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Dream Medieval Stone Villa in Popular Market Village, ideal for Couples & Family

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This 14th century fully-renovated gem offers modern luxury and old world charm.
Take a step back in time...
Entrance way with original stone and beams
Downstairs king master bedroom with bathroom, shower & double sinks next door.
High-end linens and a warm welcome to this boutique hotel-level property

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6185.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Issigeac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Château de Monbazillac
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Bergerac Maison des Vins
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Château de Bridoire
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Bergerac (EGC-Bergerac - Perigord - Dordogne)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Downstairs Double Room

1 Queen Bed

Downstairs small bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Top floor Master Suite

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Downstairs bathroom

Shower only

Ensuite bathroom top floor

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Separate toilet

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Dream Medieval Stone Villa in Popular Market Village, ideal for Couples & Family

Long before Shakespeare wrote a word, or John Donne penned a sonnet, the village house on Rue St Felicien was built on a Gallo-Roman villa, in the ancient medieval village ISSIGEAC. This village has stood since 1317 amid fields of sunflowers, near the vines of the Bergerac wine appellation, and just miles away from the Dordogne River. Here in this vibrant, popular market village with all services at your doorstep, a luxuriously-renovated ancient townhouse sits in stone as a testament to the past, but with modern comforts. All around are reminders of a past, yet inside the village house on Rue St Felicien, the utmost in convenience and beautiful surroundings awaits you.

With walls of limestone and ceilings of walnut, the entrance leads through large blue carriage doors off a walk-only street, into a large HALLWAY housing a magnificent, curved wooden staircase. Down the passage is the downstairs BEDROOM with queen-size (160cm x 200cm) bed and beamed walls. Next door is a smaller single BEDROOM, (but also with a queen-size bed). Both rooms are individually designed with beautiful curtains, linens and 'heavenly beds' ('ciel du lits'). Next to both bedrooms is a modern BATHROOM with double sinks and separate, large (American-style) shower, and a separate TOILET next door. The washer and dryer are conveniently located in a nook nearby.
*NOTE: With 3 double (queen) bedrooms and 2 bathrooms located on 2 separate floors, this home is ideal for 2 couples travelling together, and perhaps with an extra friend, relative or child. The bedrooms and bathroom on the ground floor are conveniently separated from the top floor suite and bathroom, so that your common living area in the middle allows each floor total privacy.

Ascend the ancient staircase to the 'great room' with it's medieval stone and heavy beams. This room is the MAIN LIVING AREA with a dining area, living room area, and an open kitchen. There are 12 foot high ceilings, 3 sets of double windows and a set of double French doors, which open out - with light and air pouring in day and night. Here there is also a TV (with satellite and large AppleTV library) and a functional fireplace. Attention has been paid to every detail with antiques and beautiful fabrics reflecting high-end French country living.

In the KITCHEN, the stove-top and large oven offer professional cooks tools, and is equipped with every convenience from microwave to dishwasher. Chat to your friends and family as you cook or spend long lunches at the antique table with fresh cheese or local delights you've bought nearby.

A second magnificent staircase takes you up to the spacious, private MASTER SUITE on the top floor. This enormous, light-filled room has dimensions to match its history. The beams were lifted to a height above 2 meters (6 ft 8 in), and four classic windows were added for light and magnificent views over the village of Issigeac below. The ensuite BATHROOM is complete with bath, toilet and basin - you'll enjoy soaking in the claw-footed bathtub while enjoying the view up high. This is surely not the usual attic-converted space in the least..! Take long afternoon naps lulled asleep by only birds and the sound of bells from nearby St Felicien, or enjoy a quiet read by the light of an open window

Back on the ground floor, you can head out through French doors to a spacious open, tiled COURTYARD where you can enjoy the day as it passes by. With table and chairs for 6, it's the perfect spot to taste your best effort at French cuisine, or to barbecue (on gas BBQ) under the stars. Or in the morning, indulge in coffee and fresh croissants from the bakery steps away.

