Domaine Des Maronniers
About This Villa
In such a private and tranquil setting near to a charming village and the banks of the Dordogne, yet ideally located right in the middle of Perigord Nord sites of interest, Domaine des Maronniers is an incredible house set within ten hectares of meadows and forests, just over a 10-minute drive to the exquisite town of Sarlat-la-Canéda.
Passing ancient oak trees as you ascend the 400m long driveway, the façade of this historic abode will enchant you with its light Périgord stone and pale blue shuttered windows. Step into the gated courtyard and admire the trickling fountain, stone borie and terracotta pots of lemon and orange trees – it almost feels like you are in Provence! Yet this beautifully renovated residence, once a noble lair over two centuries ago and now exuding high-end authenticity, enjoys a wonderful location in the heart of the Périgord Noir.
This refined holiday home sleeps up to 12 guests across its six air-conditioned bedrooms, each one featuring high quality beds, elegantly tiled floors and private bath or shower rooms. The vast lounge with its wood-beamed ceiling, frescoed wall and library of old books is sure to impress whilst children even have their own reading area upstairs. As well as the dining room and contemporary-style kitchen, there’s also a professionally equipped gym with air-conditioning and wall-mounted TV alongside a spacious office if required.
Discover picturesque spots dotted around the garden for your morning coffee and pastries or gather by the magnificent poolhouse with its outdoor lounge, dining table and summer kitchen with pizza oven and plancha for al-fresco feasts with loved ones. Laze by the heated swimming pool looking out towards the cypress trees and parkland beyond whilst younger guests can make the most of the table tennis, table football, trampoline and play area.
Enjoy long walks or jogs through the 10-hectare estate looking out for wild deer in the woodland, before venturing to the pretty village just 2km away with its boulangerie, butcher, restaurants, grocery store and summer market on a Sunday morning. Keen cyclists should join the Voie Verte that passes near the estate, a great way to reach Sarlat – as well as the two adult bikes on site, further bike hire can be arranged.
Visit the gorgeous water garden close by, then experience the beauty of the Dordogne on a canoeing or kayaking excursion with the nearest seasonal watersports base only 2km away. Then there’s the many idyllic villages and grand châteaux of the Dordogne valley from Domme and La Roque-Gageac to Château de Beynac and Château des Milandres, all within easy reach.
Not forgetting Sarlat-la-Canéda of course! One of the most remarkably preserved historic towns in France, potter around its medieval lanes, soak up the ambience of its food markets and devour its fine gastronomy across the many traditional restaurants that showcase some of the best cuisine of the Périgord Noir.