From a public road, a private lane leads through a forest. Over a course of 350 metres, it snakes through the forest before turning towards the property 100 metres lower down. A gate marks the property’s entrance and forms a break in the outer fencing. The main purpose of this outer fence is to ward off four-legged animals that come from the surrounding forest. There is a parking area where you can leave your vehicle before you venture further into this property where all you can hear is birdsong and the rustling of leaves. To the west, a first edifice comes into view: a guesthouse flanked with a closed double garage, the doors of which face the driveway. The building is made of ochre dry stone. It bears the characteristics of the local region’s traditional architecture. It is crowned with a roof of terracotta barrel tiles. The plain lines of its ashlar window and door surrounds, which contrast with the rubble stonework, underline the charm of the characterful elevations. From inside, you can look out at the natural surroundings through a glazed portion of the south end wall. From this guesthouse, your gaze is drawn down over the valley, the slopes of which are covered with trees of different varieties. These slopes form a spectacular vista that changes with the passing of the seasons. Further down and set back somewhat, the main house stands out. The house’s design is typical of the Périgord area, with its ochre stone elevations and its roof with different slopes, covered with flat tiles and punctuated with dormers. A square tower with a pyramidal roof recalls the grand houses of yesteryear. This tower was doubtless once a dovecote, added to give the dwelling’s first owners a certain high status. Today, this tower still adds to the picturesque appearance of the property. Further downhill, there is a swimming pool set in a terrace with a view down the valley. Further away, there are two other dry-stone buildings: a huge barn with an open side and a garden shed, which is handy for storing tools. There is also a traditional dry-stone hut, set back. This dry-stone hut is typical of the Périgord area and bears witness to the property’s rural soul.

The main house

The main house has a garden-level floor, a ground floor and a first floor in the roof space. Its shape suggests nobility and it is well proportioned. Its facade is symmetrical in design. In the middle of it, an entrance door at the top of a flight of steps leads inside. This front door is framed between tall, small-paned windows with wooden shutters. Ashlar window surrounds punctuate the facade and add to the harmony of the delightful dwelling. At the back, a south-east-facing series of terraces, staggered at different heights, form a smooth link to the natural surroundings. The house’s south-west end is remarkable. At the lower level, there is a terrace edged with a low stone wall. And up on the first floor, there is a covered balcony.

The garden-level floor
The garden-level floor has a vast kitchen with a spacious dining area. This is the house’s centrepiece. The room is practical and modern. It is bathed in natural light from several windows, including a glazed door that leads out onto two terraces – one on the south-west side that faces the swimming pool and one on the south-east side that faces the forest. A monumental fireplace and an old oven with a roasting spit recall practices of yesteryear and give the room authentic charm and character. On this same garden-level floor, there is a utility room, a boiler room and a cellar. They can be reached from outside.

The ground floor
The main entrance door leads into a vast room, which is both a reception space, a lounge with a fireplace and a transitional hall. It connects to an old bedroom, a lavatory and a reading room with bespoke furniture. This ground floor also leads straight out onto the south-east terraces.

The first floor
The first floor has sloping attics roofs. Up here, there are two large bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate lavatory. One of the two bedrooms leads out onto a covered balcony with an enchanting view over the pool and valley.