La Grande Borie (MAR.24)

La Grande Borie is a 4-bedroomed farmhouse, sleeping 11 (+ baby), 3km from the hamlet of St-Jean-d'Estissac (Dordogne), 4km from Villamblard, 24km N of Bergerac (Michelin maps: 521 / 522 / 525). VFB is delighted to have featured this property since 1996. Saturday arrival.

Situated in a small rural hamlet, this lovely traditional stone farmhouse, dating from 1770 and refurbished in 1995, is part of a picturesque ensemble of 18th-century buildings. The accommodation, all on ground floor level, is spacious and comfortably furnished with a mix of rustic Périgourdin and modern items set off by fresh cotton fabrics. It is an airy property, simply fitted but retaining all of its rustic character with steeply-pitched roof, exposed stonework, cobblestone and tiled floors and open fireplace. Outside are a delightful grassy courtyard (approx. 25m x 20m), built-in barbecue, 5m terrace area, largely shaded private swimming pool (10m x 5m, depth to 1m50) and an extensive and well-kept garden area with lovely trees; these provide the ideal setting for outdoor living, with views over wooded hills. Guests are free to explore the owner's woods all around. La Grande Borie enjoys peaceful surroundings situated some 20m from a second holiday property (La Borie - also rented through VFB) and another neighbour (and their dog) some 45m away and screened by trees. The charming owner is retired and lives in Beauronne, 15km away; she will personally welcome all visitors. Well-situated for visits to the attractive old quarter of Bergerac, and its extensive vineyards, the lower valley of the Dordogne and bastide towns. A rambling character property, in a delightful, rural location - ideal for relaxation.

Accommodation: All on ground floor: kitchen/dining room (with open fireplace), living/dining room, 4 double-bedded rooms (3 with an extra single bed and 2 with en-suite shower rooms with wc), bathroom, separate wc, cot.

Activities: Private swimming pool (available May – September) and table tennis on the spot. Tennis and bicycle hire in Villamblard. Horse riding in Mussidan (13km). Golf (9 holes) in Périgueux (30km). Canoe/kayak at Ste-Foy-la-Grande (35km), Mussidan and Bergerac.

Services: All essential shops and services in Villamblard. Market in Villamblard on Mondays, in Mussidan on Saturdays, in St-Astier (15km) on Thursdays and Bergerac on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Riberac on Fridays.

Location
3km from the hamlet of St-Jean-d'Estissac (Dordogne) - 4km from Villamblard - 24km N of Bergerac. Michelin map: 521 / 522 / 525.
 
Activities
Private swimming pool (available May – September) and table tennis on the spot. Tennis and bicycle hire in Villamblard. Horse riding in Mussidan (13km). Golf (9 holes) in Périgueux (30km). Canoe/kayak at Ste-Foy-la-Grande (35km), Mussidan and Bergerac.
 
Services
All essential shops and services in Villamblard. Market in Villamblard on Mondays, in Mussidan on Saturdays, in St-Astier (15km) on Thursdays and Bergerac on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Riberac on Fridays.
 
Description
Situated in a small rural hamlet, this lovely traditional stone farmhouse, dating from 1770 and refurbished in 1995, is part of a picturesque ensemble of 18th-century buildings. The accommodation, all on ground floor level, is spacious and comfortably furnished with a mix of rustic Périgourdin and modern items set off by fresh cotton fabrics. It is an airy property, simply fitted but retaining all of its rustic character with steeply-pitched roof, exposed stonework, cobblestone and tiled floors and open fireplace. Outside are a delightful grassy courtyard (approx. 25m x 20m), built-in barbecue, 5m terrace area, largely shaded private swimming pool (10m x 5m, depth to 1m50) and an extensive and well-kept garden area with lovely trees; these provide the ideal setting for outdoor living, with views over wooded hills. Guests are free to explore the owner's woods all around. La Grande Borie enjoys peaceful surroundings situated some 20m from a second holiday property (La Borie - also rented through VFB) and another neighbour (and their dog) some 45m away and screened by trees. The charming owner is retired and lives in Beauronne, 15km away; she will personally welcome all visitors. Well-situated for visits to the attractive old quarter of Bergerac, and its extensive vineyards, the lower valley of the Dordogne and bastide towns. A rambling character property, in a delightful, rural location - ideal for relaxation. Featured by VFB since 1996.
 
