La Grange Des Epinettes
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Overview
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In a peaceful hamlet in northern Dordogne, part of this pretty blue-shuttered barn has been lovingly converted into a beautiful holiday home with its own private swimming pool, wood-fired hot tub and gorgeous garden filled with butterflies and wildlife.
La Grange des Epinettes exudes warmth and character with exposed stone walls, original oak beams and a handmade staircase alongside pretty décor and welcoming furnishings. Dating back to the 19th century, traditional elements remain whilst contemporary features have been added including Smart TV with Netflix and a wireless speaker for your music, alongside an elegant country kitchen and two modern bathrooms. The house sleeps up to seven guests across three inviting bedrooms on the first floor.
Outside, it’s idyllic when relaxing on the travertine terrace beside the summer swimming pool, dining al-fresco or sipping a glass of wine in the wood-fired hot tub beneath the clear and starry night sky. The garden is a haven for wildlife from dragonflies, lizards and bats to even the occasional deer – this is such a gorgeous and tranquil spot in the heart of the Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park.
It’s just over a 5-minute drive to the nearest boulangerie and restaurant – the village hosts a charming Tuesday evening market in the summer months. A little further is the historic town of Montbron, close to the Tardoire River for summer canoeing, kayaking and fishing in wonderful surroundings. Admire the waterwheels along the river (and look out for the Michelin starred restaurant, Moulin de la Tardoire) before venturing to La Rochefoucauld (18km) and its magnificent château.
In the other direction, visit the medieval riverside town of Brantôme with its historic abbey and appreciate the grandeur of Château de Bourdeilles, then visit other picture-perfect Dordogne villages and towns such as Saint-Jean-de-Côle, Nontron and Thiviers. Even closer is Grand Étang de St-Estèphe, the perfect spot for a lakeside picnic, nature walk or summer swimming in this beautiful part of south-western France.
What you should know…
- Part of this barn has been lovingly renovated to create this welcoming family home - the habitable section for guests is on the right-hand side (as you face the barn). Other parts of the barn are closed off to guests.
- If arriving by train, the TGV service from Paris Montparnasse to Angoulême takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, then pick up a car rental for the 40km drive to your holiday home.
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
- may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
- may have some simple amenities and features
- mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
Property Features
La Grange Interiors
Ground Floor
- Open-plan lounge and dining area (43m2) with corner sofa, wood burning stove, TV, DVD player and doors leading outside to garden and gravel terrace area
- Kitchen-diner (23m2), well-equipped including electric oven, gas hob, microwave, toaster, kettle, coffee machine
- Utility room
- WC and sink
First Floor
- Master bedroom (23m2) with king-size double bed and en suite with shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom (23m2) with king-size double bed and single bed
- Bedroom (14.8m2) with double bed
- Bathroom with bath, walk-on shower, sink and WC
Please note that parts of the barn are closed off to guests. The habitable section for guests is on the right-hand side (as you face the barn).
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (10x4m, depth: 1.5m, with steps) with safety alarm and electric cover. Open approximately June to end-September
- Poolside travertine terrace with sun-loungers (x6), side tables (x2) and large parasol
- Garden (0.75 acre, fenced)
- Al-fresco dining area
- Barbecue
- Shaded seating area
- Wood-fired hot tub (logs provided)
Please note the mezzanine area shown on the photo is not accessible to guests.
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Wood-burning stove
- Smart TV (with Netflix)
- Wireless speaker
- DVD player (and DVDs)
- Board games
- Wood-fired hot tub
- Washing machine
Location
About the surrounding area of La Grange Des EpinettesLa Grange des Epinettes is located in a peaceful hamlet in northern Dordogne, close to the Charente border. If flying, you can arrive into Limoges Airport just over an hour away (alternatively Bergerac Airport is around a 90-minute drive to the south) or travel by train and take the TGV train service to Angoulême (40km) from Paris or Bordeaux.
In the Parc naturel régional Périgord Limousin, the converted barn enjoys a rural setting with just a handful of other neighbouring houses, a 5km drive to a traditional village with a boulangerie, restaurant and summer market on a Tuesday evening. There is a handy grocery store in Javerlhac (6.5km) and larger supermarkets in the local town Montbron (10.5km), where you will also find summer canoeing and fishing along the Tardoire River.
Wine-lovers note that Cave De St Sornin (16km) showcases local wines produced from the historic vineyards of Saint-Sornin. Meanwhile, gastronomes may wish to book a table at the Michelin starred restaurant on the banks of the Tardoire near Montbron. Furthermore, Piégut-Pluviers (12km) hosts one of the region’s largest markets on a Wednesday morning selling a wealth of local produce.
