Brief Description

La Gilardie is set in a very small, quiet hamlet, 3km from St Aulaye, in the department of the Dordogne. The cottage is part of an old perigordian farmhouse, renovated to a very high standard. The owners live in the other part and are there to welcome any guests who want to spend their holiday at La Gilardie.

Full Description:

The entrance to the cottage is through a large double door leading to the very spacious, beamed living room with a fine old fire place. A TV, (French), VCR and radio/cd/tape hi-fi fits nicely on a built-in cupboard used for storing the cushions for the garden. (We have a large collection of CDs and Videos). A comfortable three piece suite and an upholstered dining room suite may persuade you to spend at least a little time indoors. In one corner is the fully equipped kitchenette with a 4-ringed gas cooker, oven and hood, microwave oven, refrigerator (with small freezer), washing machine, coffee machine, iron and board, toaster and electric kettle.
A small hallway leads to the two bedrooms and the bathroom. One bedroom has a king size bed, large wardrobe, bedside tables and dressing table with large mirror. The other bedroom has two single beds, wardrobe and bedside table and a large mirror on the wall. In this room there is, as well, a comfortable put-you-up for a possible 5th person (perhaps a 3rd child).
The bathroom has a large shower, a WC and a hand basin and is somewhat bigger than most shower rooms. The cottage has a private terrace with garden furniture, a swing, a BBQ, an electrically operated sunroof and a small private garden. There are plenty of loungers and reclining chairs. The cushions are kept inside the cottage. The one acre garden with its mature trees, lawns and small pond, is shared with the owners.

Gardens:

The garden is beautifully landscaped and includes several old oaks and other broad-leafed trees and a small pond. There is plenty of shade for an afternoon’s siesta, or for your children to kick a ball about. The surrounding countryside, the beautiful Forêt de la Double, is ideal for recharging your batteries or exploring the many woods, numerous lakes and rivers of this lovely part of France.

Location:

First and foremost, La Gilardie is perfect for relaxing, going for long (or short!) walks, listening to the birds or watching the buzzards circling the sky and the hen harriers hunting across the fields. This part of France is a paradise for butterflies, exotic insects and beautifully coloured lizzards.
For swimming there is the river beach (the Dronne) in St Aulaye with its play areas or the lovely ‘Grand Lac’ at La Jemaye (12km). La Jemaye is the perfect place to enjoy the soft waters of this lake created centuries ago by monks who stocked it with fish. Or you can go to the swimming pool in Ribérac (20km), very popular with the local kids. If you like golf, then the nearest golf course is only a 5 minute drive away. Tennis and horse-riding are available in St.Aulaye.

We are surrounded by medieval villages with their old stone houses, narrow lanes and often beautifully preserved roman churches, well worth exploring. An hour’s drive or less can take you to the busy market towns of Périgueux , Angoulême and Ribérac, where you could visit the biggest market in the Dordogne every Friday morning. St. Aulaye with its 13th century Chateau Bastide has all amenities (bank, post office, supermarket, doctor, cinema etc.) to make your holiday successful and enjoyable. Only 8km away is Aubeterre, one of the most picturesque villages in France with the largest monolithic church in Europe. A visit to this ancient monument will leave you certainly with unforgettable memories.

Transport:

For details of how to get to the property, please contact the owner.
A car (own or hired) is essential, as there is no public transport and we are 3 km from the
nearest baker!


Other information:

All linen, gas, electricity and any taxes are included in the rental price.
Changeover day is Saturday.
Please do not arrive before 4 o’clock unless otherwise agreed beforehand.
Please leave before 10 o’clock, unless otherwise agreed beforehand.