About This Villa

In a prime location near the banks of the Dordogne, Maison Moulene is a grand 19th century house with a private swimming pool in the historic market town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, ideally situated for visiting Bergerac, Bordeaux and other beautiful villages, towns, vineyards and châteaux of this region.

This impressive house was originally built for the town’s mayor before being sold and gifted as a generous wedding present. Many original features remain such as the waxed flooring, marble hallways and impressive stone staircase whilst there is a wonderful collection of old furnishings and paintings for guests to admire.

To bring this historic maison into the modern age, it has been completely restored with newly renovated bathrooms and kitchens whilst retaining many of its characterful features. Guests can expect comfortable beds and high quality bed linen across all ten bedrooms, five of which can be found in the main part of the house, alongside a ground floor studio bedroom reached via a double doorway near the courtyard terrace. Two one-bedroom apartments are in the garden, one with a balcony peeping out towards the river, whilst a 2-bedroom garden gite is ideal for guests seeking a little more independence with its own lounge area and fully-equipped kitchen.

Embrace the summer aromas of lavender, jasmine and trailing roses in the courtyard as well as herbs – help yourself! Walk through the garden amongst plum, apricot and cherry trees, pick seasonal vegetables and look out for the chickens. The firepit is a lovely place to gather in the evening or prepare feasts by the barbecue served on the outdoor terrace. Not to mention the gorgeous swimming pool within this characterful walled garden, just perfect for relaxing summer days in the sunshine.

Just a few steps away you can pick up your morning croissants and fresh bread or arrange continental breakfasts served by the owner who is also an excellent cook. Stroll into the heart of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande to explore its medieval lanes, half-timbered houses and fantastic Saturday morning market, one of the biggest and most beautiful in the region. Cross the bridge to the other side of the Dordogne for the town’s riverside beach and canoeing/kayaking opportunities.

Catch a train to spend the day in Bordeaux or Bergerac or potter about in your car visiting idyllic villages and bastide towns across the Gironde and Dordogne – Duras, Issigeac and Monpazier are just some of the many historic gems of this region.

Play golf at Château des Vigiers, try the sweet wines of Château de Monbazillac and venture to the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Saint-Émilion, just over half an hour away by car. Cycle to your hearts content, take long walks through landscapes of vineyards, farmland and forests, enjoy river cruises in traditional Gabarre vessels or you could even take a hot air balloon ride to appreciate the magnificent scenery of this part of south-western France.

Amenities