Villa Le Priotlet is a centuries old authentic stone villa set on the banks of the Dordogne River, 15 minutes east of the Unesco World Heritage site of Saint-Emilion.
This family home has been lovingly restored and furnished and is ideal for three couples or a small family group to relax and enjoy the peaceful views and gentle countryside or explore the world-famous vineyards of the region.
Recently renovated to a high standard, many authentic details such as thick stone walls and exposed brick and beams provide rustic charm and character.
Just outside of the tidy village of Flaujagues, a little lane cuts through Bordeaux vineyards. There is parking for one or two cars inside the gate; with additional space outside.
The terrace that overlooks the Dordogne River is the ideal spot for a glass of wine during your stay at this magical house. This picturesque area has a wrought-iron table and chairs for six and is partially shaded by a large tree. From here one can watch the sun rise, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, linger over lunch, sip an apéritif as the sun sets, or dine under the stars. Guests also have direct access to the river via a wide, sturdy staircase with railing that is secured by a locked gate. A canoe and paddles are available for guests’ use. Additional canoes can be rented from the neighboring village of Pessac.
Guest can enjoy swimming in the river (the cleanest in France) or the saltwater swimming pool. The 5x10m pool is protected by an alarm and fenced in for safety. The well-maintained grounds include flat, soft grassy areas and are gently dotted with colour from plants and flowers including roses, hydrangeas and lavender. A shed inside the gate houses the canoe and paddles, two bikes for riding along the river and an indoor/outdoor ping-pong table.
The warm and inviting common areas will be appreciated by all guests, especially in the cooler months when dining outdoors is not possible. It's very easy to imagine dining fireside at the rectangular country-style table for six in the kitchen/dining room. More formal seating for four is available at a round table in the adjacent salon for card games or a small family meal.
The well-equipped kitchen includes a large two-door refrigerator, five-burner gourmet gas range and oven, dishwasher, microwave, toaster oven, coffeemaker and tea kettle. The deep sink has a powerful spray attachment, and the cupboards are spring-loaded. In the kitchen and throughout the house are eclectic yet functional touches like these that show the personality of the owners. A door from the kitchen allows natural light and leads to a small side terrace with river views.
The salon is a light-filled, open area with high ceilings and an impressive beam that spans the width of the room. A sofa and two club chairs next to a wood-burning stove form a convivial space to relax after dinner. It can also serve as an entertainment area and communication hub, with an iPod dock, library of English-language books, which includes guides for the region and France in general, and the high-speed Internet port. While the connection is wireless, guests may wish to set up their laptop computers here at the round table.
A staircase from the salon leads to the master suite. This spacious room, its high ceiling set off by an elegant crystal chandelier, has a king-sized bed, TV with satellite reception including hundreds of English-language channels, and a view of the river. The ensuite bath has a single vanity, marble stall shower with fixed shower head and WC. A large antique armoire and mirrored chest of drawers provide ample storage.
There are two good-sized bedrooms on the ground floor around the corner from the salon. The first bedroom with exposed beams painted in green has a queen-sized bed and a window overlooking the garden. The second bedroom is slightly larger, has a king-sized bed (which can be divided into twins) and French doors which open onto the garden and can be used as an independent entrance, if desired. Both bedrooms share a large bath at the end of the hall. The bathroom, done in tumbled limestone, has a single vanity and tub with hand-held shower and WC. There is an additional WC on the ground floor.
A cozy den at the end of the hall can be used as a TV room, second sitting room or office. A washer & dryer can be found in a small utility closet off the den. A door leads to the parking area and is convenient for guests staying on this side of the house. Stairs from the den lead to the fourth bedroom located on the upper level. This private guest suite has a queen-sized bed and vineyard views. The ensuite bath has a single vanity and blue tiled walk-in shower with fixed shower head. A separate, private WC is around the corner. This room has sloped ceilings and an open loft style feel.
