Belle Vue
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Overview
The Dordogne may be a destination visitors adore, but rarely are guests fortunate enough to stay right in the heart of central Dordogne…or ‘The Old Dordogne’.
Perched up high on a rock face, Belle Vue is a private, hilltop retreat designed to take full advantage of the breath-taking views overlooking the valleys of the Dordogne and their waterways. It has been a family home for over 40 years, as well as a source of inspiration to many artists, including the owner’s mother. A fabulous terrace runs the full length of the house, and below a large pool deck extends out over the valley on stilts. Indoors, a home away from home awaits, with antiques and family heirlooms and artwork, as well as many warm, traditional features.
It’s easy to unwind in peace and privacy up here and feel ‘on top of the world’ but at the same time, guests are not isolated; the local village is just five minutes from Belle Vue, beneath the Château de Castelnaud. It has an excellent bakery, butcher, small grocery store, two restaurant-cafés plus other amenities, including canoe hire for trips down the Dordogne and bicycle hire. The beautiful medieval market town of Sarlat and the ancient hilltop fortress at Domme are each just a 15-minute drive away, the château at Beynac just 10 minutes and the world-famous Neanderthal caves of Les Eyzies are just a 30-minute drive away.
Belle Vue will leave guests enchanted with its mesmerising views, its welcoming interior and its authentic and nostalgic setting in the very heart of the much-loved ‘real’ Dordogne.
What you should know…
- There are some unprotected drops across the grounds and by the unfenced swimming pool - children need to be supervised at all times.
- Air-conditioning is in the bedrooms only.
Property Features
Villa Interior
Ground Floor
- Open-plan living-dining room with sitting area, bar and library
- Well equipped kitchen (oven, hob, fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher, coffee machine) with small table and chairs. Doors leading out to large terrace
First Floor
- Master double bedroom, with TV, large built in wardrobe/hangers
drawers, hairdryer and en-suite bathroom (bath with over shower, double sink and WC)
- Double bedroom with wardrobe/hangers drawers and hairdryer
- Double bedroom with wardrobe/hangers drawers and hairdryer
- Twin bedroom with TV wardrobe/hangers drawers
- Family bathroom with bath with over shower and double sink
- Separate WC
- Utility room
Outside Grounds
- Terrace with stunning views runs the full length of the villa
- Private heated swimming pool (size:11m x 5m/depth: 1.6m/shape: rectangular) with rigid safety cover. The pool is located on the lower level and accessed from the villa via steps (children need to be supervised due to unprotected drops by the unfenced poolside)
- Poolside terrace with amazing views
- Outdoor shower
- Summer kitchen
- Pool house with fridge
- Gas barbecue
- Sun-loungers
- Armchairs
- Outdoor dining table (children should be supervised due to some unprotected drops in this area)
- Children's play area
- Off road parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi (fiber optic broadband)
- Air-conditioning (bedrooms only)
- Heating (available late October to early April, charges apply)
- Working fireplace
- Large smart TV (Netflix, Amazon Prime)
- Blu-Ray DVD player
- Music System including I-Pod docking station
- Indoor board games
- Books and DVDs
- Washing machine
- Tumble dryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Hairdryers
- Gas barbecue x 2 (one on poolside terrace and one on terrace by kitchen)
Location
About the surrounding area of Belle VueThe beautiful local village, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, is just five minutes from Belle Vue, beneath the Château de Castelnaud. It has an excellent bakery, butcher, small grocery store, two restaurant-cafés plus other amenities, including canoe hire for trips down the Dordogne and bicycle hire.
The Perigord Noir area of Dordogne is much loved by visitors due to the beautiful natural landscapes, excellent regional cuisine, mild climate, enchanting castles and charming villages of old stone houses and cobbled lanes.
The village of Beynac (6km) is known as one of the most beautiful villages in this area with its stunning twelfth century castle on the banks of the Dordogne river.
The medieval market town of Sarlat (14km) has been known for its markets since the middle ages, they take place every Saturday and Wednesday mornings plus there is a night market every Thursday evening in the summer months and even a truffle and Foie Gras market in the winter. Visitors in the height of the summer may enjoy the spontaneous street theatre that fills the characterful lanes in the evening as well as the gourmet dining experiences on offer in the town and surrounding area. Other noteworthy villages include Domme (10km) and Belves (17km), plus many more within an hours drive or less.
