Maison Longchamps

In rural southwestern France, close to the Dordogne border, this old stone farmhouse is ideally located for visiting some of the region’s prettiest villages and bastide towns, close to the likes of Monflanquin, Issigeac and Villeréal. Maison Longchamps is surrounded by countryside and farmland so typical of Lot-et-Garonne. It is set in 1.5 acres of grounds with a garden and paddock – the 12m-long swimming pool features an especially beautiful terrace with sun loungers and outdoor sofas, such a perfect place for sundowners at the end of a busy day. The original farmhouse and adjoining barn have been renovated to create a spacious living room with a high wood-beamed ceiling, a mezzanine space and light flooding in from the French windows opening out to the garden. The dining room is just as characterful with tiled flooring and a large fireplace whilst the kitchen is classic yet contemporary with a kitchen island for sociable cooking over a glass of wine or two. Across both floors there are four doubles and one twin bedroom, each one simply furnished and decorated in a traditional style. It is also fantastic that each bedroom has its own bath or shower room, most of which are en suite. Whether a family or a group of friends, Maison Longchamps comfortably sleeps up to 10 guests. Dine al-fresco on the covered terrace near the large barbecue with lovely views towards the trees, swimming pool and rural landscapes beyond. Play table tennis in the garden or find a quiet spot beneath a mature tree for reading in the shade. Sun worshippers will of course adore the huge poolside terrace! It’s only a 5.5km drive to the attractive bastide town of Castillonnès with its restaurants, historic buildings, independent cinema and delightful market on a Tuesday morning. Or you could head to Villeréal, another charming market town dating back to the 13th century. Monflanquin and Monpazier are two further highlights of the region, both classified as two of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, whilst nearby Issigeac is a picture-perfect village which hosts an enchanting Sunday morning market. Horse-racing is popular across the area (trotting races take place in local towns in the summer) and there is a choice of golf courses within a 30 to 45-minute drive. Follow signposted cycling trails, discover long walks and hikes as well as summer swimming in nearby lakes and canoeing along the Dordogne or Lot rivers. Try the sweet wines of Château de Monbazillac or venture a little further afield to the world-famous vineyards of Saint-Émilion just over an hour away. Slightly closer to home, admire the beauty of villages such as Trémolat and Limeuil by the banks of the Dordogne or spend the day soaking up the rich heritage of Bergerac, a historic town loved for its wine, gastronomy and riverside setting. Features: Maison Interiors Ground Floor -    Large living room with log-burning stove and French doors opening out to terrace and garden       -    Mezzanine lounge (via spiral staircase) -    Dining area with fireplace -    Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, induction hob, electric oven, fridge-freezer, Nespresso machine and cafetiere -    Laundry room and separate WC -    Master bedroom 1 with double bed and shower room -    Bedroom 2 with double bed and separate bathroom with bath and shower First Floor (via open-tread staircase from dining area) -    Bedroom 3 with double bed and bathroom -    Bedroom 4 with twin beds and en suite shower room -    Bedroom 5 with double bed and en suite shower room Velux windows upstairs feature electrically operated blinds Outside Grounds (approximately 1.5 acres) -    Salt-water swimming pool (12x6m, depth: 1-1.8m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately May to October -    Poolside lounge and sun loungers -    Oak frame pergola on pool terrace  -    Covered terrace with dining table and chairs -    Barbecue -    Large garden and paddock (partially fenced) Facilities  -    Sonos sound system with 2 portable speakers  -    2 fatboy beanbags  Location: In the Lot-et-Garonne department, a short drive from the Dordogne border, Maison Longchamps enjoys a rural setting between Bergerac and Villeneuve-sur-Lot. Fly into Bergerac Airport (27km) or take the fast train from Paris to Bordeaux with onward connections to Gare de Bergerac (32km). A car is necessary in this part of rural France. The house is on a small road with just two other neighbours (not overlooking the grounds), just off a country road leading to a small rural village. The market town of Castillonnès (5.5km) is home to the nearest restaurants, shops and a good-sized supermarket. Take time to explore the attractive bastide town with its beautiful houses, townhall, clocktower and independent cinema. The small town comes alive on a Tuesday morning when local producers showcase their delights at the weekly market. There are so many other charming bastide towns to discover nearby including Villeréal (11km) with its historic arcaded square, useful shops, good restaurants and Saturday morning market and Monflanquin (18km), officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Issigeac (14km) is another picture-perfect historic village with an enchanting market on a Sunday morning which attracts visitors from across the region. A little further afield is Monpazier (26km), another 13th century bastide town classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and pretty Eymet (24km) in the Dropt valley with its Thursday morning market. Lauzun (17km) is also very charming with its château, medieval houses and little lake. Across many local villages and towns look out for summer night markets, a wonderful way to try good local food and wine in atmospheric surroundings. This area is popular for horse-racing with trotting racing taking place in Castillonnès, Villeréal, Issigeac and other local places in the summer. Golf lovers have a choice of courses within a 30 to 45-minute drive whilst keen cyclists can make the most of many marked trails across the area.   Wine enthusiasts note that Château de Monbazillac (25km) is easily reached, famous for its sweet white wine. For a spectacular day out, visit the famous vineyards of Saint-Émilion (83km), classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its gorgeous hilltop town with beautiful architecture, excellent restaurants and fascinating maze of catacombs. Closer to home, spend the day admiring historic Bergerac by the banks of the Dordogne or appreciate the beauty of riverside villages such as Trémolat (45km) and Limeuil (50km). Discover boat trips, canoeing and kayaking along the Dordogne as well as glorious walking and hiking opportunities across the captivating landscapes of this region. There are of course more water-based activities along the Lot River in and around Villeneuve-sur-Lot (35km) and Castelmoron-sur-Lot (38km). Terms & Conditions: ? £1000 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 4.00 p.m. 10.00 a.m. Yes. Yes, changed once for stays of over 7 nights. Not allowed. A cot and highchair can be requested. Weddings and stag/hen parties are not allowed. Other celebrations and special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Saturday. All other changeover days on request. Yes and mid-stay cleaning for stays of more than 7 nights also included. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Outside only. Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. 7 nights. All other durations on request. Yes. French Visitors Tax is included. Yes.