Property Overview
- Sleeps: Sleeps 14/16 in two main buildings
- Bedrooms: Master Building 5 and Second Building 3
- Bathrooms: Master Building 4 and Second Building 3
- Rents: £3,000 - £6,400 per week
- Key features: House and accommodation formed around a central courtyard
Heated covered Swimming Pool
150 acres of garden, meadows, forests and grounds
Tennis court in local village of St Felix de Villadeix
Pool terrace with sunbeds and parasols
Total privacy and peace
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Domaine de Girard
Domaine de Girard is located in the deeply rural Perigord Poupre area of The Dordogne, rolling country, predominantly grassland and woods. Its mellow ochre coloured stone is distinctive of the area, sometimes referred to as ‘the land of a thousand chateaux’ peppered with charming villages whose tranquility bely its sometimes bloody history.
The Dordogne is known for its history of wealthy land owners and merchants due to the trade of wine and other natural resources on the river Dordogne to Bordeaux using the wind to sail upstream and the current to return. With its distinctive sandstone quarried in the region, stunning landscapes and settings it is not surprising that several kings claimed some of the most prized locations to build their chateaux here. There are reputedly 1001 Dordogne chateaux. The Dordogne and its landscapes offer a perfect backdrop for the elegant chartreuses that provide one of the most familiar architectural house types in the region. Domaine de Girard is a quiet example of one such.
The accommodation, in two parts, suits perfectly a multi generation or shared family holiday where a degree of independence in accommodation combines with shared areas and a choice of terraces for every stage of the daily sun and shade.
'Finally home after a long day travelling, but such a wonderful holiday, we were so sad to leave. Thanks so much. A beautiful home......we are all keen to return in the future! I just wanted to say thanks properly - we feel really lucky to have found Domaine de Girard, what a wonderful place'
Freya Evans' London England.
Accommodation
Off a quiet country lane the drive to the house, through its own land, leads to the delightfully peaceful setting for Domaine de Girard. The two parts to the accommodation blend perfectly and naturally around a central semi formal garden with views out over gardens, meadows and country on all sides. The interiors have been refurbished, restored and equipped, in keeping with the natural character and quirks of the place, yet to high standards for family enjoyment and relaxation. Wonderful in Spring, summer and autumn but a house that can be enjoyed comfortably in all seasons.
The accommodation can be divided into two parts. It is possible to let just one or the other but the two parts are not let independently to different parties at the same time so exclusivity and total privacy is guaranteed.
There is a separate gite where the gardien lives, separately accessed. The gardien is on hand if required. The gite is discreetly occupied and not a part of the let.
The long driveway leads to a large gated archway, with pedestrian gate adjoining, into the central garden area framed by the buildings.
Master House (A) (East side)
Ground Floor
A fan headed entrance door at the southern end of the central courtyard leads into a small Entrance Hallway off which lead doors to a downstairs WC, a large more formal sitting room, stairs to the first floor, and a smaller more informal sitting room and dining area that adjoins a kitchen. This in turn leads on to a larder, pantry, professional kitchen, cold room and laundry.
In more detail:
The Large sitting room, effectively a salon, occupies the central part of the building and is filled with natural light from which generous French windows open outwards to the terrace, gardens and Easterly view and inwards to the central courtyard/garden. Three large comfortable sofa’s surround a coffee table and period French stone fireplace.
Doors from the salon lead into an attractive library/dining room lined with well stocked bookshelves and windows outwards to West and East.
A further door leads through to an office which is locked and not included in the let.
The kitchen/living room separates over two levels with kitchen area one end and a sitting/relaxing area and fireplace at the other end. There is a table and seating for 8 persons in the dining area. The kitchen is well equipped with 4 ring gas cooker, a Bosch gas oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee making facilities etc
Doors from the kitchen lead down to a larder, second/professional kitchen and laundry containing a washing machine, tumble dryer and ironing board with door leading straight outside. The professional kitchen is equipped with stainless steel working surfaces, an industrial stainless steel oven and is immediately adjoined by its own cold room.
First Floor
Stairs from the kitchen lead up to the large Master Bedroom A1 – The Canopy Room with a four poster double bed (1.6m w x 2m). The Canopy Room opens out onto its own charming oak framed balcony with magnificent South Easterly views.
