It really is hard to imagine a more perfect French group family getaway than this stunning Maison de Maitre set on the edge of a pretty village close to lively Duras and surrounded by beautiful rural views. The interiors are as elegant and chic as the handsome mansion-style exterior, yet it manages to be warm, cosy and extremely family-friendly too.... a real 'find'!
The friendly owners live in the UK with their own young children and their insight into family life is evident in the fabulous list of good quality nursery kit (see Fast facts section for full list), books, toys and games supplied, as well as the brilliant outdoor play gear including swings, slides, climbing wall, sandpit and trampoline. Its the kind of place that has parents slowing into relaxation mode from the minute they arrive and little ones immediately captivated by the abundant play gear and safe roaming space. There's no "how can we keep the tots entertained today" stress. Parents can look forward to many a chilled out moment sinking into a cushioned sun lounger with a book, or sipping a local fine wine on the terrace between ball games on the lawn and splashing about in the warmly heated pool... heaven!
Evening packing is stress-free since the villa manager offers a pre-arrival shopping service that can include nappies, wipes, formula, as well as food and drink. Delicious fresh breakfast pastries and bread can be purchased in the village boulangerie just a few minutes walk away and, on Fridays in summer (July and August), the village hosts family-friendly open-air evening markets with dining tables for a sociable taste of France.
An added bonus for family group getaways is the fact the house has two separate living rooms since it allows for a grown up lounge for conversation and relaxation, and a family lounge for play.
Accommodation Overview:
'Luxe Farmhouse' sleeps 12 in six bedrooms comprising a super king with en-suite bathroom, a king size and a twin bedroom with family bathroom on the first floor, a king with ensuite shower room on the ground floor and a further two twin bedrooms (both with en-suite shower rooms) on the second floor. Downstairs, there is a lounge with TV (UK Satellite channels), DVD player and an IPod dock, and also a separate second floor kids snug area with board games, books, TV and DVD player and toys. The well-equipped kitchen comes with dishwasher, range cooker with gas hob and 2 electric ovens, fridge-freezer, combination microwave, and there are laundry facilities (washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board). An impressive dining room with large extending oak table and fireplace leads-on to the kitchen, which also opens onto a pretty outside terrace with dining and living areas. Outside, there are spacious grounds complete with BBQ area, play area (swing, slide, climbing wall, sandpit and trampoline). There is also good-sized heated pool with automated retractable safety cover.
Luxe Farmhouse nestles amongst sunflower fields and meadows within a short stroll of the handy amenities in the pretty village of Levignac de Guyenne. Guests can find a handy grocery store selling basics, an artisan bakery selling delicious breakfast supples, a pharmacy, post office and a cafe/bistro all within a few minutes walk, making for an idyllic introduction to typical French village life. Best of all, during high summer (Jyly and August) the village square hosts live music and al-fresco food stalls from the open-air night market, which takes place most Friday evenings and is very much a family-friendly event.
Venturing a little further afield, guests will find the nearby town of Duras is (7km) has great facilities including weekly day and night markets, a large supermarket (Carrefour), banks, ATMs, butcher, selection of cafes and bistros and a beautiful 12th Century Chateau, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year. A few miles further is the pretty town of Sainte-Foy-le-Grande, which also has a lively market, shopping and town square bistro scene. There's a river beach in nearby Marmande (20km approx), which also has an attractive old town with good shopping, a large play park, canal with kayaking, markets and numerous restaurants. Plus there's an excellent fast train service to Bordeaux, regarded as a mini Paris, thanks to its beautiful Belle Epoque architecture, excellent shopping, galleries, opera and many very good restaurants, including a number on the waterfront.
A trip to this part of France should always include a visit to St. Emilion both for site seeing and wine tasting. There are many excellent wineries and restaurants on the outskirts too. Another must-see is the exceptionally pretty town of Issigeac which has a lovely Sunday market, best combined with brunch at the locally famous Chez Alain. The garden seating is ideal with little ones who love pottering around the central fountain area,
Getting there: The nearest airports are Bergerac (40mins) and Bordeaux (80mins).