The village of Issigeac is just 15 minutes south of Bergerac in the Perigord (Dordogne) region of southwestern France. It is well-known due to its very popular SUNDAY MARKET, and its easy proximity to the Bergerac airport (12 minutes away) and train station (20 minutes). It is also within easy reach of all of the world-famous French wine appellations of: Monbazillac, Bergerac and Saussignac, as well as being minutes away from other popular villages like Beaumont, Monpazier and Villareal. 45 mins by car will take you to Sarlat or Les Eyzies where you can explore the Perigord Noir with its caves and ancient paleolithic history.

One of the best reasons to stay at the village house on Rue St Felicien is living in the heart of an authentic medieval village - with absolutely everything within easy walking distance. There's never a reason to get in your car. With its 3 bakeries, 6 restaurants, 2 bars, 3 clothing boutiques, butchery, grocery, wine and antique stores, you have endless choices for all your needs. If you're visiting in the summer months, the many wonderful night-markets are a chance to soak up the local flavor - and a glass of local wine! The Sunday market will have you trying the freshest produce of the area including the best selection of the Perigord: foie gras, truffles, walnuts and goat cheese. We offer a flexible changeover schedule as well, so come when it suits you!

Keywords: village house, stone house, stone cottage on 3 floors, villa, house, cottage.

Property manager

Janice
Premier Host

Languages

Dutch, English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
7 day minimum July and August

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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed USD 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

Issigeac

Located in Issigeac, this villa is in a rural area. Château de Lanquais and Château de Monbazillac are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Port Miniature and Lac de Lougratte. Travelling with kids? Consider Labyrinthe Vegetal Les Fees Meres and Zoo de Mescoules. Kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking nearby.
Map
Issigeac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

What's nearby

  • Château de Monbazillac - 16 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Bergerac Maison des Vins - 19 min drive - 18.3 km
  • Cyrano de Bergerac Statue - 19 min drive - 18.4 km
  • Labyrinthe Vegetal Les Fees Meres - 20 min drive - 16.8 km
  • Château de Bridoire - 20 min drive - 16.9 km

Getting around

  • Creysse Station - 20 min drive
  • Bergerac (EGC-Bergerac - Perigord - Dordogne) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Les Arcades - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪La Brucelière - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Café de l'Europe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪L'eclipse - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Chez Alain - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Dream Medieval Stone Villa in Popular Market Village, ideal for Couples & Family pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Dream Medieval Stone Villa in Popular Market Village, ideal for Couples & Family?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Dream Medieval Stone Villa in Popular Market Village, ideal for Couples & Family?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Dream Medieval Stone Villa in Popular Market Village, ideal for Couples & Family located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly villa is within 9 mi (15 km) of Vignoble des Verdots, Château de Lanquais and Castillonnès Tourism Office. Labyrinthe Vegetal Les Fees Meres and La Ferme de Michaumaille are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 59 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 59 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

jon p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

As good as it gets!

From the original reservation through the rescheduling and finally the stay, this has been our best rental, ever. Janice,the owner, made this a most enjoyable, stress-free vacation. From California she addressed any questions, day or night, within minutes. She provided us with a comprehensive list of things to do and places to eat. Her onsite manager was available 24/7 and made us feel like we were his full time job.The villa itself was a spacious triplex dream. It is spaced perfectly, giving the occupants privacy when needed but a cozy area to be together. The bedrooms are on the 1st and third level and the kitchen and common area on the middle level.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A very special village and a special house

We had a lovely 10 day stay in Issigeac towards the end of the holiday season. The village is large enough to support shops, pubs and restaurants without feeling commercialised. It’s quiet enough to feel that you’re not holidaying in a tourist trap. We did a lot of travelling around the area, out and about most days. There’s plenty to see and having hired a car from the airport there were plenty of interesting town and villages to visit within a relatively short distance. The house lived up to our expectations in evert way and I have absolutely no problem recommending the house, village and area for a holiday.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Impressed

Delightful home and village. Janice is a gem, and made sure we had a wonderful stay.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Crawford M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bordeaux /Bergerac /Dordogne stay

Excellent--very much as advertised. End of March is a bit too early as many of stores and restaurants are not yet open or have reduced hours.
Stayed 21 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Florence S.

