Hankering for the simple pleasures of a laid back lifestyle in South West France, owners of Gite Regrunel, Elaine and Dan, gave up successful careers in the UK to move into the farmhouse with their two dogs in 2012 and convert their golden stone barn into La Grange and La Petite Grange. With the added bonus of a shared pool and games barn, the two gites are perfect for extended families and friends holidaying together, although both can also be booked individually for 4 or 6 people, plus babies in cots.
The original barn doors have been fully glazed and have French doors so each gite spills onto a sheltered gravel courtyard with barbecues and dining tables for eating in the sunshine and a screen can be set up for a little more privacy. Inside, the gites have a light and airy open plan living arrangement, with the original, exposed timber framework, sleek, contemporary kitchens and wood burning stove for cosy evenings watching a DVD or UK Freeview channels on the wall-mounted flat screen TV. The overall style and atmosphere is contemporary, uncluttered luxury where families can really kick back and relax, with all the home comforts and mod cons, including free Wi-Fi and iPod dock.
With South West France usually warm in springtime, hot in summer and mild in the autumn, toddlers to teenagers can make the most of the lovely big lawn garden for playing outside and build dens or plan teddy bears picnics in a little woodland. Then there’s the 10x5m swimming pool, which is 1.2 metre deep, with steps for little ones to splash in the shallows plus plenty of floats and inflatables. Sun loungers are set out around the pool for catching some rays and just a few yards away, a decked terrace with floaty sail shades, is perfect for leisurely lunches in the garden. Parents can even have some peace and quiet when the kids disappear into the games barn to play with a stash of toys and games, including Giant Jenga and Connect 4, Lego, jigsaws and board games, as well as table tennis, darts and boules. As night falls, the starry skies here are simply amazing for pointing out The Plough and spotting shooters, or simply sipping the local wines when the little ones are in bed.
Accommodation overview
Gite Regrunel comprises La Grange with 3 bedrooms and La Petite Grange with 2 bedrooms which can be booked together for up to 10 people plus 2 babies in cots.
La Petite Grange (sleeps 4+baby) has an open plan layout on the ground floor, with glazed barn doors and French doors which open onto the patio terrace with a bistro table, parasol and a barbecue. The living area is furnished with a stylish corner sofa to snuggle down by the wood burner and watch UK Freeview channels and DVD’s on the wall mounted 32” TV. The dining table seats 4 (plus highchair) and the fitted kitchen area is super sleek and modern. The master bedroom has a king-size bed and an ensuite. Bedroom 2 can be made up as a king-size bed or with twin single beds. The gite also has a downstairs walk-in shower room, washbasin and WC.
Gite Regrunel is located in the unspoilt Lot-et-Garonne countryside of South West France which blurs into the iconic Dordogne and is just below the world famous Bordeaux vineyards. The region is famous for its meandering river valleys, ancient woodlands and movie-set medieval towns, but also for its foody specialities, from confit duck and rich pates to giant wild mushrooms and indulgent desserts. The nearest shops and restaurants to sample the local delicacies are only 4 kms from the gites, in the village of Fumel, which also has a small play park. Remember, owners Dan and Elaine are also on hand in the farmhouse at Gite Regrunel to suggest their favourite local restaurants and the best markets.
Cycling is a great way to explore the surrounding countryside, we would be happy to provide details of local bike hire companies, who provide all sizes of road and mountain bikes, including electric bikes.
The medieval military stronghold of Chateau Bonaguil is less than 5 minutes’ drive – standing proud on a wooded hillside like a proper fairytale castle! It’s fun to explore, playing knights and princesses or catching a medieval display, but it’s also famous for spectacular firework displays in the summer months. The castle is a good spot to plan a picnic or there are cafes and restaurants in the village below.
Exploring some of the timeless ‘bastide’ walled towns is a must in this part of France, especially on market day, such as Monflanquin, Puy-l'Évêque, Tournon d'Agenais, Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Pujols. For more full on family fun, kids will pester to pay a visit to one of the two water parks within half an hour’s drive or spend a day monkeying around at the Parc en Ciel treetop adventure. To make the most of those star spangled nights at Gite Regrunel, grown-ups could pay a visit to the famous Bordeaux vineyards or stick closer to the home with the black wine of Cahors, which has been around since Roman times.
Nearest medical services: Medical centre in Fumel (4kms); A&E in Villeneuve sur Lot (20 mins)
Getting here: Bergerac is the nearest airport to Gite Regrunel, approximately 1 hour’s drive, with flights from regional airports across the UK.
Click to enlarge
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
New Year offer - Complementary bottle of local fizz for all Summer 2018 bookings made before the end of February 2018
We’ve always dreamed of living a simpler life in South West France, so after successful careers in the UK, Dan in Finance and Elaine as an Executive PA we decided to follow our dream. After extensive research and viewing many properties we finally found Le Regrunel in February 2012. We were instantly attracted to the collection of golden stone buildings which offered the opportunity for us to create a wonderful home and luxury holiday gites for our guests in relaxing surroundings. We have lived here since October 2012 with our 2 dogs Snoop & Bailey and are all enjoying our life in the French countryside.
We live in the farmhouse across the courtyard from the gites so are available for advice and help, such as restaurant recommendations and bookings. We have our own entrance away from the gites and are very discreet.
![]() |
Sleeps 4 plus infants in 1 x Kingsize bedroom and 1 x twin bedroom (which can be converted to a kingsize bed) |
||||||
![]() | Bergerac airport is approximately 1 hour drive away. |
![]() | Bilbao is approx 4.5 hrs drive and Calais is approx 9 hrs drive away. |
![]() | Lake beaches with sandy banks and boat hire are 25 mins drive away. |
![]() | 10m x 5m swimming pool, security alarmed, unheated. Pool has shallow steps which children can sit and play on. The pool itself is 1.2m deep and is all the one level. The pool is accessed from the enclosed courtyard, the courtyard has a gate with a latch. |
![]() | This baby friendly gite has 2 x travel cots, 2 x high chairs, 2 x baby baths, 2 x stair gates, socket covers, plastic cutlery, plates and cups. |
![]() | The games rooms is stocked with toys for all ages including: Giant Jenga, Giant Connect4, table tennis, darts board, jigsaws, building blocks, board games. There is also a selection of family friendly dvds available. |
![]() | Pool inflatables and noodles and swimming aides. |
![]() | Stairgates are provided. |
![]() | Enclosed courtyard, fenced and gated to prevent direct access to the pool. Plenty of garden space to run around and a BBQ on the terrace. |
![]() | Wi-Fi is provided |
![]() | Golf course a short 10 minute drive away. |
![]() | Multiple cots and highchairs can be provided. |
![]() | Log burner in the lounge. |
*Ratings by verified BFB guests who stayed here with young children.
Rated by 1 guests.