La Tour Des Vignes
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Overview
In the heart of the Gironde, this enchanting 18th century windmill stands amongst the vineyards and enjoys endless countryside views, near some of south-west France's most charming medieval villages and market towns.
The sails of the windmill may be gone but the sense of history and character certainly hasn’t. The moulin has been beautifully restored into a unique bolthole where a small group of friends or family can appreciate the tranquillity of this special setting. On the ground floor you’ll step into a bespoke oak kitchen with an old stone sink alongside modern appliances, ideal for preparing breakfast and simple meals - after all, this is where the vine workers used to enjoy their lunch on cooler days.
The windmill’s original steep stone stairs lead up to a charming small twin - open the bedroom windows and be greeted by views of magical vineyards. At the very top of the home, in the original sail room, you have 360 degree vistas of the Gironde countryside as you laze on the circular settee, perhaps with a glass of local wine, playing board games and spending cosy evenings with your loved ones.
That said, in the warmer months it’s all about appreciating the outdoors whether dipping into the pretty swimming pool, lounging on the sun-beds or preparing relaxing meals by the barbecue. Listen out for the chirping of the birds or the sounds of the farmers in the vineyards, as you revel in this countryside setting. Spend time in the rather luxurious hot tub before huddling by the fire-pit as the night falls and the bright stars come out.
The owners have also recently added a wonderful garden annexe, allowing guests to enjoy this tranquil setting from a light-filled lounge and sliding doors leading to a gorgeous terrace. An attic-style bedroom with a king-size bed can be found above, via a drop-down ladder, allowing this magical abode to sleep up to four guests.
This is a true beauty spot in a privileged position, yet despite its feeling of seclusion, you’re not far from a pretty bastide village with a wonderful patisserie and boulangerie as well as cafes and a great weekly market. Indeed, this region is filled with market towns, wine-villages and beautiful landscapes, perfect for keen cyclists and walkers.
You can canoe on the nearby Garonne or the Dordogne, explore the amazing towns of Saint-Émilion or Bergerac, visit the famous wineries around the grand city of Bordeaux or even travel as far as the stunning beaches of the Atlantic coast.
La Tour Des Vignes offers character and charm in a beautiful setting in this mesmerising part of southern France.
What you should know…
- This is characterful living at its best – winding, steep and open-sided stone staircases and wooden trap doors lead to each of the windmill's four floors/rooms.
- The double bedroom, part of the garden annexe, is situated above the lounge (with a low/sloping ceiling) and accessed via a drop-down ladder.
- Indeed, please refer to the ‘Features’ tab for full details of the layout of this unique property and note it is not suitable for younger children or guests with restricted mobility.
- There is also a sofa-bed in the garden annexe's lounge, available on request only.
This home is a part of our Sustainable Collection!
To be part of the collection, homes must meet a minimum of four criteria from our sustainable checklist, or three from the checklist and have a daily carbon footprint of 5kg or lower, based on full occupancy per bedroom. View the full collection here >
This home meets the following criteria from our sustainable checklist:
- Supports the local community (locally owned)
- Supports the local community (promotes local businesses)
- Protects and conserves local Heritage
Property Features
Main Windmill Interiors
Each floor is reached via winding, steep, open-sided stone steps and working trap doors
Ground Floor
- Kitchen including an American fridge, 5-ring gas hob, small oven, microwave and toaster
First Floor
- Twin bedroom with sink built into the wall
Second Floor
- Sail room with space for two folding chair-beds (on request)
Basement
- Shower room (with small above ground window)
Garden Annexe Interiors (attached to windmill)
Ground Floor
- Garden lounge with two folding chair-beds (on request) and doors opening up to terrace
- Shower room
First Floor (low and sloping ceiling, accessed via drop-down ladder)
- Bedroom with king-size double bed and large star-gazing velux window
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (10mx5m, kidney shape with jacuzzi feature by steps) with safety alarm. Open May to September
- BBQ
- Small table and two chairs
- Fire-pit
- Hot tub
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Satellite TV
- DVD player
- Books
- Board games
- Hot tub
- Washing machine (in a converted outbuilding)
Location
About the surrounding area of La Tour Des VignesLa Tour Des Vignes is set in a pretty vineyard which enjoys beautiful countryside views all around. It’s only a short drive from a local village and is located in the Gironde department, south-western France, just over an hour from Bordeaux.
