“My family converged at this lovely home in the rural Dordogne, travelling from three parts of the world… the US, the UK, and the Netherlands. As the old patriarch now I guess, it was great to have everyone together and the house accommodated family m...”
“My family converged at this lovely home in the rural Dordogne, travelling from three parts of the world… the US, the UK, and the Netherlands. As the old patriarch now I guess, it was great to have everyone together and the house accommodated family m...”
Sit back in the outdoor hot tub or perhaps beside the poolside bar as you gaze out towards the beautiful Lot landscapes around you. Not far from the Dordogne border, Les Hirondelles exudes historic character alongside contemporary elegance and is a fine family home for a restful holiday with many superb features.
This stunning house is set within 14 acres and sleeps up to 16 guests with ample space to spread out and truly relax. It was refurbished in 2023 with a brand new extension and cinema room added. Back to the original part of the house, guests can expect traditional design and high standards across the vast lounge with a 80” TV, a gorgeous kitchen-diner and three double bedrooms with super king-size double beds. The master bedroom is especially attractive with its modern en suite bathroom and windows opening out to the terrace with pretty vistas.
Discover two further double bedrooms, each one with an en suite shower room, in the traditional extension, then the striking new ground floor development with an indoor jacuzzi, sauna, cinema lounge and pool table alongside the final two bedrooms, one master en suite double and a unique quad room with four double beds in stylish alcoves.
Les Hirondelles’ seamless blend of old and new is certainly impressive, as are the beautiful grounds with a flower-filled garden, the second jacuzzi (this one outdoors), a picture-perfect veranda for tranquil breakfasts, stone statues, a fountain and the idyllic swimming pool overlooking rural scenery. When you'd like a break from the sun, seek shade in the poolside lounge with its sofas, bar, sink and fridge.
The local village, 2.5km away, is tiny yet home to a performing arts centre and an outdoor cinema - it hosts a much-loved film festival in August! Just a little further, within a 5km drive, are the shops, restaurants and weekly Sunday morning market of characterful Cazals. Discover hiking trails, mountain biking and fishing opportunities nearby alongside summer watersports at Lac Vert, just 10 minutes away by car.
Canoeing or kayaking along the Dordogne River is also a must, perhaps near Domme, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ reached in around half an hour. Experience the Périgord Noir’s finest gastronomy in Sarlat-la-Canéda, around 40km by car, and visit some of the region’s iconic grand châteaux. Don’t miss the Jardins de Marqueyssac, especially in the summer when you can often explore in the coolness of the evening.
Wine-lovers note that some of the world’s best Malbecs are produced in Cahors’ vineyards, a handsome medieval town half an hour away, also home to Le Pont Valentré, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Another one of France’s most popular destinations is the pilgrim’s town of Rocamadour, not far from the amazing caves at Gouffre de Padirac, yet another fantastic day out in this wonderful region of France.
What Oliver loves...
A stunning home with an array of wonderful features surrounded by idyllic Lot landscapes
A fantastic place for family and friends to gather with ample space to spread out and truly relax
Enjoy breakfast with a view on the charming veranda or gaze at the rural vistas from the shady poolside bar and outdoor lounge
Impressive features include two hot tubs, a sauna, 80” TV and separate cinema lounge
Discover great restaurants, a weekly market and even an outdoor cinema across the two nearest villages
From Domme to Sarlat-la-Canéda, explore some of the Dordogne’s finest destinations
Cahors, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Rocamadour are just some of the other highlights of this beautiful part of France
What you should know
There are three separate wings in this house, each with different style bedrooms. Please see the ‘Property Layout’ section for details.
Air-conditioning is only featured in the bedrooms, via mobile units.
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The Local Area
About the surrounding area of Les Hirondelles
Rural Location
Outstanding Landscapes
Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
Les Hirondelles is in the Lot department of France, close to the border of Dordogne. This is a fine region of southern France ideal for exploring the beauty of the Dordogne (Domme and La Roque-Gageac are only about half an hour away) alongside Cahors and other gorgeous villages and market towns of the Lot.
Fly into Bergerac, Brive-Souillac or Toulouse Airport whilst the nearest train station is Cahors (28km) with services from Paris. The local village is 2.5km away, home to a performing arts theatre and an impressive outdoor cinema that hosts a film festival towards the end of August.
There is a small supermarket, other shops (including a bakery), restaurants and a Sunday morning market in Cazals (5km), a good base for hiking trails, mountain biking routes and a fishing lake with picnic areas and pedal boats in the height of the summer. Heading south, Catus’ Lac Vert (10km) offers seasonal activities such as canoeing/kayaking, pedal boats and an inflatable waterpark.
Of course, there are further canoeing/kayaking opportunities along the Dordogne River near Domme (28km) alongside summer boat trips from La Roque-Gageac (31km). Some of the region’s most iconic French châteaux can be found near the banks of the Dordogne including Château des Milandes (38km) and Château de Beynac (38km) whilst the beautiful Jardins de Marqueyssac are only a 40-minute drive away (look out for night openings in the summer months).
Another must-visit in the Dordogne is Sarlat-la-Canéda (40km), known for its exquisite architecture, atmospheric markets and gastronomic restaurants showcasing the finest cuisine of the Périgord Noir.
Back in the Lot department, venture to the incredible pilgrim’s town of Rocamadour (52km) perhaps combined with a trip to the underground caves at the fascinating Gouffre de Padirac (65km). Meanwhile, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (55km) is another fine day out, classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and a place which has attracted artists over the years thanks to its rich heritage and immense charm.
Even closer is the handsome town of Cahors (28km) with its famous bridge, Pont Valentré, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is such a wonderful town to explore with hidden gardens in its medieval centre, lovely markets, a great restaurant scene and some of the best Malbec-producing vineyards in the world.
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.