There are many fine days out across this region. La Rochefoucauld (24km) is a great highlight with its grand château (with its Leonardo Da Vinci designed staircase) alongside excellent restaurants serving the local speciality, Limousin beef. Between Montbron and La Rochefoucauld, the waterwheels along the Tardoire River are especially beautiful and this region offers a wealth of walking opportunities (including the GR4), cycling, horse-riding and fishing.
Brantôme (40km) is a wonderful medieval town on the Dronne River, also home to the impressive Abbaye de Brantôme. Stroll along the riverside, enjoy a boat cruise and look out for canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Market days are Tuesday and Friday and there are often water jousting tournaments on Friday evenings in the summer. Perhaps combine your trip with a visit to the magnificent Château de Bourdeilles (46km).
Closer to home, pack a picnic and spend the day by Grand Etang de St-Estèphe (11km) or dine out in its gourmet French restaurant overlooking the lake. The lake itself is idyllic with a beach, supervised swimming at certain times in the summer alongside watersports (paddleboards, kayaks), volleyball, a playground, fishing permits and a small café.
Nontron (19km) is an attractive Dordogne village with a rich arts and crafts heritage, known for its historic knife production whilst Saint-Jean-de-Côle (43km) has been classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, close to the Dordogne market town of Thiviers (49km).
You could even venture south to the historic capital of Dordogne, Périgueux (64km) or spend the day in the Charente’s handsome city of Angoulême (40km), famed for its annual vintage car race, Le Circuit des Remparts.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Limoges Airport
(69km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport
(113km) |
||
| Nearest Ferry Port |
Saint-Malo
(464km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Angoulême TGV
(40km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Small rural village
(5km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Local village
(5km) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Boulangerie in local village
(5km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Javerlac/Montbron
(6.5km/10.5km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Montbron
(10.5km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Angoulême
(40km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf International de la Prèze
(17km) |
||
Region
The pace of life in the Dordogne is languid, laid back and positively infectious. Relax in bucolic beauty as you drift along the Dordogne River, or wander among the forests and hillside of the Périgord Natural Park.
The foodie scene too, is a relaxed affair. Take your time over your lazy lunches of local duck, black truffles and goats cheese. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hunt for them yourself. The wine here is second to none, with infamous grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chenin Blanc all having a huge presence here.
The Dordogne is also brimming with history. Castles and chateaux are scattered throughout the region, among the enchanting medieval villages. History of an altogether more ancient sort can also be explored in the incredible prehistoric cave drawings of Lascaux and Grotte de Rouffignac.
Click to download your definitive Guide to the Dordogne >>
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesFrom canoeing or kayaking along the Tardoire and Dronne Rivers to long walks, cycle rides and horse-riding, there is so much across northern Dordogne and the Charente to keep families entertained during your time in this beautiful part of France.
Circuit Karting du Périgord is less than a 10-minute drive away with different circuits for smaller and older children/adults – check opening times in advance as they can vary. Meanwhile, Périgord Vert Aventure (19km) features tree-top trails and zip-lines alongside mini-golf and pretty walks by the lake.
Grand Étang de St-Estèphe is also closeby, the perfect spot for a picnic by the lake and in the summer there is supervised swimming and water-based activities (paddle boards and kayaks) as well as a children’s playground, volleyball and yet more gorgeous walks.
Comic enthusiasts must try and find time to visit the National Comic Strip and Image Centre in Angoulême, followed by a walk around this handsome city looking out for huge murals painted on walls across the historic quarter.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Go-Karting
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Child-Safe Pool
- DVD
- Fenced Grounds
Extras
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
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 as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to 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 as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to 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. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, changed once for stays of more than 14 nights. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes and mid-stay cleaning for stays of more than 14 nights also included. 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. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately June to late September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is included. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. All other durations on request. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 7 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Jan 10th 2025 - Jun 28th 2025 | £1,774 |
| Jun 28th 2025 - Jul 17th 2025 | £2,204 |
| Jul 17th 2025 - Sep 13th 2025 | £2,204 |
| Sep 13th 2025 - Jul 14th 2026 | £1,774 |
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.
When did you become the owner?
We bought La Grange in April 2019.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The setting is so completely ...
Owner Profile
When did you become the owner?