There’s a very picturesque bastide town less than a ten-minute drive away where you will find a good variety of cafes and shops. It’s particularly atmospheric on a Friday morning when the weekly market takes place and you can buy all sorts of wonderful local produce to cook in your windmill kitchen. Keen cyclists could ride there, if they don't mind the hills.
On the Garonne river, the larger town of La Réole (16km), is around a twenty-minute drive away. The town dates back to the 12th century and you can admire its history through the half-timbered houses and beautiful historic architecture as you explore its narrow lanes. If you are visiting during July and August, be sure to look out for one of the town’s night markets where you will find amazing local food stalls, good wine and live music – a great evening out.
Duras (14km), in the Lot-et-Garonne region, is another great place to sample local wine from the Côtes de Duras or just spend time in the cafes, restaurants and twice-weekly Farmer’s market in this pretty town. Duras also hosts great night markets in the height of the summer.
The Dordogne region can be reached in around thirty minutes where there are many more idyllic towns and villages to discover. Canoe on the river Dordogne near Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (25km) or explore the pretty towns of Eymet (35km) and Issigeac (56km). The wine-town of Bergerac (50km) is also under an hour away, with its famous Maisons des Vins and beautiful buildings.
Heading west, a trip to the hilltop town of Saint-Émilion (38km) is a must for any wine-lovers whilst Bordeaux (90km) and its vineyards can also be reached for a superb day out. Carry on further and you could be dining with family or friends, savouring fresh oysters and white wine looking out towards the bay of Arcachon (125km) or running down the huge dunes on the coast.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Bergerac Airport
(51km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Bordeaux Airport
(90km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de La Réole
(16km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
(4-5km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Local village
(4-5km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Carrefour
(5km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
La Réole
(16km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf Vigiers
(32km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
Arcachon
(125km) |
||
Region
Aquitaine’s reputation as a varied and enchanting destination is well-earned – whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, this beautiful part of south-western France is a feast for every one of the senses. To make sure you’re getting the very best of your holiday (and to clue you up if you’re thinking of going) check out our wonderful travel guide – it’s full of tips, info and the things you really shouldn’t miss when you visit unforgettable Aquitaine.
Kids
Best Suited For: TeensWhether cycling through the surrounding landscapes, visiting atmospheric summer night markets or just admiring the historic architecture of so many local villages and towns, La Tour Des Vignes is a lovely choice for families with older children wanting to get to know this authentic part of southern France.
Being a short drive from the River Garonne is wonderful – head down to Parc de la Filhole in Marmande for a riverside beach which is often supervised in the height of the summer, as well as areas for skate-boarding, ball games and cycling. Lac de Beaupuy is another pretty spot for walking and cycling, as is the path along the Canal de Garonne.
If you wish to try out some watersports then look out for canoeing along the Garonne between La Réole and Marmande or along the Dropt river, both around half an hour by car. You will also find a fun inflatable waterpark at Lac de Clarens, around an hour away, or head to Bergerac for all sorts of family-friendly activities including a waterpark, boat trips and more.
Then of course there are the magnificent châteaux such as in nearby Duras or discover the landscapes on horse-back with an equestrian centre around a 10-minute drive away.
Kids Activities Close-by
- <1hr to Airport
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Child-Safe Pool
- Indoor Games
- DVD
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Welcome Pack on Arrival (with ingredients for a welcome meal)
- Dog-Sitting/Walking Available and Treats!
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras included at this property:
- Welcome Pack on arrival (with ingredients for a welcome meal)
- Dog sitting/walking
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | £350 paid via bank transfer to the owner before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection and correct rubbish disposal |
| Arrival time | 3.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £350 paid via bank transfer to the owner before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection and correct rubbish disposal |
| Arrival time | 3.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. Mid-stay linen change for stays of two weeks. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival and ensure they sort their rubbish correctly. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal/sorting required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please ensure the rubbish is sorted into the correct bins, following the instructions in the house. If not, a £100 fee will be deducted from your security deposit (to take into account the heavy fines the owner will receive). |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately May to September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Pets welcome? | Yes. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and other special events are not permitted. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 4 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Jun 5th 2023 - Sep 14th 2023 | £2,957 |
| Sep 14th 2023 - May 30th 2024 | £2,016 |
| May 30th 2024 - Sep 12th 2024 | £2,957 |
| Sep 12th 2024 - Dec 6th 2024 | £2,016 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
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Amazing location
Outstanding location and beautiful view. Really magical setting. Property full of character and quirks. Not for people who would like spacious accommodation as bedrooms are small and kitchen space very small too. Outdoor space and pool are fabulous though. A special mention for Rita who was so kind leaving us a welcome pack with wine, fruit and some food. After a long journey this was so welcome. Nearby town is great with really fab market. Overall a fab stay.
