Charming, idyllic, cosy... all adjectives we could use to describe this traditional French cottage in the Dordogne that was built back in 1762, before the French Revolution was even conceived of. 

However, there's nothing archaic about it. It was recently given a makeover, retaining original features while converting it into a thoroughly modern space. Complete with a gorgeous swimming pool.

When you think of a French farmhouse, you think stone walls, tiled roof, climbing roses, and acacia and walnut trees. Ideally it's surrounded in vineyards. With this property, you get all that plus a private swimming pool. 

This 18th-century farmhouse with stables and hayloft has been converted into a home that's suitable for five guests. We love the attention to traditional style, including the beautiful blue shutters, terracotta tiled floors, patterned tiles on the kitchen walls, wooden beamed ceilings, and airy French windows. Plus all the details - from modern art to vintage finds. The kitchen even has an open range with a log-burning stone oven which is 240 years old.

The house opens into a large kitchen with adjoining dining room, and has a large living area with open fire. On the first floor are the three bright bedrooms and a spacious bathroom with bathtub. There are large patios, and the swimming pool is just a few steps from the patio and barbecue area.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The kitchen has an electric cooker, grill, microwave, dishwasher, extractor fan and fridge/freezer. The house has electric heating, hot water, a washing machine, phone, satellite TV, stereo/CD player and wireless broadband internet. Guests must bring their own bed linen and towels.

AROUND

Lusignac is situated in the Dordogne of south-west France. There is a cool market on Fridays at Riberac. Other popular destinations nearby include the historic towns of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (13km) and Villebois-Lavalette (18km). 

The property is 36km from Perigueux, the regional capital which is well worth visiting for its Roman remains including the Vesone Tower and an amphitheatre, the Chateau Barrière which dates back to the early Middle Ages, and the 16th-century Saint-Etienne church. 

Périgord is noted for its cuisine, especially its duck and goose, in the form of confit de canard and foie gras, and truffles. The Dordogne is also famous for having some of France’s finest prehistoric cave art, in the Vézère Valley.

LOCATION

Lusignac, France. Nearest airport: Bordeaux (1.30 hours by car).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: From Easter to the end of October

Photographs by Sven Raben