Léparon (LAM.24)

Léparon is a 2-bedroomed cottage, sleeping 5 (+ baby), in the village of Léparon (Dordogne), 4km E of La Roche-Chalais, 30km SW of Ribérac, 70km from the sea (Michelin map: 521). VFB is delighted to have featured this property since 2001. Saturday arrival.

This 19th century creeper-clad Charentaise house is set in a large garden adjoining the owner’s house. Light, stylish décor and uncluttered lines set the tone in this attractive old stone house, where beams, board and tiled floors, pine panelling and some exposed stone create an inviting rustic feel. Pine and traditional furnishings are tastefully arranged and set off by colourful rugs, fabrics, ornaments and dried flowers. Neatly kept and very well equipped and appointed, the property has been carefully restored by the welcoming owner, a teacher, who lives at one end of the building and will personally welcome visitors here. To the rear is an extensive leafy garden (of 3000sqm), well-secluded and fully enclosed, ideal for play – there are swings, badminton, table tennis and a sand pit – taking the sun or lounging in the shade of several fruit trees, a newly constructed swimming pool (10m x 5m, depth 1m - 1m50) completes the excellent outdoor facilities. An exceptionally well decorated and charming character property with excellent outdoor living spaces including a new terrace, on the borders of Dordogne and Charente. The great vignobles of Bordeaux are less than 50km away,  St-Emilion is close at hand (35km) and Cognac tastings are also a local feature. Aubterre and its 12th-century église monolith is nearby and, in the valley of the Dronne, the 13th-century Château de Bourdeilles and enchanting Brantôme, are within an hour’s drive. The tranquil forest route and lakes in the Forêt de la Double, the cathedral and fine old centre of Périgueux and Atlantic beaches at St-Georges-de-Didonne are all within easy reach for day excursions.  Note: the owner has a baby bath, high chair and travel cot available on request.

Accommodation:  Ground floor: kitchen/dining room, living room (with open fireplace), bathroom, separate wc. First floor:  1 triple bedded and 1 double-bedded room, cot, separate shower room with wc. This property is particularly suited to indoor and out-of-season living, due to a higher than average level of comfort.

Activities:  Private swimming pool (29th April – 30th September), tennis, bicycle hire, horse riding and canoe hire in La Roche-Chalais. Table tennis, badminton and swings on the spot. Base de loisirs and caonoe hire in Parcoul (7km).

Services:  All shops and services in La Roche-Chalais. Market on Saturdays in La Roche-Chalais, Mondays in Chalais (13km), Wednesdays in Montpon (20km) and Wednesdays and Saturdays in Coutras (20km). Parking on the drive to the side of the property.

Location
In the village of Léparon (Dordogne) - 30 inhabitants - 4km E of La Roche-Chalais, 30km SW of Ribérac, 70km from the sea. Michelin map: 521.

Activities
Private swimming pool (29th April – 30th September), tennis, bicycle hire, horse riding and canoe hire in La Roche-Chalais. Table tennis, badminton and swings on the spot. Base de loisirs and caonoe hire in Parcoul (7km).

Services
All shops and services in La Roche-Chalais. Market on Saturdays in La Roche-Chalais, Mondays in Chalais (13km), Wednesdays in Montpon (20km) and Wednesdays and Saturdays in Coutras (20km). Parking on the drive to the side of the property.

Description
This 19th century creeper-clad Charentaise house is set in a large garden adjoining the owner’s house. Light, stylish décor and uncluttered lines set the tone in this attractive old stone house, where beams, board and tiled floors, pine panelling and some exposed stone create an inviting rustic feel. Pine and traditional furnishings are tastefully arranged and set off by colourful rugs, fabrics, ornaments and dried flowers. Neatly kept and very well equipped and appointed, the property has been carefully restored by the welcoming owner, a teacher, who lives at one end of the building and will personally welcome visitors here. To the rear is an extensive leafy garden (of 3000sqm), well-secluded and fully enclosed, ideal for play – there are swings, badminton, table tennis and a sand pit – taking the sun or lounging in the shade of several fruit trees, a newly constructed swimming pool (10m x 5m, depth 1m - 1m50) completes the excellent outdoor facilities. An exceptionally well decorated and charming character property with excellent outdoor living on the borders of Dordogne and Charente. The great vignobles of Bordeaux are less than 50km away,  St-Emilion is close at hand (35km) and Cognac tastings are also a local feature. Aubterre and its 12th-century église monolith is nearby and, in the valley of the Dronne, the 13th-century Château de Bourdeilles and enchanting Brantôme, are within an hour’s drive. The tranquil forest route and lakes in the Forêt de la Double, the cathedral and fine old centre of Périgueux and Atlantic beaches at St-Georges-de-Didonne are all within easy reach for day excursions. Featured by VFB since 2001.

Accommodation
Ground floor access via terrace into hall (up ½ step) with stairs to first floor and door to kitchen/dining room and living room:

·    Kitchen/dining room (4m x 4m) with dual cooker (3 gas + 1 electric ring and electric oven), microwave, fridge with freezer compartment, dishwasher, mobile barbecue. Tiled floor. Doors to garden (up 2 steps), separate wc and bathroom. Washing machine and tumble-dryer in outside storage. 
·    Living room (4m x 4m) with sofa bed, open fireplace, television. Tiled floor. 
·    Bathroom with bath (1 step up) with shower attachment. Tiled floor.
·    Separate wc off kitchen

First floor (beware low beam halfway up) landing with doors to:

·    Bedroom 1 (4m70 x 5m30) with 1 double bed (1m60), decorative fireplace. Board floor.
·    Bedroom 2 - ½ step up (3m70 x 4m10) with 3 single beds (2 at 0m90, which can be joined together to make one large double bed, 1 at 1m). Board floor.
·    Separate wc

Gas for cooking included – Electric heaters in every room (electricity not included) – Wood not included – Bed linen included, household linen not available.

Note: The owner has a baby bath, high chair and travel cot available on request.

Breakage Deposit: 125€   Sleeps: 5/6  + baby  MAXIMUM

Comments
“Thank you for a very comfortable time in a lovely house.” “We had everything we needed and felt very comfortable.” “To sum up, a very restful week in a gîte full of character” “A relaxing and enjoyable fortnight in this attractive and very well equipped gîte.” “Thank you for the kind and informative welcome.” “A spacious, well-appointed and comfortable gîte.” “All in all a relaxing and convivial holiday in a superb location.” “Thank you to Cathy for making us feel so welcome and providing such a wonderful house. We wish we had been less timid and invited you over for a meal at the very least.” “We have found the house comfortable and well-equipped. The children particularly loved the garden and spent a lot of time playing badminton and table tennis.” “We have spent a very busy, happy week here in this comfortable house with a warm welcome. It’s been perfect for a crawling baby of 13 months – no steps to fall down on the ground floor.” “This garden is the perfect place for children.” “A super house with all you could need.” “Very comfortable house, well equipped and a huge garden.” “We have enjoyed our 2 weeks here. Everything about the house is excellent and we found all we needed for a comfortable and relaxing holiday… we were particularly grateful for the welcome we received from Cathy and Pete who quickly helped us feel at home.” “This is the second time that we have stayed, not only in this area, but also this cottage and for the second time we have had the most enjoyable holiday.” “We have used VFB five times now and this is the nicest cottage that we have found. It is perfectly clean and equipped with everything.” "As usual, VFB have found a little gem in this gîte and Mme Cathy has proved a most welcoming and generous host." "A beautiful gîte, well-equipped, wonderful location too." "Enjoy this delightful gîte, the pool, the wildlife and the shady garden." "Large garden, great for birds."

Description updated August 2011