Imagine the sophistication of a modern, airy Parisian apartment, set in a house in the Dordogne. This is Manoir Altheas, a holiday home built in 1800 and restored to the height of elegance. Each room embodies style, ease and an authentic sense of Périgord charm. Set into the hillside over two floors, you’ll admire the lush flower gardens reached from the upper level and large traditional windows that bring the fresh country air inside.

Step into the marble tiled hallway of this 19th century French maison and walk through to the sitting room with its high ceiling, ornamental fireplace and a cabinet with Smart TV (Netflix/Prime etc) and a DVD player. There is a light-filled dining room next door showcasing more antique pieces, alongside a modern shower room.

Following the wide curved staircase to the upper floor, you will surely find yourself spending most of your time relaxing in the glorious contemporary kitchen and lounge with doors opening out to the large stone terrace overlooking the gardens above. There are four bedrooms on this floor – three doubles (two with king-size beds) and a twin – alongside two bathrooms (en suite to two of the bedrooms or accessed via the landing). An independent one-bedroom garden cottage, furnished with equal taste and classic style, sleeps two further guests if required.

Relax on the large stone terrace soaking up the sun or make the most of the shady awnings as you enjoy al-fresco Périgord feasts accompanied by good local wine from the many Bergerac vineyards nearby. The private garden is simply idyllic, like a step back in time – admire roses, hibiscus, apple and cherry trees as you wander along its different levels with rustic stone steps. The garden is not overlooked and opens out to rural farmland and countryside so typical of the Périgord - it is truly your very own peaceful paradise.

Stroll along the lane to the pretty village of Lanquais with its old sandstone houses, little square and local school, then continue on to the nearby restaurant, a relaxed and friendly auberge serving French fare. 

It’s less than a 10-minute drive to Lalinde, a bastide town by the banks of the Dordogne, home to inviting restaurants, food shops and a wonderful Thursday morning market. Don’t miss the lovely Sunday morning market in the medieval village of Issigeac whilst other picture-perfect villages close by include Trémolat, Limeuil, Beaumont-du-Périgord and Monpazier.

Play golf in stunning surroundings, enjoy tennis in the local village, follow a wealth of walking and cycling routes and visit vineyards around Monbazillac, Saussignac and Pécharmant or even as far as Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion.

Of course, Bergerac and Sarlat-la-Canéda are also fine days out for more historic architecture and gastronomic delights or stay closer to home as you canoe along the river, dine out in authentic local restaurants and experience the captivating beauty of the Dordogne.