We bought La Grange in April 2019.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The setting is so completely tranquil, listening to birdsong in the garden, watching the butterflies and the bees, the absolute darkness at night, the amazing stars on a clear evening. We absolutely loved the thick stone walls and the timeless feeling of the location.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
We believe La Grange Des Epinettes was originally part of the estate owned by the petit chateau, just down the lane, and would have provided winter storage for crops as well, we think from the stone styes, pigs! The original owner of the chateau was a high-ranking officer during the Crimea War and was gifted the land as reward for his part in the conflict.
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do?
Visit the lovely leisure lake at St Estephe. It’s just 15 minutes away, there is a beach (with lifeguards), free kayaking and paddleboarding, a great café and a lovely walk which includes pulling yourself across the lake in a raft! It’s much safer than it sounds…
Must eat?
At the night market on a Tuesday in Varaignes, get there early to bag a place at one of the communal tables, and browse the stalls selling pasta with truffles, duck kebabs, salads, bread, cognac etc. Finish off your meal with the most amazing ice cream and be sure to take one of the picnic bags from the house with your cutlery and a few bottles of wine, it’s just the loveliest evening.
Must see?
The Wednesday morning market in Piegut Pluviers snakes its way right through the town and is one of the largest in this part of France. Stallholders sell a huge variety of goods including fresh produce, plants, freshly baked bread, local honey, olives, snails, and even mattresses! It’s worth a browse and a pitstop at one of the cafes to watch the world go by.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Fill the hot tub up when you arrive and get it going. It takes a while to warm up but once you’ve done it once from that point on, if you keep the lid on, it will retain heat and will be easy and quick to warm back up and you can then enjoy it every day. Nothing beats sitting under the stars with a glass of bubbly in your hand and enjoying the opportunity to just relax!
Reviews
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Peaceful French escape
We all enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing holiday at La Grange Des Epinettes. The setting is idyllic, the barn well equipped and comfortable, but the main attraction for us all was the fantastic pool. The host is great, she responds to messages and requests really quickly. We would all thoroughly recommend La Grange Des Epinettes to anyone looking for a peaceful French escape.
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Wonderful
We had a wonderful stay and would absolutely recommend to others. The house is beautifully decorated and had everything we needed to enjoy our break. The outside gardens and pool offered privacy and were so peaceful. The garden was also secure for our dogs which gave us peace of mind and them time to explore. There is lots to occupy you in the local area and we enjoyed visiting the local lake, the towns of Brantome and La Rochefoucauld. The markets were also great. We hope to return again in the future!
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Lovely stay, exceeded expectations!
We had a lovely stay at La Grange Des Epinettes! The house, swimming pool and garden exceeded our expectations! Everything is available in the house, even plastic dishes and glasses for the swimming pool area. The house is very spacious and has fine beds, the garden is very big and private. During our stay the weather was a bit colder and wetter than normal for this time of year, but that was no problem at all, since there is a covered terrace beside the house and after heating up in the jacuzzi, the pool was perfect to cool down in! The surroundings are beautiful and quiet. We went cycling (beware of the heights!) and saw various deer during our cycling trips. The communication with the host was very open and pleasant. We can definitely recommend this place!
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Thank you for a wonderful holiday!
Fabulous house and grounds, the pictures honestly don’t do it justice! We had an amazing week, enjoying the pool and hot tub as well as exploring the area. The owner was a great host, leaving a really thoughtful welcome basket and guide to the local area. Thank you for a wonderful holiday!
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I would recommend the villa.
Amazing place, beautiful garden with big swimming pool. We appreciated all recommendations left in the guest book. The house was clean and we felt welcomed (thank you for welcoming pack as well!) I would recommend the villa.
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Brilliant 2 weeks
Our family of 5 had a brilliant 2 weeks at La Grange Des Epinettes. There was a generous welcome pack on arrival and we found the house to be clean and spacious and very well equipped. The garden is perfect for relaxing with a large lawn for the children to play and plenty of shady spots and seating areas and it was so peaceful to relax there surrounded by butterflies, dragonflies and the odd lizard. We made full use of the gorgeous pool as the weather was glorious. I think my 8 year old spent more time in the water than out of it!
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Beautiful barn
Beautiful barn, with a fabulous pool and hot tub. Lots to do nearby and great hosts.
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Highly recommend
We had a great time in this very nice house. What a peaceful and quiet place. The pool is perfect and the outside patio is great. The whole atmosphere of the house and garden is very relaxing and pleasant. A perfect spot for a ‘tranquille’ holiday in the middle of France. Highly recommended.
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