Manoir La Grande

About this property

In a small hamlet on the banks of the Dordogne river, just a short bike ride from one of the region’s most loved Saturday morning markets, Manoir La Grande is a stunning house and charming cottage set in the most beautiful grounds with river views, a gorgeous swimming pool and such character all around you.

Located close to Bergerac and well positioned for visiting Saint-Émilion and Bordeaux, this is a jewel of a family home whether you’re wishing to experience some of southern France’s finest wine appellations or simply spend valuable time with loved ones. The traditional manor house dates back to the late 18th century and features so many original features from marble floors and exposed stone walls to high beamed ceilings. You can sense the manoir’s heritage as you relax in one of the two salons with a perfect blend of antique and modern furnishings or feast by the roaring fire and antique grandfather clock in the dining room, all with French doors leading out to the glorious gardens.

Yet there are so many contemporary touches too, especially since the house’s renovation in recent years. The kitchen has been completely re-done to please the keenest of cooks whilst the restful bedrooms feature wool carpets, Bluetooth speakers and new en suite bathrooms. We especially love the top floor suite with its super king-size bed and freestanding bath alongside its own lounge with a Smart TV, kettle, mini-fridge and views down to the Dordogne river.

A French country cottage set within the gardens adds the option of two further bedrooms alongside a modern kitchen and a light-filled living-dining room with an original Perigordian fireplace, the true heart of the home. A vine-covered terrace is a wonderful spot for breakfast looking out to the lawns and fruit trees - there’s ample figs, peaches, plums, apples and pears to pick throughout the summer.

Indeed, the two acres of mature grounds are glorious with ancient trees, a wildflower terrace overlooking the Dordogne and a picture-perfect swimming pool surrounded by climbing roses, jasmine and lavender. There are so many places for a quiet coffee or lively al-fresco meals as well as an outdoor bar, games room, a trampoline and football goal.

Surrounded by forests, vineyards and of course the river, make the most of the manoir’s bikes and follow the river road to the nearest village, shop and café-bar, only 2km away. Also within a short cycle or drive is historic Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, a picturesque bastide town resting on the banks of the Dordogne with one of the region’s biggest and best markets.

Find good walking and hiking routes direct from the house or discover the landscapes by canoeing along the Dordogne. Head further afield to explore yet more archetypal villages such as Issigeac, Eymet and Monpazier, visit wonderful wineries and dine out in restaurants from rustic bistros to Michelin starred establishments serving the finest French cuisine from this alluring region.

Set in a small hamlet just metres from the Dordogne river, Manoir La Grande is ideally positioned between Bergerac and Bordeaux, a fantastic location for exploring this wonderful region.

Gaze down to the Dordogne river from your lawned garden terrace and watch fishing boats, kayaks and swans glide by – only a road separates the manoir’s grounds from the banks of the river.

Make the most of the manoir’s bikes and cycle to local villages and towns or hop in the car for a short drive. The nearest village, under 2km away, has a useful small supermarket and café-bar. It’s also known for its firework production – if staying in mid-July then be sure to find a perfect spot on the village’s bridge over the Dordogne and watch one of the most spectacular firework displays.

Both Port-Sainte-Foy and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande are around 4km by bike or car where you will find a wider range of amenities including restaurants and larger supermarkets as well as canoeing and kayaking opportunities. It’s a joy to spend time in historic Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, a picturesque bastide town on the banks of the Dordogne with one of the best and biggest weekly markets in the region and also home to an atmospheric Marché Nocturne every week on summer evenings in July and August. On non-market days you can appreciate the town’s charm as you admire its timbered houses, medieval lanes and characterful squares.

Issigeac, about 40km away, is a picture-postcard worthy village with a brilliant Sunday morning market whilst other idyllic villages include Eymet and, a little further afield, Monpazier (66km), classified as one of France’s prettiest villages. Duras is another gem within easy reach, part of the Lot et Garonne where you will find yet more undulating scenery close to the Dropt river.

Manoir Bijoux is also within easy reach of Bergerac, about half an hour by car. Enjoy a ride on a traditional Gabarre boat along the Dordogne, then stop off in a charming café terrace for a relaxing lunch. There is so much to learn about Bergerac’s wine heritage – visit the Maison des Vins in the heart of the town or spend time visiting the surrounding vineyards and wineries including the well-known Château de Monbazillac and its sweet white wines.

Saint-Émilion, only 36km away, is a must-see not only for its enchanting hilltop village but also its vineyards which are listed as a unesco World Heritage site. Or spend time in the exciting city of Bordeaux (70km), home to grand buildings, many excellent restaurants, the impressive Garonne river and of course wines that are known throughout the world.

