Close to the Dordogne border, only 1.5km from a beautiful medieval village and small lake, Écuries Claria is a set of three dwellings which were once 17th century stables. They have been sensitively renovated to create a charming holiday home with swimming pool in the Lot-et-Garonne, sleeping up to 16 guests.
In an L-shape, each of the three stables features a lounge-dining room and small open-plan kitchen, well-equipped including the all-important espresso machine, alongside an attractive terrace and barbecue. Enter through an impressive hallway with a huge door - this leads to Stables I and II, both with three bedrooms (two doubles and a twin) and two bathrooms (one en suite). Both Stables I and II can be interconnected via their lounges if you wish. Stables III and its two bedrooms, one bathroom completes this holiday abode.
All three dwellings have been designed to accentuate their character with rustic flooring and old wood beams. There’s an air of charming simplicity across the décor and furnishings creating a restful and authentic ambience.
Guests can gather by their very own swimming pool with a poolside terrace and sun loungers surrounded by safety gating (as per French regulations). The garden is glorious with splashes of summer colour, lavender and green space. Also part of the open grounds is neighbouring
Château Claria (which is usually rented out separately or the owners may be staying there). If you wish to book both the château and stables (sleeping 32 guests in total), please see
Domaine Claria.
The estate is set on a country road leading to a delightful little village only 1.5km away with restaurants, useful shops, a small Saturday morning Farmer’s market and an impressive Renaissance castle. Stroll around the pretty lake with its picnic benches, look out for birds and other wildlife or partake in a spot of fishing at certain times of year (a permit will be needed).
The beauty of the Lot-et-Garonne is on your doorstep with gorgeous market towns such as Castillonnès, Miramont-de-Guyenne and Villeréal all within easy reach as well as Monflanquin, one of France’s ‘
Plus Beaux Villages’. Canoe or kayak along the river near Allemans-du-Dropt, sample wines in the vineyards around Duras and savour delicious regional produce such as Agen prunes steeped in Armagnac, tomatoes from Marmande, Tonneins ham, walnuts, truffles and
foie gras of course.
You could even venture to the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Saint-Émilion, just over an hour away, or stay slightly closer to home as you explore the southern part of Dordogne with picture-perfect villages (Issigeac, Eymet and Monpazier, for example) and handsome towns - Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and Bergerac are both by the banks of the Dordogne and make a superb day out, especially on market day!