Its ensuite Bathroom A1 contains a splendid double bath with glorious bathside views through windows running the full length of the bath. Also a marble lined walk in shower, twin wash basins and WC.
Separately accessed from outside steps and with its own balcony through double French windows is Bedroom A2 (The Horse Room) with double bed (1.6w x 2m) and ensuite Bathroom A2 with shower and washbasin. A separate WC leads straight from the bedroom.
Stairs up from the entrance hall lead to two twin bedrooms, the first a Children’s Bedroom A3 ‘The Red Room’ with twin beds (.9w x 2m) framed by attractive oak beams and with ensuite Bathroom A3 with bath, washbasin and separate WC.
Adjacent to the red room is The Nursery Room Bedroom A4, a further twin/triple bedroom which shares Bathroom A3.
At the Northern end of the house and accessed by separate stairs is a double Bedroom A5 known as ‘The Yellow Room’ (bed 1.5w x 2m) with its own ensuite bath/shower room and WC (Bathroom A4)
Second House (Building B) West side
Ground Floor
French windows under an attractive archway lead into the magnificent large Kitchen, Dining and Sitting Area which occupies the main part of the centre of the house.
The kitchen is arranged in an L shape at one end of the room and comprises a Belfast sink, large 5 ring gas hob and double electric oven range, fridge and freezerwith ice maker and magimix expresso coffee making machine.
The central dining area has two large tables that can be used together or separated as an additional cooking/prepping space. Assembled complete there is seating for 14.
The cosy sitting room end area of this large room has a large sofa, 2 comfortable armchairs amd a large open fireplace. There is a large flat screen Sony TV. Doors lead out from all sides and to a loggia/games room with table tennis table opening to the gardens and woodland on the Western side.
There is one twin bedroom on the ground floor known as ‘The White Room’ Bedroom B3 (beds .9w x 2m). A door leads straight out to the gardens. This has a separate shower/Bathroom B3 and WC.
In the South Eastern corner of the house adjacent to the kitchen is the Pool Sitting Room leading straight to the swimming pool which is covered but with sliding glass doors that open to the terrace running the full length of both the pool and the pool sitting room.
The heated, filtered and alarmed swimming pool measures 12.5 m x 5m and descends from a very shallow depth (ideal for small children/non swimmers) at the shallow end to a depth of 1.8m at the deep end. There is a pool shower room and WC and a small exercise gym/yoga/pilates alcove with light equipment.
The pool has a tropical atmosphere with mature birds of paradise trees. The whole pool is floodlit if desired by night.
At the Northern end of Building B is the gardien’s gite which not accessible from the house and not part of the let.
First Floor
Oak stairs from the kitchen lead up to a large ‘quiet zone’ sometimes referred to in not such quiet terms as ‘The Ball Room’ but essentially a large area, comfortably arranged with seating for relaxing, reading and enjoyment.
The Master Bedroom B1 (The Green Room) has a double bed (1.8w x 2) with windows/views facing in 3 directions and with a Bathroom (B1) with bath, shower and separate WC en suite.
Adjoining the other end of The ballroom a third double Bedroom B2 ‘The Pink Room’ (bed 1.6w x 2) also has its own ensuite shower/Bathroom (B2) with shower, wash basin and WC.
Garden & Grounds
Domaine de Girard is surrounded on all sides by its own land and is a haven of tranquility.
The inner courtyard and parterre is part grass and part cobbled pathways. Formal, semi formal terraces, garden and lawns bound the buildings on all sides and give way to wildflower meadowland and woods alive with birdsong and wildlife. In spring and early summer the song of the nightingale can be heard, the hoopoe is a regular visitor and there is an orchestra of cicadas and frog song. Several generations of kestrels consider the dovecote outside the Horse bedroom thir ancestral home. Golden orioles are sighted and heard regularly. Orchids cluster the meadows in spring, there are plenty of mushrooms for foraging in the autumn and butterflies are plentiful.
To watch the deer grazing in the dawn sun from the master and Horse balcony is a delight.
The orientation and arrangement of buildings allows for numerous different areas to be enjoyed, in shade or sun, together or quietly if moments of peace are desired and outside lighting, if desired, is excellent after the sun has gone down.
