Maison Longchamps
About This Villa
In rural southwestern France, close to the Dordogne border, this old stone farmhouse is ideally located for visiting some of the region’s prettiest villages and bastide towns, close to the likes of Monflanquin, Issigeac and Villeréal.
Maison Longchamps is surrounded by countryside and farmland so typical of Lot-et-Garonne. It is set in 1.5 acres of grounds with a garden and paddock – the 12m-long swimming pool features an especially beautiful terrace with sun loungers and outdoor sofas, such a perfect place for sundowners at the end of a busy day.
The original farmhouse and adjoining barn have been renovated to create a spacious living room with a high wood-beamed ceiling, a mezzanine space and light flooding in from the French windows opening out to the garden. The dining room is just as characterful with tiled flooring and a large fireplace whilst the kitchen is classic yet contemporary with a kitchen island for sociable cooking over a glass of wine or two.
Across both floors there are four doubles and one twin bedroom, each one simply furnished and decorated in a traditional style. It is also fantastic that each bedroom has its own bath or shower room, most of which are en suite. Whether a family or a group of friends, Maison Longchamps comfortably sleeps up to 10 guests.
Dine al-fresco on the covered terrace near the large barbecue with lovely views towards the trees, swimming pool and rural landscapes beyond. Play table tennis in the garden or find a quiet spot beneath a mature tree for reading in the shade. Sun worshippers will of course adore the huge poolside terrace!
It’s only a 5.5km drive to the attractive bastide town of Castillonnès with its restaurants, historic buildings, independent cinema and delightful market on a Tuesday morning. Or you could head to Villeréal, another charming market town dating back to the 13th century. Monflanquin and Monpazier are two further highlights of the region, both classified as two of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, whilst nearby Issigeac is a picture-perfect village which hosts an enchanting Sunday morning market.
Horse-racing is popular across the area (trotting races take place in local towns in the summer) and there is a choice of golf courses within a 30 to 45-minute drive. Follow signposted cycling trails, discover long walks and hikes as well as summer swimming in nearby lakes and canoeing along the Dordogne or Lot rivers.
Try the sweet wines of Château de Monbazillac or venture a little further afield to the world-famous vineyards of Saint-Émilion just over an hour away. Slightly closer to home, admire the beauty of villages such as Trémolat and Limeuil by the banks of the Dordogne or spend the day soaking up the rich heritage of Bergerac, a historic town loved for its wine, gastronomy and riverside setting.