La Pomarède (MIT.24)

La Pomarède is a 4-bedroomed cottage, sleeping 8, set on a hillside overlooking the River Dordogne, 2km from Coux-et-Bigaroque, some 2km from Siorac (Dordogne), 29km SW of Sarlat (Michelin map: 525).  VFB is delighted to have featured this property since 1984.  Wednesday arrival.

Set in a magnificent, elevated position overlooking the Dordogne and the village of Siorac beyond it, this is a large detached house built in 1983 to an essentially modern design while incorporating numerous archtectural features reflecting local tradition. Set into a steep hillside above its swimming pool on a lower terraced level, the house enjoys breathtaking views around 180º, up and down the valley, a unique panorama. The position is private, there being no immediate neighbours. Inside, the property is built to a high specification, partly to an open-plan design and on different levels, providing somewhat unusual but practical accommodation. Three of the five bedrooms have en-suite bath or shower rooms. Very spacious, with a huge living room, including a modern fireplace, the house is comfortably furnished and well-appointed for trouble-free holiday living, tiled floors throughout the ground floor helping to keep the place cool in summer. The upstairs bedrooms are carpeted. For outdoor living, a partly-covered, split-level terrace (15m20 x 4m) extends along the full frontage of the house while a second terraced area, with access via a sloping path to the side of it (or via a flight of 18 steps with handrail), all but surrounds the pool (10m x 5m, depth 1m-2m). An ideally sheltered spot for taking the sun, the attraction of the pool area (which also has a shady pergola) is enhanced by a fully-equipped, recently-built poolhouse where meals may be prepared. The Anglo-French owners have a local representative and contractors will visit at regular intervals to maintain the grounds and pool. A very special property in a unique setting. Featured by VFB since 1984.

Accommodation:  Ground floor: entrance with wc, kitchen, utility room with washing machine and dryer, living/dining room, bedroom 1 with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom/wc, bedroom 2 with twin beds and en-suite shower room/wc. First floor: large mezzanine landing with desk and computer points, free Wi-Fi, bedroom 3 with twin beds and en-suite shower room/wc, bedroom 4 with double bed. 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 (available 4 May 2011 - 5 October 2011 & 16 May 2012 - 25 September 2012). Lake with amusement park at St-Charnassy (5km). River bathing, fishing, tennis cycle hire, canoeing and golf (18 holes) around Siorac (1-4km). Horse riding at Urval (5km).
 
Services: Grocer/baker and wine shop at Le Coux (1.5km). Grocer, butcher, baker, garage, restaurant and excellent supermarket at Siorac. All other shops and services at St-Cyprien (7km). Market on Tuesdays at Le Bugue, Saturdays at Sarlat and on Sundays at St-Cyprien. Parking is available beside the house.

Location
On a hillside overlooking the River Dordogne, 2km from Coux-et-Bigaroque, some 2km from Siorac (Dordogne), 790 inhabitants - 29km SW of Sarlat. Michelin map: 525.

Activities
Private swimming pool (available 12 May 2011 - 27 October 2011 & 16 May 2012 - 25 September 2012). Lake with amusement park at St-Charnassy (5km). River bathing, fishing, tennis cycle hire, canoeing and golf (18 holes) around Siorac (1-4km). Horse riding at Urval (5km).
 
Services
Grocer/baker and wine shop at Le Coux (1.5km). Grocer, butcher, baker, garage, restaurant and excellent supermarket at Siorac. All other shops and services at St-Cyprien (7km). Market on Tuesdays at Le Bugue, Saturdays at Sarlat and on Sundays at St-Cyprien. Parking is available beside the house.
 