There is a croquet lawn, a Badminton court, La Boule and masses of space for children to let off steam and play in safety.
The barbecues can be moved location to suit and the various areas allow, if required or desirable, a little separation between generations, families and age groups.
The swimming pool is open to and can be accessed from the garden on the Southern side and is described above.
There is an excellent tennis court only 5 minutes walk into the village of St Felix allowing gentle recovery before a drink and swim in the pool. Domaine de Girard has a seasonal abonnement.
Walks through the meadows, woods and around the property provide opportunity for evening or early morning exercise. These are excellent moments to appreciate the interest and beauty of the surroundings prior to an aperitif or as a digestif in the balm of the summer evenings.
Location
Domaine de Girard enjoys a peaceful rural location in the stunning Perigord Poupre of The Dordogne. For beauty, interest and tranquillity it is as lovely a spot as you will find anywhere in this fascinating part of South West France.
There are basic shopping facilities at Saint-Georges-de-Montclard (10 minutes/3 miles), including a small shop and boulangerie. At St Alvere (7 miles/20 minutes) there is a pharmacy, boulangerie a copuple of retaurants and a famous truffle market. The larger market town of Lalinde is 11 miles/22minutes.
Bergerac is the nearest town of size. Many miss out as they just fly in or out of the airport without exploring the town itself. Being right on the river, historically it grew on trade, especially the flat-bottomed barges (gabares) taking the wine on to Bordeaux for shipping to England, for centuries the biggest market.
It has a very good choice of restaurants and bistros, an excellent fish market, and boutique shopping. A lively traditional country market repeats Tuesdays and Saturdays. Night markets can be found in many towns in the summer including the one at Mouleydier and Creysse which are jolly affairs with crayfish BBQ, eel, frites and square dancing. One cannot help but join in!
Domaine de Girard is 13 miles (25 minutes) from Bergerac Airport, 2 hours (84 miles) from Limoges Airport and 1 hr 40 mins (90 miles) from Bordeaux Airport.
The nearest entry to the autoroute (j 15 Perigeux A89) is 22 miles (40 mins).
The nearest TGV stops at Libourne (1 hr 15 mins). The nearest train staion is at Bergerac (20 minutes).
Additional Information
The House Information Folder kept at Domaine de Girard gives further detail, as appropriate, on all of the following
Guests will be met on arrival, and will be shown how everything works, both inside and out
There is no landline but there is 4G Broadband Internet on the SFR/Vodaphone network.
Buildings A and B have large TV's with British channels on satellite in the family sitting rooms.
There are CD and DVD and Playstaion with a variety of discs for the use and enjoyment of guests. There are also basic old style stereo speakers that fit a laptop.
Bed linen, bath and pool towels are provided free of charge and will be changed on a weekly basis
Additional hours of housework should be agreed direct with the housekeeper, and paid to her by tenants at €20/hr.
The gardien, who will meet guests on arrival, lives in a flat with its own entrance at the North end of the main building.
Provided sufficient notice is given, a part time cook or babysitter can be arranged. His/her/their wage will be the tenants’ responsibility, and can be ascertained in advance should tenants so wish.
High chairs and cots can be provided on request.
There are fans in all bedrooms.
This is an all year round property and is centrally heated throughout
There are a number of English language books, DVD’s CD’s and family board games.
Things to See & Do near Domaine de Girard
There is a very helpful Information Folder with details of recommended local shops, restaurants, markets, cultural, sporting and recreational activities plus many other suggestions on what to do and where to go in the vicinity. The folder also includes maps, brochures and contact details of local doctors, dentists, plumbers, electricians, pool maintenance etc.
Bicycling: This is excellent bicycling country with easy routes from the House to the local village of St Felix de Villadeix and into the surrounding countryside. Bicycles can be hired through www.themountainbikehirecompany.co.uk or call 00 33 5 53 63 08 91 or Bike hire based in Bergerac http://www.apolo-cycles.com
Walking: There are fine walks in many directions both on Domaine de Girard and locally. Details are available in the house and there are copies of the excellent local series blue maps.
