Maison Des Pivoines
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Overview
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Relax among the peonies, roses and magnolias in this stunning maison set in two hectares of beautiful gardens in the Dordogne countryside, not far from the historic market town of Ribérac.
Listen to the birdsong of the nightingales and goldfinches, watch butterflies dance by, hear the distant sound of chirping frogs or the gentle flow of the fountain as you sit in the magnificent gardens, inspired by English and Japanese designs. Wander down the steps to the delightful salt-water swimming pool and laze in the sun on warm summer afternoons. Spend balmy evenings in the outdoor courtyard kitchen by the pizza oven and firepit, then retire to the magnificent terrace, looking out towards Dordogne landscapes of rolling meadows and farmland as the sun sets.
The restoration of this historic building has led to an incredible and unique holiday home. With most of the maison dating back to the late 1700s, contemporary additions bring the house straight into the 21st century whilst maintaining character and many original features. Thick wood beams, exposed stone walls and an old fireplace contrast contemporary design, bold colours, modern furnishings and a vast sense of space in the remarkable living and dining room. Six cosy bedrooms and six bright bathrooms are scattered across the home, including two especially impressive king-size doubles with ensuite bathrooms and beautiful views.
Wander out to the local village with its café-bars, boulangerie, grocery store and brilliant brocante (flea market) on the first Sunday of every month. Pick up all sorts of local delights in Farmer’s markets dotted across nearby towns and villages including historic Ribérac and charming Chalais, both a short drive away. Other wonderful places to visit include the idyllic village of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, picturesque Brantôme on the River Drone and the great cities of Périgueux and Angoulême.
Hire canoes along nearby rivers, swim in the lakes at La Jemaye and walk or cycle through the magnificent countryside. Whether exploring the local landscapes, visiting historic towns or simply admiring the valley views, Maison Des Pivoines enjoys a superb setting in northern Dordogne.
What you should know…
- There are lots of steps both inside this beautiful maison and outside in the terraced gardens
- There are two mezzanine levels (one is a bedroom), both accessed via open-tread stairs which are partially open-sided
- The two double bedrooms in the upper annexe are accessed either via one of the mezzanine levels or steps outside
- The owner’s own house is just 100m away should you require any assistance
- The property welcomes up to 10 holidaymakers
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
Villa Interiors
Main Floor (split-level)
- Large open-plan living-dining room. Large window opens up to vast terrace
- Well-equipped kitchen including American fridge-freezer, second fridge-freezer, two electric ovens, gas hobs, coffee machine, kettle, food processor and breakfast bar with two chairs
- Three twin bedrooms (can be made into double on request), each one accessed via steps from the living room
- Family bathroom with bath, shower and WC
- Two family bathrooms with walk-in shower and WC
- Guest WC
Mezzanine Level (off kitchen, via partially open-sided tread stairs)
- Double bedroom and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
Second Mezzanine Level (off living room via partially open-sided tread stairs or via external steps)
- Reading area with futons
Upper Annexe (accessed via second mezzanine level or external steps)
- Bedroom with king-size double bed (can be made up as twin) and open-plan walk-in shower
- Bedroom with king-size double bed (can be made up as twin) and open-plan bath
- Small kitchen area with fridge and kettle, table and chairs
Basement
- Laundry room
Outside Grounds
- Salt-water solar-heated swimming pool (11x4m, depth: 1.44m) with black lined bottom, solar-heating cover and safety cover. Open approximately May to October
- Sun loungers and parasols
- Terraced gardens (2 hectares)
- Outside kitchen courtyard with pizza oven, fire pit and gas barbecue
- Al-fresco dining area
- Table tennis in adjacent raised barn
- Bikes
- Fountain
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Satellite TV
- Hi-Fi with four-speaker system
- Projector
- Bikes
- Table tennis
Location
About the surrounding area of Maison Des PivoinesPositioned between Périgueux and Angoulême in the Dordogne region of south-west France, Maison Des Pivoines enjoys a rural location surrounded by farmland and rolling countryside. The owner’s own house is just 100m away should you need anything during your stay.
You can walk to a lovely village (1.7km), around twenty minutes away (or a five-minute drive), where you will find a bakery, grocery store, a handful of cafes and bistros/bars, a pharmacy and an atmospheric brocante (antiques/flea market) on the first Sunday of every month.
The nearby town of Ribérac is well-known for its excellent Friday morning market. Indeed, this region is well known for its wonderful Périgord cuisine and you will be able to discover a Dordogne market every other day selling all sorts of local produce. Look out for the weekly markets in places such as Chalais, Saint-Aulaye as well as the cities of Périgueux and Angoulême.
There’s also a lovely Sunday morning market in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, a remarkably picturesque village that is classed as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ due to its location above the River Drone and its historic buildings including the amazing Monolithic Church which has been carved into the rock.
Watersports lovers should spend some time in Brantôme, again on the River Drone, where you can hire canoes along the river, try paddle-boarding or just take a lovely walk along the riverside. It’s a really pretty town with lovely shops and has some excellent restaurants.
Périgueux is also a fantastic day out with its wonderful markets (specialising in foie gras and truffles at certain times of year) and its Byzantine cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. History lovers can visit the Roman remains, museums or simply admire the marvellous architecture across this beautiful city, the capital of the Dordogne department.
