
Explore idyllic Brantome with its picturesque setting on the River Dronne, partake in a canoeing excursion, visit the Friday morning market in Riberac, famed for its foie gras, walnuts and truffles or spend the day discovering the small city of Perigueux, the historic capital of the Dordogne.
Main House Interiors
Ground Floor
First Floor
Pavilion Interiors
Ground Floor
First Floor
Outside Grounds
Heated swimming pool (13x5m, depth: 1.2-2m) with safety cover, gate and fencing (less than 1.5m). Open approximately mid-May to mid-September (on request at other times, subject to a charge)
Outdoor house with gas barbecue and shower room (next to the Pavilion)
Terrace with al-fresco dining table (for 8 guests) in shade of yew trees
Landscaped gardens
Courtyard, fountain and walled garden
Herb garden
Boules
Tennis court
Arboretum
Private grounds (175 acres) with woodland/pasture/mature parkland
Two small lakes
Private parking
Facilities
Wi-Fi
Underfloor heating (Pavilion)
Stand-alone fans (in each wardrobe)
Satellite TV (UK channels)
DVD player
Music system with Bluetooth connection for i-Pod/i-Phone
Bose docker system (portable)
Table tennis
Boules
Hairdryers (some bedrooms)
Ironing facilities
Washing machine and dryer
Domaine De La Foret is set in 165 acres of private estate in the Dordogne department of Aquitaine, between the historic market towns of Nontron and Brantome.
Beyond your beautiful gardens, head out for walks across the estate, following trails through the woodland, coming across two small lakes as well as a great variety of flora and fauna.
The closest small village is around 4km by car but for restaurants and other amenities you can drive to Nontron (14km), Brantome (16km) and Mareuil en Perigord (15km), or discover places to eat dotted across the surrounding countryside.
Look out for markets across this part of Perigord Vert, famed for its walnuts, truffles and foie gras. One of the best regarded Farmer's markets of this region is in Riberac on a Tuesday and Friday morning whilst Nontron, famous for its knives, hosts a bustling market early on a Saturday. The traditional markets in Thiviers and Perigueux are also a joy to experience, as is the one on a Friday morning closer to home in picturesque Brantome.
Indeed, it is wonderful to spend any day of the week visiting Brantome, set on the River Dronne and a picture-perfect place for riverside picnics, walks and canoeing or kayaking. After exploring the town's pretty medieval lanes, head to the historic abbey or explore the troglodyte caves then enjoy some typical Perigordine cuisine in one of the many restaurants. Known as ‘Venice of the Dordogne', take a tranquil boat trip along the river.
Visit historic castles nearby such as Chateau de Puyguilhem and Chateau de Bourdeilles, both within half an hour, or drive further east to historic gems including Chateau de Jumilhac and its magnificent gardens.
Get out and about exploring the incredible landscapes of the Perigord Vert with its rolling hills, dense woodland, little streams and rocky plateaus. Find cycling trails for a variety of abilities, mountain biking opportunities as well as hiking and horse-riding. Golf-lovers will no doubt appreciate Golf Club Perigueux, an 18-hole course (plus a 9-hole pitch and putt) located around 40km away.