House

Stunning 4 star cottage w/big private pool & 2 great restaurants at 5 mins walk!

Stunning 4 star cottage w/big private pool & 2 great restaurants at 5 mins walk!

Photo gallery for Stunning 4 star cottage near Montignac with large private pool & WIFI.

La Maison du Gardien
11 x  5 metre prvate swimming pool
Roses over the arched lauze gateway
Living area
Living area leading to kitchen/diner

Overview of Stunning 4 star cottage w/big private pool & 2 great restaurants at 5 mins walk!

4.7 out of 5 Exceptional
2 bedroomsSleeps 270 sq m

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher

Check out the area

Thonac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Popular LocationVezere Valley1 min walk
  • Popular LocationChateau et jardins de Losse19 min walk
  • Popular LocationLascaux IV - The International Centre for Cave Art8 min drive
  • AirportBergerac (EGC-Bergerac - Perigord - Dordogne)88 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Stunning 4 star cottage w/big private pool & 2 great restaurants at 5 mins walk!

In a sought after location in the Périgord Noir, a region considered to be the most beautiful in France and famous for its numerous châteaux, pre-history sites and outstanding cuisine, nestles this charming period stone cottage. "La Maison du Gardien" has been restored to a high standard, blending stunning original features with contemporary fixtures and fittings to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay and its verdant gardens and large, private swimming pool (11 x 5 metres) offer guests peace privacy and a sense of well-being. The cottage has been awarded 4 stars, the highest star rating for self-catering holiday accommodation, as well as a "diplôme de Grand Ambassadeur" for the quality of the cottage and the welcome and service provided to guests by its owners.

It is set within the spacious, leafy grounds of a 17th Century manor "Le Tribunal de Losse" which was formerly the courthouse for the nearby Château de Losse, and was previously the gatekeeper's cottage. The cottage and the manor are constructed in the local golden limestone with traditional stone-tiled 'lauze' roofs and stone window surrounds, typical of the old local architecture. They are set in 1.5 hectares of land with trees and flowering shrubs and lovely shady areas for outdoor dining with lovely views of the surrounding tree-lined hillside.

La Maison du Gardien is for 2 people only making it ideal for a couple or 2 friends travelling together. It is tastefully decorated and furnished and equipped to a high standard, offering 2 charming bedrooms (1 double and 1 single) with lovely oak floors and beams, 2 spacious modern shower rooms, a handmade fully fitted kitchen with dining area and a charming and comfortable living area with stone fireplace fitted with a wood burning stove. It is equipped with a TV/DVD (UK channels) and WIFI, but for those dreaming of lounging by the pool with a book, a large selection is available.

The village of Thonac is situated on the banks of the Vézère river and is just a few minutes away on foot. It benefits from a grocery shop which sells a variety of products including fresh bread which is brought in daily from a local bakery. There is also a boutique selling local gastronomic specialities (preserved ducks and patés, wild mushrooms, chutneys and honeys, oils, walnuts and wines and liqueurs, to name but a few!) and seasonal fresh vegetables as well as offering take away pizzas during the summer season. Thonac is also home to 2 great restaurants, one offering exciting haute cuisine which can be sampled in its tasteful dining room or outside on the terrace and the other serving traditional regional food in its delightful shady garden. Both are within easy walking distance from the house.

For those yearning for an outdoor experience, take a picnic to the Etangs de Fongron, 2 lakes (10 minutes on foot) in a lush setting where you can fish for trout or carp (and even cook it on site!) or walk for miles in the the surrounding woodland. For a more challenging stay, you can take a canoe from the village hire station and meander down the river or hire a bicycle (electric cycles available) in Montignac (5 mins by car) and explore the nearby towns and villages. Horse riding is available in St Léon, a delightful village a few minutes by car from Thonac.

