In a pretty town square close to northern Dordogne, this elegant townhouse offers character and style to guests wanting to explore the enchanting region of Perigord Vert, near the historic city of Limoges.
Named after the 6th century saint who founded a monastery on the site that is now the medieval town of Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, this elegant 18th century townhouse’s original character blends harmoniously with contemporary touches and design. Original parquet flooring, beautiful old fire-places and wood-beamed ceilings create a warm ambience in the home whilst modern features add to the impressive style.
Furnished to a very high standard, rooms feature both antique and modern pieces whilst sumptuous beds with 100% cotton linen and splashes of colour adorn the five pretty bedrooms. Even the four bathrooms stylishly combine the old and the new. Throughout this home you’ll be amazed by the intricate and original detail contrasting twenty-first century design.
Step out of your historic home and admire the 13th century church and pretty fountain in the town square, then wander a few steps to explore the restaurants and charming shops Saint-Yrieix has to offer. A characterful place with a fascinating history, this really is a charming medieval town to explore. You may even be lucky to stay during a bustling market day twice a month, offering some of the exquisite delicacies that this region has to offer.
The owner is on hand nearby to tell you all about the surrounding area, arrange private tours if you wish, organise wine-tastings or simply reserve the best restaurants for you. He has after all worked as a concierge in one of London’s finest hotels for many years and his experience and welcoming personality will ensure you have the finest stay.
Take the train to visit the old city of Limoges or drive out to the beautiful countryside nearby, part of the Perigord-Limousin Regional Natural Park with its unspoiled landscapes, impressive castles and delightful villages and towns to explore. Highlights include the market town of Thiviers, Saint-Jean-de-Côle or lovely Corgnac-sur-l'Isle where you can hire canoes in wonderful surroundings. It goes without saying that this whole region offers great hiking and cycling opportunities as well as golf, horse-riding and fishing.
Head further south and you can be visiting some of the Dordogne’s most loved destinations such as Périgueux, Sarlat-la-Canéda and pretty riverside villages like Domme and Limeuil.
This is characterful France at its best and Maison Aredius offers a beautiful home from which to explore this stunning region.
What Oliver loves...
The original character of this 18th century townhouse blends harmoniously with modern style and design, creating a wonderful home
In the heart of Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, you can wander out to the local restaurants and charming shops of this medieval town
The stunning countryside of northern Dordogne is just a short drive away with its beautiful landscapes and idyllic villages
The fabulous owner has many years’ experience as a concierge in upmarket hotels and can provide guests with the very best local knowledge and services
What you should know
On the first floor, one of the bedrooms is accessed via another and shares an ensuite shower room – perfect for a family or older kids
As is typical in the Dordogne, some of the wood-beamed ceilings and doors in the bedrooms are low
In a beautiful town location, guests can hear the bells from the 12th century church next door which ring on the hour from morning til evening
There are various free car parks available in close proximity to the house just a couple of minutes walk away
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
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may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
may have some simple amenities and features
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The Local Area
About the surrounding area of Maison Aredius
Walk to Village
<1hr to Airport
Walk to Restaurant
Maison Aredius is a beautiful 18th Century townhouse in the heart of Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, in Haute-Vienne, near the border of northern Dordogne. As you open your door you step straight out onto a pretty square with a fountain and a 13th century church. You’ll hear the bells chime on the hour from 7am to 9pm and there may be a wedding taking place during your stay – it really is a picturesque setting.
Saint Yrieix is a historic medieval town with restaurants and pretty shops, many selling Limoges porcelain made from clay discovered in the town in the 18th century. Look out for the great market twice a month and explore its many historical buildings.
Not far from the town is a pretty lake that is great for long walks and there are also many wonderful hiking and cycling opportunities across the beautiful countryside that surrounds the town including the nearby Perigord-Limousin Regional Natural Park. Other local activities include golf, fishing, swimming and canoeing as well as horse-riding across the region. Cyclists may especially like the Velorail, a 22 km rail-bike along old railroad track over bridges, viaducts, through tunnels and former train stations, south of Saint Yrieix.
Castle lovers don’t miss the beautiful Château de Jumilhac (13km) or Ségur-le-Château (15km) whilst to the north, easily reached by train or car, is the exciting city of Limoges with its impressive cathedral, lovely gardens and historical buildings to admire.
Saint Yrieix is also a short drive from the idyllic Perigord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, part of which is also known as Perigord Vert in northern Dordogne, regions famous for their meadows, forests, rolling hills and rivers. Beautiful places to discover include Thiviers (30km), where you can try some of their Foie Gras, walnuts and truffles (especially at the Saturday market) or Corgnac-sur-l'Isle (36km) where you can canoe in beautiful surroundings.
Other pretty places to visit include Saint-Jean-de-Côle (40km), one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages on the banks of the River Côle and Brantôme (56km) on the River Drone where you can hire canoes, go on a boat ride or take leisurely riverside strolls after exploring the lovely town.
Further afield, head to the haunting village of Oradour-sur-Glane (60km), visit the historic town of Nontron (53km) in the heart of Perigord Vert or head south to the small city of Périgueux (64km) with its amazing cuisine and historical architecture.
Not forgetting the sights around the Dordogne River such as Domme, Limeuil and La Roque-Gageac, all within about ninety minutes by car, as well as the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda with its stunning market and restaurants.
The owner (who has a great deal of experience in the hotel industry as a concierge) can arrange many day tours, some hosted by himself, or he can simply give you directions and tips on what to see.
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.