The Retreat

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Sleeps: 6 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
Oliver Approved

Overview

Pool Wellness
Sustainable Collection
Ideal for Kids
Pets on Request

In a stunning rural setting, just south of the Dordogne river, perfectly located between Sarlat and Rocamadour, The Retreat is a charming home full of original features and great character. With vast gardens, a heated swimming pool and delightful interiors, this is a wonderful place from which to explore this enchanting region.

The caring owners have beautifully restored this 18th century home ensuring they have retained traditional features such as the wood-beamed ceilings and exposed stone walls in the inviting living room whilst adding modern comfort throughout. There are three sweet bedrooms, each with the added benefit of air-conditioning.

Outside you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Dordogne valley from the glorious grounds, where you will also find a heated swimming pool, a traditional stone barbecue and peaceful spots perfect for relaxing in the tranquil surroundings.

This home has a wonderful family ambience, not only because of the lovely interiors and spacious gardens but also because of the activities provided such as table-tennis, football, basket ball, badminton and more. Even pets have been thought of by the owner who has secured part of the vast grounds to allow dogs to play.

In a remote and quiet location in the Lot department near the Dordogne, it's just a short drive to the shops and restaurants in nearby St. Julien de Lampon or Souillac, both of which also have a lovely weekly market. In this glorious area you can explore some lovely villages across the region of Lot such as Gourdon with its honey coloured houses or the spectacular Rocamadour, built on the edge of a cliff.

Not forgetting the lovely Dordogne river where you can picnic on a beach, go for long walks or hire canoes. Follow the river to the west and discover idyllic villages such as Domme, La Roque Gageac and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.

Another must is the glorious medieval town of Sarlat to the north, with its vibrant Saturday morning market and amazing restaurants often specialising in Foie Gras or truffles.

The whole area is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike from horse riding and tennis to mountain-biking and golf, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. The Retreat really does offer access to the best of south west France.

Oliver Approved

What you should know…

  • As well as six guests, two additional children can stay on request - please enquire
  • Pets are welcome on request - the owner has enclosed part of the vast grounds for dogs to enjoy
  • Air-conditioning is featured in the bedrooms only
  • Car hire is essential to be able to explore the surrounding area  

This home is a part of our Sustainable Collection!

To be part of the collection, homes must meet a minimum of four criteria from our sustainable checklist, or three from the checklist and have a daily carbon footprint of 5kg or lower, based on full occupancy per bedroom. View the full collection here >

This home meets the following criteria from our sustainable checklist:

  • Supports the local community (promotes local businesses)
  • Protects and conserves local Heritage
  • Promotes Sustainable Living (Recycling)
  • Travel by Train possible

Property Features

Private Pool Child-Safe Pool Heated Pool Saltwater Pool Wi-Fi/Internet Air-Con BBQ Ground Floor Bed & Bath TV Bicycles Provided Games Room Indoor Games Outdoor Games Table Tennis Working Fireplace/Woodburner Heating

Main Villa Interior (250m2 over two floors including a mezzanine level)

- Lounge and dining room (52m2) with open-fire
- Kitchen-diner (31m2), well-equipped
- Laundry room (basement)
- 2 x Double bedrooms
- Twin/double bedroom
- 2 bathrooms with showers and WC
- Separate WC

Outside Grounds

- Heated salt-water swimming pool (9mx4m), open April to October, with pool safety alarm
- Terraces
- BBQ
- Covered well
- 1 hectare parkland
- Secured area of parkland (200m2) for dogs
- Private parking for two cars

Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (bedrooms and living room)
- Heating
- Volleyball
- Football
- Table-tennis
- Badminton
- Bikes (these are kept in the garage so please ask the owner to use these)
- Basketball
- Washing machine

Location

About the surrounding area of The Retreat
Walk to Restaurant <1hr to Airport Canoeing/Kayaking Rural Location Walking/Hiking Paths Wine Tasting Golf Nearby Tennis Nearby Cycling Horse Riding Fishing Outstanding Landscapes Outdoor Pursuit & Activities Tourist Towns & Villages Historical Sites
Loading map

The Retreat is located in beautiful countryside in the Lot department, close to the Dordogne river. With wonderful views, just off a small country road, it’s a very tranquil place to stay. The local sleepy village (2km) has a hotel-restaurant (usually only open in summer months) where you can dine in the evenings.

You’ll find a bakery, butchers, restaurants, cafes and a lovely weekly market in nearby St Julien de Lampon (8km) or head over the Dordogne river to Souillac (11km) for a greater choice of large supermarkets. Be sure to visit the impressive Abbey Sainte-Marie in Souillac and even better combine with a trip to the atmospheric market on a Friday morning.

