Discover a charming converted barn with a private pool, hot tub, and stunning garden in northern Dordogne.
We have had such a lovely time
“We have had such a lovely time at La Grange, the villa has everything we needed for our stay. Its tranquil setting brings relaxing vibes and the pool area is perfect for catching the sunshine. We have truly relaxed and enjoyed precious family time....”
“We have had such a lovely time at La Grange, the villa has everything we needed for our stay. Its tranquil setting brings relaxing vibes and the pool area is perfect for catching the sunshine. We have truly relaxed and enjoyed precious family time....”
In a peaceful hamlet in northern Dordogne, part of this pretty blue-shuttered barn has been lovingly converted into a beautiful holiday home with its own private swimming pool, wood-fired hot tub and gorgeous garden filled with butterflies and wildlife.
La Grange des Epinettes exudes warmth and character with exposed stone walls, original oak beams and a handmade staircase alongside pretty décor and welcoming furnishings. Dating back to the 19th century, traditional elements remain whilst contemporary features have been added including Smart TV with Netflix and a wireless speaker for your music, alongside an elegant country kitchen and two modern bathrooms. The house sleeps up to seven guests across three inviting bedrooms on the first floor.
Outside, it’s idyllic when relaxing on the travertine terrace beside the summer swimming pool, dining al-fresco or sipping a glass of wine in the wood-fired hot tub beneath the clear and starry night sky. The garden is a haven for wildlife from dragonflies, lizards and bats to even the occasional deer – this is such a gorgeous and tranquil spot in the heart of the Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park.
It’s just over a 5-minute drive to the nearest boulangerie and restaurant – the village hosts a charming Tuesday evening market in the summer months. A little further is the historic town of Montbron, close to the Tardoire River for summer canoeing, kayaking and fishing in wonderful surroundings. Admire the waterwheels along the river (and look out for the Michelin starred restaurant, Moulin de la Tardoire) before venturing to La Rochefoucauld (18km) and its magnificent château.
In the other direction, visit the medieval riverside town of Brantôme with its historic abbey and appreciate the grandeur of Château de Bourdeilles, then visit other picture-perfect Dordogne villages and towns such as Saint-Jean-de-Côle, Nontron and Thiviers. Even closer is Grand Étang de St-Estèphe, the perfect spot for a lakeside picnic, nature walk or summer swimming in this beautiful part of south-western France.
What Oliver loves...
Imagine star-gazing from your wood-fired hot tub on summer evenings
The peaceful garden is a paradise for wildlife lovers – look out for butterflies, dragonflies, lizards and even bats
In the heart of the Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park, enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes of northern Dordogne, Charente and beyond
Look out for summer canoeing and kayaking along the river near Montbron and Brantôme
Pack a picnic and spend the day at Étang de Saint-Estèphe with its lakeside beach, idyllic nature walks and summer swimming
What you should know
Part of this barn has been lovingly renovated to create this welcoming family home - the habitable section for guests is on the right-hand side (as you face the barn). Other parts of the barn are closed off to guests.
If arriving by train, the TGV service from Paris Montparnasse to Angoulême takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, then pick up a car rental for the 40km drive to your holiday home.
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
may have some simple amenities and features
mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
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The Local Area
About the surrounding area of La Grange Des Epinettes
Rural Location
Outstanding Landscapes
Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
La Grange des Epinettes is located in a peaceful hamlet in northern Dordogne, close to the Charente border. If flying, you can arrive into Limoges Airport just over an hour away (alternatively Bergerac Airport is around a 90-minute drive to the south) or travel by train and take the TGV train service to Angoulême (40km) from Paris or Bordeaux.
In the Parc naturel régional Périgord Limousin, the converted barn enjoys a rural setting with just a handful of other neighbouring houses, a 5km drive to a traditional village with a boulangerie, restaurant and summer market on a Tuesday evening. There is a handy grocery store in Javerlhac (6.5km) and larger supermarkets in the local town Montbron (10.5km), where you will also find summer canoeing and fishing along the Tardoire River.
Wine-lovers note that Cave De St Sornin (16km) showcases local wines produced from the historic vineyards of Saint-Sornin. Meanwhile, gastronomes may wish to book a table at the Michelin starred restaurant on the banks of the Tardoire near Montbron. Furthermore, Piégut-Pluviers (12km) hosts one of the region’s largest markets on a Wednesday morning selling a wealth of local produce.
There are many fine days out across this region. La Rochefoucauld (24km) is a great highlight with its grand château (with its Leonardo Da Vinci designed staircase) alongside excellent restaurants serving the local speciality, Limousin beef. Between Montbron and La Rochefoucauld, the waterwheels along the Tardoire River are especially beautiful and this region offers a wealth of walking opportunities (including the GR4), cycling, horse-riding and fishing.
Brantôme (40km) is a wonderful medieval town on the Dronne River, also home to the impressive Abbaye de Brantôme. Stroll along the riverside, enjoy a boat cruise and look out for canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Market days are Tuesday and Friday and there are often water jousting tournaments on Friday evenings in the summer. Perhaps combine your trip with a visit to the magnificent Château de Bourdeilles (46km).
Closer to home, pack a picnic and spend the day by Grand Etang de St-Estèphe (11km) or dine out in its gourmet French restaurant overlooking the lake. The lake itself is idyllic with a beach, supervised swimming at certain times in the summer alongside watersports (paddleboards, kayaks), volleyball, a playground, fishing permits and a small café.
Nontron (19km) is an attractive Dordogne village with a rich arts and crafts heritage, known for its historic knife production whilst Saint-Jean-de-Côle (43km) has been classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, close to the Dordogne market town of Thiviers (49km).
You could even venture south to the historic capital of Dordogne, Périgueux (64km) or spend the day in the Charente’s handsome city of Angoulême (40km), famed for its annual vintage car race, Le Circuit des Remparts.
The Region
The pace of life in the Dordogne is languid, laid back and positively infectious. Relax in bucolic beauty as you drift along the Dordogne River, or wander among the forests and hillside of the Périgord Natural Park.
The foodie scene too, is a relaxed affair. Take your time over your lazy lunches of local duck, black truffles and goats cheese. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hunt for them yourself. The wine here is second to none, with famous grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chenin Blanc all having a huge presence here.
The Dordogne is also brimming with history. Castles and chateaux are scattered throughout the region, among the enchanting medieval villages. History of an altogether more ancient sort can also be explored in the incredible prehistoric cave drawings of Lascaux and Grotte de Rouffignac.