Domaine De La Foret

About this property

Domaine De La Forêt is an exceptional hilltop retreat centred around a grand courtyard, combining a 19th century mansion and a 18th century hunting lodge, surrounded by 165 acres of beautiful private estate.

The interior design is lavish yet cosy in delicate shades of white and blue that complement the exposed stonework, creating bright and spacious interiors across fantastic dining and living spaces. Each house benefits from four inviting bedrooms in a family friendly mix of twin, double and bunk beds, as well as an extensive list of amenities such as Bluetooth music speakers. 

The grounds are timeless in their grandeur, offering acres of expertly preened Aquitaine countryside that includes lawns, walled gardens, an arboretum, a wildflower meadow, private woodland and two small lakes. Spend summer months relaxing by the heated swimming pool with its wonderful terrace and stunning views. As the evening nears, sit out on the gravelled terrace overlooking the formal lawns and stay until the sun sets romantically between the historic gateposts.

There really is little you could want for when staying in such luxury, but you must be sure to explore the fantastic region that surrounds the abode, where you’ll find exquisite restaurants, magnificent châteaux and endless tranquil countryside.

Explore idyllic Brantôme with its picturesque setting on the River Dronne, partake in a canoeing excursion, visit the Friday morning market in Ribérac, famed for its foie gras, walnuts and truffles or spend the day discovering the small city of Périgueux, the historic capital of the Dordogne.

Domaine De La Forêt is set in 165 acres of private estate in the Dordogne department of Aquitaine, between the historic market towns of Nontron and Brantôme.

Beyond your beautiful gardens, head out for walks across the estate, following trails through the woodland, coming across two small lakes as well as a great variety of flora and fauna.

The closest small village is around 4km by car but for restaurants and other amenities you can drive to Nontron (14km), Brantôme (16km) and Mareuil en Périgord (15km), or discover places to eat dotted across the surrounding countryside.

Look out for markets across this part of Périgord Vert, famed for its walnuts, truffles and foie gras. One of the best regarded Farmer’s markets of this region is in Ribérac on a Tuesday and Friday morning whilst Nontron, famous for its knives, hosts a bustling market early on a Saturday. The traditional markets in Thiviers and Périgueux are also a joy to experience, as is the one on a Friday morning closer to home in picturesque Brantôme.

Indeed, it is wonderful to spend any day of the week visiting Brantôme, set on the River Dronne and a picture-perfect place for riverside picnics, walks and canoeing or kayaking. After exploring the town’s pretty medieval lanes, head to the historic abbey or explore the troglodyte caves then enjoy some typical Périgordine cuisine in one of the many restaurants. Known as ‘Venice of the Dordogne’, take a tranquil boat trip along the river.

Visit historic castles nearby such as Château de Puyguilhem and Château de Bourdeilles, both within half an hour, or drive further east to historic gems including Château de Jumilhac and its magnificent gardens.

Get out and about exploring the incredible landscapes of the Périgord Vert with its rolling hills, dense woodland, little streams and rocky plateaus. Find cycling trails for a variety of abilities, mountain biking opportunities as well as hiking and horse-riding. Golf-lovers will no doubt appreciate Golf Club Perigueux, an 18-hole course (plus a 9-hole pitch and putt) located around 40km away.

Accommodation

Main House Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Entrance hall
-    Living room with open fireplace
-    Dining room with open fireplace and table for up to 16 guests
-    Butler’s pantry with wine fridge
-    Kitchen-diner, well-equipped including a range oven, dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer, Nespresso machine, kitchen island with two stools and table for 6 guests
-    Snug with books and board games
-    Utility room
-    WC

First Floor

-    Master bedroom and en suite bathroom with bath, shower and two sinks
-    Large bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with bath/shower
-    Bedroom with double bed
-    Bedroom with twin beds
-    Bathroom with shower
The double, twin and shared bathroom are in the same wing and can be closed off, making it ideal for a family

Pavilion Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Entrance hall
-    Lounge with wood-burner 
-    Open-plan kitchen-diner, well-equipped including electric oven, hob, dishwasher and island
-    Walk-in larder with fridge-freezer, microwave and laundry facilities

First Floor

-    Master bedroom with en suite bathroom with shower
-    Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with bath/shower
-    Bedroom with twin beds and en suite bathroom with bath/shower
-    Bedroom with bunk-beds and en suite bathroom with shower (ideally suited for children)

Outside Grounds
-    Heated swimming pool (13x5m, depth: 1.2-2m) with safety cover, gate and fencing (less than 1.5m). Open approximately mid-May to mid-September (on request at other times, subject to a charge)
-    Outdoor house with gas barbecue and shower room (next to the Pavilion)
-    Terrace with al-fresco dining table (for 8 guests) in shade of yew trees
-    Landscaped gardens
-    Courtyard, fountain and walled garden
-    Herb garden
-    Boules
-    Tennis court
-    Arboretum
-    Private grounds (175 acres) with woodland/pasture/mature parkland
-    Two small lakes
-    Private parking
Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Underfloor heating (Pavilion)
-    Stand-alone fans (in each wardrobe)
-    Satellite TV (UK channels)
-    DVD player
-    Music system with Bluetooth connection for i-Pod/i-Phone
-    Bose docker system (portable)
-    Table tennis
-    Boules
-    Hairdryers (some bedrooms)
-    Ironing facilities
-    Washing machine and dryer