Our 16th century tower is set in the heart of the beautiful Dordogne, halfway between Perigueux and Bergerac. The tower is privately owned and beautifully appointed, having been restored by artist craftsmen. A magical place. A private paradise. The tower stands in its own private grounds of about 2 acres (.9 hectare) and has its own completely private pool. The grounds are private and those wishing to sunbathe without clothing may do so without fear of intrusion. Most of the garden is kept purposefully as a wild flower meadow with many species of orchid in the early summer and herbs such as salad burnett and marjoram growing freely. Culinary herbs have been planted in the flower beds around the tower for use by tenants. There is a wide terrace round the tower and another by the pool with many mature shady trees to sit under if wished. The generous 10m x 5m swimming pool in the garden is deep enough for diving and has Roman steps and a good-sized tiled terrace surrounding it. It is a non-chlorine pool using a salt exchange. The usual pool furniture is provided. Because of its rural location, some of our guests have come here specially to use their telescopes for star-gazing and the views of the constellations are truly amazing! St Mayme de Pereyrol is a small village with no shops, but Vergt - which has a good choice of artisan and supermarkets - is only 5 miles away. However, St Mayme does have an excellent bar/restaurant which is less than 10 minutes walk away, so it is perfect for enjoying a glass or two of wine without worrying about driving afterwards. See our website for more details of activities in the area. When to go: The most popular time is of course during the summer season. However, winter, spring, and autumn are also glorious times to go, with some colourful local festivals and, of course, less crowds. In May the garden at the tower is a paradise full of wild orchids and other flowers which attract colourful variety of butterflies. A botanist’s heaven! And of course wine lovers will enjoy the vendange in September and October. Wine tasting goes on all year round and the tower is well placed for vineyard visits. For a winter retreat, Perigord has much to offer: all the markets, restaurants and exhibitions remain well frequented – Perigueux’s winter truffle and goose markets are renowned. The winter markets of Perigord are just as varied as the summer ones, with delights such as truffles, foie gras and a wonderful choice of tree fruit … which really tastes! There is plenty of good shopping, and of course the charming tower makes a perfect winter honeymoon choice.
Charming 16th Century Tower with Large Grounds And Private Pool
- Castle247 sq. ft.
- Sleeps: 3
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Min Stay: 4 - 7 nights
2- bedroom freestanding Tower in Dordgone - Secluded Property with sun and shade
Bedrooms
Owner
Mrs Nichola Fletcher
- Speaks:
- english, french
- Calendar last updated:
- Mar 22, 2019
About Mrs Nichola Fletcher
Our tower belongs to me, my husband and our two daughters. We live on a deer farm in Scotland, and we have all had good experiences of foreign travel, both individually and as a family. We bought the tower as a holiday home for ourselves, and have been fortunate in that we have friends who are skilled artist craftsmen so that the woodwork at the tower is quite stunning. Much as we'd like to spend more time in France, work keeps us here so we felt it much better to share the tower than to have it lying empty. We like to think that it contributes to the economy of a region that we have come to love and respect.
Mrs Nichola Fletcher purchased this Castle in 2002
Why Mrs Nichola Fletcher chose Saint-Maime-de-Péreyrol
When choosing a property to buy in France, we rented places ourselves and we became aware how difficult it was to find a place that was truly private, utterly charming, and with a pool you don't have to share. So when we were shown the tower in its beautiful surroundings, we could see instantly that this could be restored and made into a place that fulfilled all our wishes. It was simply a stone tube with a roof and windows when we bought it, but restoring it was a rewarding experience. We chose the Dordogne because we'd been lucky enough to share a friend's house in the area. The weekly markets are fabulous, the architecture is stunning and the countryside is simply lovely. As wine lovers, we also enjoy buying direct from the many producers on both banks of the Dordogne river.
What makes this Castle unique
What we love about the tower is that is is so tiny and yet so perfect, and so very old. As one guest wrote to us, 'it's like the Tardis' - from the outside it seems improbably small but actually once you live in it, it seems an ideal space to live in. Its ancient but - so far secret - history we find intriguing. Was it a watchtower in the Hundred years war? Was it a refuge for pilgrims? No-one knows. The prehistoric traces in the Dordogne region are also interesting; in fact, most of the stones in the tower are some sort of fossil. We love the seclusion and the complete privacy. We love the beautiful pool as well as the delightful eating place under the field maple trees. And one day we hope to enjoy our own truffles, having planted some impregnated tress in the grounds!
Amenities
Featured
- Swimming pool
- Internet
- Pets Welcome
- Fireplace
- TV
- Children Welcome
- Parking
- Heater
Bathrooms
- 1 Bathroom
- Bathroom 1toilet, combination tub/shower, shower
- The first floor bathroom is clad in soft white and pink marble, with large bath and shower over, and washhandbasin. The WC is behind the only door in the tower. The upstairs windows are latticed with handmade glass which casts a lovely golden glow. Because the tower is so small, there is limited height for using the shower - tall people may have to stoop a little or use the hand-held device.
Location Type
- Rural
Meals
- Guests provide their own meals
General
- HeatingWood stove on ground floor and electric heating upstairs.
- Linens ProvidedAll linen provided
- Washing MachineWashing machine is in the pool house due to the tiny size of the tower! An iron and ironing board is provided.
- FireplaceHuge ancient stone foreplace with wood stove inset.