Head south to Gourdon (15km) with its honey stone coloured houses set beautifully on the hill and lovely warren of little streets. Beautifully preserved Rocamadour (32km) is another amazing place to visit, built on the edge of a cliff with the river at the bottom of the gorge.

The Dordogne department also hosts a wealth of beautiful villages and towns, many of them classed as France’s Plus Beaux Villages such as pretty Saint-Amand-de-Coly (41km), with the famous Lascaux caves nearby or the 13th century bastide village of Monpazier (59km). 

Sarlat (27km) is one of the area’s most famous towns with its maze of medieval narrow streets, lovely squares and amazing restaurants plus a famous market on a Saturday morning.

Other magical day trips include idyllic Domme (23km) high above the Dordogne river with its amazing caves, La Roque Gageac (28km), a perfect picture postcard village backed by steep cliffs and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (34km) just across the river. 

Visit the topiary gardens at Eyrignac (22km) which opens up on Monday evenings in the summer for picnics and dance or Les Jardins de Marqueyssac (32km) set high above the river which also open on Thursday evenings in the summer when you can explore by candlelight.

The whole region is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike offering a wide array of outdoor activities, from horse-back riding and tennis, mountain-biking, golfing and canoeing along the river, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. Children will love exploring prehistoric caves and parks and historic castles or even a magnificent hot air balloon ride across the stunning region. The more adventurous may enjoy tree-top activities in the forests near Sarlat.

Read more about Sarlat

Local Amenities
Nearest Airport Brive–Souillac/Bergerac

(33km/96km)

Nearest Train Station Gare de Souillac

(13km)

Nearest Ferry Port Ouistreham-Caen

(640km)

Nearest Village

(2km)

Nearest Restaurant Hotel-Restaurant in local village (summer only)

(1km)

Nearest Shop St Julien de Lampon

(8km)

Nearest Supermarket Souillac

(11km)

Nearest Town/City Souillac/Sarlat

(11km/27km)

Nearest Golf Résidence Souillac Golf & Country Club

(20km)

Region

One of France’s most visited destinations, Sarlat-la-Canéda is a beautiful medieval town with a superb reputation for its gastronomy. Staying near Sarlat allows you to experience the town’s rich heritage alongside its fine cuisine, whilst also being close to idyllic villages and natural scenery of the Périgord Noir, never far from the meandering Dordogne River.

Exquisitely restored, explore the old town with its warren of winding lanes with inviting shops, restaurants and characterful cafes. Take a guided tour to truly appreciate Sarlat’s rich history dating back to medieval and Renaissance times – the small yet attractive Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos de Sarlat, once a Benedictine abbey, is one of the main highlights of the town.

Spend time learning all about the region’s gastronomy, best experienced at the traditional outdoor market on a Saturday or Wednesday morning. Local specialities are of course served in Sarlat’s many excellent restaurants or bought in little shops across the town – look out for foie-gras, truffles, honey, chestnuts and walnuts. There is also an organic market on Thursday afternoons and a charming covered market near the cathedral.

If staying in the height of the summer, join in one of the region’s marchés nocturnes in nearby villages where you can enjoy local food amongst locals accompanied by good wine and music.

Elsewhere, visit the grand châteaux of the Dordogne (Château des Milandes and Château de Beynac are both less than half an hour away from Sarlat), stroll around elegant gardens (Les Jardins de Marqueyssac by candlelight is especially atmospheric) and visit picture-perfect riverside villages such as La Roque-Gageac and Domme, both classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Heading north instead, the famous caves of Lascaux are also within easy reach.  

Hot air balloon rides are a great way to admire the landscapes of the Périgord Noir or simply canoe along the Dordogne River in glorious surroundings. There are of course wonderful walks, tree-top adventure centres and fantastic cycling routes including the 29km-long voie verte stretching from Sarlat to Cazoulès following a former railway line passing magnificent Dordogne countryside.

Kids

Best Suited For: All Ages
Ideal for Kids Ideal for Teens Ideal for Xmas/NY

The area around the Dordogne river offers a wealth of activities for all ages and is very welcoming to families.

To keep the kids amused you could visit the toy museum in Souillac (11km), Musée de l'Automate or spend the day at Quercyland, a waterpark with all sorts of activities.
Kids may be fascinated by the famous Lascaux caves near the pretty village of Saint-Amand-de-Coly (41km) or visit the fascinating weekly market in the beautiful medieval town of Sarlat (27km).

There are picture postcard villages dotted along the Dordogne where you can hire canoes to paddle in idyllic surroundings. 

Indeed, the whole region is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike offering a wide array of outdoor activities, from horse-back riding to tennis and mountain-biking.

Children will love exploring prehistoric caves and parks and historic castles or even a magnificent hot air balloon ride across the stunning region. The more adventurous may enjoy tree-top activities in the forests near Sarlat.

Baby and Toddler Equipment

  • Cot(s)
  • High Chair(s)

Kids Activities Close-by

  • Walk to Restaurant
  • <1hr to Airport
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Tennis Nearby
  • Cycling
  • Horse Riding
  • Fishing
  • Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
  • Tourist Towns & Villages
  • Historical Sites

Onsite Facilities

  • Badminton
  • Bikes
  • Soccer
  • Child-Safe Pool
  • Heated Pool
  • Bicycles Provided
  • Games Room
  • Indoor Games
  • Outdoor Games
  • Table Tennis
  • Fenced Grounds

Services Available

  • Chef/Cook Available
  • Maid Service Available

Extras

Oliver's Extras

  • Chef/Cook Available
  • Maid Service 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 (payable locally):

- Maid service
- Chef

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

Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.

Security deposit €500 paid on arrival to the owners in cash in Euros (Pounds Sterling on request only) and refunded on departure subject to full inspection. Please note that access to the villa will not be possible without this payment.
Arrival time 2.00 p.m.
Departure time 9.00 a.m.
Energy costs included? Yes.
Linen & towels included? Yes, including pool towels.
Changeover day Saturday.
Minimum stay 4 nights in low season, 7 nights during all other periods.
Pets welcome? Yes, on request only and with prior agreement with the owner.
Smoking Allowed? Outside only.
End of stay cleaning included? Extra €150, payable locally. 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 garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.
Heating costs included? Yes.
Pool heating charge? No. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.
Other Ts and Cs The pool is usually open from April to 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.
Other Ts and Cs Stag/hen parties are not permitted. Weddings and other special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges.
Tax French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required).
Other Ts and Cs Air-conditioning is featured in the bedrooms and living room only.

Rental Rates

Prices based on an occupancy of 6 people:

Rental period 4 Nights 5 Nights Weekly
Oct 6th 2024 - Oct 19th 2024 - - £1,254
Oct 19th 2024 - Nov 2nd 2024 - - £1,584
Nov 2nd 2024 - Dec 23rd 2024 £717 £896 £1,254
Christmas & New Year - - £1,980
Jan 6th 2025 - Jan 30th 2025 £679 £849 £1,188
Jan 30th 2025 - Apr 5th 2025 £717 £896 £1,254
Apr 5th 2025 - May 3rd 2025 - - £1,584
May 3rd 2025 - May 31st 2025 - - £1,320
May 31st 2025 - Jun 21st 2025 - - £1,716
Jun 21st 2025 - Jun 28th 2025 - - £1,980
Jun 28th 2025 - Jul 5th 2025 - - £3,299
Jul 5th 2025 - Jul 12th 2025 - - £3,563
Jul 12th 2025 - Aug 16th 2025 - - £4,618
Aug 16th 2025 - Aug 23rd 2025 - - £4,223
Aug 23rd 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 - - £3,827
Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 6th 2025 - - £2,243
Sep 6th 2025 - Sep 20th 2025 - - £1,980
Sep 20th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025 - - £1,716
Sep 27th 2025 - Oct 4th 2025 - - £1,584
Oct 4th 2025 - Oct 18th 2025 - - £1,254
Oct 18th 2025 - Nov 1st 2025 - - £1,584
Nov 1st 2025 - Dec 22nd 2025 £717 £896 £1,254
Christmas & New Year - - £1,980
Jan 5th 2026 - Apr 9th 2026 £679 £849 £1,188

Prices based on an occupancy of 6 people:

Rental period 4 Nights 5 Nights Weekly
Oct 6th 2024 - Oct 19th 2024 - - $1,645
Oct 19th 2024 - Nov 2nd 2024 - - $2,078
Nov 2nd 2024 - Dec 23rd 2024 $941 $1,176 $1,645
Christmas & New Year - - $2,597
Jan 6th 2025 - Jan 30th 2025 $891 $1,114 $1,559
Jan 30th 2025 - Apr 5th 2025 $941 $1,176 $1,645
Apr 5th 2025 - May 3rd 2025 - - $2,078
May 3rd 2025 - May 31st 2025 - - $1,732
May 31st 2025 - Jun 21st 2025 - - $2,251
Jun 21st 2025 - Jun 28th 2025 - - $2,597
Jun 28th 2025 - Jul 5th 2025 - - $4,329
Jul 5th 2025 - Jul 12th 2025 - - $4,675
Jul 12th 2025 - Aug 16th 2025 - - $6,060
Aug 16th 2025 - Aug 23rd 2025 - - $5,541
Aug 23rd 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 - - $5,021
Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 6th 2025 - - $2,944
Sep 6th 2025 - Sep 20th 2025 - - $2,597
Sep 20th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025 - - $2,251
Sep 27th 2025 - Oct 4th 2025 - - $2,078
Oct 4th 2025 - Oct 18th 2025 - - $1,645
Oct 18th 2025 - Nov 1st 2025 - - $2,078
Nov 1st 2025 - Dec 22nd 2025 $941 $1,176 $1,645
Christmas & New Year - - $2,597
Jan 5th 2026 - Apr 9th 2026 $891 $1,114 $1,559

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.

