Description
So much love and hard work has gone into Maison Aimée, a beautifully restored Dordogne farmhouse set above a watermill in a little hamlet near the banks of the Dronne River, just a short walk from a traditional riverside village and magnificent château.
When seeking the perfect project in France, the owners fell in love with this 4-bedroom farmhouse and barn in the Dordogne due to its wonderful location so close to a picture-perfect village and French château. Over a decade of dedication followed as the renovation took place under their careful supervision, always ensuring the character of the building remained. Gradually, their dream house was created and they added a new swimming pool to the grounds. Sleeping up to 8 guests, Maison Aimée is an incredibly charming and welcoming home for your holiday in northern Dordogne.
The high-ceilinged barn is now home to an impressive living space with a grand feature fireplace and a huge wrought iron chandelier found at a local brocante. Enjoy cosy evening meals on the oak table and two church pews transported over from the UK, then retire to the snug with its exposed stone walls, low beamed ceiling and French windows. Dining al-fresco beneath the old ash tree outside is a joy on warm summer days – it’s also a gorgeous spot for your morning coffee and croissants in the dappled shade.
The master bedroom, set on a mezzanine level above the living space, has its own balcony ideal for an evening apéritif whilst there are three other bedrooms reached via the main staircase, two doubles and an attic bedroom at the top of the house with two single beds (and the option to add two more beds on request). Each of the four bath/shower rooms are fully modernised with added touches of character.
Outside, admire the roses, verbena and herbs in the new flower beds by the decked poolside terrace. Set in the countryside close to the river, this is a haven for wildlife with the gentle sounds of birds and maybe even frogs as well as sweeping bats at dusk in the summer. Look out for the golden oriole and resident hare.
All of this yet you are just a short stroll across the field from a traditional Dordogne village by the banks of the Dronne River, also home to a famous château. Wander down for your morning pastries, fresh bread and groceries from the bakery and small supermarket, then stop off in a café-bar followed by lunch or an evening meal in the local restaurant. The historic bridge crossing the river is so picturesque and there are pretty picnic spots by the river.
Brantôme is just 9km away, known for its historic beauty, twice-weekly market, summer boat rides, canoeing opportunities and the majestic L’Abbaye de Brantôme. The great city of Périgueux is an amazing day out whilst Dordogne market towns and charming villages within a 45-minute drive include Riberac, Thiviers, Nontron and Saint-Jean-de-Côle.
As well as enjoying the fine cuisine of the Périgord region, taste regional wines, potter around atmospheric vide-greniers and brocantes and soak up the ambience of summer night markets in this enchanting part of the northern Dordogne. /n Security deposit /n €500/£500 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. /n Arrival time /n 4.00 p.m. /n Departure time /n 10.00 a.m. /n Energy costs included? /n Yes. /n Linen & towels included? /n Yes (changed once for stays over 7 nights).
/n Pets welcome? /n Not allowed. /n Other Ts and Cs /n Weddings are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. /n Changeover day /n Sunday (other days are on request excluding Saturdays). /n End of stay cleaning included? /n 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. /n Smoking Allowed? /n No. /n Minimum stay /n 7 nights. /n Heating costs included? /n Yes. /n Tax /n French Visitors Tax payable by bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). /n Pool towels included? /n Yes. /n Pool opening dates? /n The pool is open approximately Easter to end-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.