- ParkingAmple parking in front of the tower
- InternetFree wifi
- Towels ProvidedBath and pool towels provided
- Wireless Internet
- Wood StoveWood is provided.
- Iron & Board
- Hair Dryer
- Living RoomBecause the tower is so tiny, the 'lounge' is up in the attic room which has a DVD/TV in it and some seating, as well as the single futon chair/bed.
- Free Wifi
Kitchen
- RefrigeratorWith ice compartment
- StoveElectric ceramic hob
- OvenFan oven
- Grill
- Coffee MakerEspresso coffee machine and also plunger-type filter coffee jug.
- Pantry ItemsThere is a basic store cupboard and guests are expected to replace anything they finish. Milk and bread are provided at the start of your stay.
- Dishes & UtensilsWell equipped kitchen
- KitchenGround floor kitchen and dining area, has electric ceramic hob & fan oven, sink, espresso coffee machine, plus table, benches and chairs and a wood-burning stove. Original stone recesses,fireplace & 17thC panels add character.
- Kettle
Dining
- Dining Area
- DiningSeats are oak benches.
- comfy seating for 6 people
Entertainment
- Television
- DVD Player
- Books
- Video LibraryWe have a huge choice here.
Outside
- Lawn / GardenOur garden consists of a terrace with flowerbeds around teh tower, plus a lovely shaded area for eating under the trees and the tower is set in nearly 2 acres of wild garden making it very secluded.
- Kayak / CanoeAvailable on the Dordogne
- Outdoor Grill
- Deck / Patio
- GolfAvailable in the region.
Suitability
- wheelchair inaccessible
Pool / Spa
- Private PoolOur pool is unusually large for a completely private pool and it is beautifully secluded - no need for clothes if you prefer to be naked!
Onsite Services
- Chauffeur
Notes
- Notes on accommodation: We are not able to accept bookings for children under 10 due to the steep steps. Outside: There are terraced areas around the tower and sunshades available. There are also some lovely areas under the mature trees where you can eat outside. The grounds are nearly 2 acres, with the area around the tower planted with flowers and herbs, lavender around the pool, and a large wild flower meadow which attracts many butterflies. The generous 10m x 5m swimming pool in the garden is deep enough for diving and has Roman steps and a good-sized tiled terrace surrounding it. IT IS TOTALLY PRIVATE. It is a non-chlorine pool using a salt exchange. The pool is unheated. The usual pool furniture is provided (parasols, loungers, table, etc). Up at the tower there is a garden shed containing barbecues, and a supply of logs for the woodburning stove, for visitors in the cool months of the year. Utility Room: Equipment usually found in a utility room is elsewhere: iron in cupboard on the stair, ironing board & hoover in adjacent garden shed, washing machine in the pool room. All garden equipment like BBQs is in the shed. Cleaning / Towels / Linen / Maid service: All bedlinen linen and towels (including pool towels, kitchen towels, bathmats, etc) is provided. The property is cleaned before and after your stay. Other: Other equipment (brushes, hoover etc) is kept in the garden shed next to the tower. There is a choice of two barbecues and extra garden chairs are stored there is not in use.
House Rules
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.
3 Reviews
Amazing Location
We had a wonderful holiday, the best thing about this place is it's location, the views and the outside area including the pool.
A lovely place to visit.
Charming and totally private
Very well equipped kitchen for a gite. Gorgeous big pool all to ourselves. Lovely area, great markets.
Site exceptionnel avec un magnifique et grand jardin, au calme
Nous avons vraiment apprécié le calme de ce gîte situé à l'écart du village et sans aucun vis à vis.
La tour du XVIeme est superbement restaurée et pleine de caractère, l'aménagement intérieur est de qualité (très belle salle de bain notamment).
Très beau jardin à l'anglaise avec une vue magnifique.
Map
Coast/Beach:
Local 'plan d'eau' is 3 miles. The sea beyond Bordeaux is a 2 hour drive.
Travel:
Bergerac airport is 25 minutes drive away. Car hire is essential at this property. Car hire available at Bergerac airport. Approx 8 hours drive from Dover.
Distances:
St Mayme de Pereyrol approx 1km - no shops but a bar/restaurant. Nearest town with shops is Vergt (8km) - it has a weekly market on Fridays. Bergerac (Weds and Saturday markets) approx 20 km; Perigueux (Weds and Saturday markets) approx 20 km.
Further Details:
There are many excellent markets in the Dordogne area. A list of local markets is provided in the tower. Vergt (8km) has most facilities: doctors, pharmacies, supermarkets, butchers (2), bakers (3) banks and cash points. Kayaking and canoeing available on the Dordogne river, and the area has many beautiful castles. A large amount of tourist details is available at the tower.
Rates & Availability
Additional information about rental rates
Booking Notes: To book the tower, print off a booking form from our website and send your completed for to us with a deposit of 25% of the rental. Please request our bank details to pay by bank transfer. To avoid disappointment, you are strongly advised to contact us first, by phone or email, to confirm that the tower is available, just in case anyone else has just posted off a deposit. The balance is payable 8 weeks before arrival. Changeover Day: Between mid-May and mid-September, changeover day is Saturday (arrival after 4pm; departure before 10 am). Outwith those times we are sometimes able to be flexible and are happy to do so if we can. Notes on prices: Lets of 2 weeks or more eligible for £20/week discount.