L'Atelier

It was our third holiday here and we enjoyed it very much. The maison is perfectly equipped and absolutely comfortable. The restaurants in Montignac or Sarlat-la-Canéda are fantastic. Our family will visit the villa again next year.

An amazing property in a beautiful location. Lots of room for a holiday with family or friends with all the facilities you need for the perfect stay. We would highly recommend. We were well looked after during our stay and the villa was clean on arrival.

The local village is small and tucked away in a glorious wooded valley, it's cobbled narrow streets lead to a central square where there is the imposing 12 century Abbey. There also is a local restaurant serving simple French food and a shop selling a variety of local products from hand made cups to dried cepes to fantastic liqueurs. The owner is a particular delight, as he is very keen for you to try samples! It is very well positioned being just 10 mins drive from Montignac, 20 mins from Sarlat and local interests such as the Grottes. The villa is stunning. It is an imposing Maison Maitre, built from local stone and is one of three neighbouring houses. Even though they are together and share a well maintained 1 acre lawn at the front, they are all very private. It is difficult not to sound over enthusiastic but it's simply brilliant. If you are looking for luxury accommodation mixed with old charm and modern facilities, then this is the place. It is spacious, decor finished to a very high standard, comfortable contemporary furniture, but mixed with a scattering of antique furniture. Our visit was at the beginning of May, the days were warm, but nights were chilly, so we lit a roaring fire in the imposing fireplace, with wood provided. We didn't really need it as there is underfloor heating throughout the ground floor and heaters upstairs, but it made the experience even better. Outside to the rear, there is a cobbled/grass courtyard, where there is the heated pool, with electric cover, a large gas Webber BBQ, sun-loungers, table and chairs, again all of a quality standard. There is access to this directly from the house via double doors from the snug and a door from the kitchen area. This is bordered by a tall stone wall to one side, an old barn wall to another and trees and bushes to another. Here is access to the steps that lead down to the large front grass lawn I mentioned earlier. The owner was a very helpful host, she responded to any of our queries promptly and provided us with the contact details of Vincent, who lives locally. He greeted us and in fact helped our daughter, who had driven to the house before we arrived; she couldn't find the house and he went and found her! It may appear to some that it seems expensive, but if you visit you will see why, as it gives the impression that you are actually staying at someone's home. Would highly recommend and will go back without a second thought.

Four of us stayed here in June. The property is a first class, fantastic renovation of a classic Dordogne house. It features a comfortable living area with fireplace, a large kitchen and dining area on the first floor and four well-appointed bedrooms, each with its own luxurious en suite bathroom. The kitchen and dining area opens onto an outdoor patio next to a private pool. It's located in the picturesque village, a Plus Beaux Villages which features a 12th century fortified church. The village is ideally situated between Sarlat, the principal market town of the Perigord Noir, and Montignac, another quaint village on the Vézère River. All of the Dordogne attractions, including numerous chateaux, prehistoric caves, gardens, markets, restaurants and the river valley itself, are a short easy drive. We would highly recommend this villa as a Dordogne vacation destination.

My wife and I booked L'Atelier for a week in June to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary with our son and his family, including three energetic boys. It was just perfect. The property is altogether as good as described and the town is beautifully restored. Of course, one must visit the castles and caves of the Vezere and Dordogne valleys, but back at the villa they have to compete with a very comfortable setting, a pool to jump into to cool off from a day of touring, and a large meadow for a game of soccer. Come to Perigord Noir to see the famous sights. Then, relax and enjoy even more the beauty and pleasure of walking about the local village and many other nearby towns full of medieval and Renaissance architecture and artistic gardens. The longer you stay, the closer to home you will remain!