Note: Young children will need supervision due to the unfenced pond in the garden, some 20m from the property.
 
Accommodation
All on ground floor: access from courtyard via small terrace into hall with doors to:
 
•     Kitchen/dining room - up 1 step - (6m80 x 6m) with gas cooker (4 rings – 3 gas and 1 electric) and  oven, dishwasher and washing machine. Open fireplace. Tiled and cobbled floor. Up one step - Door to inner hall
 
•     Living/dining room - up 1 step - (7m20 x 6m20) with open fireplace, satellite television, stone sink (operational). Tiled floor inlaid with wood. Doors to bedrooms 1 and 3
 
•     Bedroom 1 (4m30 x 6m20) with 1 double bed (1m40) and 1 single bed (1m20). Tiled floor. Door (and 4 wooden steps up) to bedroom 2
 
•     Bedroom 2 (4m30 x 4m10) with 1 double bed (1m40). Tiled floor. Door to en suite shower room 1 with wc. Tiled floor. (Note: The only access to this bedroom is through bedroom 1)
 
•     Bedroom 3 (6m x 4m50 - up 1 step from living/dining room) with 1 double bed (1m40) and 1 single bed (1m20 - needs double sheets). Tiled floor. Door to inner hall and en suite shower room 2 with wc (4 steps up). Tiled floor
 
Inner hall with stone floors, beamed ceiling, and cobbled floor - doors to outside and:
 
•     Bedroom 4 (6m20 x 4m30) with 1 double bed (1m40) and 1 single bed (1m). Views to swimming pool. Tiled floor
 
•     Bathroom with bath and shower attachment. Tiled floor
 
•     Separate wc
 
Gas for cooking included – Electricity not included (radiator in each room) – Bed linen included, household linen not available - Baby-sitting available
 
Breakage Deposit: 125€  Sleeps: 11 + baby MAXIMUM (wooden cot available: 1m20 length x 0m60 width x 0m60 depth)
 
At certain times of the year the property can reduced in size by closing off 2 double-bedded rooms, each with an extra single bed.
 
Property reference: MAR.24X   Breakage Deposit: 125€  Sleeps 4 + baby MAXIMUM - 2 bedrooms
 
Comments
 “It is clear from the way in which the cottage and its surroundings are kept that the Martys take a real pride in providing this base for an excellent holiday, which we have greatly appreciated.” “A lovely place to stay. A big thank you to our hosts for providing such a large and well-equipped house.” “Just one week is not long enough to explore and revel in the beautiful lands and history of this marvellous place.” “A wonderful place with plenty of peace and tranquillity - perfect for the weary traveller.” “All in all the setting, accommodation here was fantastic and greatly enjoyed by us all. A return visit, we believe, will have to take place in the not too distant future.” “A more perfect holiday we could not have asked for – total peace and tranquillity.” “We have had a splendid week in this beautiful old house and its spacious grounds with such a good mix of shade (lovely trees) and sun.” “We have had a lovely break in this amazing old house.” “A very enjoyable stay in this charming farmhouse.” “Atmosphere as peaceful and rustic as anywhere we have stayed.” “Have had a lovely relaxing week here – nice walks in local area and excellent garden.” “Perfect setting – fantastic house.” “This was a lovely place to come on a family holiday… beautiful setting.” “Two weeks of fun and laughter and enjoyment was had by our 2 families… thank you VFB.” "The house was an excellent base from which to explore Périgord." "A beautiful house in lovely grounds." "We had a wonderful holiday in this perfect, rustic setting."
 
Description updated April 2009