Canoes and kayaks can be hired at various points on the Dordogne River to paddle serenely past Chateaux and negotiate some gentle rapids https://www.perigordaventureloisirs.com/en/
Riding: There are various local riding sstables where everything from lessons to ponybtrekking can be arranged http://www.lajumenterie.com
Fishing: Catch your own supper at Queyssac (15 minutes drive) genially hosted by Fred with a beach barbecue and bar - guaranteed trout success for beginners and children...!
Chateaux There are numerous examples well worth visiting – Tiregand (10 minutes), family home of the author Antoine de St Exupery which also has afine vineyard, likewise Chateau Montbazaillac, Beynac, Castelnaud, Commarque, Les Milandes, Fenelon, Biron, Puymartin, Bourdeilles and Duras to name but a few
Gardens A number of exceptional and varied gardens are open to the public. Jardin/Manoir d’eyrignac, Chateau d’Hautefort and Marqueyssac are all within reach. Gardens of the Dordogne www.northofthedordogne.com/gardens.php
The prehistoric caves of Lascaux and their fascinating paleolithic wall paintings, designated a world heritage site, are renowned and well worth a visit. Lascaux IV
Golf courses. There is a golf course (9 holes) at Golf de Rochebois at Vitrac. Also Golf de la Forge (9 holes) at Siorac-en-Perigord and the 18 hole Golf la Croix de Mortemart is near Le Bugue.
Other Golf Clubs include:
http://www.lesmerles.com
http://www.golfdeperigueux.com
http://www.vigiers.com
http://www.segolfclub.com
Useful links
Aquitaine and Dordogne area Information
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/France/Aquitaine
http://www.northofthedordogne.com
http://www.perigorddecouverte.com/index-en.php
Fairs festivals and concerts are held in the region throughout the summer. Details are included in The House manual and are also available in the tourist office in Bergerac http://www.bergerac-tourisme.com
Markets. There are open air markets in numerous local towns and villages, taking place on different days of the week and details are included in The House Manual.
The town of Bergerac is a mix of very old half-timbered (colombage) houses set in the narrow streets with a more modern shopping centre around the beautiful Notre Dame cathedral. The old town is mostly traffic free and it’s lovely to wander around the cobbled streets, through the little squares passing the statue of Cyrano de Bergerac the long nosed hero! http://www.bergerac-tourisme.com http://www.pays-de-bergerac.com/english/index.asp River Cruises from Bergerac
http://www.gabarres.fr
Bordeaux (1 ½ hrs west) is the famed port city of the Garonne estuary and the centre of the famed wine-growing region. It’s known for its Gothic Cathédrale St-André, as well as its many fine and contemporary art museums and 18th- and 19th-century mansions. Public gardens line the curving river quays, and grand Place de la Bourse opens to the water, with the Three Graces fountain at its centre. http://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/What-to-see-do
Issigeac (30 mins/17 miles south over the Dordogne river) is a very pretty medieval ecclesiastical town in the centre of the Pays des Bastides. It was built in concentric circles according to the same pattern as the “Bouyricou”, the traditional Périgord basket which you can still buy in the local markets. The church of Saint Félicien (16C) overlooks the central square with its octagonal bell tower in the late gothic style. On the other side of the square is the Bishops’ Palace (17C). It now hosts the Tourist Office and its rooms are used for exhibitions. Enjoy a glass of something cool in one of the little bars or restaurants. The regular Sunday market is a feast for the eyes and in the summer the night markets here are not to be missed.
Lalinde (20 minutes/8 miles South east) was the first English bastide, founded in 1267 by Henry III Plantagenet. It suffered serious damage during the Hundred Years War but there are still some medieval half-timbered buildings to admire. Lalinde is on the river Dordogne but as this section was difficult to navigate a canal was built over 150 years ago between Mauzac and Tulieres, the views from locks at Mouleydier are worth a visit and the canal is a great place for walking and fishing. The chateau de Lanquais at Saint Capraise de Lalinde is unusual as half of it is Medieval and half is Renaissance so here you can admire both architectural styles.
