Fontalbe

Met by a majestic eagle greeting you at the entrance to the property, then crossing the little bridge over the river which encircles Fontalbe, you know you are in an incredible setting. Surrounded by forests, countryside and the sound of the flowing rivers backing on to the gardens, Fontalbe is set on its own private island. This is rural life at its best in the heart of the Couze valley, just south of the Dordogne river.

Step inside and be amazed at the high standard of renovation of this former paper mill, some of which dates back to the mid 18th Century. Many original features have been beautifully restored and sit comfortably alongside a contemporary and minimalist vibe with stylish furnishings and sleek décor.

Downstairs the living room, dining space and modern kitchen with its original terracotta floors offers comfort with warmth from the wood-burning fires on cooler days or doors opening up to the gardens, with outside eating areas under the wisteria trees and stunning heated salt water pool in the summer sun. Upstairs there are six ensuite bedrooms, which can be configured as twin or king sized rooms, including an impressive master bedroom with its very own bathtub standing grandly in the room.

Outside in the gardens you can find welcome shade under a tree, enjoy a game of petanque on the full sized pitch, table tennis or table football, or simply relax on the pool terrace by the inviting heated swimming pool, whilst listening to the river flowing. Explore the surrounding grounds, orchard and pathways. As evening approaches, dine to the sound of hooting owls on your covered terrace by the summer kitchen and barbecue and enjoy long evenings with fine wine, food, family and friends.

Despite this rural idyll, it’s only a five-minute drive to the charming local bastide villages of St-Avit-Senieur with ruins of an abbey which hosts concerts in the summer. You are also only a 5-minute drive or 35-minute walk through the beautiful countryside to Beaumont-du-Périgord with its pretty shops, restaurants and a wonderfully atmospheric night market in the summer where you can feast and drink wine with locals.

The Dordogne river is just a 20-minute drive away where you can picnic by the riverside or hire canoes for a lovely trip out. Picture-perfect villages within easy reach include Limeuil, Trémolat, La Roque-Gageac and Domme.

Closer to home, Monpazier is only 16km away, thought to be one of France’s most beautifully preserved villages. Not forgetting Bergerac, within half an hour with its medieval architecture and unmissable Maisons des Vins.

In one of the most picturesque regions of France, the Dordogne also offers wonderful hiking, horse-riding, cycling and golf. Not to mention some of the country’s best food markets which are held across surrounding villages and towns. Pick up local cheeses, breads, cakes, foie gras and canard to take back to your beautiful home for an authentic Dordogne experience.