Maison Aimee

About this property

So much love and hard work has gone into Maison Aimée, a beautifully restored Dordogne farmhouse set above a watermill in a little hamlet near the banks of the Dronne River, just a short walk from a traditional riverside village and magnificent château.

When seeking the perfect project in France, the owners fell in love with this 4-bedroom farmhouse and barn in the Dordogne due to its wonderful location so close to a picture-perfect village and French château. Over a decade of dedication followed as the renovation took place under their careful supervision, always ensuring the character of the building remained. Gradually, their dream house was created and they added a new swimming pool to the grounds. Sleeping up to 8 guests, Maison Aimée is an incredibly charming and welcoming home for your holiday in northern Dordogne.

The high-ceilinged barn is now home to an impressive living space with a grand feature fireplace and a huge wrought iron chandelier found at a local brocante. Enjoy cosy evening meals on the oak table and two church pews transported over from the UK, then retire to the snug with its exposed stone walls, low beamed ceiling and French windows. Dining al-fresco beneath the old ash tree outside is a joy on warm summer days – it’s also a gorgeous spot for your morning coffee and croissants in the dappled shade.   

The master bedroom, set on a mezzanine level above the living space, has its own balcony ideal for an evening apéritif whilst there are three other bedrooms reached via the main staircase, two doubles and an attic bedroom at the top of the house with two single beds (and the option to add two more beds on request). Each of the four bath/shower rooms are fully modernised with added touches of character.

Outside, admire the roses, verbena and herbs in the new flower beds by the decked poolside terrace. Set in the countryside close to the river, this is a haven for wildlife with the gentle sounds of birds and maybe even frogs as well as sweeping bats at dusk in the summer. Look out for the golden oriole and resident hare.

All of this yet you are just a short stroll across the field from a traditional Dordogne village by the banks of the Dronne River, also home to a famous château. Wander down for your morning pastries, fresh bread and groceries from the bakery and small supermarket, then stop off in a café-bar followed by lunch or an evening meal in the local restaurant. The historic bridge crossing the river is so picturesque and there are pretty picnic spots by the river.

Brantôme is just 9km away, known for its historic beauty, twice-weekly market, summer boat rides, canoeing opportunities and the majestic L’Abbaye de Brantôme. The great city of Périgueux is an amazing day out whilst Dordogne market towns and charming villages within a 45-minute drive include Riberac, Thiviers,  Nontron and Saint-Jean-de-Côle.

As well as enjoying the fine cuisine of the Périgord region, taste regional wines, potter around atmospheric vide-greniers and brocantes and soak up the ambience of summer night markets in this enchanting part of the northern Dordogne.  

In a small countryside hamlet near the banks of the Dronne River, Maison Aimée enjoys a private setting above a watermill just a short walk from a traditional riverside village in northern Dordogne, 9km from the gorgeous town of Brantôme.

You can cross the field to reach the local village, around a 15-minute walk away (1km). Dating back to the 10th century, it is such a picturesque village with its magnificent château, medieval quarter, pretty bridge crossing the Dronne River and glorious viewpoints. The village is home to a small handful of cafes/restaurants as well as a boulangerie and small supermarket on the other side of the river. Venture down on a Sunday morning if you can as this is when the weekly market takes place, then relax by the river with a delicious picnic of local delights.

Brantôme (9km) is another highlight of this part of the Dordogne, loved for its idyllic riverside setting and beautiful architecture – it’s officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Detours’. There are wonderful riverside walks, summer boat rides and canoeing opportunities here as well as the attractive Jardins Tranquilles by the river to the south of the town. L’Abbaye de Brantôme sits majestically by the river and is a must-visit during your time.

Elsewhere, discover restaurants serving fine Périgord cuisine, food markets, brocantes and vide-greniers, regional wine tasting opportunities, summer night markets and so many more ways to soak up the ambience of northern Dordogne. The owners have a house pack with a wealth of information about local markets and events as well as things to do across the region.

The fine city of Périgueux (25km) is a fantastic day out with its 12th century cathedral, lovely old town, many museums, Roman ruins and bustling markets showcasing yet more Périgord cuisine. Food lovers should also visit Ribérac (30km) and Thiviers (36km) on market day or even head as far north as Piégut-Pluviers (43km), a small historic village known for its Wednesday morning market that dates back to the 17th century. Closer to home, the twice-weekly market in Brantôme is on a Tuesday and Friday morning.

Meanwhile, other picture-perfect Dordogne places to visit include the arts and crafts village of Nontron (30km) and Saint-Jean-de-Côle (30km), one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, not to mention walking, hiking and cycling routes across the Dordogne and beyond. You could even drive over to the sunny Charente – the great city of Angoulême (68km) is just over an hour by car.

Accommodation

Maison Interiors

-    Lounge with feature fireplace
-    Dining area
-    Reading snug
-    Kitchen-diner, well-equipped

Upstairs (via lounge mezzanine staircase)

-    Master bedroom with king-size double bed, large balcony with table and two chairs and en suite bathroom with bath and shower

Upstairs (via original staircase)

-    Bedroom with French sleigh double bed (with memory foam mattress) and “Jack and Jill” en suite bathroom with bath/shower and sink. Bathroom can also be accessed from landing (or locked)
-    Bedroom with double bed (with memory foam mattress) and en suite shower room

Top Floor

-    Attic bedroom with two single beds, TV and en suite shower room. Possible to add two single pull-out beds (on request)

There is another bedroom that is locked and not accessible to guests as it is used by the owners as storage

Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (11x5m, depth: 1.4m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately Easter to end-October
-    Poolside terrace
-    Al-fresco dining and lounge areas
-    Gas barbecue/plancha
-    Adult bikes (x4)

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Fans
-    TV with UK Freesat/recorder
-    DVD player
-    Music system with Bluetooth connection
-    Board games
-    Adult bikes (x4)