Just fabulous !

I do rent gîtes all over France, but this house is really home from home and designed for all your confort . The owner Janice is really welcoming and nothing is a Problem. The village Issigeac is gorgeous and worse to stay a fews days .
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Matt B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unforgettable - absolument, incroyable!

Our stay here was truly incredible, and a large part of a bucket-list trip that we will never forget. The pictures featured can't truly do this medieval home, stylishly updated for modern comforts, the justice it deserves. Absolutely everything in the home was thoughtfully provided from beautiful bed linens to US charging ports to welcoming wine on arrival. Views of birds circling the medieval church as the bells ring hourly from the third story bedroom was enchanting, and every morning we would run right down to the boulangerie on the corner for morning baguettes and treats. Janice, our host, is one of a kind and could not have impressed us more from beginning to end. Correspondence before our trip was seamless, and she provided helpful guides to attractions, restaurants (even offering to help us with dinner reservations on our first night arriving), and everything we could possibly need. Meeting her in person in France was a delight and we are proud to now have her as a friend. I would book with her again in a second, and I am not easy to impress. Merci, Janice!
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nick h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

wonderful stay

Everything was as stated and turned out to be even better. We had a wonderful time in Issigeac and our hostess was extremely helpful, friendly and charming. There was a detailed guide to the area and town with many great suggestions as to what to do and where to go. The house had everything we needed and anything that might be needed was provided. I can't rate this stay high enough.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kerstin M., St. Thomas, VI

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Step back in time and enjoy this charming medieval village.

This property is located in the heart of a medieval village and the home actually dates back about 900 years. It has been meticulously restored to preserve as much of the history as possible but to also make it modern and comfortable. We stayed for 2 weeks and loved it. The home has everything you need from comfortable beds, nice linens, shower, bath tub, washer, dryer and my husbands favorite…the fireplace. The town of Issigeac is small but filled with lovely shops and restaurants. I also found a Pilates studio about 30 seconds away and went almost daily. We went to fresh markets in different towns and stocked up on fresh produce, strawberries, cheese, baguettes and sausage, although the best market is right in Issigeac on Sundays. We were too early in the year to check out the night markets but we look forward to those when we return in the summer. We enjoyed sitting in the small courtyard adjacent to the house in warmer weather, as well as wandering the streets and alleyways of Issigeac. We hiked/ran a number of the trails that lead from Issigeac into the surrounding countryside. Villereal and Monpazier are charming towns a short drive away. The care taken by the owners to ensure that their guests have enjoyable stays is extraordinary and well beyond what we have experienced in numerous stays at other VRBO properties. The owners not only share their house, they share their love of the village and surrounding region.
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Leslie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Fantastic stay, property is wonderful, Issigeac is charming and Janice the owner is a lovely host. We originally had a booking when Covid first kicked off. We finally made it to the property at the 4rth attempt. Through all that time Janice was very helpful and communicative. When we finally arrived we were made to feel very welcome. I would thoroughly recommend a stay at this cottage.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jim M., St. Petersburg, Florida, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fascinating past, beautiful present

The stone house in Issigeac was a sheer pleasure to stay in! It's everything you see in the pictures, with beautiful touches right and left. No attention to detail has been spared... everything from lots of local reading resources to a welcoming bottle of local wine and the most delightful bath soaps, comfortable and beautiful furnishings, and much much more. The house is perfectly located in the town, just steps from the square and everything else. Night and day, the house (and the church bells!) brought us back in time. It's a fascinating history, written in stone. And Issigeac is well located for day trips to many chateaux, the wineries of Bordeaux, and the caves of Lascaux, all of which we went to and highly recommend. Be sure to schedule your visit to include a Sunday, at least, as you will most certainly enjoy the market, which fills the whole town. It is a highlight! Truffles, sausages, confits, foie gras, fruits & vegetables, poultry, and many local artisanal goods... you will find something delicious or beautiful, or both. Best of all, the owners are welcoming and delightful people, who enjoyed sharing Issigeac and the house with us. Meeting them was one of the highlights of our month in France! And they went the extra step, introducing us to local friends and merchants, setting up reservations, and more. They love this property and were wonderful hosts. Jim & Steve - St. Petersburg, Florida, USA August, 2021
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gary P., San Francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredibly lovely experience

