Villa Shambhala
Overview
Last Minute May: 30% Discount!
30% off advertised prices for all available weeks in May 2018.
Discount will be applied at the time of booking. Offer valid 9th May - 2nd June 2018.
Original artwork, dreamy sunsets, swans on the river and the best wines in the world….Villa Shambhala is a feast for the senses and a truly unique and exceptional place to stay.
The mesmerising Dordogne River is literally at the villa’s feet at the bottom of a set of steps and life on the river is very much at the heart of this home – swans glide along the water, wildlife comes and goes, locals pass by on canoes, whilst others try their luck at fishing.
Understandably, Villa Shambhala takes full advantage of this prestigious setting with plenty of outdoor spaces to soak in all the beauty. The fountain garden with table and chairs is the perfect place to sit and watch the river activity whilst sipping coffee and reading a book. The roof terrace treats guests to spectacular sunsets over the river at ‘apéritif’ time. There is also a new ‘salle d’été’ and additional terraces to while away the hours sipping local wine in the sunshine or under the star-filled sky.
Inside, the villa showcases the owner’s creative flair and artistic talent. Original paintings adorn the walls and the décor is stylish and elegant. When in residence, the owner who has an art studio (discretely tucked away) and who is also a wine expert, can organise wine tastings at the villa or at local wineries and châteaux.
From the villa, it's a scenic walk to coffee and croissants in the nearest town, Pessac. A 20-minute drive will take you to charming Saint-Émilion, where world class restaurants sit beside ancient ruins. The fabulous city of Bordeaux, with its new ‘Cité du Vin’ is a must see town and only an hour away.
Villa Shambhala is a rare find. Where natural beauty and man-made beauty work in harmony to create the most perfect holiday experience.
What Oliver loves…
- Riverside strolls, swimming, fishing and canoeing are a great way to be part of life on the river
- The new honesty bar in the ‘salle d’été’ is stocked up with local wines, champagne and limited edition labels designed by the owner and also available for sale – what a great souvenir to take back home
- Eli Faure, a renowned art historian, used to live in the house next door and many other artists were regulars in the area – it is not surprising that the owner, also an artist, fell in love with Villa Shambhala.
- The garden and courtyard are walled and enclosed making it easier to supervise the little ones
- The owner’s welcome pack of local wine and homemade products
What you should know…
- The top floor has an original beam that runs across the landing. If you’re very tall, watch your head upstairs!
- In 2017 only, bikes are available and the owner will charge a small fee of 50 Euros per week for their upkeep. The owner can also advise on a local company for hiring bikes
Property Features
Villa Shambhala - 8 guests/4 bedrooms/2 bathrooms
Ground Floor
- One double bedroom with en-suite shower room with bath, single wash-basin and WC. This garden bedroom opens onto the fountain courtyard and has its own LCD Flat screen TV.
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Living and dining room
- Guest WC
First Floor
- 3 double bedrooms (one of which can be made up as 2 single beds)
- 1 shower room with double wash-basin and bidet
- Separate WC
3 bedrooms have spectacular river views whilst the other one looks out over the beautifully designed garden. Two of the bedrooms have doors that open out onto the roof terrace with breathtaking views of the Dordogne River.
Honesty Bar - new for Summer 2017
The fridge will be stocked with a selection of red, white and rose' wines as well as champagne! All bottles have design labels created by Eric Bourse. A limited edition of print labels will be available for sale in the artist studio.
Outside Grounds
- 4 separate relaxing areas:
1. The Sall d’Ete, especially designed for 'al fresco' dining so that the charms of the region's produce and climate can be enjoyed in style. There is a gas BBQ a fridge/freezer with ice-making machine and sofas.
2. Roof terrace for relaxing on one of the sun loungers and later to watch the sun setting on the Dordogne while enjoying a glass of wine and later in the evening watching the stars
3. The Fountain Garden, excellent for eating and drinking
4. The private garden on the river bank with private access to the boat on the river
- Private steps lead down to the Dordogne river edge allowing you to fish right at the foot of the property. Or why not use the boat which seats 6 people and enjoy the scenery from the river.
- Off-street parking for two cars
Facilities
- Log Fire
- Internet access
- Large flat screen TV in sitting room, DVD player
- Fans in all bedrooms
- CD player
- Iron/Ironing board
- Toiletries
- Barbecue
- Use of the boat (6 persons)
- Private garden on the river
- Roof terrace overlooking river with hammock
- 2 travel cots and bedding
- 8 sunbeds
- 4 parasols
- Picnic basket, rug and cool boxes
- Juicer
- Outdoor fridge and honesty bar
The welcoming climate and stunning scenery of the Dordogne encourage exploration, and the region ...
Read moreLocation
About the surrounding area of Villa ShambhalaThe welcoming climate and stunning scenery of the Dordogne encourage exploration, and the region has many treasures to delight wine connoisseurs, gourmets, artists and activity enthusiasts alike.
Make the most out of the Dordogne river and enjoy the many outdoor activities such as boating, canoeing, fishing, bird-watching and a lot more.
The chic bustle of St Emilion, only twenty minutes from Shambhala, offers stylish boutiques, contemporary fine art and world class restaurants. Following the Dordogne and Lot waterways will reward the explorer with many new delights, as charming villages and market towns such as Bergerac, Souillac and Cahors were established through trade along their banks.
Bordeaux is an elegant city filled with architectural delights. The visitor can enjoy the narrow streets of the old town, stunning 18th Century mansion houses, the neoclassical theatre and wide boulevards lined with boutique shops in this diverse and attractive city.
Along the Dordogne are many fine chateaux such as Beynac and Monpazier, mainly built for military action against England during the 100 Years’ War. Each summer only ten minutes from Shambhala a dramatic battle re-enactment is held at Castillon de Bataille (July and August). The home of the philosopher Michel Montaigne is only 10 minutes away, and there are fine Gallo-Roman mosaics to be seen in the neighbouring village of Montcaret.
The traditional French hamlet location is a peaceful centre from which to explore the region, with excellent amenities close by.
The local village of Pessac is a lazy walk along the Dorgogne where you can take a coffee, drink and pick up fresh croissants and papers while enjoying the beautiful countryside, vineyards, apple orchards and walnut groves. When you reach the village there is a small supermarket, boulangerie, tobacconist, hair salon and two restaurants. Slightly further out you have Castillon and Sante Foy that have larger supermarkets and various markets throughout the week which specialise in local produce.
The nearby Chateau Bauduc, favoured by Gordon Ramsay and Rick Stein, is a must for wine connoisseurs and offers a programme of tours and tastings, with private visits by arrangement. Wine tours of the many local vineyards are a wonderful chance to sample world-renowned names. Chateau Monbazillac is at Bergerac and St Emilion, Cahors and others are all nearby, offering a chance to sample outstanding wines on the soil where the grapes are grown.
To accompany the wines are many famous traditional cheeses, truffles, mushrooms, duck and goose delicacies such as foie gras. The wealth of gourmet produce makes this area a paradise for foodies, who will be delighted by the local markets of Castillon, Sante Foy and Libourne. This passion for fine produce is reflected in the many excellent restaurants throughout the region. Private wine-tasting is available at The Villa as well wine-tasting tours and Chateaux visits.
Kid's Activities:
- Zoo de Bordeaux 1 hr
- Water Park Bordeaux 1 hr
- Aquarium du Perigord Nord Le Bugue 1hr 25 min
- Chateua Bridoire 40 min
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Bergerac / Bordeaux
(45 min / 1 h 15 min) |
||
| Nearest Golf | Chateau Vigiers/ Castillon la Bataille / St Emilion | ||
| Nearest Village |
Pessac-sur-Dordogne
(1 km ) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
(2 km ) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Pessac-sur-Dordogne
(1.7 km ) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Pessac-sur-Dordogne
(1 km ) |
||
| Nearest Tennis | Pessac-sur-Dordogne / Velines | ||
| Nearest Beach |
Lac de Gurcon / La Canau
(25 min / 1 h) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Velines
(8 km ) |
||
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesA “baby go lightly package” comprising of the following equipment is offered at Villa Shambhala:
High Chair
Cot
Stairgate
Play pen
Pushchair
Baby walker
Baby intercom
Baby toys
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Baby bath : x1
- Changing mat : x2
- Stair gates
- Plastic crockery
- Pushchair
Kids Activities Close-by
- Canoeing/kayaking
- Horse riding
- Historical sites
- Watersports
- Biking
Onsite Facilities
- Children's videos/DVDs
- Children's books
- Board Games
- Pool Inflatables : and pool toys
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- Bike hire available (at extra cost)
- Early check-in for luggage available
- Private art classes available on request
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From pr...
Read moreExtras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- Bike hire available (at extra cost)
- Early check-in for luggage available
- Private art classes available on request
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
Extras available at this property:
- Complimentary welcome hamper with wine and homemade products
- Mid-week clean (€12/hour)
- Laundry service (€10/hour)
- Babysitting service (€15/hour)
- Early check-in for luggage
Wine Tours
If you have a passion for wines and want to know more about them, your time here will be delightfully spent. The owner, Kit organises very special wine tours of small groups to see famous cellars of St Emilion from the inside.
Kit is often on hand to advise on sightseeing and wine tours or to leave you in peace. She also runs art and wine courses.
Art Courses
Experiential art company ‘Live in Art’ has launched a series of new residential art courses taught by acclaimed French contemporary artist Eric Bourse.
The location of the courses is Live in Art’s first permanent ‘living gallery’ space and studio, the luxurious Villa Shambhala on the banks of the beautiful Dordogne river in south west France. With its dedicated art studio and gallery space, direct private river access and only 20 minutes from world UNESCO site Saint-Emilion, it’s the perfect spot for an inspirational weekend of painting and wine tasting in the Dordogne.
Take full advantage of the expert teaching techniques of Eric Bourse who will offer you a personal guidance in developing skills and personal style through the versatile medium of acrylics. All abilities are welcome – beginners wanting a taster session to start them on their painting journey or more experienced painters who want to develop their style and technique. All materials and equipment needed to take part in the course will be provided with a small canvas completed to take home at the end of the course.
The art studio at Villa Shambhala has been developed under Eric’s direction and is hung with Eric’s own work, as well as used as his own working space. Villa Shambhala is also hung as a ‘living gallery’ of Eric’s work and other French contemporary artists.
Please note the art studio is a private area with a separate access to it.
Bike Hire
A local bike hiring company which offer helmets and full insurance for all ages and sizes is available.
Contact us for full details.
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!
Enjoy gourmet dining experiences with our new Chef Service!
We’re now offering our customers the chance to enjoy some unforgettable eats with our new Chef Service! Choose from booking a single sumptuous meal with a private chef for that special occasion, or hire a chef to cook your meals for all or part of your holiday - it’s as flexible as it is delicious.
A) Single Meal Service: A chef will travel to this villa and whip up a fantastic meal for you and your guests. The chef will arrive with all the necessary ingredients as well as the talent to turn them into something unforgettable. They’ll serve the meal and clear up afterwards - an easy and entertaining way to enjoy a top quality meal in your very own villa!
B) Full Chef Service: If you really want to kick back and relax, we can arrange for a chef to cater for the duration of your holiday (or part of it). With a range of options from simple family catering to full-on haute cuisine, we can organise a meal plan and a price to suit your needs. So why worry about self-catering when you can have everything taken care of?
Of course, before booking this service, we suggest you contact the property owner as they might already offer a similar cook or chef service in-house. To find out more simply visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs.
| Security deposit | £500 charged to clients' credit card prior to arrival. |
| Arrival time | 16.00 |
| Departure time | 10.00 |
Terms & Conditions
| Security deposit | £500 charged to clients' credit card prior to arrival. |
| Arrival time | 16.00 |
| Departure time | 10.00 |
| Energy costs included? | Included. |
| Linen & towels included? | Included. |
| Pets welcome? | Yes at an additional charge of €50/week. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Included. Please leave the property in the state you found it. This includes the oven and BBQ - please clean after use. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No smoking. |
| Insurance | It is recommended that all guests take out insurance to cover against potential cancellation and any accidental damage caused during your stay at the property. |
| Other 2 | For insurance purposes, all exterior doors and windows must be locked when away from the property. The owner of the property will not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or consequential losses due to theft or any other security related incidents. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27th 2018 - June 30th 2018 | - | - | £2,648.00 |
| June 30th 2018 - July 14th 2018 | - | - | £2,832.00 |
| July 14th 2018 - August 25th 2018 | - | - | £3,079.00 |
| August 25th 2018 - September 1st 2018 | - | - | £2,832.00 |
| September 1st 2018 - September 29th 2018 | - | - | £2,648.00 |
| September 29th 2018 - October 27th 2018 | - | - | £2,106.00 |
| October 27th 2018 - December 22nd 2018 | - | - | £2,032.00 |
| December 22nd 2018 - January 5th 2019 | - | - | £2,580.00 |
| January 5th 2019 - April 13th 2019 | - | - | £2,032.00 |
| April 13th 2019 - May 25th 2019 | - | - | £2,340.00 |
| May 25th 2019 - June 29th 2019 | - | - | £2,648.00 |
| June 29th 2019 - July 13th 2019 | - | - | £2,832.00 |
| July 13th 2019 - August 24th 2019 | - | - | £3,079.00 |
| August 24th 2019 - August 31st 2019 | - | - | £2,832.00 |
| August 31st 2019 - September 28th 2019 | - | - | £2,648.00 |
| September 28th 2019 - October 26th 2019 | - | - | £2,106.00 |
| October 26th 2019 - November 28th 2019 | - | - | £2,032.00 |
Name: Kit Bentley
How long have you owned the property:
16years
What did you fall in love with?
