Maison Les Grands Chênes in the Dordogne, France: A Review

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Maison Les Grands Chênes was designed to be a home from home. Four separate bedrooms with en suite facilities on a lower floor look directly out onto the tall oak trees that surround it. This back-to-nature retreat was the inspiration Baptiste Manet. His mother, Natalie, owns the land and buildings close to this accommodation. It was the realisation of a dream for Baptiste to build home-like holiday accommodation using traditional materials found in the area that was once farmland.

There are still some farm buildings here and they have been renovated and are in use as private homes. The architectural style of Maison Les Grands Chênes resembles the traditional longhouses of the Dordogne. Baptiste is the co-founder of Sapiens Architectes. His philosophy, in his own words, is “intelligent architecture that respects its environment and is built for the future!” Personal experience indicates he is succeeding.

Who for

Couples, solo travellers, small families. Suitable for anyone touring the Dordogne region looking for
exceptional bed and breakfast accommodation.

Accommodation

Maison Les Grands Chênes is built into a ridge. Approaching the house, it appears to be a single-storey building. But from the entrance hall, stairs lead to a lower level with four en-suite bedrooms. Huge windows throughout the house not only create wonderful views of the preserved woodland outside but generate the feeling of being amongst the trees. The four en-suite modern bedrooms are divided into two categories, classic and superior. All the rooms are non-smoking and
have direct access to the garden. They also feature 100% cotton bed linen, WiFi, natural bath products from local production, a bathrobe and towels, a hair dryer, a desk, relaxation areas, air conditioning, free coffee and tea and a refrigerator and a freezer are available for guests’ use.

All the classic rooms have an Italian shower and separate toilet. The superior rooms are larger than the classic rooms, the double beds are also larger and they feature an Italian shower or bathtub as well as separate toilets.

Food & Drink

Maison Les Grands Chênes is bed and breakfast only, but there is a well-equipped kitchen, so it is possible to self-cater for other meals while staying there. Refrigerators are available. There is plenty of room around a large table in the dining area for all the guests to eat together. Breakfast is a lovely buffet made from fresh, local produce and prepared on site by Natalie, the owner.

There is no bar, but locally brewed beers, cider, and natural wine from Bergerac are available to purchase.

Facilities

Indoors, there is a lounge area linked to the trees outside through large glass windows. There is also an indoor play area – the toys are stored in Natalie’s house. Outdoors, there is another play area in the trees.

And an outdoor swimming pool and a relaxation area in the hilly woods that surround the property. The woods themselves offer the opportunity for nice walks through the woods. A scattering of outdoor seating is an invitation for guests to just sit and enjoy being so close to nature. As the emphasis is on relaxation and well-being, the house has a partnership with a beauty salon in Montignac. Guests can book massages or home treatments with the salon. Yoga mats and yoga equipment are provided by the house, and private lessons can be arranged on request.

 

How much

For 2 nights (minimum) in a classic bedroom breakfast included prices from €276
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What’s nearby

Hiring a car or driving your own car to this accommodation is the best way to make the most of a stay here. There are some wonderful attractions within driving distance. One of them is the historic Chateau de Losse and Gardens at Thonac which is an excellent example of a typical chateau in this region. Privately owned but open to the public this stunning Renaissance château was built during the eleventh century as a defensive fortress on the River Vézère. It was converted into a family home during the sixteenth century, but some of the defensive features were retained. Although this property has suffered two periods of neglect the current owners sensitively restored the building reflecting its original Renaissance architecture.

A particular treat nearby is a canoe trip on the calm waters of the River Vézère. Suitable for experts, novices or complete beginners this activity is a great way to appreciate the surrounding countrysides and some classic buildings. All necessary equipment including canoes, paddles and life jackets can be hired from the APA (Aventure Plein Air) base in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère.

The Dordogne is well-known for its extensive cave systems and one of the best is the Cave of Tourtoirac or Grotte de Tourtoirac (also known as Grotte de la Clautre). These fully accessible caves (an unusual attribute) are renowned for their spectacular stalactite and stalagmite landscapes as well as other strange formations. A lift has been installed to take visitors underground. Guided tours are available to explain this incredible reaction to the seepage of water through fissures in the rock creating a series of caverns featuring towering columns and a multitude of spiky stalactites and stalagmites.

VERDICT: Staying here is an amazing experience thanks to the location and originality of the building as well as the excellent hosting by Natalie, the owner.