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Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 42 days prior to arrival
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 42 days prior to arrival
COVID 19 UPDATE: Facilities remain as described. Toys/Books have been removed. A 25% deposit secures booking & is refundable/exchangeable if travel restrictions are in place. Balance payable 42 days before arrival. Covid-19 inclusive insurance, such as that provided by Nationwide, should be relied upon for refund after this point..
10% discount will be applied to full weeks after the first week
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 42 days prior to arrival
COVID 19 UPDATE: Facilities remain as described. Toys/Books have been removed. A 25% deposit secures booking & is refundable/exchangeable if travel restrictions are in place. Balance payable 42 days before arrival. Covid-19 inclusive insurance, such as that provided by Nationwide, should be relied upon for refund after this point..
10% discount will be applied to full weeks after the first week
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Sleeps 12 + cots (2 provided) in 6 bedrooms comprising 3 king/superking & 3 twins. 2 x additional beds may be available on request. There are 5 bathrooms, a large private garden with pool and BBQ. |
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![]() | Bergerac airport - 40 minutes drive and Bordeaux airport - 1h 20 mins. |
![]() | St Malo, Caen (6-7hrs drive) |
![]() | There are a number of lake beaches with good family facilities a short drive away and sandy coastal beaches are within 1.5 hrs drive. |
![]() | Local village with restaurants, shops and bars are a short walk away. |
![]() | This villa boasts a private 11m x 5m heated, salt water pool. |
![]() | This baby-friendly villa offers nursery gear including a travel cot, a wooden cot, stairgate, two rollaway beds (stay low to ground if preferred), two high chairs, baby bath, potty, plastic crockery and cups. |
![]() | This child friendly gite has books, toys, UK free sat with children's channels available. |
![]() | Pre arrival shopping can be arranged. |
![]() | This child-friendly villa offers outdoor play gear including a large sand pit with sky-fort play house, monkey bars, climbing wall, swings, buckets and spades and a spring-free trampoline. |
![]() | Spa within a short drive. |
![]() | Stairgates are provided |
![]() | A large, south facing, covered terrace with gas BBQ, dining and lounge areas. |
![]() | Wi-Fi is provided |
![]() | Plenty of golf courses within easy reach by car. |
![]() | Travel cot and a wooden cot are available |
![]() | Extra cleaning can be arranged for stays of 2 weeks or more at an extra charge. |
Please click the text to scroll through reviews.
Excellent accommodation for baby and four other grandchildren with their families. We had a wonderful holiday.Review dated 29/08/2019
Absolutely beautiful house, so well appointed.
Great facilities for children.
Loved it xReview dated 30/07/2019
Such a beautiful house..
perfect for small children.
Visited with 4 children including 2 toddlers. The proximity to pool to outside space plus play areas was ideal.
Cots, high chairs, stair gates, loads of plastic plates etc.
The night market was great.
Lunch out ... with a crowd is limited..Review dated 27/07/2019
Very well appointed houseReview dated 25/09/2018
Beautiful, spacious house in a lovely setting. 3 kids aged 2-6 were all catered for and especially enjoyed the climbing frame and sand pit. Kitchen is very well equipped and makes self catering easy.Review dated 01/09/2018
Beautiful home, it had everything we could want for our holiday. The interiors are gorgeous, the swimming pool is perfect for kids and the lovely playground and trampoline were a hit. We had a fantastic time.Review dated 04/09/2017
Well designed swimming pool, heated to a temperature that allowed the children to stay in for ages without getting cold.Review dated 27/08/2017
We stayed at La Douverie in August 2017 with another family, and total of 4 children aged from 1-10. We were all so impressed with this fantastic property, the interiors are as beautiful as the grounds and surroundings, and literally everything is provided from a massive range of kitchen equipment to toys and games. The location was great (easy walk to a little shop and bakery) and the kids had a great time in the pool and the playhouse. We would highly recommend La Douverie to other families.
Review dated 23/08/2017
*Ratings by verified BFB guests who stayed here with young children.
Rated by 11 guests.