I fell i...
Owner Profile
Name: Kit Bentley
How long have you owned the property:
16years
What did you fall in love with?
I fell in love with the romantic fairy tale setting on the banks of The Dordogne. I immediately called my home Shambhala, a place of peace, tranquility and happiness
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
In the 19th Century the famous art historian Élie Faure lived next door, he wrote the History of Art in France. The house was visited by many artists including Diego Rivera and Soutine. Picasso painted his portrait in 1922, the year Élie Faure bought the house, he was frequently visited by Charlie Chaplin.
Villa Shambhala continues in this artistic tradition and houses a working artist studio.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Many
For any one coming to stay what should they really do?
Soak up the Spirit of Shambhala and the magic of the Dordogne.
What should one really eat?
Foie gras, truffles and cepes. Walnuts with cabacou cheese, figs and honey.
What should one really see?
St Emilion and the numerous chateaux, Medieval bastides, market towns,
Bordeaux and the Cite du Vin. The wild life of The Dordogne.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property and the area?
Escapism from city life. Getting back to nature and watching the early morning mist on the river revealing the swans gliding silently by and soaking up the glory of the evening skies, watching the stars from the roof terrace.
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 >>
Reviews
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Spot On!
We had a wonderful stay at Villa Shambala. A beautiful, spacious, country home with lovely furnishings, and amenities. Just as it was described on the website. We would highly recommend and return ourselves.
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A peaceful place
Dear Kit and Eric, We stayed for a month and watched Spring unfold in 2017. The spring arrived with blossoming trees exploding in colour and the swans nesting on the Dordogne river. A promise that Life can begin anew sealed with a beautiful double rainbow on the patio at Villa Shambhala. Thank you so much for sharing your peaceful place. With Aloha, PennyLes
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A holiday to remember
We've had a fantastic holiday staying at Villa Shambhala, which has everything we have needed to make our stay special. As a family (2 girls aged 7 and 8) we have enjoyed exploring the area, especially our kayak adventure on the river, cycling in Creon and a visit to Chateau Bridoire. It's been a holiday to remember. Many thanks for your hospitality.
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A truly magical place
Dearest Kit, what can I say. Thank you, thank you for sharing your beautiful house with me and my family. It truly is a magical place, and one I know I will return for many years to come. Perfectly suited for adults and young children. the boys especially loved the glorious bike rides through the vineyards, boating, and enjoyed new adventures at Lac de Garçon (highly recommend this place), 20 min car drive and fabulous activity for children. St Emilion is a dream come true for adults and the train ride enjoyable by all the family.
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Thank you for the wonderful time
Thank you so much, we have had a wonderful time. Just wish we could stay for at least another week.
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Everything we needed
Thank you for a lovely, relaxing stay. I enjoyed the garden and the house had everything we needed. All set now for our the next part of our travels. Thanks from all of us.
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We would love to come back
Dear Kit, thank you for a fantastic stay and your hospitality. We would love to come back. Love and best wishes.
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Sharron, Jonathan and children April 2016
Our stay at Villa Shambhala was a really welcome break, the house is beautiful with great size rooms and a warm welcoming living room with doors opening out on to a terrace overlooking the river. The weather wasn't kind but the location was, amazing views, vineyards galore and a restaurant to walk to. We made use of the bikes provided, we went fishing in the river, we had lovely walks. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind after the long drive down. At night the log fire was a great focal point for us to sit around and play games or chat and even watch a DVD.
It is difficult to put a negative point down about the house, if anything it would be the lack of a pool, but we believe that may be on its way.
Great holiday and we would love to go back. -
Villa Shambhala - Holiday Heaven
The villa is set in a beautiful location on the banks of the river Dordogne and deep in the heart of Bordeaux wine country. Holiday heaven was achieved sitting in the beautiful surroundings either inside with all the gorgeous furnishings or outside in the salle d’été – which is an outside dining area with every facility provided. Exploring the area is a delight; visiting markets, bastide towns and the wine country. All provide the setting for some fantastic photographs. The villa has all the amenities provided; serious sunbathers will have their pick of terraces to lounge on and pedal bikes are there for anyone who would like to explore further. All the travel and car hire arrangements went without a hitch so thanks to Flora for arranging it all so well. Thank you to Oliver’s Travels for the holiday of a lifetime. You will not have a better holiday if you choose Villa Shambhala. I guarantee it.