Everything about our stay in Issigeac was made possible and augmented by Janice’s beautiful home and warm hospitality. The house is charming and authentic to the Middle Ages village but also with supportive and very high quality modern accoutrements (from the lighting to great shower and luxurious tub, to the sunny patio and efficient laundry facilities). The woodwork, linens, gorgeous stone walls, and central but peaceful location all added up to a blissful stay. And Janice’s hospitality was incredible. Meeting us for lunch, including us in a wonderful dinner at a local winery, introducing us to her friends and life in the Dordogne; all of this went well beyond what we could have imagined and we are very grateful. We loved every minute.
Stayed 12 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

nancy p., New Hampshire, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Dordogne experience

We were three generations. What a delightful experience. House beautiful, village special and the owner was most attentive. We have stayed in the Dordogne many times but this was the best experience. Teenagers loved the Thurs. supper in the square and all the music and dancing afterwards . The Sunday market was large and exciting and the overall location spectacular. Driving on the d roads gave us a real feeling for the area. Janice did all she could to assist us when needed. She really made us feel (at home). Thank you.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Paul T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible reelaxing and beautiful town house

Amazing property with everything you need for a relaxed and luxurious week in a beautiful medieval town. Communications with the owner were perfect and we found the property and were personally introduced with a smooth professional manner. Janice and Adam were the perfect hosts. Attention to detail is amazing and we were all able to immediately relax and enjoy the week. The property is also ideally situated for all amenieties, wineries and sightseeing trips. Particularly liked getting up of a morning with 3 boulangeries within a 2 minutd walk for croissants, chocolatines (as they call pain au chocolate in this region) and fresh bread fof breakfast and the local markets are so much fun. All on your doorstep. Would definitely reccommend and cant wait to come back again.

10/10 Excellent

Katherine B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A fairy tale property and village. Gorgeous!

From when we first booked, the owner, Janice, has been fantastic. She has communicated with us throughout which has been so reassuring as we were due to go during the COVID 19 pandemic and were not sure whether it was actually going to happen. Thankfully, it did as the property and location are beautiful just like a scene from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ 😍 The property is lovely and had everything we needed. We would definitely go back. Janice and her team were only a phone call away and were very attentive. There are a number of restaurants in the village plus a night market on a Thursday where you can eat. We were a bit worried about travelling during the pandemic but needn’t have been. Everybody was taking the necessary precautions and we felt safer than at home in England. I woul definitely recommend anyone thinking of visiting this part of France to go and stay at this property. You won’t be disappointed!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Gemma S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay in a stunning property - highly recommended

We had a fantastic two weeks staying at this incredible medieval property. Janice was a fabulous host and couldn’t do enough to make our stay comfortable. Issigeac is a wonderful village with everything you need (restaurants, bakeries, cafés, grocery shops etc.) and a brilliant market on a Sunday. The property is right in the centre but very quiet as it’s down a little side street. We were blown away by our first view of the house and you’ll love the medieval features (my favourite is the old manger right inside the front door). The house is really well equipped and generously stocked with the things you need but don’t want to buy for a week or two (herbs, oil, sugar etc.) and has a great array of crockery and cooking things so you can make proper meals and even entertain. The house was immaculately clean and beautifully laid out. There’s also a great range of local information, books, games etc. The beds are comfy and the shower powerful - we couldn’t ask for more! Janice really did look after us before and during tour trip. She’s incredibly knowledgeable about the area and we had some great meals / days out based on her advice. Overall it was a wonderful trip and we were so sad to leave! We will be back!