Nature lovers must visit Les Jardins de Marqueyssac (3km), delightful and beautifully manicured gardens set high above the river with pretty views over nearby villages. In July and August you can avoid the summer heat by visiting them ‘by candlelight’ once a week for a truly memorable experience. Combine this with a visit to the enchanting nearby village of La Roque Gageac on the north bank of the Dordogne river. The idyllic village has a rich history and very little has changed other than the unusual but beautiful tropical plants that have been planted around the village and thrive in the mild climate.
The Dordogne is well known for its hundreds of castles and chateaux, many of which are open to the public and within a very short distance. Chateau de Castelnaud (2.5km) is a few minutes by car with many more a short distance further.
The whole region is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike offering a wide array of outdoor activities, from horse-back riding, to tennis, mountain-biking, golfing and watersports, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. Children will love the nearby waterparks, exploring prehistoric caves, re-enacting history in one of the castles or even a magnificent hot air balloon ride across the stunning region.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Bergerac/Brive/Bordeaux
(64km-45mins/81km-1h 10mins/180km-2h) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
(1.5km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Sarlat
(14km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
(1.5km ) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (small grocery stall)
(1.5km) |
||
| Nearest Ferry Port |
Bordeaux
(200km ) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Sarlat
(15km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
(1.5km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
Le Rocque Gageac
(6km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
Bordeaux
(180km) |
||
Region
One of France’s most visited destinations, Sarlat-la-Canéda is a beautiful medieval town with a superb reputation for its gastronomy. Staying near Sarlat allows you to experience the town’s rich heritage alongside its fine cuisine, whilst also being close to idyllic villages and natural scenery of the Périgord Noir, never far from the meandering Dordogne River.
Exquisitely restored, explore the old town with its warren of winding lanes with inviting shops, restaurants and characterful cafes. Take a guided tour to truly appreciate Sarlat’s rich history dating back to medieval and Renaissance times – the small yet attractive Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos de Sarlat, once a Benedictine abbey, is one of the main highlights of the town.
Spend time learning all about the region’s gastronomy, best experienced at the traditional outdoor market on a Saturday or Wednesday morning. Local specialities are of course served in Sarlat’s many excellent restaurants or bought in little shops across the town – look out for foie-gras, truffles, honey, chestnuts and walnuts. There is also an organic market on Thursday afternoons and a charming covered market near the cathedral.
If staying in the height of the summer, join in one of the region’s marchés nocturnes in nearby villages where you can enjoy local food amongst locals accompanied by good wine and music.
Elsewhere, visit the grand châteaux of the Dordogne (Château des Milandes and Château de Beynac are both less than half an hour away from Sarlat), stroll around elegant gardens (Les Jardins de Marqueyssac by candlelight is especially atmospheric) and visit picture-perfect riverside villages such as La Roque-Gageac and Domme, both classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Heading north instead, the famous caves of Lascaux are also within easy reach.
Hot air balloon rides are a great way to admire the landscapes of the Périgord Noir or simply canoe along the Dordogne River in glorious surroundings. There are of course wonderful walks, tree-top adventure centres and fantastic cycling routes including the 29km-long voie verte stretching from Sarlat to Cazoulès following a former railway line passing magnificent Dordogne countryside.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesA cot and highchair can be provided free of charge
ONSITE FACILITIES
Board Games: Scrabble, Monopoly, Playing Cards
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- <1hr to Airport
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Board games
- Boules/Petanque
- Children's videos/DVDs
- Heated Pool
- Indoor Games
- DVD
Services Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Maid Service Available
- Welcome Pack Included
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Extras services included at this property:
- Welcome pack included
Extra services available at this property (payable locally):
- Maid service
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | £500 charged to client’s credit card by the owner upon arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £500 charged to client’s credit card by the owner upon arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes (excluding heating). |
| Heating costs included? | Extra £150 per week from end-October to beginning of April, payable to Oliver's Travels at the time of balance payment. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, including pool towels. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes, plus a mid-stay light clean for stays of 2 weeks or more. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. |
| Pool heating charge? | Extra £150 per week, payable to Oliver's Travels at the time of balance payment. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and other special events are not permitted. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Air-conditioning is featured in bedrooms only. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 21st 2024 - Apr 26th 2025 | £3,922 |
| Apr 26th 2025 - Jun 21st 2025 | £3,922 |
| Jun 21st 2025 - Jul 12th 2025 | £4,586 |
| Jul 12th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £4,827 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025 | £4,586 |
| Sep 27th 2025 - May 25th 2026 | £3,922 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
How long have you owned the property?