Accommodation

1) Manoir Only, 6 bedrooms & 6 bathrooms (18-person price)
2) Manoir and Cottage (22-person price)
Manoir Interiors (sleeps up to 14 guests plus an additional 4 children using folding beds in two salons)

Ground Floor
-    Entrance hall and cloakroom (with WC)
-    Lounge with open fireplace, 65-inch Smart TV, sofas and seating
-    Second lounge with open fireplace, sofas and seating, books, board games and chess, two large wine fridges, tea and coffee making facilities and two sets of doors leading to terrace and al-fresco lounge
-    Dining room with dining table for up to 10 guests and doors leading to terrace and garden
-    Snug with open fireplace, sofa, armchair, small dining table for 6 guests and French door leading to rear terrace
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped with door leading out to pool area
-    Utility room

First Floor

-    Landing with armchair and antique desk
-    Suite (59m2, 3 guests and child) including master bedroom with super king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with large walk-in shower and WC. Separate lounge with day bed, armchairs, books, desk and space for a folding bed for a child  
-    Bedroom (48m2, 2 guests) with super king-size double bed, armchairs and en suite bathroom with bath/shower and WC
-    Bedroom (29m2, 2 guests) with super king-size double bed, two chairs and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and WC
-    Bedroom (32m2, 2 guests) with super king-size double bed, two armchairs, desk and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower, large bathtub and WC

Second Floor (private staircase, fairly steep)

-    Family bedroom (attic room with sloping ceilings, 9x4m, 3 guests and child) with king-size double bed and single bed. Space for a folding bed for a child. En suite bathroom with large walk-in shower and WC

Second Floor (separate staircase)

-    Office with desk and chair
-    Suite (72m2, 2 guests and two children) including master bedroom with super king-size double bed, wood beamed ceilings and freestanding bathtub on raised teak platform. Bathroom with walk-in shower, two sinks and WC. Separate lounge with sofa, armchairs, dining table, Smart TV, mini-fridge, Bluetooth speaker, tea/coffee making facilities, books and space for two folding beds for a child
Cottage Interiors (125m2, around 100m from the Manoir)
-    Open-plan living and dining room with large Perigordian open fireplace, sofa, two armchairs, TV with Netflix, Amazon and French channels, DVD player, Bluetooth speaker and dining table with six chairs
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped including electric oven and hob, dishwasher, large fridge-freezer and microwave oven-grill
-    Master bedroom (6x5m) with king-size double bed and door leading to garden
-    Bedroom (6x2.5m) with king-size double bed
-    Utility room (accessed via master bedroom) including washing machine, safe and ironing facilities
-    Bathroom with bath, overhead shower and sink
-    Separate WC

Two folding beds can be added to the bedrooms or lounge on request and within advance notice only

Outside Grounds (2 acres)

-    Swimming pool (5x10m, depth: 0.5-1.5m) with waterfall feature, safety alarm and thermal cover. Open approximately May (or April if weather is good enough) to end-October
-    Sun-loungers, parasols and garden furnishings
-    Poolside dining area with tables to seat up to 20 guests
-    Gravel terrace area with table, chairs and lounge area
-    Al-fresco dining terrace (manoir and cottage)
-    Gas and charcoal barbecue
-    Outdoor bar with fridge, darts, Bluetooth speaker and games
-    Table tennis and pool/snooker table
-    Lawned terrace with views of Dordogne river
-    Trampoline
-    Five-a-side football goal and football
-    Bikes
-    Boules
-    Mature grounds and fruit trees
-    Pigeonnier
-    Parking (8-10 cars by Manoir, two by cottage)
-    Gated entrances (one for Manoir, one for cottage)

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating
-    Working fireplaces (x4)
-    Fans
-    Smart TV (x2) with English channels, Netflix and Amazon Prime
-    TV with Netxflix, Amazon Prime and French channels (cottage)
-    DVD player and library (cottage)
-    Alexa smart speakers
-    Bluetooth speakers
-    Wireless printer/scanner/copier
-    X-Box and old Wii
-    Hi-Fi system
-    Pool/snooker
-    Outdoor bar with dartboard
-    Table tennis
-    Trampoline
-    Five-a-side football goal and ball
-    Bikes
-    Board games/chess etc
-    Children's toys and games
-    Boules
-    Pool inflatables
-    Fishing rods
-    Mosquito screens (all bedroom/bathroom windows)