In its bucolic setting, Gaurenne is a three hundred year old farm of special charm. Arranged around a courtyard in the traditional manner of French farms, it is a fine example of Perigordine architecture. The buildings are constructed of the golden limestone that is typical of the region and have steeply pitched roofs made of stone slabs. These highly prized lauze roofs are found within a limited 20 mile radius in this part of the Dordogne and give the local architecture its fairytale quality. Climbing roses, jasmine, and lavender fill the courtyard with fragrance, and the herb garden by the door is intended for your use.
The house has been restored in a way that respects its original rustic character, while modern conveniences have been added for comfort. The interior has many walls of exposed stone and beamed ceilings throughout, with floors of the honey colored local stone downstairs and of chestnut upstairs. Furnishings include antiques and French fabrics.
The main floor is comprised of an eat-in kitchen, a living room/dining room, a utility room, and a half-bath. The kitchen is of generous size and includes a dishwasher and the usual amenities. From the table, a lovely stone window looks out into the meadow. The living room is large and includes a comfortable sitting area as well as an antique farm table for dining.
Upstairs, there are two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with two single beds, which can also be joined. Both rooms have large windows and antique armoires, and the master bedroom contains a sink. There is also a bathroom with tub/shower, bidet, and a sink set into a tile counter. The WC is separate.
The house is equipped with central heating, a washing machine, and high-speed wireless internet access.
Guests arriving at Gaurenne enter a gate leading into a courtyard that is filled with flowers and partially shaded by a plane tree. At the far side of the courtyard, a stone terrace adjacent to the kitchen holds a long teak table and chairs for outdoor dining. A tile roof shelters the terrace, making it a pleasant seating area in the heat of the day.
On the north side of the house is a fruit orchard; the fruit is yours for the taking if you happen to be there when it's ripe. There is also a walnut orchard.
On the south side of the house, the swimming pool is hidden from view but is open to the meadow and the hills beyond. Measuring 17' x 36', it was just rebuilt and bordered with stones from Burgundy. This is a favorite spot for guests and is a welcome pleasure at the end of a day of sightseeing. Lounge chairs, beach towels and mats are provided, as are kickboards and some water toys for children.
Gaurenne’s 22 acres are yours to explore, and the trails that you can pick up on the property can be followed for miles through the countryside, either on foot or on bicycle. The woods below the house are a delightful place to walk, and below them is a completely private valley that makes a wonderful picnic spot.
Five minutes away is a village where you will find a post office, two restaurants, and a grocery store/café/bar. Just as close is a lake with a public beach and tennis courts. Fifteen minutes away, a larger medieval town has everything you might need, including shops, restaurants, movie theatre, hospital, summer festivals, and, twice a week, a large outdoor market.
SIZE:
Will accommodate 4 people
AMENITIES:
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Central heat
Large, covered terrace
Swimming pool (17’ x 36’)
Bed linens and towels supplied
CD cassette player/radio
High speed WiFi internet access
Barbecue
Hairdryer
Telephone
Housekeeping services available during stay at extra charge
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