Description
Set in a magnificent, elevated position overlooking the Dordogne and the village of Siorac beyond it, this is a large detached house built in 1983 to an essentially modern design while incorporating numerous architectural features reflecting local tradition. Set into a steep hillside above its swimming pool on a lower terraced level, the house enjoys breathtaking views around 180º, up and down the valley, a unique panorama. The position is private, there being no immediate neighbours. Inside, the property is built to a high specification, partly to an open-plan design and on different levels, providing somewhat unusual but practical accommodation. Three of the four bedrooms have en-suite bath or shower rooms. Very spacious, with a huge living room, including a modern fireplace, the house is comfortably furnished and well-appointed for trouble-free holiday living, tiled floors throughout the ground floor helping to keep the place cool in summer. The upstairs bedrooms are carpeted. For outdoor living, a partly-covered, split-level terrace (15m20 x 4m) extends along the full frontage of the house while a second terraced area, with access via a sloping path to the side of it (or via a flight of 18 steps with handrail), all but surrounds the pool (10m x 5m, depth 1m-2m). An ideally sheltered spot for taking the sun, the attraction of the pool area (which also has a shady pergola) is enhanced by a fully-equipped, recently-built poolhouse where meals may be prepared. The Anglo-French owners have a local representative and contractors will visit at regular intervals to maintain the grounds and pool. A very special property in a unique setting. Featured by VFB since 1984.
Note:  
We must underline for the benefit of families with young children, that since this property is built on a steep hillside there are inevitably certain safety considerations, for toddlers in particular. There is a steep embankment, albeit planted with shrubs and largely protected by a hedge immediately beyond the property’s terrace, which drops down to the pool level some 10–15 feet below while, beyond the terraced pool area, the hillside again drops sharply away to the road below (the sound of light local traffic is audible). There are, of course, perfectly adequate paths and steps. Please also note that for everyone's comfort, salt is used in the pool and not chlorine.
 
Accommodation
Ground floor access into entrance lobby and into living/dining room:
 
·     Kitchen (3m x 3m20) with electric hob (4 rings) and oven, fridge with freezer compartment, dishwasher. Door to utility room
·     Utility room with washing machine, dryer, microwave oven. Door onto covered rear terrace
·    Living/dining area: (11m70 x 4m90) with radio and USB port for audio key, television, DVD/CD player. Three sets of sliding french windows open onto the terrace. Stairs to first floor and large mezzanine
·    Bedroom 1 (4m x 3m50) with king-size bed (1m60). Sliding french windows onto terrace. Door to en-suite bathroom with sunken bath (2 steps up) with shower attachment. Separate wc
·     Bedroom 2: (4m x 3m) up 7 steps from living/dining room – with double bed (1m40). Door to en-suite shower room with separate wc
·     Separate wc (access from entrance lobby)
 
First floor mezzanine landing with desk, 3 armchairs and free Wi-Fi :
 
·     Bedroom 3 (3m50 x 4m) with 2 single beds (0m90).  Door to en-suite shower room with wc 
·     Bedroom 4 (3m50 x 4m) with king-size bed. Five steps to top landing with doors to:
·     Bathroom with bath and shower cubicle
·     Separate wc
 
Electricity included (electric heating) – Bed and household linen included
 
Breakage Deposit: 150€   Sleeps: 8 MAXIMUM

In MID and LOW seasons the property can be reduced in size by closing off 2 bedrooms: Reference MIT.24X
 
Reference: MIT.24X Breakage Deposit: 150€   Sleeps:  4 MAXIMUM

Comments
“Came for a week’s break to relax and de-stress and the house and its location have been ideal. The view is simply stunning.” “The constantly changing light on the landscape is endlessly fascinating.” “Superb! House, pool, countryside, weather … we’ve greatly enjoyed staying in this property; for us the best VFB location so far.” “The Périgord and the Dordogne Valley in mid-winter are enchanting.” “We have enjoyed a wonderful holiday in this truly splendid property which is so comfortable and well-equipped and in such a beautiful and interesting setting.” “Regrettably only one week available for us to enjoy this wonderful house and its surrounding countryside.” “The best VFB house that we have rented. The swimming-pool has been a joy for all.” “We have had a wonderful week in this superb holiday home which we are reluctant to leave. We have promised to return and will encourage friends to come and stay in this idyllic spot.” “Tout est comme il faut!” “The house was fantastic. Our umpteenth VFB holiday and one of the best.”

Description updated January 2011