The property has been in the family for over 40 years.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
My Mo...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
The property has been in the family for over 40 years.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
My Mother was an artist and fell in love with the property and the light in the Dordogne. The views from the house are some of the best in the area.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Yes - the Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP & Sir Philip May stayed in 2022.
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do...
Go into Sarlat at night - with the magical gas lamps.
Really eat ...
The local walnuts and the Duck dishes.
Really see...
The local castles, Castelnaud, Beynac , Marqueyssac.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Get to the markets early as they can get very busy. Most of them start at 08:00, you can then have a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere.
Reviews
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We loved Belle Vue
It is a beautiful, well kept home with a spectacular location. We were a group of five: grandmother, parents and two teenage children, and we all felt at home. The pool definitely added to the experience.
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Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday!
Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday! We know the Dordogne but have not been back in years. This beautiful house exuded our expectations: beautiful interior, beautiful views and beautiful pool to cool off in after sightseeing. Thank you for the generous provisions. I left a can of walnut oil as a thank you gift. We managed to fit castles, canoes and dinner at L’Esplanade in Domme into this visit. On behalf of Sophie, who was born in France… Merci Beaucoup!
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A Bientot perhaps!
A beautifully appointed villa with wonderful views in all directions. On a practical level, we enjoyed the generous provisions left for us, the fact that everything worked and close at hand, the fabulous pool! We can see why so many people would want to come back here, especially as there is so much to see and do locally. Our balloon adventure worked out splendidly for the three generations that took flight. A Bientot perhaps!
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The views are phenomenal
We have had the most wonderful week here and are very sad to be leaving!
The views are phenomenal, it’s such a special place. The mist in the morning with the hot air balloons popping through is magic! We really appreciated all the was provided – the food and wine to make us feel so welcome. We hope to return! -
Beautiful
Beautiful house, pool, view! We are really enjoying our visit here.
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Beautiful
Beautifully appointed villa
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Just stunning!
We waited 3 long years to visit this beautiful home due to Covid and, wow! Was it worth the wait! I walked onto the terrace and my eyes welled! Just stunning! That view is priceless! The hosts have thought of everything and it is truly a very amazing home from home.
The pool was unreal, the view was to die for. We loved it! Can’t wait to come back! -
Can’t wait for next time
Thank you so much for allowing us the opportunity to have this time together. Covid delayed our plans but boy it was worth the wait! The proximity to everything has been fab, however the terrace and the pool area is where my fondest memories were made with my family. After a very difficult few years, this holiday has restored and rejuvenated me more than I ever expected. Can’t wait for next time.
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An all too rare family holiday!
Many thanks for a truly memorable family holiday. Whether it was charting the unexplored reaches of the Dordogne by canoe, the delights of Sarlat by night or the history of Castelnaud we had a fantastic time.
The family time around the pool and on the terrace have given us many memorable moments for an all too rare family holiday! -
Wonderful visit
A truly wonderful visit. Thank you so much.
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Spectacular Views!
Even better than when we were here last – 18 years ago!
What a place for rest and relaxation and with spectacular views to soak in as well. A scorching hot week of constant 38-40C so the swimming pool was very much appreciated.
Needless to say we ate and drank very well.
Many, many thanks to the owner. -
Highly Enjoyable Stay!
We were here 18 years ago and enjoyed it even more this time.
It got to 40C during the day, so the new air conditioning unit was particularly appreciated at night-time.
Very many thanks
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A Beautiful Setting and a Fantastic Home!
Here for my 50th Birthday with 7 fantastic friends!
A beautiful setting and a fantastic home – I couldn’t have wished for more.
Highlights have been kayaking on the Dordogne and taking a gastronomic tour of the local area in a 2CV.
Everyone wants to come back, thanks to the hosts for their generosity in securing a happy start to my 50th. -
Wanted a wow place, and it certainly was!
Here for a delayed 60th birthday celebration with family. Wanted a wow place, and it certainly was! Beautiful house and pool in an amazing setting. Could enjoy the view all day.
So nice that there was a lovely welcome pack for us, and things like salt/pepper/oil which makes things so much easier.
Hot air balloon ride was a highlight – a surprise present from the younger members of the group! The pilot even managed to bring the balloon right past the house! Brilliant!
We all had an amazing time – even the 19month old grandchild!
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Fabulous Place to Stay
What a fabulous place to stay.
The pool was a godsend in the heatwave the first week and sitting outside on the balcony late evenings was glorious.
