Maison Moulene

In a prime location near the banks of the Dordogne, Maison Moulene is a grand 19th century house with a private swimming pool in the historic market town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, ideally situated for visiting Bergerac, Bordeaux and other beautiful villages, towns, vineyards and châteaux of this region. This impressive house was originally built for the town’s mayor before being sold and gifted as a generous wedding present. Many original features remain such as the waxed flooring, marble hallways and impressive stone staircase whilst there is a wonderful collection of old furnishings and paintings for guests to admire. To bring this historic maison into the modern age, it has been completely restored with newly renovated bathrooms and kitchens whilst retaining many of its characterful features. Guests can expect comfortable beds and high quality bed linen across all ten bedrooms, five of which can be found in the main part of the house, alongside a ground floor studio bedroom reached via a double doorway near the courtyard terrace. Two one-bedroom apartments are in the garden, one with a balcony peeping out towards the river, whilst a 2-bedroom garden gite is ideal for guests seeking a little more independence with its own lounge area and fully-equipped kitchen. Embrace the summer aromas of lavender, jasmine and trailing roses in the courtyard as well as herbs – help yourself! Walk through the garden amongst plum, apricot and cherry trees, pick seasonal vegetables and look out for the chickens. The firepit is a lovely place to gather in the evening or prepare feasts by the barbecue served on the outdoor terrace. Not to mention the gorgeous swimming pool within this characterful walled garden, just perfect for relaxing summer days in the sunshine. Just a few steps away you can pick up your morning croissants and fresh bread or arrange continental breakfasts served by the owner who is also an excellent cook. Stroll into the heart of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande to explore its medieval lanes, half-timbered houses and fantastic Saturday morning market, one of the biggest and most beautiful in the region. Cross the bridge to the other side of the Dordogne for the town’s riverside beach and canoeing/kayaking opportunities. Catch a train to spend the day in Bordeaux or Bergerac or potter about in your car visiting idyllic villages and bastide towns across the Gironde and Dordogne – Duras, Issigeac and Monpazier are just some of the many historic gems of this region. Play golf at Château des Vigiers, try the sweet wines of Château de Monbazillac and venture to the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Saint-Émilion, just over half an hour away by car. Cycle to your hearts content, take long walks through landscapes of vineyards, farmland and forests, enjoy river cruises in traditional Gabarre vessels or you could even take a hot air balloon ride to appreciate the magnificent scenery of this part of south-western France. Features: Maison Interiors Main House (various floors) -    3 x lounges -    Dining room with table for 10 guests -    Kitchen, fully-equipped -    Summer kitchen with wine fridge -    Bedroom with king-size double bed, marble fireplace and en suite bathroom with roll top bath and walk-in shower -    Bedroom with king-size double bed, marble fireplace, seating area, juliette balcony and en suite shower room with walk-in shower -    Bedroom with king-size double bed, marble fireplace, seating area, juliette balcony and small sink unit -    Small bedroom with queen-size double bed and balcony. Bedroom can connect with the above two bedrooms or can be locked for privacy -    Bedroom with king-size double bed, feature marble fireplace, garden and river view. Shower room with walk-in shower Ground Floor Studio Bedroom (next to main house) -    Bedroom with king-size double bed, seating area, TV and kitchen corner with small countertop oven, fridge and plug-in hob -    Bathroom with walk-in shower and separate WC Ground Floor Garden Apartment Interiors   -    Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite shower room   -    Lounge area with log-burning stove, TV and garden view. Kitchen corner with small countertop oven, fridge and plug-in hob -    Enclosed covered terrace First Floor Garden Apartment Interiors (reached via external steps)   -    Bedroom (low ceilings) with king-size double bed -    Lounge area with TV and kitchen corner with small countertop oven, fridge and plug-in hob -    Balcony terrace with view Garden Gite Interiors (two floors) -    Open-plan lounge with TV -    Kitchen, well-equipped with fridge, oven and hob   -    Ground floor bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with a bath -    First floor bedroom (low ceilings) with king-size double bed and en suite shower room -    Terrace with al-fresco dining and relaxation area Outside Grounds (0.5 acre) -    Swimming pool (6x4m, depth: up to 1.4m) with gate and safety alarm. Open approximately April to mid-October -    Poolside terrace -    Gas barbecue -    Firepit with surrounding seating -    Courtyard with various plants and herbs -    Garden with fruit trees (plum, apricot and cherry trees) and raised vegetable beds -    Chickens Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Heating -    Smart TV (x5) -    DVD player and DVD collection -    Board games Location: This late 19th century maison is in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, on the edge of its historic quarter close to the banks of the Dordogne. How wonderful to be able to stroll down the road for your morning pastries and fresh bread as well as being able to reach restaurants and other shops within a very short walk. Take your time to explore this bastide riverside town with its half-timbered houses and medieval architecture alongside its river beach and canoeing opportunities on the other side of the river banks. Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is especially well known for its Saturday morning market, often regarded to be the best in the region and one of the most beautiful in France. Soak up the ambience as you potter amongst locals admiring a wealth of fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats, olives, jams, wines, artisan crafts and clothes, all taking place near the townhall within a 10-minute walk. As well as other festivities in the town, look out for weekly night markets with food trucks and atmospheric music, usually taking place on Thursday evenings in the height of the summer. It’s fantastic being only 700m from the train station with departures towards Bordeaux, Castillon and Libourne or in the other direction to the historic town of Bergerac. This means many destinations across the Gironde and Dordogne region can be easily reached by train for a wonderful day out including the great city of Bordeaux within an hour. That said, it is useful to have a car to be able to fully explore the landscapes of this part of south-western France. Visit picture-perfect villages and bastide towns including Issigeac, Duras and Monpazier, sample the sweet white wines of Château de Monbazillac and play golf at the prestigious Château des Vigiers. Wine-lovers note that the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Saint-Émilion (33km) are also within easy reach or, for a change of scene, venture east towards Sarlat-la-Canéda (95km) to experience its exquisite gastronomy and beautiful architecture. Other gems along the Dordogne River such as Limeuil and Trémolat can be reached in just over an hour. Terms & Conditions: ? €1500 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 4.00 p.m. 10.00 a.m. Yes. Yes, changed for stays of over 14 nights. On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. Saturday. Yes and mid-stay cleaning for stays of more than 14 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. 7 nights. Yes. French Visitors Tax included. Yes. The pool is open approximately April to mid-October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.