Thonac, which with its 3 châteaux featured on the 2017 Tour de France, is in the heart of the Vézère valley, the cradle of civilization in Europe, habitat of Neanderthal then Cro-Magnon man and world famous for its prehistoric sites and decorated caves. It lies between Montignac and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac , home to the National Prehistory Museum and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The entire valley is peppered with ancient caves, their walls decorated with fabulous artistically and historically significant wall paintings. The most important is just a few minutes away in Montigac whose Lascaux caves are considered to be "the Sistine Chapel of prehistory". The new International Centre for Cave Art was opened in Montignac in 2017 and offers an exciting technological approach to retrace these celebrated caves.

A few minutes drive from the cottage you will find favourite tourist attractions such as the imposing Château de Losse and its gardens, the glorious village of St Léon (listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France) with its riverbank cafés and restaurants, and the prehistoric settlement of La Roque St Christophe.

The nearest towns offering all amenities are the medieval towns of Montignac (6km) and Sarlat (26km). Montignac is a small, pretty riverside town with an attractive stone bridge and lovely balconied houses along the riverfront. Sarlat is the third largest town in Périgord and boasts many splendid and beautifully restored Renaissance mansions and timber-framed buildings. Both towns are lively and dynamic, have twice-weekly markets and host festivals, art exhibitions and events from June to September. Local events include the international music and dance festival held annually in Montignac, regular flea markets and bric à brac fairs, as well as evening farmer's markets where you can sample the local cuisine and wines.

Property manager

Caterina Krucker

Languages

English, French, Italian

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill

House Rules

Check in after 6:00 PM
Check out before 8:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Due to COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of guests check-in time has been set at 6 pm, to allow airing, deep cleaning and disinfection to take place.
Due to COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of guests check-out time has been set at 8 am, to allow airing, deep cleaning & disinfection to take place.
On checking out, guests are required to open all the windows in order to air the cottage before cleaning takes place.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Thonac

Located in Thonac, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. Le Thot and Lascaux IV - The International Centre for Cave Art are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Les Grottes du Roc de Cazelle and Aquarium du Perigord Noir. Jacquou Parc and Jardins d'Eyrignac are also worth visiting. Kayaking and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking nearby.

What's nearby

  • Vezere Valley - 1 min walk
  • Chateau et jardins de Losse - 19 min walk
  • Le Thot - 6 min drive
  • Lascaux IV - The International Centre for Cave Art - 8 min drive
  • Chateau de Commarque - 25 min drive

Getting around

  • Les Eyzies Station - 20 min drive
  • Brive-la-Gaillarde (BVE-Brive - Vallee de la Dordogne) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • Aux Berges de la Vézère - 7 min drive
  • Chez Fany - 7 min drive
  • Le Flannagan's - 7 min drive
  • Auberge du Pont - 5 min drive
  • Bar l'Ovalie - 7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Stunning 4 star cottage w/big private pool & 2 great restaurants at 5 mins walk! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Stunning 4 star cottage w/big private pool & 2 great restaurants at 5 mins walk! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Stunning 4 star cottage w/big private pool & 2 great restaurants at 5 mins walk!?

Check-in begins at 6:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Stunning 4 star cottage w/big private pool & 2 great restaurants at 5 mins walk!?

Checkout is at 8:00 AM.

Where is Stunning 4 star cottage w/big private pool & 2 great restaurants at 5 mins walk! located?

Situated on the riverfront, this cottage is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Vezere Valley and 3 mi (4.9 km) from Le Thot. Lascaux IV - The International Centre for Cave Art and Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

4.7

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 5 - Excellent. 8 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Good. 3 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 3 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 1 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews" "

5/5

Cleanliness

4.8/5

Check-in

5/5

Communication

4.9/5

Location

4.8/5

Listing accuracy

Reviews

5/5 Excellent

Martin F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just perfect
You will not do any better than this. The property is delightful, well equipped, very comfortable for 2 people and perfectly situated. It is basically a small cottage , adjacent to the owner's own house, but quite private, with its own outside space. It is also blessed with a private 11metre swimming pool. The owners are lovely and very helpful, but very respectful of your privacy. There is a village 5 minutes walk away with a couple of decent restaurants and from the cottage it is a short drive to Montignac, and all the attractions of the Vezere valley. We would return like a shot given half a chance, highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

