In the heart of rural Dordogne, not far from the world-famous Lascaux caves, the delightful Maison Geranium is a characterful stone cottage in an elevated setting with gentle views over the wooded valley towards nearby Montignac.

Filled with original features and grand yet homely furnishings, this historic home has been sensitively restored to a beautiful standard, creating a warm and welcoming three-bedroom home, set in the spacious grounds of the owner’s estate. There’s an air of romance with the cosy sofas and fireplace downstairs, the candle-lit dining table and the marvellous master bedroom with stunning wood-beamed ceilings and elegant décor. A further bedroom featuring a four-poster bed and a charming twin make this an ideal place for a family holiday or reunion with friends.

Step outside to the luscious gardens filled with summer colour, the glorious swimming pool and sun decking and the relaxed space for leisurely dining al-fresco with views of the lovely landscapes beyond. This is a truly special home in a wonderful part of northern Dordogne.

Within ten minutes by car you can be exploring some of the remarkable sights of this region such as the prehistoric caves at Lascaux or one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, just a little further. Experience the nearby vibrant markets such as nearby Montignac or pre-historic Les Eyzies, including enchanting night markets in July and August.

The glorious Dordogne river is easily reached with idyllic villages such as La Roque Gageac, Château de Beynac and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle all under an hour by car. Not forgetting nearby Sarlat with its maze of medieval narrow streets, lovely squares and amazing restaurants and beautiful Limeuil, where the Vézère meets the Dordogne.

With the stunning Vézère and Dordogne rivers so near as well as amazing landscapes dotted with golden stone houses and idyllic Périgordian villages, this is a captivating part of Dordogne for you to discover.

Set in the spacious grounds of the discreet English owners’ home, Maison Geranium is in an elevated position enjoying wonderful views across the wooded valley towards historic Montignac (8km), one of the closest villages where you will find lovely restaurants, shops and supermarkets in a picturesque setting on the Vézère River. The famous Lascaux caves (9km) just outside the village as well, one of the highlights of northern Dordogne.

Another local town with restaurants and shops is Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare (6km) whilst the village of Condat-sur-Vézère (6km) is worthy of a visit with its pretty waterfall as the little river Coly drops into the Vézère. Two of France’s Plus Beaux Villages must also be visited nearby; Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère (17km) and Saint-Amand-de-Coly (15km).The markets of the Dordogne are a brilliant way to appreciate the local atmosphere as well as pick up some local delicacies.  Pre-historic Les Eyzies (30km) hosts a summer market on a Monday, head to Le Bugue (40km) by the river on a Tuesday or Saturday whilst Wednesday and Saturday mornings come alive back in nearby Montignac (9km). During the height of the summer there are some wonderful night markets in the region where you can eat freshly made meals on tables and chairs in the villages and listen to local music, soaking up a wonderful ambience.  In July and August they take place across many villages and towns including Montignac on a Monday evening and pretty Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère on a Thursday. Not forgetting some of the unmissable larger towns and cities such as sophisticated Périgueux (54km), famous for its amazing black truffles and Sarlat (33km) with its maze of medieval narrow streets, lovely squares and amazing restaurants. Not forgetting beautiful Bergerac (90km) on the Dordogne with its medieval architecture, narrow streets of boutiques and great restaurants as well as the unmissable Maisons de Vins.Other magical day trips include beautiful Limeuil (44km), where the Vézère meets the Dordogne and you can paddle by the river beach or enjoy some fine views from Parc Limeuil after wandering through the delightful village. In addition, head to La Roque Gageac, Château de Beynac or Castelnaud-la-Chapelle for idyllic days out by the Dordogne River, all within a 45-minute to 60-minute drive.Outdoor lovers will appreciate the wealth of activities on offer from horse-riding, to tennis, mountain-biking, golfing and watersports, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. Older children will love the nearby waterparks, visiting the Aquarium du Perigord Noir and Jungle Golf in Le Bugue, exploring prehistoric caves and historic castles or even a magnificent hot air balloon ride across the stunning region. The more adventurous may enjoy go-karting just south of Périgueux or tree-top activities in the forests near Sarlat.

Accommodation