Périgueux (40 mins/25 miles north) is the ‘capital’ of the Dordogne department but is actually on the river Isle rather than the Dordogne. It has been in existence since neolithic times, and from Roman times you can still see the Vesone Tower and the remains of the amphitheatre. Chateau Barrière dates from the early middle-ages. Périgueux also contains an interesting medieval and renaissance centre, with attractive boulevards concentrated around the cathedral Saint Front, built in the Byzantine style with its cluster of domes and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site It was the model for the Sacré Coeur church in Montmartre, Paris. There are regular markets in the covered marketplace and some lovely places to sit with a coffee or meal and watch the world go by. http://www.tourisme-perigueux.fr/en
The medieval town of Sarlat (correctly Sarlat-le-Caneda) (1hr/34 miles east) is well worth a visit. It has excellent shopping facilities (including 4 supermarkets) and a wealth of restaurants from Michelin starred to more modest establishments which nonetheless pride themselves on the quality of their cuisine. Apart from hosting a renowned International film festival every November Sarlat boasts one of the very best day time Saturday markets in the region, held in the centre of the old medieval town. This centre, floodlit at night, is magical and well worth an evening/dinner visit.
Saint-Emilion (1 ¼ hrs/48 mile west along The Dordogne) is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage cultural landscape, two thousand years of history between men and vines are waiting for you. A remarkable example of historical vineyards that have survived the centuries but seem to remain untouched by time. Meander through the cobbled streets of this lovely small town and admire the architecture and drop in to one of the many caves and enjoy a wine tasting or a chilled glass of award winning sparkling wine while sitting in the 14th century cloisters. http://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/uk
FOOD AND WINE
Good food and wine is taken very seriously in The Dordogne……
Goose, Duck and Foie Gras. There are many farms in the area that produce high quality and delicious goose and duck meat, pâté and of course the ultimate foie gras. You will get to taste some of these products during your stay or perhaps at the local Auberge, Bistro or Restaurants.
Fresh Fruits. From Bergerac along the river plain you will see a multitude of soft fruit orchards growing peaches, nectarines, apricots & kiwi. In the area further south, around Duras and Monségur you will come across field after field of sunflowers, these are at their best during July (depending on the sunshine of course) there are also acres of plum orchards, some of which go to produce the famous Agen prunes. In late summer Domaine de Girard has its own figsand a Mirabelle 'orchard' for genuine locally sourced compote!
Autumn Harvest From late September the grape harvest (vendage) begins. The autumn months also see the nuts beginning to appear, walnuts, hazelnuts and chestnuts, then of course the mushrooms and legendary truffles.
Wine Tours by Dordogne Vineyard Tours will take you out to taste local wines at various vineyards and also a delicious French lunch amidst the vines. Full day tours, evening tours and half day tours available to suit 00 33 6 63 40 88 05 www.dordognevineyardtours.com for further details
Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard with a difference…. Chateau Feely is 15 mins west of Bergerac and offers award winning visits and organic biodynamic, natural and no sulfite added white, red and rose wines. Day, or half day wines school, a wine and food pairing experience created in collaboration with a Michelin starred chef or a family friendly visit with a cheese platter. Best of Wine Tourism Gold trophy winner in the greater Bordeaux and Bergerac region in 2013 and 2017. www.chateaufeely.com for details.
Restaurants and eating out. The choice is vast. The owners make some suggestions in The House Information Folder
Rents & Terms
2023 RENTS & TERMS
For the whole Property (A and B) with accommodation for 14 people
July and August £6,400 per week
June and September £4,600 per week
All other months POA
Easter, Christmas and/or New Year £6,000 per week
Out of peak season it might be possible to book either Building A or Building B independently for a lower rate than the whole although either would only ever be let to one party at any one time. If this is of interest please enquire.
Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week, and will begin and end on a Friday or Saturday.
Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 5pm on the commencement day, and should leave by 10am on the agreed day of departure. They will be welcomed on arrival and shown around the property.
A deposit of 25% of the rent will be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement, with the 75% balance to be paid 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the tenancy.
A Booking and Security Deposit of £800 will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing this Rental Agreement. This will secure the booking and will cover (a) the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental, (c) the cost of pool heating (if required) @ £120 per week, and (d) any exceptional cleaning work which may be required at the end of the tenancy. It will be refunded (less any deductions as outlined above) within 4 weeks of the conclusion of the tenancy.
Tenants should advise Anglo French Properties Ltd at the end of each rental of any breakages, losses and/or damages. This is in lieu of an inventory.
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