Well equipped, well located and unbelievable views.
Thank you for a wonderful holiday – even if it did take 3 years to get here (thanks Covid!) it was worth the wait! -
Wonderfully Relaxing Holiday
Thank you for a wonderfully relaxing holiday.
Glorious views, historic castles, magnificent food and wines and superb hosts. You have really spoilt us!
We are very appreciative.
Merci beaucoup! -
What a fantastic stay!
This beautiful house certainly lives up to its name. The views are outstandingly breathtaking, stunning scenery, with a gorgeous terrace stretching the whole length of the house. We have had the most wonderful holiday with every comfort thought of. The pool was much enjoyed by all, followed in the evenings by delicious French wines, watching the hot air balloons cresting the mountains and enjoying the views of the valleys beneath.
Great fun was had at the markets, trying delicious foods and coming home laden with supper. We all had fun cooking our wares on the BBQ, followed by evening strolls along the pretty country lanes. We have had a wonderful holiday and would certainly recommend this fantastic House to our friends and family. -
Belle Vue is Wonderful!
Impressive and yet cosy, comfortable house that enjoys the most spectacular views of the Dordogne Valley. We have stayed at Belle Vue a number of times and still long to return to soak up its magical, unique atmosphere. I have been to Belle Vue with my parents and in laws, in their 70’s, who still can’t get enough of the place! They adore the local cuisine, markets, activities and are totally at home within the house, be it during a hot summer or a chilly September visit. Belle Vue’s air conditioning is as efficient as its heating! Both excellent and ensure you are able to relax.
Last October half term I returned there with my two boys aged 4 and 7. They had never experienced anything as awesome as the local medieval castles, all of which are extremely educational, exciting and both adult and child friendly. We enjoyed a jam packed week with at least two excursions a day from castle tours to canoeing. We were all extremely grateful to arrive back to beautiful property each afternoon for a dip in the fantastic pool whilst we got our BBQ underway on the gargantuan terrace suspended above the valley and sometimes above the magical mist. The local shops (5 mins drive) allowed us gastronomic breakfast pastry feasts from the boulangerie and the butcher bent over backwards to accommodate our needs. Essentially for us, Belle Vue is private, not overlooked and it is fully equipped with everything we needed, and more! We all particularly enjoyed the fantastic sound system when watching movies on the big screen in the living area and the bedroom window shutters that keep the rooms dark enough to induce the deepest sleep I have ever experienced. Heavenly! -
Simply a wonderful place
Belle Vue is quite simply a wonderful place for a holiday. The house is stunning, set at the top of a valley, with views of the Dordogne River and medieval châteaux’s in the distance. I understand from the owner that the house was once his family home and this permeates the atmosphere of the place.
It is a very relaxing and comfortable place to be. Equipped with everything you would expect in a holiday letting but it goes much further than that. It feels like a home, and a very tastefully furnished one at that. Between the owner, gardener and the housekeeper everything has been thought of and they all go out of their way to make the holiday special.
The bedrooms are very comfortable with a luxurious en-suite in the main bedroom. All in all it is just a brilliant place to spend a holiday and in the terms of the Sarlat area we have just been captivated and cannot recommend it highly enough. -
Our third time at Belle Vue
We have now been fortunate enough the stay at Belle Vue on three occasions and each time it has proved the ideal base for both friends and family get together. The main attraction is of course the views that are beyond compare and weather permitting we always dined outdoors, enjoying leisurely breakfasts on the terrace, sunny barbeques at lunch around the pool and extended formal dining in the evening watching the hot air balloons drift past and enjoying the local vino by candlelight well in to the evening. Even if the weather turned uncooperative we were still left with elegant dining area to fall back on, and evenings seated in the sociable lounge which has a country house feel complete with traditional board games providing a nostalgic form of entertainment. The bedrooms are well appointed and provide ample space for 8 ‘party’ adults one occasion and family accommodation for the three generations of our family with sumptuous pool keeping the grand-children entertained for hours at a time.
A perfect location for lively parties or slow sleepy family gee aways. Cannot recommend it highly enough.
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A house with everything you need
Belle Vue is a beautiful house in a fantastic location and offers everything that a holiday in the Dordogne requires. We have been there in the Winter, Spring and Summer it was perfect each time, close to the action but away from the Summer crowds. Great pool and sun terrace, perfect for watching the hot air balloons drift past in the evening. The views are unbelievable - cannot wait to go back.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
