La Ferme Aux Vignes

About this property

Gaze out towards organic vines from your gorgeous terrace and swimming pool at La Ferme Aux Vignes, an attractive Dordogne farmhouse set on the edge of a hamlet close to the market town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande.

Just a 10-minute drive from the banks of the Dordogne, this is a perfect base for exploring this captivating part of south-western France. Step inside this characterful home and relax in the open plan lounge and dining area with doors opening to the lovely terrace with stunning views. Cook feasts in the well-equipped kitchen or outside on the barbecue, using locally sourced ingredients from a nearby market of course, then dine al-fresco with those wonderful vineyard and countryside views.

Sleeping up to 9 guests, there are four attractive double bedrooms and an extra room with a sofa-bed suited to a child or teen. Across this welcoming farmhouse, alongside an ambience of traditional charm, guests can expect modern touches such as reversible air-conditioning, a Smart TV with an Amazon firestick as well as DVDs, books and games, allowing everyone to spend quality time together. Outside, a table tennis means more family fun and the glorious swimming pool will delight all ages.  

Bordering organic vines, arrange a tasting at the hamlet’s winery which produces several bio-dynamic reds, whites and rosés. Also close by, around a 5-minute drive away, is the highly regarded Château des Vigiers, home to a 27-hole golf course, spa, bistro and Michelin starred restaurant.

Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, only 8km by car, is a must on a Saturday morning with its beautiful market, one of the best in the region, whilst other atmospheric markets can be found in bastide towns such as Eymet, Duras, Issigeac, Villeréal and picture-perfect Monpazier.

Don’t miss the old town in Bergerac, also on the Dordogne, or head west to be enchanted by hilltop Saint-Émilion, yet another paradise for wine and history lovers alike.

You could even spend the day in or around Bordeaux with its fascinating architecture and wine heritage, or head further west towards the Atlantic coastline for a lunch of oysters and white wine by Arcachon Bay or to try a little surfing around the vast shores of the Médoc peninsula.

Around 8km south-east of the delightful market town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, La Ferme Aux Vignes is in the Dordogne department of France, close to the Gironde border, under half an hour from the heart of Bergerac.

The house is located on the edge of a little hamlet and its open grounds border a large working vineyard - you may see the wine chateau’s owners working on their organic vines from time to time and of course wine tastings can usually be arranged.

There are a couple of good bakeries for fresh bread and pastries within a 10-minute drive - the nearest supermarket sits next door to one of them. Find plenty more shops in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (8km), a very picturesque bastide town on the banks of the Dordogne which is especially loved for its wonderful Saturday morning market, known to be one of the best in the region. Indeed, there’s an abundance of atmospheric Farmer’s markets across the area – the owners will provide information on where and when the best Dordogne markets take place.  

Other bastide towns across this area include 13th century Eymet (21km) with its pretty arcaded houses and gorgeous Issigeac (31km), with its famous Sunday morning market. Perhaps combine Issigeac with Villeréal (48km), crossing over into the Lot-et-Garonne department, and don’t miss a trip to Monpazier (58km), officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

Even closer to home, the highly regarded Château des Vigiers is less than a 5-minute drive away, home to a 27-hole golf course, high-end spa, excellent bistro and Michelin starred restaurant – of course, booking ahead is essential.

As well as beautiful walks, cycling trails and hikes across the region, you can hire canoes and kayaks along the Dordogne in places such as Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and Pessac-sur-Dordogne. Another way to appreciate the beauty of the Dordogne is by taking a boat trip from Bergerac where traditional Gabarres boats sail along the river.

Bergerac (22km) itself is a charming historic town to spend time in with some excellent restaurants - wine-lovers will be keen to visit the Maison des Vins or head to Château de Monbazillac just south of the town.

Heading west, the enchanting hilltop town of Saint-Émilion (40km) is a delight for history and wine lovers alike with its unesco World Heritage vineyards. The grand city of Bordeaux (75km) is another fine day out reached in around 90 minutes by car (or consider the train which takes just over an hour from Sainte-Foy-la-Grande).

Accommodation

Villa Interiors (across two split-level floors)

-    Open plan lounge and dining area with doors leading to al-fresco dining terrace
-    Kitchen, well-equipped
-    Bedroom 1 with double bed and en suite bathroom
-    Bedroom 2 with double bed
-    Bedroom 3 with double bed
-    Bedroom 4 with double bed
-    Bathroom with bath and walk-in shower
-    Separate WC
-    Bedroom 5 - small room with sofa-bed (for one child/teen)

Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (8x4m, depth: 1.52m) with alarm and cover. Open approximately end-April to end-October
-    Poolside sun loungers
-    Al-fresco dining area
-    Barbecue
-    Parking
-    Landscaped garden and grounds (open, bordering an organic working vineyard)

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Reversible air-conditioning/heating
-    Smart TV with Amazon Firestick
-    DVD and Blu-ray player
-    DVD library
-    Board games
-    Books
-    Table tennis
-    Electric security shutters
-    Washing machine and tumble dryer