The Gîte

Le Tilleul is a cosy, self-contained, one-bedroom cottage; full of character, wholly private and separated from the owners’ house by the attached barn. The enclosed, gravelled area at the front is shaded by the linden tree, perfect for al fresco eating and a cool glass of Bergerac rosé. French windows in the sitting room open onto the back garden.

The cottage is very comfortably furnished, homely with paintings and objets. There is Wi-Fi, books for all tastes, Freeview UK TV & Radio via satellite, a DVD player & library, and a music soundbar. There’s even a UK wall socket for your phone charger! Walk straight out onto the woodland path for a solitary ramble, followed by a swim in the ten-metre pool. Then off to Brantôme, perhaps, for a delicious lunch beside the river. The temptation to stay put and relax is strong- but after a few days’ unwinding, there are wonderful excursions to enjoy, sights and attractions to visit. And the local specialities to sample!

There is a well-appointed small town nearby (5 minutes by car), where can be found bakery, supermarket, brasserie, chemist, doctor, mechanic, and a well-regarded restaurant. A little further afield at Thiviers (15 mins), there are several supermarkets, banks, petrol-stations, restaurants etc. Perigueux (30 mins), is a lovely city with many amenities and attractions.

Downstairs

Entrance from front courtyard. Sitting room: deep arm-chairs, gateleg dining table, TV etc as above, wood-burning stove, electric wall radiator. Simple, open-plan corner kitchen: fridge, microwave & hob, air fryer (no conventional oven), kettle and toaster, wine rack. Electric (hand) juicer, cafetière. French window to rear garden. Door to shower-room: step-in shower cubicle, hand basin, loo. Galleried staircase to bedroom above.

Upstairs

Cosy under the eaves (duck or grouse!). Double bed (140cms), bedside tables, deep cupboard with clothes rail, drawers & full-length mirror; electric radiator, floor-level windows.

Outside

The secluded hamlet is accessed via a gravel roadway. Private (unenclosed) parking, private alley-way to shady front courtyard, large grassed garden to rear (shared with owners and two amiable English Setters). Charcoal BBQ on site.

Straight out to rural woodland paths.

The swimming pool (ten metres with stepped entry) is situated in its own large, private garden, full of specimen trees and shrubs, across from the house. Guests have unlimited daytime access from 9am (apart from maintenance / ‘robot’ periods) and share only, and rarely, with the owners. Shaded gazebo, dining-table, loungers. The pool is heated naturally, summer temperatures usually 24 – 30.