5/5 Excellent

Shelagh N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent quiet and comfortable house with pool
We had a very relaxing week in pretty and comfortable surroundings. The house was very well equipped and attractively decorated. The pool was a good size and very enjoyable to return to after visits out. There are lots of places to visit and things to to in the area. The hosts Caterina and Stephen were very hospitable and made us feel very welcome. An excellent place to recharge the batteries.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

5/5 Excellent

Stéphane K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Un cottage plein de charme dans un magnifique domaine
Un magnifique endroit, une très belle piscine, à 2 pas d'un petit village dans la très belle vallée de la Vézère. Des hôtes charmants. Que demander de plus ?
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021

4/5 Good

Aline C., Savonnières

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Endroit pittoresque pour se ressourcer
Nous avons beaucoup apprécié ce logement, très propre et proche de toutes commodités. L accueil et la discrétion des propriétaires sont un vrai plus. Une petite attention à notre arrivée nous a beaucoup touchée. Malgré le temps vraiment maussade, nous avons pu profiter des sites environnants tout en nous ressourçant une fois rentrés. Une télévision et une bibliothèque en français seraient toutefois les bienvenues. A très bientôt dans cette magnifique région et encore merci pour tout. Aline et Alexis.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

5/5 Excellent

Maggy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Havre de paix
Véritable coin de verdure, calme, bien situé, près de toutes les commodités. Accès à beaucoup d'activités : châteaux, grottes, sites historiques, canoe kayak.....
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2020

About the host

Hosted by Caterina Krucker

Host profile image
We are private renters who have been renting our gîte since 2015. We are so pleased to share our lovely corner of the Périgord, with its gorgeous landscapes, stunning architecture, wonderful gastronomy and vibrant cultural life with our guests and look forward to welcoming you here.

Why they chose this property

Our property is early 17th century, however the origins are much earlier. The house is believed to have been a priory and shows clear signs of renaissance architecture, harping back to the time of the Templars with symbols dates carved into the stone lintels and strong evidence of fortifications taking us back to the 100 years war. In 1608, the main house was renovated and became the court house for the Château de Losse (which is one of three privately owned châteaux in the village) and the holiday rental was built as gatekeepers cottage. The two buildings are built of mellow, golden limestone, topped with "Lauze" stone-tiled roofs in a steep, curved construction achieved by stacking the tiles horizontally onto the lathes - a form of roofing entirely unique to our region. A sense of history and antiquity envelops the property, which belies its considerable modern comforts!

The village of Thonac is in the Périgord Noir, so named for its dense woodlands and its cèpe mushrooms. It is situated on the banks of the Vezère, a charming river whose valleys are now famous prehistoric sites, and which was described by the famous travel writer Johnson, as "The Dreaming Vézère" because of the way it winds its way slowly through ancient settlements. The house is uniquely situated at the edge of the village, in a quiet, verdant spot with lovely views but within walking distance of the village centre which although very small, offers interesting amenities such as two very good bar/restaurants, a well stocked grocery shop with bread depot and a boutique selling specialities which are all made from locally farmed or reared produce.

What makes this property unique

The Périgord Noir Region is full of architecturally fascinating buildings, all nestling in the hills and valleys of the two rivers, the Dordogne and the Vézère, that meander through it. From the canoe hire station within walking distance of the house, float down and experience the unique sight-seeing tour from the water, stopping at several fascinating places en route. Wander through the narrow meandering pathways of St Léon sur Vézère (3.5 km by road) with their stone houses, many still retaining their traditional stone 'lauze' roofs and see its 12th Century church and imposing château. Or relax and stop for a drink at one of the riverside cafés.

From St Léon, continue on to La Roque St Christophe, one of the largest prehistoric rock shelters in Europe which later became a troglodyte fortress and stop to take a tour of this hanging settlement that was home to hundreds of people.

Carry further on down the river and you will come to the dramatic village of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac (18km by road), a world heritage site and world centre for prehistory. The highest concentration of prehistory sites is here and this is also home to the National Museum of prehistory, where one of the largest collections of fascinating prehistoric relics can be seen.


Languages:

English, French, Italian
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Holiday Rentals ideas