Manoir Des Poemes

About this property

Manoir des Poèmes is an inviting and comfortable French manor house set in a vast domaine, the perfect location for relaxing days by the swimming pool, boating lake and millstream whilst being within easy reach of the Dordogne, Lot and Lot-et-Garonne regions of south-western France.

A fine holiday home for family or friends, this 18th century manoir was once the village’s Maisons de Maître and now welcomes guests to appreciate its charm and warmth. Its current owners have lovingly restored it, sensitively retaining many original features such as the exposed stonework, high ceilings and gorgeous French windows overlooking the beautiful estate. Downstairs, each of the four lounges have been thoughtfully furnished whether you wish to kick back watching the Smart TV, play board games into the evening or relax with a glass of local wine surrounded by elegant objets d’art.

A traditional kitchen means meals are a joy to prepare using delicious produce from nearby markets and garden herbs, to be served in the rustic dining room or al-fresco in the shade by the swimming pool. Following the original wooden staircase upstairs, find six pretty bedrooms across the top two floors, a family bathroom and three en suite shower rooms. With a range of super king-size, double and twin bed configurations, up to 12 guests can sleep comfortably at the Manoir whilst larger groups can benefit from an additional 5-person annexe apartment just by the estate’s entrance.

The Manoir’s heated swimming pool awaits outside, alongside a small stone paddling pool for children and the glorious surrounding garden with Mediterranean plants. Another shady terrace and a barbecue for al-fresco dining can be found at the far end of the pool, perfect for long feasts with the view of the handsome manoir across the glistening swimming pool as the evening draws in.

Guests can also make the most of the shared 18-acre domaine beyond the Manoir and private swimming pool. Bordered by two rivers, it’s a paradise for fishing, leisurely walks through the orchard, paddling in the millstream and boating or even swimming in the small lake. The shared games barn is fantastic for families and there are bikes that the estate’s guests can use.  

This is a great location for exploring the villages, market towns and undulating landscapes of the Lot-et-Garonne, Lot and Dordogne. Situated just off the road connecting the bastide town of Villefranche-du-Périgord and Fumel, by the banks of the Lot River, you can stroll to the village for morning croissants and fresh bread whilst several idyllic villages and impressive castles are within a 15 to 20-minute drive such as Monpazier, Monflanquin, Château de Bonaguil and Château de Biron.

Cycle through the rural landscapes, hike by local rivers and hire canoes or kayaks to sail along the Lot or Dordogne. Visit vineyards and wineries near and far including those surrounding Bergerac and Cahors, both just an hour away, dine out in excellent restaurants and discover the very best of the regions’ cuisine across atmospheric markets selling all sorts of delights from truffles and cepes to foie-gras and amazing cheeses.

In the Lot-et-Garonne department, just south of the border with Dordogne, Manoir des Poèmes is set within an 18-acre estate bordering two rivers. On your doorstep you have direct access to the estate (shared with the owners and a few other guests staying across the estate) with its gorgeous lake for boating and summer swimming, as well as fishing in the rivers and beautiful riverside hikes. There are also ample cycling opportunities across the area.

The estate is set just off the road connecting the attractive towns of Villefranche-du-Périgord (13km) and Fumel (12km) on the banks of the Lot River. Even closer, within 500m, is a small village where you can pick up fresh bread, pastries and other groceries whilst larger supermarkets, restaurants and a variety of shops can be found in Fumel, only a 10-minute drive away.

This is an ideal location for exploring the very best of the Lot, Lot-et-Garonne and Dordogne regions, whether driving to wonderful vineyards from Bergerac to Cahors, both around an hour away, or visiting picture-perfect bastide villages, many officially classified as France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ such as Monpazier (16km), Monflanquin (21km) and Issigeac (39km).

Head to historic markets specialising in the delights of the area from cepes, truffles and foie gras to delicious cheeses and a wealth of seasonal fruit and vegetables. In the height of the summer, some nearby villages and towns come alive each week with atmospheric ‘marchés gourmands’ where good local food and wine is enjoyed in the evening, sometimes accompanied by live music.

Several iconic villages by the Dordogne River can be reached within 45 minutes including Domme, La Roque-Gageac and Limeuil, all perfect spots for riverside picnics or canoeing and kayaking opportunities. To the south, there are equally charming villages by the Lot River; Puy-l'Évêque (20km) is so pretty with its medieval architecture whilst Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (81km), a village that has inspired artists over the years, is an idyllic day out.

Not forgetting the many grand chateaux of this region from nearby Château de Bonaguil and Château de Biron, both within a 10 to 15-minute drive, to the wonderful Château de Bridoire, just under an hour away, with its family-friendly activities and garden games.

Golf-lovers note that the 18-hole championship course near Villeneuve sur Lot is only 34km away and the welcoming 9-hole Golf de la Forge, near the banks of the Dordogne, is slightly closer.

For more great days out, other attractions include the beautiful medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda (54km) and the famous pilgrimage site of Rocamadour (76km) with the most incredible natural setting.

Accommodation

Manoir only – 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms (12-person rate)
Manoir and Annexe – 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms (17-person rate)

Manoir Interiors
Main Floor

-    Reception room with log-burner, books, games and TV
-    Reception room with fireplace and objets d’art
-    Reception room with log-burner, Sky TV and DVD player
-    Reception room with doors leading to courtyard
-    Dining room with log-burner and table for 12 guests
-    Kitchen, well-equipped including electric fan oven, another oven, grill, cooking range and gas hob with 5 rings, microwave, slow cooker, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, coffee machine, food processor, kettle and toaster and farmhouse table
-    WC and washing machine

First Floor

-    Master bedroom with four-poster super king-size double bed and stone fireplace
-    Bedroom with twin beds
-    Bedroom with super king-size double bed
-    Family bathroom with bath and shower

Second Floor

-    Bedroom with French double bed and en suite shower room with WC
-    Bedroom with twin beds and en suite shower room with WC
-    Bedroom with super king-size double bed, Juliet balcony and en suite shower room with WC

Separate Annexe Apartment (behind the Manoir, reached via external steps)

-    Lounge and open plan kitchen with oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, hob, kettle and toaster
-    Bedroom with twin beds and en suite shower room
-    Bedroom with double bed, single bed and en suite shower room

Manoir’s Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (12x5m, depth: 1-1.5m) with safety shutter. Separate 3m circular children’s pool. Pools open approximately May to end-September
-    Poolside terrace with sun-loungers
-    Al-fresco dining terrace and barbecue
-    Pergola for al-fresco dining with table for 12 guests
-    Herb garden
-    Parking (4 spaces)

Domaine’s Outside Grounds (shared)

-    18-acre estate bordering two rivers
-    Fruit orchard
-    Private lake with jetty (for swimming/fishing/boating)
-    Mill stream
-    On-site barn with games room
-    Access to bikes

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating
-    Smart TV and Sky TV
-    DVD player
-    Books and games
-    Hairdryer
-    Access to shared games (pool table, darts, table football, table hockey)
-    Washing machine