Guests say
The Retreat is a well-received cottage, praised for its peaceful and beautiful rural setting. Guests appreciate the immaculate grounds, pool, and the stunning views. The property is well-equipped, offering comfort and convenience, with easy access to local towns and attractions. The host, Philippe, is commended for being helpful and welcoming.
Reviews consistently mention the property being clean and well-kept, with the grounds and pool maintained to a high standard. The cleanliness contributes significantly to the guests' enjoyable experience.
The location is highly praised for its idyllic, peaceful setting with easy access to local towns, supermarkets, and attractions. The proximity to lovely villages and nature makes it a desirable spot, though the unfenced garden may be a concern for those with young children.
Guests find the house comfortable, especially noting the air conditioning and spaciousness. The property caters well to families, including those with young children, ensuring a relaxing stay.
The Retreat is equipped with a variety of facilities, including a well-equipped kitchen and a pool. Some guests noted changes since the photos were taken and issues with the outside space, but overall the facilities are appreciated.
While guests express gratitude for the host's helpfulness and the property's amenities, there are no specific mentions of gifts or special thoughtful touches that would warrant a score in this category.
About this property
In a stunning rural setting, just south of the Dordogne river, perfectly located between Sarlat and Rocamadour, The Retreat is a charming home full of original features and great character. With vast gardens, a heated swimming pool and delightful interiors, this is a wonderful place from which to explore this enchanting region.
The caring owners have beautifully restored this 18th century home ensuring they have retained traditional features such as the wood-beamed ceilings and exposed stone walls in the inviting living room whilst adding modern comfort throughout. There are three sweet bedrooms, each with the added benefit of air-conditioning.
Outside you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Dordogne valley from the glorious grounds, where you will also find a heated swimming pool, a traditional stone barbecue and peaceful spots perfect for relaxing in the tranquil surroundings.
This home has a wonderful family ambience, not only because of the lovely interiors and spacious gardens but also because of the activities provided such as table-tennis, football, basket ball, badminton and more. Even pets have been thought of by the owner who has secured part of the vast grounds to allow dogs to play.
In a remote and quiet location in the Lot department near the Dordogne, it's just a short drive to the shops and restaurants in nearby St. Julien de Lampon or Souillac, both of which also have a lovely weekly market. In this glorious area you can explore some lovely villages across the region of Lot such as Gourdon with its honey coloured houses or the spectacular Rocamadour, built on the edge of a cliff.
Not forgetting the lovely Dordogne river where you can picnic on a beach, go for long walks or hire canoes. Follow the river to the west and discover idyllic villages such as Domme, La Roque Gageac and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.
Another must is the glorious medieval town of Sarlat to the north, with its vibrant Saturday morning market and amazing restaurants often specialising in Foie Gras or truffles.
The whole area is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike from horse riding and tennis to mountain-biking and golf, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. The Retreat really does offer access to the best of south west France.
The Retreat is located in beautiful countryside in the Lot department, close to the Dordogne river. With wonderful views, just off a small country road, it’s a very tranquil place to stay. The local sleepy village (2km) has a hotel-restaurant (usually only open in summer months) where you can dine in the evenings.
You’ll find a bakery, butchers, restaurants, cafes and a lovely weekly market in nearby St Julien de Lampon (8km) or head over the Dordogne river to Souillac (11km) for a greater choice of large supermarkets. Be sure to visit the impressive Abbey Sainte-Marie in Souillac and even better combine with a trip to the atmospheric market on a Friday morning.
Head south to Gourdon (15km) with its honey stone coloured houses set beautifully on the hill and lovely warren of little streets. Beautifully preserved Rocamadour (32km) is another amazing place to visit, built on the edge of a cliff with the river at the bottom of the gorge.
The Dordogne department also hosts a wealth of beautiful villages and towns, many of them classed as France’s Plus Beaux Villages such as pretty Saint-Amand-de-Coly (41km), with the famous Lascaux caves nearby or the 13th century bastide village of Monpazier (59km).
Sarlat (27km) is one of the area’s most famous towns with its maze of medieval narrow streets, lovely squares and amazing restaurants plus a famous market on a Saturday morning.
Other magical day trips include idyllic Domme (23km) high above the Dordogne river with its amazing caves, La Roque Gageac (28km), a perfect picture postcard village backed by steep cliffs and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (34km) just across the river.
Visit the topiary gardens at Eyrignac (22km) which opens up on Monday evenings in the summer for picnics and dance or Les Jardins de Marqueyssac (32km) set high above the river which also open on Thursday evenings in the summer when you can explore by candlelight.
The whole region is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike offering a wide array of outdoor activities, from horse-back riding and tennis, mountain-biking, golfing and canoeing along the river, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. Children will love exploring prehistoric caves and parks and historic castles or even a magnificent hot air balloon ride across the stunning region. The more adventurous may enjoy tree-top activities in the forests near Sarlat.
Accommodation
Main Villa Interior (250m2 over two floors including a mezzanine level)
- Lounge and dining room (52m2) with open-fire
- Kitchen-diner (31m2), well-equipped
- Laundry room (basement)
- 2 x Double bedrooms
- Twin/double bedroom
- 2 bathrooms with showers and WC
- Separate WC
Outside Grounds
- Heated salt-water swimming pool (9mx4m), open April to October, with pool safety alarm
- Terraces
- BBQ
- Covered well
- 1 hectare parkland
- Secured area of parkland (200m2) for dogs
- Private parking for two cars
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (bedrooms and living room)
- Heating
- Volleyball
- Football
- Table-tennis
- Badminton
- Bikes (these are kept in the garage so please ask the owner to use these)
- Basketball
- Washing machine
- Pool fence on request
Reviews (17)
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David
We thought this house was beautiful, amazing location and wonderful accommodation. It was within walking distance of some lovely restaurants & cafés and easy driving distance to small local shops or larger supermarches with lots of lovely open air markets to wander around. The cottage and grounds were spotless on arrival and well kitted out with a well-equipped kitchen , family rooms, laundry room and outside entertaining places including a wonderful swimming pool with an amazing view over the neighbouring countryside.
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Martin
We spent a very relaxing and enjoyable two weeks at the Retreat in September/October. The hosts were extremely welcoming and on hand if we needed anything. They really went the extra mile to ensure that our stay was enjoyable. The property was very well equipped. We brought our two small dogs with us and felt relaxed as the property is dog friendly, enclosed and good walks were on the doorstep. If you want to get away from the daily grind and spend time in a rural setting with amazing views then the Retreat is for you.
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Lesley
Beautiful cottage in scheduled location. Owner Phillipe is lovely friendly and welcoming.