Angoulême is a great city to explore, set above the Charente river and filled with history, art in beautiful surroundings. The National Comic Strip and Image Centre is a great museum for lovers of graphic-novels. The city hosts a number of lovely markets and features stunning architecture, pretty gardens, pleasant cafes and good restaurants.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Bergerac
(70km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Bordeaux
(130km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Brive–Souillac
(140km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Angoulême (TGV)
(42km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
(1.7km ) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
(1.7km) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
(1.7km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
(13km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Ribérac/Angoulême
(14km/43km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
Tennis Club de Ribérac
(14km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf d'Aubeterre
(19km) |
||
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: All AgesThe Dordogne region has plenty to offer families of all ages. Those who love activities can enjoy tennis, horse-riding and pony-trekking, rock-climbing and cycling across the area. There is also an archery centre within a short drive with lessons suitable for over 10s as well as adults.
Visit the beautiful lagoons in La Jemaye where you will find swimming (supervised in the summer holidays), sandy beaches, a play area and canoes in the summer as well as stunning walks through the vast woodland surrounding the lakes.
Canoeing and paddle-boarding is also possible along the River Drone in Brantôme or head a little further south to Mussidan on the Isle River. There’s also boat hire near Saint-Aulaye in July and August as well as a great tree-top adventure centre at Arbor Parc.
A little further afield, Angoulême has all sorts of family-friendly activities in the surrounding area such as trampoline parks, soft-play centres, water parks and huge outdoor parks featuring playgrounds, skate parks and play courts. Comic lovers should also visit the fantastic Musée de la Bande Dessinée in the city centre.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Heated Pool
- Bicycles Provided
- Table Tennis
Extras
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
- Babysitting / childcare services
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
Maison Des Pivoines can host small wedding parties, workshop groups and musical events in this beaut...
Read moreEvent information
Maison Des Pivoines can host small wedding parties, workshop groups and musical events in this beautiful part of northern Dordogne. This charming abode is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Périgord Vert, ideally located between Périgueux and Angoulême.
The gardens are idyllic with peonies, magnolias and summer roses, inspired by English and Japanese designs. Inside, soak up the character of this late 18th century house with exposed stone walls, wood beams and grand fireplace alongside modern comforts of today. Step back outside to appreciate the glorious valley views, especially romantic as the sun sets.
Further details on weddings and events are available on request.
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 | €1000 paid via bank transfer to the owner 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 | €1000 paid via bank transfer to the owner 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. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes, plus mid-stay cleaning for stays of more than one week. Please note, 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. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes and changed mid-stay for stays of more than one week. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool heating charge? | No. The pool is heated via solar power using a cover that can heat the pool up to 26-28C when used. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Tax | French Visitors paid via bank transfer to the owner before arrival (typically costs approximately between €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Changeover day | 2021: any day of the week. From 2022: Saturday. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately from May to October (cooler months may not be suitable for swimming). |
| Other Ts and Cs | The property is suitable for a maximum of 10 guests. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 10 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Apr 26th 2024 - Jul 1st 2024 | £4,759 |
| Jul 1st 2024 - Sep 1st 2024 | £5,156 |
| Sep 1st 2024 - Jul 1st 2025 | £4,759 |
| Jul 1st 2025 - Sep 1st 2025 | £5,156 |
| Sep 1st 2025 - Oct 28th 2025 | £4,759 |
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.
How long have you owned the property?
20 years
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
It’s historical charm, views and light and genero...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
20 years
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
It’s historical charm, views and light and generous layout.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The Sieur of the local village married the Princesse de Briançon in the 14thC and built the house and walnut mill on the property, the first in the area.
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do?
Visit Brantome (the Venice of France) and Aubeterre with it’s monolithic church
Must eat?
Local specialities are black truffles, mushrooms and duck
Must see?
Prehistoric drawings at Lascaux and Les Eyzies de Tayac
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
This is not a traditional Dordogne house, so expect to be charmed by the original architectural combination of space, light and local natural materials to produce superb airy, comfortable and stylish accommodation. The area is not as hilly as further east of the Dordogne so is perfect for cycling and walking (even if only up to the bakery for croissants every morning!)
Reviews
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Thoroughly recommend
We had a wonderful week at this gorgeous property. The hosts were extremely helpful and welcoming. The house is amazing - beautiful blend of old and modern. Impressive double height ceilings and doors. Very spacious and well appointed. The kids had a great time swimming in the pool. The gardens are lovely - we liked the hammock and swing. We also made use of the table tennis table. The house and grounds are very private and secluded. We had a beautiful view over surrounding sunflower fields. We would thoroughly recommend this property to families.
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Would like to keep this place a secret
We had such an amazing stay, there was plenty of room inside and out. We knew the area quite well and there are plenty of activities for the kids and adults within 20 mins drive. The accommodation is beautiful, clean and simply stunning! The children loved the spaces inside and out there was lots of areas to play and explore. Our hosts couldn’t have been nicer extremely helpful without too much intrusion. I’m not sure I want to leave such a good review as would like to keep this place a secret as we hope to book again. Thanks again Katie for a wonderful stay!
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Best family holiday ever
Amazing space of the house led to us having the best family holiday ever for 9 adults and 3 young children. The outdoor areas are equally fantastic, the pool, Japanese garden with pizza oven was greatly appreciated and we would love to come back and see our host Katie again.
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We'll be back!
We had such an amazing time at Katie's beautifully converted property. So much space for relaxing, and for the kids to roam free at the table tennis out building or down by the pool. A very high standard of accommodation and the attention to detail and quality of design really goes to show that being surrounded by good architecture makes you feel good too. We'll be back!
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The property is beautiful
The property is beautiful - plenty of stylish, open space for a large group to have both together time and also their own space. Outdoor areas are fantastic and beds super comfy!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
