Maison Aimee
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Overview
So much love and hard work has gone into Maison Aimée, a beautifully restored Dordogne farmhouse set above a watermill in a little hamlet near the banks of the Dronne River, just a short walk from a traditional riverside village and magnificent château.
When seeking the perfect project in France, the owners fell in love with this 4-bedroom farmhouse and barn in the Dordogne due to its wonderful location so close to a picture-perfect village and French château. Over a decade of dedication followed as the renovation took place under their careful supervision, always ensuring the character of the building remained. Gradually, their dream house was created and they added a new swimming pool to the grounds. Sleeping up to 8 guests, Maison Aimée is an incredibly charming and welcoming home for your holiday in northern Dordogne.
The high-ceilinged barn is now home to an impressive living space with a grand feature fireplace and a huge wrought iron chandelier found at a local brocante. Enjoy cosy evening meals on the oak table and two church pews transported over from the UK, then retire to the snug with its exposed stone walls, low beamed ceiling and French windows. Dining al-fresco beneath the old ash tree outside is a joy on warm summer days – it’s also a gorgeous spot for your morning coffee and croissants in the dappled shade.
The master bedroom, set on a mezzanine level above the living space, has its own balcony ideal for an evening apéritif whilst there are three other bedrooms reached via the main staircase, two doubles and an attic bedroom at the top of the house with two single beds (and the option to add two more beds on request). Each of the four bath/shower rooms are fully modernised with added touches of character.
Outside, admire the roses, verbena and herbs in the new flower beds by the decked poolside terrace. Set in the countryside close to the river, this is a haven for wildlife with the gentle sounds of birds and maybe even frogs as well as sweeping bats at dusk in the summer. Look out for the golden oriole and resident hare.
All of this yet you are just a short stroll across the field from a traditional Dordogne village by the banks of the Dronne River, also home to a famous château. Wander down for your morning pastries, fresh bread and groceries from the bakery and small supermarket, then stop off in a café-bar followed by lunch or an evening meal in the local restaurant. The historic bridge crossing the river is so picturesque and there are pretty picnic spots by the river.
Brantôme is just 9km away, known for its historic beauty, twice-weekly market, summer boat rides, canoeing opportunities and the majestic L’Abbaye de Brantôme. The great city of Périgueux is an amazing day out whilst Dordogne market towns and charming villages within a 45-minute drive include Riberac, Thiviers, Nontron and Saint-Jean-de-Côle.
As well as enjoying the fine cuisine of the Périgord region, taste regional wines, potter around atmospheric vide-greniers and brocantes and soak up the ambience of summer night markets in this enchanting part of the northern Dordogne.
What you should know…
- Maison Aimée sleeps up to 8 guests across four bedrooms. Two extra single beds may be available in the attic bedroom on the top floor – please enquire so we can request this with the owners.
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!
Property Features
Maison Interiors
- Lounge with feature fireplace
- Dining area
- Reading snug
- Kitchen-diner, well-equipped
Upstairs (via lounge mezzanine staircase)
- Master bedroom with king-size double bed, large balcony with table and two chairs and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
Upstairs (via original staircase)
- Bedroom with French sleigh double bed (with memory foam mattress) and “Jack and Jill” en suite bathroom with bath/shower and sink. Bathroom can also be accessed from landing (or locked)
- Bedroom with double bed (with memory foam mattress) and en suite shower room
Top Floor
- Attic bedroom with two single beds, TV and en suite shower room. Possible to add two single pull-out beds (on request)
There is another bedroom that is locked and not accessible to guests as it is used by the owners as storage
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (11x5m, depth: 1.4m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately Easter to end-October
- Poolside terrace
- Al-fresco dining and lounge areas
- Gas barbecue/plancha
- Adult bikes (x4)
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Fans
- TV with UK Freesat/recorder
- DVD player
- Music system with Bluetooth connection
- Board games
- Adult bikes (x4)
In a small countryside hamlet near the banks of the Dronne River, Maison Aimée enjoys a private set...
| Nearest Airport |
Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport
(73km) |
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Limoges Airport
(92km) |
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Brive–Souillac Airport/Bordeaux Airport
(119km/155km) |
Location
About the surrounding area of Maison AimeeIn a small countryside hamlet near the banks of the Dronne River, Maison Aimée enjoys a private setting above a watermill just a short walk from a traditional riverside village in northern Dordogne, 9km from the gorgeous town of Brantôme.
You can cross the field to reach the local village, around a 15-minute walk away (1km). Dating back to the 10th century, it is such a picturesque village with its magnificent château, medieval quarter, pretty bridge crossing the Dronne River and glorious viewpoints. The village is home to a small handful of cafes/restaurants as well as a boulangerie and small supermarket on the other side of the river. Venture down on a Sunday morning if you can as this is when the weekly market takes place, then relax by the river with a delicious picnic of local delights.
Brantôme (9km) is another highlight of this part of the Dordogne, loved for its idyllic riverside setting and beautiful architecture – it’s officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Detours’. There are wonderful riverside walks, summer boat rides and canoeing opportunities here as well as the attractive Jardins Tranquilles by the river to the south of the town. L’Abbaye de Brantôme sits majestically by the river and is a must-visit during your time.
Elsewhere, discover restaurants serving fine Périgord cuisine, food markets, brocantes and vide-greniers, regional wine tasting opportunities, summer night markets and so many more ways to soak up the ambience of northern Dordogne. The owners have a house pack with a wealth of information about local markets and events as well as things to do across the region.
The fine city of Périgueux (25km) is a fantastic day out with its 12th century cathedral, lovely old town, many museums, Roman ruins and bustling markets showcasing yet more Périgord cuisine. Food lovers should also visit Ribérac (30km) and Thiviers (36km) on market day or even head as far north as Piégut-Pluviers (43km), a small historic village known for its Wednesday morning market that dates back to the 17th century. Closer to home, the twice-weekly market in Brantôme is on a Tuesday and Friday morning.