10/10 Excellent

Barbara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place, extremely lovely host

We have had a great stay in this lovely house in the beautifull medieval village Issigeac. The house is located in the centre of the village, close to everything, but on a very quiet street. It is the perfect base to explore all the activities in the area, for all ages. The host Janice is very helpful, hospitable and kind. The house is fully equipped with all conveniences tailored to the needs of our time. We are a family of 5, the house suited perfectly. We would gladly return and heartily recommend this location!

10/10 Excellent

Joseph Grilli G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Dordogne!

My husband and I, with our young son, found an oasis of calm and a feeling of home in this lovely little hamlet in France. From the moment we arrived, Janice welcomed us as if we were long lost friends - truly a special experience for us and above all a hostess that has thought of everything to make your stay pleasurable. Recommended, absolutely!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Fabulous

Janice is an amazing host! This is our second visit to this property. Lovely town and gorgeous home!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Marie-Pierre H.

This house is an absolute gem!

We spent 7 wonderful days in this house located in a quiet street in the center of Issigeac. The house is decorated with great taste and care. From linens to dishware and furniture everything is of really good quality.The kitchen is fully equipped (I was able to cook a large Turkey!). The two bathrooms are lovely and functional. The beds are very comfortable. We were there in the winter and the house was cozy and well heated. The owners are amazing and go far beyond the average market standard. They are warm, engaging and generous people. It's a happy place we would love to come back to at any time.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

joan v.

Perfect Authentic French Experience and So Luxurious!

Where to start? We knew nothing about the Dordogne region but saw the photos of Janice's place, did some research on the area, and included it in our trip. We've had two weeks in France, starting with the French Riveria, then to Provence, and next the Dordogne, to Janice's adorable home in Issigeac. First, Janice. All her responses during the booking process were prompt and helpful. When we arrived, we were fortunate that she was there to greet us and get us settled and to our good fortune, we saw her again during our stay. The house is even better than the photos. It's not just charming, it's amazingly gorgeous, authentically French, cozy, and truly luxurious. No detail has been overlooked as Janice's main objective is assuring the comfort and satisfaction of her guests, and it shows. Along these lines, the house is well stocked, with everything you will need for a comfortable stay. There are spices and other staples as well as a supply of coffee and a lovely bottle of wine from the immediate region. The beds are super comfortable with top-end linens and the bedrooms and bathrooms, like the rest of the house, are gorgeous. The water from the tap is delicious, there is great water pressure for showers, and the hot water works terrifically. We also appreciated the washer and dryer! As for the location, Issigeac is a storybook village of breathtaking nature and Janice's house is right in the center of it. The medieval architecture and warren of alley ways and lanes that make up the town are stunning. We loved having three patisseries, restaurants, a wine shop and other shops, and a pub within steps. Issigeac was also a great base for exploring the Dordogne. Each day we set off in a different direction. We saw countless castles and chateaus, villages, towns, and wineries. Grapevines are everywhere and every road is a picturesque country road with so much to discover. This part of France may well be the most beautiful in the country and not surprisingly lays claim to the majority of "The Most Beautiful Villages" in France. We visited several while staying at Janice's home and like Issigeac, they are mouth-dropping stunning. Thank you Jance for a terrific and unforgettable experience!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rena S.

Best holiday home ever! Perfect restoration of villa and spacious!

Issigeac is a charming little village. We felt like we stepped back in time and far from the cares of the world. The owners of this villa obviously put their heart into its restoration. BTW the bakery about 20 paces from the villa - toward the bank is fabulous! The cosy villa is super quiet and Issigeac offers a great home base for visiting châteaus and medieval villages throughout the area. We stayed 10 days and ran out of time to see all of the region's historical delights!
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Diane B., Pennsylvania

Utterly Charming! Perfectly Comfortable! Lovely Village! Most Gracious Hosts! THE BEST!