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A wonderful mini-moon in the sun!
We had an absolutely wonderful time at the tower! We stayed for the week after our wedding with our little dog Louis and loved every second - especially the gorgeous pool!! The tower is in a fantastic location with outstanding views of the surrounding vineyards. The garden is just perfect with lots of outdoor seating and a great BBQ area. Thanks so much to Rita for making our stay so special and all the lovely extras!
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Get away from it all
We loved our week in the tower! Received a warm welcome from Rita, who also kindly left a stash of provisions including two bottles of wine, pizza, salad, crisps, chocolate and other essentials to help us settle in. Plus treats for Molly the dog of course! The tower is rustic and characterful - small but very well equipped. The outside is fantastic - the pool, the hot tub, the view... Totally peaceful and private in a beautiful part of France. Nearby town has a lovely boulangerie for breakfast and we loved Sauveterre de Guyenne - very friendly tourist information office who took us on a quirky tour of the town with a glass of wine to finish. St Emilion only 40 minutes drive for wine connoisseurs but lots of lovely wine more locally - Maison du Vins in Duras very good, also friendly and you can try lots of different local wines. Thanks Rita - we'll be back!
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Fabulous, unique place to stay
Beautiful setting and the tower itself a unique and special property with fabulous views of the wonderful surrounding countryside from the pool area and very top of the windmill...Rita our host was welcoming & there to meet us on arrival despite our delays en route and she provided some essential goodies for us which were very much appreciated. We had a lovely holiday full of wonderful memories of this characterful and unique place to stay in a beautiful region of France.
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A little paradise
We had a fantastic week at La tour. It was perfect for us and our two jack Russell dogs. We loved the views, the large garden area, the swimming pool and the hot tub. We enjoyed cooking food on the barbecue each evening. It was easy to get provisions from the charming local town, where there is a small supermarket. We also went to La reole for a bigger supermarket and to get the vet treatment for our dogs before our return to the UK. We visited a charming market in Sauveterre. The views from the sail room were magnificent and watching the Monday night storm was amazing. Overall, we had fantastic weather. Our host Rita was very friendly and welcoming and gave us a much appreciated welcome basket, including those essentials such as toilet roll and shower gel as well as a pizza and salad, a bottle of bubbly and red wine and treats for the dogs. The information provided by Rita was also extremely helpful, informing us about where we could shop, when the local markets took place and the nearest vet. The holiday was a great getaway from our usual busy lives. We will definitely return.
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Truly amazing!
We were so excited to spend our holidays at the tower after finding this unique property. We fell in love with it as soon as we arrived! It was our piece of heaven. Rita, who was delightful, was there to greet us and provided all the information we needed. There was a welcome basket containing such items as wine, chocolate, pretzels, tea, coffee, sugar, cleaning materials, bbq briquettes, matches etc, together with chilled Prosecco, pizza and salad for our first evening meal. Not forgetting beef treats for Wilsom, our 8 month old puppy. The property is truly enchanting, we couldn't wait to have a look around and the views were amazing. Our previous holidays have always been a package holiday to far away destinations, I have to say this holiday was one of our best we have experienced. It was so relaxing and we spent the days and evenings going at our own pace and enjoying bbq's in the garden each day and sitting chilling by the fire pit in the evenings and relaxing in the jaccuzi. We enjoyed the pool many times, even when the water temperature was a little chilly! Wilson loved the freedom of being able to explore the secure garden and looked forward to the local vineyard owner/ worker driving by on his tractor. He would slow down, give us a wave and let Wilson race long side him in the garden as he drove past. It is such an idyllic location yet not remote enough not to enjoy the local towns. We enjoyed a few walks to the local town through the tracks amongst the vineyards where we enjoyed local markets, cafe's and a patteserie which sold the most delicious cakes, bread and chocolate. The tower is stunning and more beautiful when you arrive, we enjoyed putting down the working trap doors in the bedroom each evening, it was magical. Thank you so much Rita for your hospitality, we will defiantly look to stay with you again.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