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It has been a delight from start to finish
Dear Kit, I would like to say thank you for the pleasure and privilege of staying in your wonderful villa. It has been a delight from start to finish. The area is beautiful and we have loved our time here. I have looked after your villa with love and care. Eve's artwork is a real bonus and you have birds nesting in the pot just outside the terrace doors. How did you arrange that? We are really grateful for your kindness and generosity.
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We look forward to coming back!
Dear Kit, thank you so much for a fabulous holiday. The Dordogne has so much to offer and is so beautiful We look forward to coming back!
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Fantastic Place
Villa Shambhala is very Place to take your vacation , you can enjoy every moment, Also it is a good place for children.
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Wonderful villa - Far exceeded my expectations
Villa Shambhala is truly breath-taking and far exceeded my expectations. The owner – Kit – could not have been more accommodating, welcoming us on arrival and showing us around. The villa is spectacular and finished to such a high standard, the kitchen is well-furnished and the beds so comfy that if it wasn’t for the beautiful surroundings you could easily stay in bed all day. Whilst there we made the most of walking along the river, borrowing bikes from the villa to cycle around the vine yards and sampling the delights of the local market. We had beautiful weather so had long lunches outside in the beautiful courtyard, then got the fire going in the evening for a snuggly night in. Perfect break, couldn’t recommend it more!
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I love villa Shambhala!
Thank you Kit for a really super weekend at Shambhala. Everything was beautiful and so comfortable, and the views of the Dordogne from your terrace are out of this world. I wish you luck with your art projects with Eric Bourse. See you soon and expect many more bookings from us.
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Villa Shambhala
Villa Shambhala is a real treasure; we are almost reluctant to leave a review and draw more attention to it (risking making it difficult to rebook)!
The beautiful villa is peacefully situated besides the serene Dordorgne and comes complete with mountain bikes and a rowing boat. The accomadation both inside and outside is excellent and very comfortable, spacious and stylish - perfect for larger groups.
A car is essential. We also used the train (Velines) for giving older teenagers some independence - they even travelled from Plymouth to Bordeaux (via Lille) and returned by train.
There are supermarkets about 20 minutes away and more wonderful local morning markets than you can cope with. We visited Bordeaux, Bergerac, Sarlat, St Emillion and numerous smaller towns with ease. We also hired canoes locally and spent an afternoon on the Dordorgne watching herons.
Kit is amazing and really helpful with advice for exploring the area and it's culture.
Thank you - we loved it!! -
Amazing Stay
Yes, we enjoyed our stay tremendously! The villa was in impeccable condition, wonderfully decorated, clean and comfortable, with lovely outdoor spaces and a great view of the river. The villa was fully equipped, we had everything we needed (including a fully functional barbeque!) and instantly felt at home. We also found bikes in the shed and went for a wonderful bicycle ride along the river and surrounding fields! It was also great to meet the owner Kit Bentley, who was staying at the next door house at the time. She was exceedingly helpful and great fun to chat to over a glass of wine.
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Fantastic Holiday
We have just returned from holiday in Villa Shambhala and would like to say that it is probably the best holiday accomodation that we have ever been lucky enough to stay in. It was superbly appointed and beautifully decorated throughout. The equipment provided both in the kitchen and outdoors was superb, there really is no need to bring a thing with you, there were even DVD's for the kids, bikes and a little boat - (although we did not use this due to the river being very high). The owners were wonderful and so helpful, even so far as providing a little welcome package for us when they realised that it would be impossible for us to shop on an Easter Sunday, the day of our arrival. We had a fabulous stay and will be back we hope with a larger luggage allowance to take back a few more bottles than the 3 that Air Lingus allowed us. Visit this region if you are interested in wine (obviously), architecture, walled towns, wildlife and peace and quiet - not a very kid friendly area unless your children are content to do these things (which thankfully ours were!).
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Thank you so so much for an amazing stay
Thank you so so much for an amazing stay. A wonderful place to unwind and spend time with the family. Thank you Kit for all your help and for helping us with places to visit. We had a lovely time especially the day spent canoeing on the river.
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Perfection
Perfection........Merci Beaucoup!!!
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An amazing house in a magical location
An amazing house in a magical location. Thank you so much. I will miss sitting on the sun terrace, drinking wine looking onto the Dordogne....simply beautiful! See you next time!
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The most relaxing holiday we have ever had
We just wanted to thankyou for the most relaxing holiday we have ever had. The house and setting were stunning and we would have no hesitation in recommendeing Shambhala to all our friends. We really hope to be able to stay again in the future. Thanks for the wine it was a very kind thought.
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