We could go on and on to praise this property, the location, the townspeople, and the owner Janice. We highly recommend staying in this beautifully-appointed stone villa in the fairy-tale village of Issigeac. We are a middle-aged married couple who has been to France 7 times and the experience here was fantastic. The people in this community were the most friendly in all of our experiences (and all of our experiences have been wonderful.) And like our other experiences in different parts of France, we marvel at how there are no bugs. You can keep windows open without worry about mosquitos. The house covers all the basics and then some, such as great water pressure and plenty of hot water, super comfortable beds, high quality linens, fully fitted kitchen. Even the washer and dryer, tucked in a nook out of sight, are two separate appliances and they work perfectly. Also, the thick stone walls keep a very comfortable temperature even during the hot summer. The town is small enough to be able to walk everywhere easily, but large enough to have all you need in the way of restaurants, shops, parking, bakery, etc. We found the local restaurants to be DIVINE, but not expensive as in some other parts of France. But if it is Michelin-starred gastronomy you hanker for, you can find this 15 minutes away. Issigeac is strategically located to easily drive from Bordeaux airport (Driving in South Western France is about as easy as it gets.) with many charming towns to visit and sites to see in a short drive away. Janice was so gracious, friendly, kind, and helpful before and during our stay. The house has loads of reference and travel books, all you could ever need, and she provides a written guide advising about the house, the area, and which village markets occur on what days, etc. The best market was definitely right in Issigeac on Sunday. Tip: If you like sweet desert wine...partake of some Monbazillac with your cheese (MUST get the Brillat-Savarin at the market) and baguette...then visit the Monbazillac chateau 15 minutes away for a great view over the vineyards. Paris, the French Alps, Provence, and the Loire Valley are certainly wonderful destinations to see, but the Dordogne is our most favorite part of France--it's truly a place to enjoy life.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Brigitte B., Montreal, Québec, Canada

Absolutely beautiful-unparalleled vacation

Even better than described, our experience in the village was great, the property is a absolute jewel. The owner and the manager made us feel at home. Ideally situated, we were able to combine leasure at home and activities during the entire stay. Thank you.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mary M.

The jewel in the medieval town

What a fantastic villa in an enchanting town. We don’t tend to holiday in the same location twice, preferring instead to explore new places. However, there is something special about this villa and Issigeac that keeps drawing us back. We’ve now been twice in two years and wouldn’t hesitate to return again in the near future. The location of the villa is great. Tucked away down a side street, it’s very peaceful but takes less than a minute to walk to the town square. Set over three floors, the villa itself is full of medieval character and has been beautifully updated with high quality and modern furnishings and amenities. From the moment you open the front door you will not be disappointed. On the ground floor there are two bedrooms (that would comfortably sleep three) with a shower room and WC. There is also a washer and dryer under the winding stair case. On the first floor is the spacious living area with gallery kitchen, large dining table, soft seating area and open fire. The third floor provides views over the roof tops of Issigeac and has a further large bedroom and bathroom. We stayed as a couple but the villa would also be ideal for two couples. Issigeac is a wonderful town with boutique shops, restaurants, bakeries, grocery shops and a couple of friendly pubs (can recommend both!). It’s narrow winding streets, lined with fascinating ancient buildings, are great for exploring. The Sunday market has something for everyone and is a must do for any visitors. During the summer months, there are also evening markets where locals and visitors sit down to enjoy local produce. We spent many a warm summers evening sitting in the town square soaking up the atmosphere. The villa is also ideally located to explore the wider area. There is lots of information/ guide books in the villa with ideas and recommendations covering a range of interests. If we could give this villa more than 5 stars we would!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen L., Shreveport

Just Lovely!