Reviews

  • Beautiful cottage

    on 09/06/2024

    Beautiful cottage in scheduled location. Owner Phillipe is lovely friendly and welcoming.

  • Lovely House

    on 18/09/2023

    Lovely house. Worked really well for us with our two young children. Everything we needed was there and there was also ac downstairs in the lounge which was a real bonus with an 8 month old. Thee view from the garden is amazing.
    Worth saying some elements have been change since the photos were taken but nothing massive.
    Also worth noting that the garden (whilst absolutely lovely!) boarders to road and is not fenced in which isn’t ideal with little kids.

  • Lovely property

    on 17/08/2023

    Such a lovely gite. The owner was charming and visited on arrival. Beautiful setting and remote with plenty of space and pool to use. Would love to visit again

  • Remote and beautiful house

    on 18/07/2023

    Beautiful house in idyllic location. Views of meadows, forests and rolling countryside go on forever. Very remote but loads of lovely villages within 10 minute drive with everything you need for a stay in France. Perfect for local attractions like Sarlat, Rocamadour and chateaux and caves a plenty. The owner is really helpful and lovely. Enjoy your stay.

  • Idyllic, total relaxation

    on 11/07/2023

    We simply adored our stay at The Retreat. We loved the house and especially the garden. We could never tire of the view. The house had everything that we needed and we were very grateful for the air conditioning! Philippe kept the grounds and pool immaculate. The location in the little hamlet of Nadaillac de rouge was peaceful and exactly what we wanted. We will be back next year.

  • Peace and Tranquility

    on 30/06/2023

    Beautiful rural gite in a quiet location with easy access [20 mins max] to local town and supermarkets. Walking distance to a lovely hotel and restaurant that supplied bread and croissants required. Wonderful swimming pool and sunbathing area. Two nice sitting areas at the front of the gite for sunny breakfasts and at the rear for balmy sunny evenings. Also under cover which helped since we had a few storms so could still sit outside.
    Very well equipped kitchen and very roomy and comfortable inside.

  • Peaceful retreat

    on 04/06/2023

    We had a wonderful stay - the house was perfect for us. Peaceful with lots of outdoor space and a great pool. The house is well equipped and comfortable with everything you need for a stay away from home. Philippe was very welcoming and helpful. We recommend this as a great option for those who want some peace and quiet whilst still being close enough for lots of great places to explore. We hope to return.

  • Quiet stay in beautiful French countryside

    on 16/05/2023

    We had an amazing week at this house. The house had everything we needed, and was clean and bright. We walked a short 12 mins each morning to the local hotel Chastrusse for fresh croissants and baguettes. The town of Souillac was a 15 min drive away, and had grocery stores, green grocers, butchers, bakers etc. Philippe was very helpful, answered any questions we had, and made us feel welcome. Communication was easy. We are so glad we found this house to stay, and would come back in a heart beat. Merci, Philippe!!!

  • Beautiful house!

    on 07/05/2023

    Beautiful house in such a peaceful beautiful area….great host.

  • A nice property for us

    on 03/03/2023

    Amazing views from the property, very quiet area with good access to amenities in Souillac. This is a lovely area of France, lots of villages & chateaus nearby to visit and only 10mins to the Dordogne river. The house itself is large and has everything you need, we did have some issues with the outside space during our stay which were a concern due to having young children & babies in our group, we were in regular contact with Phillipe during the start of our stay to try to resolve these. Great property if you are looking for a good base for exploring the area.

  • Holidays in the heart of nature

    on 14/02/2023


    We had a great week of vacation. The whole family was delighted. The house is close to all the beautiful sites. We will come back with pleasure.

  • Magnificent house in its green setting

    on 23/01/2023

    Beautiful house in its green setting! Philippe gave us a very warm welcome and responded to all our requests very quickly. Spacious house, well equipped, sublime setting, close to superb sites and very quiet environment! Ideal for a family and with a small baby. All amenities within 15 minutes and all sites within 30 minutes, restaurant 3 minutes away. We had a fabulous stay and would highly recommend!

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