Maison Regence

About this property

When Maison Regence’s owners first searched for their perfect home in the Dordogne, they weren’t expecting to fall in love with this elegant townhouse in the heart of a market town. Yet with its historic charm, walled garden, swimming pool and prime location facing Riberac’s main square, they immediately knew this was the house for them.

No wonder as you will soon discover when you step inside and admire the oak floorboards, sycamore staircase and large living and dining rooms that interconnect with each other – the perfect set up for spending quality time with family or friends. With two-thirds of the house dating back to the mid-17th century and the other part from one hundred years later, there is so much character throughout Maison Regence which is also reflected in the tasteful décor and furnishings, alongside welcome contemporary touches. Across the upper two floors there are four beautiful bedrooms, each one with a private bath or shower room, two bedrooms also benefiting from air-conditioning.

Outside, steps lead down to a verdant walled garden with a gorgeous swimming pool with a poolside terrace with sun loungers and a barbecue for al-fresco dining. That said, you may prefer to simply wander and enjoy Riberac’s inviting restaurants including a pretty cafe-bistro across the opposite side of the square with tables and chairs set out beneath the shady trees.

Indeed, you really are in the very centre of the picturesque town of Riberac, just 70m from your nearest boulangerie for fresh bread and pastries in the morning. Embrace the bustling ambience from your doorstep as you stroll around the town admiring its old houses, impressive mairie and the Collégiale Ribérac in the Quartier des Arts. The vibrant and colourful market on a Friday morning, taking place on the square outside the maison, is regarded as one of the best in the Périgord and it’s a fantastic place to pick up all sorts of gastronomic delights from across the region.

Explore the landscapes of the Dordogne, canoe along Dronne river, follow forest hiking trails through La Forêt de la Double and visit Périgord gems such as Brantôme, Saint-Jean-de-Côle and the grand city of Périgueux, the capital of the region.

Visit Angoulême by the banks of the Charente, a comic lover’s dream with its  Musée de la Bande Dessinée, or venture further south towards Bergerac, Saint-Émilion or even Bordeaux for yet more exquisite architecture and endless vineyards producing some of France’s most famous wines.

In the Dordogne department of south-western France, just a 45-minute drive from the region’s capital, Périgueux (38km), Maison Regence can be found in the heart of Riberac facing the bustling main square which hosts a wonderful market on a Friday morning.

Riberac is a traditional Dordogne market town with characterful houses, picturesque cafes and useful shops, just south of the Dronne River where you will find canoeing and kayaking opportunities in the summer months. From your house, just stroll around the corner to reach your nearest boulangerie for your morning pastries and fresh bread whilst one of the town’s most atmospheric cafes is just the other side of the main square with its tables beneath the shady trees. You can buy groceries at local shops within walking distance or drive under 2km to one of the larger supermarkets on the edge of the town.  

It's an attractive town to wander around with its handsome houses, little art galleries, the impressive Collégiale Ribérac and the pretty townhall. There is a good choice of restaurants and the town is especially famous for its Friday morning market, known to be one of the best in the Périgord, selling all sorts of seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meat, charcuterie, honey, local wine, baskets and so much more.

Within a short drive there are superb forest hikes through the ancient Forêt de la Double as well as Le Grand Étang de La Jemaye (15km) with its playground, nature walks, fitness trails and picnic areas alongside seasonal water-based activities and supervised swimming in the height of the summer.

The medieval town of Brantôme (38km) is a gorgeous day trip with its riverside setting and impressive abbey. Take a boat ride along the river and look out for canoeing and kayaking opportunities in stunning surroundings. There are further water-based activities along the Isle River near Montpon-Ménestérol (33km) to the south of Riberac.

Driving into the Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin, Nontron (50km) is a lovely village with a rich heritage, known for its historic knife production, whilst picture-perfect Saint-Jean-de-Côle (57km), just beyond Brantôme, is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Even closer to home is the small city of Périgueux (38km) with its excellent markets, restaurants and historic architecture.

Heading south, another great day out Bergerac (52km) by the banks of the Dordogne whilst the enchanting hilltop town of Saint-Émilion (67km) is just over an hour away with its beautiful historic centre surrounded by unesco World heritage vineyards.

You could even venture to Bordeaux (112km) and its famous wineries, reached in around a 90-minute drive depending on traffic, or drive north to Angoulême (56km) by the banks of the Charente, home to the highly regarded comic museum, Musée de la Bande Dessinée, and the annual vintage car race, Le Circuit des Remparts.

Accommodation

Maison Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Lounge
-    Dining room (seats 12)
-    TV room
-    Breakfast room
-    Kitchen
-    Laundry room

First Floor

-    Bedroom 1 with super king-size double bed, air-conditioning and en suite shower room
-    Bedroom 2 with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath/shower

Second Floor

-    Bedroom 3 with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath/shower
-    Bedroom 4 with king-size double bed, child’s bed, air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with bath/shower
There are characterful low beams in some of the bedrooms.

Outside Grounds (via steps)

-    Swimming pool (8x4m, depth: 1.6m) with electric cover. Open and heated from approximately May to end-September
-    Poolside terrace with two sun loungers and parasol
-    Al-fresco dining terrace (closed end-September) 
-    Barbecue
-    Walled garden
-    Parking space (accessed via rear of house) for two cars
-    Remote controlled electric gate

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating (on request)
-    Air-conditioning (Bedrooms 1 and 4 only)
-    Smart TV
-    Board games
-    Washing machine and dryer