Sarlat la Caneda Vacation Rental cottage: Sarlat la Caneda

We recently traveled to the Dordogne as a family totaling 4 parents and 4 adult children. La Ferme de la Tour could not have been more perfect for us--or for any group, large or small. Chris gave us good advice about which gites to rent, and we ended up in The Cottage, La Grange,and Le Fournil. The website portrays them accurately; with their honey-colored stone and blue shutters, all are lovely and set in spacious grounds with breathtaking views. They were charmingly decorated and immaculate and had outdoor spaces, either deck or terrace, which we made good use of. Those outdoor spaces helped to make the beautiful area part of our experience, and we spent a number of hours there, good family time. At the same time, having our own place to retreat to was a benefit too. Chris was most helpful in suggesting restaurants, walks in the Dordogne and just generally giving good advice and going above and beyond our expectations. We would love to stay here again and recommend it whole-heartedly.

Best French Gite-holiday we have had in four years of bringing our young family to France. The views are stunning and will stay with you for ever. The Cottage is the first of the Gites that Chris and Kate have developed and, whilst not being as contemporarily decorated as some of the others, is still everything you would expect.

Being south-facing it received sun all day, so judicous use of the shutters is advisable - why the Brits do not have shutters at home I will never know! The pool was excellent, always warm and kept scrupulously clean by Chris. The grounds were large and well kept and contained everything you would need to keep the young ones entertained and tired for bed!

Chris and Kate were excellent hosts and, being on site, were always available to respond to whatever need arose - from the best restaurants to the best running routes.

Our only (hopefully constructive) criticisms would be the size of the fridge (particularly the freezer) - a bit on the small size for the modern family - and the unexpected (but not in reality onerous) requirement to clean/hoover the gite ourselves, on the last day - not come across that one before anywhere else in France - my advice is not to shower until just before you leave! Nevertheless, it wasn't a huge hardship as we had enjoyed ourselves so much.

The location is a little off the beaten track which , for us, suited, but for others iot is worth knowing that it was a 10 minute drive to get bread in the morning and a 20 minute drive to access the supermarket. Again, not a problem for us as it became an adventure for the kids to use their increasing french language.

For those who usually enjoy Ozzie wines more than French (is this heresy??) Chris is a good source of alternative and totally acceptable French versions, so wait until you are there to stock up. The Merlot is excellent !!!!

We went towards the end of August. No mozzies and few flies. We got a few bites around dusk early on in the hoiiday, so be advised to get and use insect spray around your ankles. Again, the best experience in our 4-year, consecutive French, annual holiday.

We would thoroughly recommend this development to anyone with kids as, invariably other families will have them too. The kids will look after themselves and leave you to "chill" with the ubiquitous wine of choice. If you don't have kids, I am sure someone will gladly lend you some - after all they are only potential adults !!

Rob & Emma Hogan

The location near Sarlat is great. The cottage and pool are immaculately maintained, the cottage has fantastic views. Kate and Chris have taken enormous care and are always on hand for local recommendations and tips.