Meanwhile, other picture-perfect Dordogne places to visit include the arts and crafts village of Nontron (30km) and Saint-Jean-de-Côle (30km), one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, not to mention walking, hiking and cycling routes across the Dordogne and beyond. You could even drive over to the sunny Charente – the great city of Angoulême (68km) is just over an hour by car.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport
(73km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Limoges Airport
(92km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Brive–Souillac Airport/Bordeaux Airport
(119km/155km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Périgueux/Angoulême
(23km/62km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Traditional village in the Dordogne
(1km/15-minute walk ) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Local village
(1km) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Small supermarket/bakery etc in the village
(Within 1.5km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Brantôme
(9km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Périgueux
(25km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf Club Perigueux
(19km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
2 x hard courts in the village
(2km) |
||
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 infamous 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.
Click to download your definitive Guide to the Dordogne >>
Kids
Best Suited For: TeensA short drive away, nearby Brantôme is an idyllic place for riverside walks, picnics by the river, summer river cruises as well as canoeing opportunities. The majestic L’Abbaye de Brantôme is a must for history loving families and the troglodyte site at Le Bimbillou Parc is fascinating.
A little further afield, other family attractions include Le Velorail Perigord Vert (40km) where you can pedal vehicles along the old railway tracks through the glorious landscapes of the Périgord Vert countryside. Périgord Vert Aventures (33km) and Cornille Aventure (25km) both offer tree-top adventures for a range of ages as well as other outdoor activities – as with all activities, always check seasonal opening dates and times in advance.
Around a 40-minute drive north is Circuit Karting du Périgord with tracks for a range of ages/abilities. Meanwhile, comic book enthusiasts, young artists and vintage car lovers may wish to consider a day trip to the handsome city of Angoulême, just over an hour away by car, with its murals painted on walls across its historic quarter, the National Comic Strip and Image Centre and its annual vintage car race, Le Circuit des Remparts.
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Board games
- Child-Safe Pool
- Bicycles Provided
- DVD
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
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
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Private chef
- Mid-stay cleaning (if staying 7 nights or more)
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
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a hig...
Read moreEvent information
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | €500/£500 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €500/£500 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes (changed once for stays over 7 nights). |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes and mid-stay cleaning for stays of more than 7 nights also included. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable by bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately Easter to end-October. 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. |
| Changeover day | Sunday (other days are on request excluding Saturdays). |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| May 3rd 2024 - Jul 1st 2024 | £2,410 |
| Jul 1st 2024 - Sep 1st 2024 | £3,275 |
| Sep 1st 2024 - Jul 1st 2025 | £2,410 |
| Jul 1st 2025 - Sep 1st 2025 | £3,275 |
| Sep 1st 2025 - Nov 4th 2025 | £2,410 |
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.
When did you become the owner?
September 2012.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
Location on the outskirts of beautiful vill...
Owner Profile
When did you become the owner?
September 2012.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
Location on the outskirts of beautiful village of Bourdeilles with its chateaux, old bridge, baker, restaurants and bars. And it was a nice little project!
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
We believe the property is over two hundred years old and the previous owners were Polish (they left behind their Polish wood fired enamelled range cooker).
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
No, but we had the Tour de France whiz past the bottom of our drive in July this year.
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do?
Canoe down the Dronne, wander around the old cities of Perigueux, the town of Brantome (Venice of Perigord). Visit one of the many brocantes (antique markets) held most weekends in the area.
Must eat?
Confit or Magret de canard, foie gras, salads dressed in local walnut oil with baked goat’s cheese.
Must see?
Chateaux of Bourdeilles (we have two), markets around the area almost every day, live open air music/concerts, the troglodyte grottos in Brantome etc.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Don’t expect to eat lunch outside 12 to 2pm except in a city. The French are very friendly once you try to converse in your school French and smile. The French villages look unoccupied during the day with closed shutters… they are keeping the sun out and their houses cool inside.
Reviews
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Spirit of relaxed French life
The house is beautifully equipped and presented with eclectic good taste, the spirit of relaxed French life oozes from every corner. We even loved watching the bats fly around the trees at night catching insects.
-
A special place
A fabulous week in Bourdeilles and Maison Aimée - a special place. Loved wandering around the beautiful towns and countryside. Just what we needed, and some sunshine thrown in as well!
-
A gem of a place to stay
Loved the cool interior even with the 36C outside. Lots of local good food, wine and relaxation – a gem of a place to stay.
-
What more could you want
Fantastic few days at Maison Aimée, went to a fab market at Riberac on Friday and ate at Le
Cabanon Pizza by the river in Creyssac. On Sunday it was off to brocantes at the villages of
Bussac and Neuvic… back for a late lunch on the terrace and relaxing by the pool… what
more could you want.
-
Must return next year
We were amazed at the newly installed pool but 16C meant only knee height was attained,
so must return next year in the warmer weather. But brilliant house and location, lots of
trips to Perigueux, Brantome – walks around the village… far too much rosé and foie gras…
delicious meals. Must start planning that return trip next year.
-
We will be back!
A glorious house, perfect weather… and vin rosé! What more is needed. Trips out included
Creyssac La Cabanon… pizza by the river, Yum! Lamb to die for at La Table La Lunaire.
Awesome kayaking down the river through Brantome. Douchapt blues evening – I even
danced! We will be back! -
Incredible house
We were blown away by this incredible house, we had a brilliant time, eating delicious food
and just a few glasses of vino. Main activities:- Perigueux and Brantome brocantes, Sarlat,
Marqueyssac gardens and 14km canoe trip – brilliant.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