Issigeac is a magical step back in centuries, and this little villa, tucked down a narrow side street just steps from the village square, is the perfect base from which to explore the bastide-filled countryside. It is medieval out and in, but comfortably updated with modern amenities and quality furnishings. Orientation from the property manager was cheerful and thorough, even though we arrived hours late. Follow up from owner mid-trip continued the attentiveness. We even found firewood on our doorstep when the first cold front of the season breezed in! On the ground level beyond the entry foyer is a good sized Q bedroom and a small TW bedroom (perfect for a child) that share a double sink shower room. Both stay cool during the day. The WC is separately housed. The shower is American-sized with good pressure. Access to the walled patio is through the single bedroom and is outfitted with a gas BBQ and seating. A winding staircase takes you up to the living area. The first floor, with fireplace and comfy sofas, is open to the galley kitchen and dining area, giving a sense of spaciousness. The second large bedroom is up a second flight of stairs in the converted attic (with raised ceiling) and commands a roof top view over the village. There is ample room for the loveseat, tea table, daybed and additional seating. The ensuite bathroom is fitted with a freestanding tub and pedestal sink. Beds were comfortable and linens of a high quality. Because the two bedrooms are separated by the living area, the layout would be perfect for two couples. The stairs are necessarily steep, but well lit (as is the entire villa—a welcome departure from the French norm!) WiFi was stable and international phone service gratis. The legendary Sunday market does not fail to live up to its hype, and there is a day’s worth of strolling around the village that is interesting. The two “fine dining” establishments are just that (do reserve) and the tea room serves much beyond tea! A butcher, 3 bakers, 2 convenience stores and an excellent wine shop are one street removed. Randonee paths vary in length, but most are gentle, and the surrounding area includes as much history and vistas as you chose to include. The Dordogne valley is an easy day trip. Be sure to avail yourself of the copious sightseeing recommendations and area guide books provided by the owner and know that when you return at the end of the day you can count on a quiet, restful evening punctuated only by church bells.

About the host

Hosted by Janice

Host profile image
We are the proud owners of the house of Rue St Felicien in Issigeac (that's our street above), and purchased it in 2006 from friends of ours, who had just completed a 5 year renovation - adding all new electrics, plumbing, central heating and double-paned windows. They bought it as a ruin and did an amazing job in bringing it back to life. We couldn't resist its charm when they had to sell it in order to move for their work. In fact, when we walked into the entrance way, we had already decided to buy it without seeing any further! Although our home is in California, we have traveled a great deal in western Europe and have rented many properties – some great, and some less than spectacular! We always appreciated cleanliness, comfort, good beds, furniture you could actually sit on, great linens and towels, appliances that really worked, and nice big wine glasses! After buying our dream French village house, our philosophy hasn’t changed - and we have upgraded the standard of the house to meet or exceed the best we’ve seen in terms of personal comforts. Basically, we have designed it to be the way we’d like it if we arrived tired and hungry from across the world. And we know you'll love it when you arrive too.

Why they chose this property

Issigeac is one of the precious medieval gems of the Dordogne, with so much of its history apparent in its wonderful architecture. We used to visit the Sunday market routinely, and so fell in love with this timeless village. With only about 600 inhabitants and the village being within a 'ring road' built in the classic Roman form of its predecessor, owning a home right in the heart of the village was a dream come true. Once you're parked and unloaded, you can walk to 3 restaurants, 3 boulangeries, various cafes, 2 butcheries, 2 grocery stores, a presse, a wonderful wine shop, a lovely boutique, and antique shops, - what's not to love! This was especially wonderful for our elderly relatives as well as visiting friends who didn't have a car, since they were completely independent once we arrived. With wine-tasting and historical sites so close, it was really the perfect location to have a 3-storey village house. And all of this is within 15 minutes of Bergerac and the airport as well.

What makes this property unique

As with our other properties, we believe that great beds, beautiful linens and decorations, and a superbly clean environment are the best benefits to a vacation home. We also love the 14th century history that comes with this home, as well as its proximity to all immediate services within a few minutes walk. With 3 floors all filled with light and sunshine, this ancient home offers a unique experience of blending the historical with the modern.

Languages:

English, French, Dutch

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