Domaine Des Maronniers

About this property

In such a private and tranquil setting near to a charming village and the banks of the Dordogne, yet ideally located right in the middle of Perigord Nord sites of interest, Domaine des Maronniers is an incredible house set within ten hectares of meadows and forests, just over a 10-minute drive to the exquisite town of Sarlat-la-Canéda.

Passing ancient oak trees as you ascend the 400m long driveway, the façade of this historic abode will enchant you with its light Périgord stone and pale blue shuttered windows. Step into the gated courtyard and admire the trickling fountain, stone borie and terracotta pots of lemon and orange trees – it almost feels like you are in Provence! Yet this beautifully renovated residence, once a noble lair over two centuries ago and now exuding high-end authenticity, enjoys a wonderful location in the heart of the Périgord Noir.

This refined holiday home sleeps up to 12 guests across its six air-conditioned bedrooms, each one featuring high quality beds, elegantly tiled floors and private bath or shower rooms. The vast lounge with its wood-beamed ceiling, frescoed wall and library of old books is sure to impress whilst children even have their own reading area upstairs. As well as the dining room and contemporary-style kitchen, there’s also a professionally equipped gym with air-conditioning and wall-mounted TV alongside a spacious office if required.

Discover picturesque spots dotted around the garden for your morning coffee and pastries or gather by the magnificent poolhouse with its outdoor lounge, dining table and summer kitchen with pizza oven and plancha for al-fresco feasts with loved ones. Laze by the heated swimming pool looking out towards the cypress trees and parkland beyond whilst younger guests can make the most of the table tennis, table football, trampoline and play area.

Enjoy long walks or jogs through the 10-hectare estate looking out for wild deer in the woodland, before venturing to the pretty village just 2km away with its boulangerie, butcher, restaurants, grocery store and summer market on a Sunday morning. Keen cyclists should join the Voie Verte that passes near the estate, a great way to reach Sarlat – as well as the two adult bikes on site, further bike hire can be arranged.

Visit the gorgeous water garden close by, then experience the beauty of the Dordogne on a canoeing or kayaking excursion with the nearest seasonal watersports base only 2km away. Then there’s the many idyllic villages and grand châteaux of the Dordogne valley from Domme and La Roque-Gageac to Château de Beynac and Château des Milandres, all within easy reach.

Not forgetting Sarlat-la-Canéda of course! One of the most remarkably preserved historic towns in France, potter around its medieval lanes, soak up the ambience of its food markets and devour its fine gastronomy across the many traditional restaurants that showcase some of the best cuisine of the Périgord Noir.

In the Dordogne, just over a 10-minute drive south of Sarlat-la-Canéda, Domaine des Maronniers enjoys a beautiful location in the Périgord Noir, within easy access of Brive Vallée de la Dordogne Airport (42km) and Bergerac Airport (80km).

Reached via a 400m long driveway, the house is surrounded by a 10-hectare estate of meadows and woodland, perfect for walking and jogging, or hire bikes locally to cycle along the Voie Verte, a former railway line now cycling path between Sarlat and Souillac which passes very close to the edge of the domaine.

The village tennis court is 2km away whilst the local village itself is home to a boulangerie, butcher, bar-tabac, small supermarket, a handful of restaurants and a weekly summer market (usually mid-June to mid-September). Just on the edge of the village, visit an attractive water garden with a labyrinth trail through the many waterlily and lotus ponds, open May to September. Also look out for summer concerts taking place in a tiny neighbouring village just 4km by car.

The banks of the Dordogne are a few minutes away where there are summer canoeing and kayaking opportunities for excursions along the river, departing from a base around 2km away. If you would prefer to explore the Dordogne via a skippered boat, look out for river cruises on traditional gabarre vessels from La Roque-Gageac (13km).

Some of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ are within easy reach including La Roque-Gageac, an idyllic spot on the north bank of the Dordogne featuring historic houses backed by limestone cliffs alongside troglodyte caves whilst Domme (10km) is a bastide town perched high above the river with beautifully preserved 13th century fortifications. The famous grand castles of the Dordogne valley are also nearby from Château de Beynac and Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle to Château des Milandes and Château de Puymartin, all around 20 to 30 minutes by car.

Of course, Sarlat-la-Canéda (10km) is one of the greatest draws of the Périgord Noir, an exquisite town known for its historic architecture and fine gastronomy. Dating back to the 14th century, Sarlat has been wonderfully preserved as you will discover when wandering around its medieval lanes and the Saturday morning market is not to be missed. Venture into the town early evening for an atmospheric apéritif by the main square before enjoying a meal in one of the town’s many restaurants from traditional bistros to upmarket establishments, all taking great pride in local Périgord delicacies.

Accommodation

House Interiors (600m2)

Ground Floor

-    Entrance with guest WC
-    Living room (100m2) with three relaxation areas by the fireplace, library and TV
-    Dining room with large oak table (12 guests)
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped including dishwasher, two ovens, fridge, freezer and large farmhouse breakfast table
-    Scullery with double fridge-freezer and microwave
-    Laundry room
-    Gym with air-conditioning, wall-mounted TV/DVD and professional machines
-    Office with two desks
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed (1.8x2m), single bed (0.9x2m) and adjoining bathroom with shower, sink and WC
-    Bedroom with double bed (1.4x2m) and adjoining bathroom with shower, sink and WC

First Floor

-    Reading/relaxation area with desk, children’s books, comics and board games
-    Bedroom with super king-size double bed (2x2m) and adjoining bathroom with shower, two sinks and WC
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed (1.8x2m) and adjoining bathroom with bath, shower, two sinks and WC
-    Bedroom with twin beds (0.9x2m each, can be joined to make king-size double) and en suite bathroom with bath, shower, two sinks and WC
-    Bedroom with twin beds (0.9x2m each, can be joined to make king-size double), dressing room and adjoining bathroom with shower, two sinks and WC

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (13x5m, depth: up to 2m) with immersed safety cover. Open approximately end-May to end-September
-    Poolside terrace with parasols and deck chairs
-    Outdoor shower
-    Poolhouse (70m2) with dining and lounge area and summer kitchen with pizza oven, electric griddle, fridge, microwave, induction hob and dishwasher. Separate WC
-    Separate al-fresco dining area with barbecue and plancha
-    Al-fresco breakfast area 
-    Courtyard with fountain and stone borie
-    Trampoline
-    2 x adult bikes
-    10-hectare parkland of meadows and woodland
-    400m long private driveway
-    Parking (several cars)

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Fireplace (decorative only) 
-    Heating
-    Air-conditioning (gym and bedrooms)
-    Sound system
-    TV
-    DVD player (gym)
-    Table tennis and table football
-    Trampoline
-    Gym with professional equipment
-    2 x adult bikes
-    Board games and books
-    Washing machine and dryer