A historic home with fabulous valley views

Situated in the heart of the Périgord Noir, famous for its many grand châteaux and medieval towns, Château Espérance stands high on a rocky promontory overlooking the beautiful “Rivière Espérance” (the River Dordogne). Originally built for the local priest, this 17thC presbytery and former chapel now makes an ideal vacation home, perfectly located for enjoying the riches of the Dordogne region.

From its light-filled rooms and broad terrace around the pool there are superb vistas of the valley and the imposing Château de Fénélon nearby. Dining al fresco beneath the poolside loggia as the sun sets over the many-hued tapestry of farmland and wooded hills below is truly a memorable experience.

Beyond the delightful courtyard, the former chapel now doubles as a games room (with a billiard table) and music room. Across the lane is a small barn that provides a bedroom and bathroom for 2 more people, an ideal hideout for any teenagers in the group. And a few minutes away down the hill is a delightful and popular village with a typical café, bakery, shops, esssential services and an excellent weekly market.

Beds & Baths

Sleeps up to 10 people, 8 in the main house and 2 in the annex. Main house, lower floor: Bedroom 1 (imperial king, 75"), salon with door to garden, bathroom with tub and shower. Main floor: Bedroom 2 (king, 71", ceiling fan), adjacent bathroom with hydrojet shower. Top floor: Bedroom 3 (king, 71"), en suite bathroom with shower; Bedroom 4 (two queens, 68"), bathroom with tub and separate shower. Annex: Bedroom 5 (king, 71") upstairs with bathroom and shower, small breakfast kitchen downstairs.

Living Space

Large open-plan sitting and dining room on main floor; salon on lower floor opening onto the garden. Covered dining loggia on pool terrace; games and music room in the former chapel.

Outdoors

Large, salt-system swimming pool (approx.30`x12`) with current European security; covered loggia for dining, BBQ and large terrace overlooking the Dordogne Valley and with access to large kitchen; beautiful courtyard with fountain; surrounded by lovely private lawns for walking, kids playing or croquet.

Household Amenities

Satellite TV (42" plasma screen TV in main living area and TVs in bedrooms 1 and 2), DVD, VCR and CD stereo, high-speed Internet, fax; two fully-equipped modern kitchens, BBQ, billiards and Bose sound system in Chapel; washer/dryer; central heating, ceiling fans and AC in all bedrooms.

Notable Features

Décor combines modern comfort and medieval splendor. Lovely terraces and exquisite vistas of ancient landscapes of the Dordogne Valley. Excellent proximity to sites; medieval towns and prehistory.

Nearby Diversions

Lively village, St. Julien de Lampon (5min), with restaurants, café, all services and good weekly market. Famed prehistoric sites and museums: Les Eyzies and Montignac (45min), Lascaux (45min). Historic Sarlat (20min). Medieval villages & castles along the Dordogne – Beynac, La Roque Gageac, Domme & Castelnaud (10-30 min); Rocamadour (50min); Cahors and vinyards (1hr); wine region near Bergerac (1hr) and St. Emilion (1.5hr).

Outdoor Activities

Good hiking and cycling; canoeing on the Dordogne River; hot air ballooning.

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

Children Allowed:

Yes

Max Occupancy:

10-12

Specialist Category: