Imagine the gently sloping rim of a shallow tea cup saucer. This 1830’s renovated stone barn, a five minute walk to the Dordogne River, sits on the edge of that rim, oriented south/southwest, a large entry courtyard, overlooking a hidden garden, with views
over its own little valley.Along the south side of the entire length of the building (72 feet), French doors and
large windows flood the rooms with light throughout the day. The intimate valley,
over 13 rolling acres, looks across to an abandoned farm, where sheep still graze daily. Silence, sunlight, and incredible starry nights are pretty much your only neighbors. Not a typical renovation (which often chops up the rhythm of a space to maximize
the number of bedrooms), this property was designed with great care and planning to preserve it architectural authenticity, integrity and flow. The high ceiling (25+ ft) timber framed spaces naturally dictate how the room arrangements flow. There are exposed beams in every room of the house. With careful re-use, many of the original materials were incorporated in this recent modern renovation by a designer and architect. The house is quite simple, yet elegant in its configuration. A two-story entry hall foyer,
leads to a small private sitting room with television. There is a half bath for visiting day guests. To the right of the foyer is one of the two staircases leading to one of the two hayloft bedrooms. Walking from the large entry foyer into the great room, one is struck by the massive ancient stone walls that set the tone through out the entire house. The walls are all over1 meter thick and insulate out the heat in summer and hold it in winter. In the main ground floor great room. (22’x 30’x 25’), there is a floor to ceiling wood burning stone fireplace (opening measures 5’x7’), built from original stones recuperated from areas that now contain large windows on the north side of the house. Continuing through the great room to the west end of the house, one arrives at a large,
eat- in cook’s kitchen (17 x 22’). Fashioned with counters (approx 20 feet of counter workspace) constructed from the manger walls, the kitchen includes a 6 burner gas convection stove/oven, a large farm sink, American sized refrigerator / freezer and dishwater, There is an antique table that will seat 12 easily for special feasts. French doors flood the kitchen with light all day, and open to the south and west facing stone terrace. Perfect for dining outdoors, the terrace overlooks the private 13 acre valley. To sit under the walnut tree and sip a glass of wine while enjoying an incredible late night sunset, painting the clear blue sky and clouds… aah, a truly incomparable treat beyond comprehension! The two hay loft bedrooms, one facing east and the other west, at opposite ends of the house, are reached by individual stair cases, which open to the main great room.
These two large ensuite bedrooms, one with walk in shower and one with shower/tub
combination, allow for maximum privacy for couples traveling together. There are stone floors through out the downstairs of the house, and custom laid chestnut flooring in both hay loft bedrooms. Antique armoires, antiques and simple comfortable furnishings, will make your stay a memorable, relaxed one. The property is surrounded by open countryside and breathtaking views of fields and woods. There are fruit trees on the property, with bounty, just ripe for the taking. And marked French randonee (walking) trails, just outside the door. Two towns are within easy reach by car or by bicycle. Both are stellar rides, along the
river either by car or bicycle. In fact, in the fall, one can often encounter the Butterfield and Robinson or Back Roads cyclists enjoying the view. St. Julien de Lampon is about 7 minutes by car, where there is a Thursday market, a bakery, butcher, pharmacy, post office. bank and small grocery store. Souillac, with a variety of grocery stores, bakeries, as well as a great Friday market, offers more choice and can supply you with anything you need. It is 12 minutes away. There are other larger (Souillac size) towns in the surrounding areas, each with its own market, restaurants, etc. They include Martel, Gourdon, Brive la Gaillarde and Sarlat, each about 25 minutes from the house. Souillac has a golf club and it is available to the public, including a lovely pool. Bicycle rental is available in Souillac, as is horseback riding. Cars can be rented in Brive, across from the train station. There are amazing things to do and see in the area, known as the Perigord Noir.
Visit our website: www.metavacances.com for a sample listing of books and sites of interest. Visit our other web site: www.mindonfrance.com (recently featured in the New York Times) for an armchair photo tour of the area. Hiking, biking, canoeing, antiquing, markets, cooking, horseback riding, golf, not to mention visiting historic sites, gorgeous gardens, and wonderful restaurants, all await and are there for the asking. The beautiful Dordogne countryside beckons.
Summary of Particulars:
2 ensuite bedrooms, suitable for couples or two singles in single beds per each bedroom, Beds can be made into a king sized bed. Completely private, at opposite ends of the house. Wonderful east and west views. Antique armoire in each bedroom. Beamed high ceilings to gaze upon. Washer and dryer in small laundry room in west bedroom. Cooks kitchen- large and spacious, plenty of room for gourmet cooking or feasts.
American refrigerator, large country sink, 6 burner stove/oven, dishwasher. Lots of counter space, antique cupboard and dining table, one of three places to dine within the house. French doors open to the west facing terrace off the kitchen, for alfresco dining. Large great room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace, comfortable seating and central heat throughout round out this simple but spacious, elegant, vacation retreat.
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