Villa Shambhala

About this property

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.

Villa Shambhala also benefits from its own private swimming pool, set in an enclosed courtyard reached via the salle d’été.

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.

From the villa, 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.

The 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 just 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. 

Kid's Activities:
- Zoo de Bordeaux 1 hr
- Water Park Bordeaux 1 hr
- Aquarium du Perigord Nord Le Bugue 1hr 25 min
- Chateau Bridoire 40 min

Accommodation

Villa Interior

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
- Fully equipped kitchen including dishwasher and juicer
- 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
- 1 shower room
- 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 

The fridge will be stocked with a selection of red, white and rosé 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
- Private pool (size:7x4.5m, depth:1.3m) with corner steps, open approximately Easter to end-October. Located in an enclosed walled courtyard accessed through the villa's salle d’été 
- Salle d’Ete with gas barbecue, sofas, fridge-freezer and ice-making machine. An area especially designed for 'al fresco' dining so that the charms of the region's produce and climate can be enjoyed in style
- 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
- The Fountain Garden, excellent for eating and drinking with stunning river views and magical sunsets
- Steps lead down to the Dordogne river edge allowing you to fish right at the foot of the property
- Off-street parking for three cars

Villa Shambhala Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Log fire
- Fans (all bedrooms)
- TV and DVD player
- CD player
- Toiletries
- Picnic basket, rug and cool boxes
- Outdoor fridge and honesty bar
- Ironing facilities
- Washing machine and dryer