Le Castel Viel

The villa

At the end of a country lane, surrounded by rolling meadows and woodland, Le Castel Viel offers a characterful escape in the Dordogne. This beautifully restored stone farmhouse, complete with a traditional half - timbered pigeonnier, sits within a hectare of private grounds where olive trees sway gently beside the pool and birdsong carries on the breeze.

Inside, exposed stone walls and original beams frame spacious living areas designed for togetherness. The open - plan kitchen, with its farmhouse - style central island and Falcon range cooker, invites leisurely breakfasts and lively evening meals. From here, doors lead directly to a dining terrace, perfect for al fresco gatherings. The main sitting room is warm and inviting, with a wood - burning stove, Smart TV and Sonos sound system. Upstairs across two wings, five charming bedrooms offer restful retreats, including a romantic four - poster master double with its own bathroom.

The private pool lies at the heart of the garden, surrounded by sun loungers and views over the surrounding grounds. A brasero adds warmth to starlit evenings, while table tennis provides entertainment for all ages. Whether you're sipping local wine on the terrace or exploring nearby market towns, Le Castel Viel makes every moment feel unhurried.

Perfectly positioned between Bergerac and Périgueux, this is an ideal base for exploring the treasures of the Dordogne. A 15 - minute drive away, Vergt offers charming eateries, bakeries and a weekly market, while Bergerac’s harbour, riverside cafés and museums promise rich cultural days out. Le Castel Viel promises a stay full of character, beauty and lasting memories.

In the heart of the Dordogne, Le Castel Viel is located in the open countryside at the end of a no - through lane near the little hamlet of Saint - Martin - des - Combes, conveniently positioned between the historic towns of Bergerac and Périgueux. Whether you're seeking to explore the cultural gems of the Dordogne or simply unwind in pretty surroundings, this location promises the best of both worlds.

North of the Dordogne River, this is a rural setting dotted with little hamlets and traditional landscapes of woodland and countryside. A short drive brings you to the village of Campsegret (13km), home to a couple of restaurants and an electric vehicle charging point, close to Parc du Touron (9km), a little animal park that young children may enjoy. Meanwhile, the small town of Vergt (14km) provides a practical hub for day - to - day needs, offering a bakery, butcher, supermarket, pizzeria and a café - bar where you can enjoy a morning coffee or evening aperitif.

Less than half an hour away, Bergerac’s picturesque harbour invites visitors to cruise the Dordogne River or hop aboard a miniature train to discover its timber - framed architecture and fascinating Tobacco Museum. Meanwhile, elegant Périgueux (35km) enchants with its Renaissance charm, bustling markets and vibrant dining scene.

For those with a passion for history, the extraordinary Napoleon Museum at the Château de la Pommerie (23 km) showcases a private collection of over 500 Imperial - era objects, housed in a grand 18th - century castle and accompanied by a serene arboretum. Further afield, explore the medieval strongholds of Château de Beynac and Château Castelnaud (around an hour by car), perched dramatically above the river or dive into prehistory at Les Eyzies - de - Tayac - Sireuil (43km), not far from Lascaux’s world - famous painted caves (60km), a mesmerising tribute to humanity’s earliest artists.

Heading east instead, Sarlat - la - Canéda is the jewel of the Périgord Noir and lies just an hour away. Its cobbled streets, golden stone buildings, and atmospheric Saturday market overflowing with truffles and foie gras provide a taste of Dordogne’s cultural and culinary heritage.