We recently took over this house because of family ties, but also for the beauty of the site, the magic of the Bastide de Domme's golden stones, and the incredible historical and natural riches of the region. As though in a cocoon protected by ramparts that enjoys views of the landscape for as far as the eye can see, we feel particularly content at Le Castelet.
The village of Domme is a dozen kilometres from Sarlat and has been fortified since medieval times. Part of the village overlooks the Dordogne thirty metres below, while the other side is protected by ramparts. The house was built in the 17th century. It's dominant position on the rock and Italian garden on three levels make it particularly unique. It is composed of a main building overlooking the Rue des Remparts and a square tower topped with a pyramid that features a French staircase. There are a number of large stone fireplaces characteristic of the 17th century, as well as stained glass windows in pretty pastels. A small stone bridge spans the path connecting the gardens bordered by the ramparts and the main house.
In 1281, the King of France (Philippe III The Bold) requested the construction of a fortified bastide on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Dordogne. In the 17th century, a new district was built within the ramparts and the Castelet was one of the so-called noble houses built around the Place de la Rode. It is one of the largest and tallest buildings in the neighbourhood. The Moneyers House is also located on the square as Domme enjoyed the privilege of issuing its own currency thanks to its royal bastide status. Interestingly, the former owners also had a plot called Le Château du Roi (the King's Chateau) which is the remnants of a defensive fortress outside the ramparts dating back to at least the year one thousand. It is always visible in the distance from our house and provides something of a romantic view.
Le Castelet is a real family home with large libraries filled with classics, novels, comics and board games. The thick stone walls and the excellent insulation ensure a cool house in summer and warmth in the winter. The main house is accompanied by another smaller one with a flowery garden and an independent entrance. The four gardens allow guests to enjoy some alone time, to settle in a cool hammock and enjoy the view, to play football under the trees along the ramparts, or to bask in the sun. In one of the gardens, which is surrounded by lavender and climbing roses and looks out onto a hilly landscape, an old stone basin has been significantly enlarged to create a swimming pool. Another charm of the house is that it is located in a beautiful village. The nearest café is on the other side of the square. You can also walk up to the Belvedere to admire the view over the entire Dordogne valley while tasting an artisanal ice cream, or get lost in the shelves of the bookstore on the main square.
Walnuts from the Cerno cooperative, local cheeses from the Chez Pierrot cellar in Sarlat, and the markets of Domme, Cénac and Belvès. La Pizzeria des Templiers in Domme for its simple yet delicious cuisine and its charming patio. Le Petit Paris in Daglan serves refined cuisine at affordable prices. Le Présidial, which was once a home and the seat of royal justice from the 17th century onwards, has now been handed over to the magic of local gastronomy. The fully equipped Pont de Vitrac beach on the Dordogne for swimming, exploring the river by canoe, and even fishing. More intimate is a small sandy beach on the Dordogne and its clear water which can be accessed by taking the path from the Perpetuum campsite in Domme, followed by a dirt road and a couple of groves to cross over. From the house, you can escape into the countryside in just a few steps via the Del Bos and Combe gates to enjoy long walks or runs.
Le Castelet consists of two houses. The ground floor of the main house consists of a living room, an office/living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a shower room, and a large veranda. On the first floor are two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and two bedrooms which share a large bathroom with a bath. The second floor houses a large bedroom with a large shower room and a dressing room. In front of the house, a garden and a small stone terrace are equipped with outdoor furniture. A small house, one level higher than the street, can be reached via a staircase from the large house. The very large room on the ground floor combines a dining room, living room and kitchen with a central island. On the first floor there is a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, a shower room, and a dressing room. An enclosed garden and a large terrace allow guests to enjoy lunches outside. The house is very well equipped to accommodate babies and those who work from home.
ref 964171
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