Subrenat

Gite or house?

What's the difference between a Dordogne gite and a Dordogne holiday house? Who knows? Whether it's a Dordogne gite or a Dordogne holiday house this is a large Perigord style stone house and barn with the original oak beams. Built in 1645 it has been completely renovated to a standard suitable for comfortable family holidays.

The house sleeps six adults; there is also a travel cot and high chair for a baby. The kitchen/diner is fully equipped with oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and fridge/freezer and there is a large, separate dining room. The sitting room has satellite TV/radio and monitor, DVD and a sound system. There are two shower/WCs. There is a large bedroom with a king size bed and a very large bedroom with one king size and two single beds. All bed linen, towels, gas and electricity are provided and the house will be cleaned before arrival.

The garden

In all the space is about 2750 sq/m or 2/3rds of an acre. There is a large patio at the back and a smaller one at the front (shown above) with parasols, furniture and a barbecue. The garden is large, sunny and fully enclosed and there is a walnut grove and orchard with irises, orchids and fruit trees. The apricots, figs, cherries, plums, apples and pears are coming on well, the truffle oaks will take a few more years. There is ample parking and no main roads or large pylons; the French have been busy burying their power lines nationally since they received an unpleasant surprise from the hurricane at the end of 1999.

Where in the rural Dordogne?

Subrenat is a hamlet (see an aerial view in the photos) outside Douchapt, east of Riberac and close to the river Dronne. This region of the Dordogne, named Perigord Blanc for the colour of the local stone, is an ideal base for peaceful, self-catering family holidays. Quiet and rural, the area is green throughout the summer growing maize, sunflowers, walnuts, figs, chestnuts, vines, strawberries and asparagus. And, of course, ducks and geese. The overall effect is one of peace and quiet, woods and fields, rolling hills, pretty villages and magnificent views. It's a good environment for painting, photography or just listening to the cicadas.

What is there to do?

Subrenat provides peace, comfort and tranquillity for self-catering family holidays. Swimming in the pool at Riberac, the pool at La Jamaye or in the river Dronne. Tennis in Douchapt or Riberac. Canoes for hire at Brantome and Bourdeilles. Fishing outside Lisle. Golf, the museum and the old city in Perigueux, the capital of the Dordogne. Two bikes in the barn; they can also be hired in Tocane. Riding at Villetoureix, Tocane and Bourdeilles. Walks in the woods. Trips to the market followed by lunch on the patio and dinner from the barbecue. Optional drinks and local gossip, our neighbours are friendly and can also provide excellent honey and foie gras.

There is a local market somewhere every weekday; Friday in Brantome is excellent. Restaurants in the area cover the complete spectrum from the village bar to major gastronomic experiences. The nearest shops and cashpoint are in Tocane, about five minutes drive. Riberac has more banks and several supermarkets open on Sundays in the holiday season.

It's peaceful and quiet. At night on the patio the loudest sound is from the cicadas. The Milky Way and night sky in general can be dramatic. All the squirrels in this part of the world are red; you should be able to see them in the walnut and hazelnut trees. You will certainly see buzzards, possibly the hoopoe, the odd hare, stone martin and kingfishers on the river. And our neighbour's small flock of sheep commuting morning and evening between their barn and grazing.

Any excursions?

Sarlat, Les Eyzies, Rocamadour, Domme, Bergerac, the gardens at Erignac and Neuvic, the grotte at Rouffignac, the truffle museum at Sorges, the Dordogne itself and Monbazillac are all drivable and cope well with the holiday season. The route to St Emilion runs through vineyards showing famous names on the signposts. Brantome is close; a very pretty town which is presented as the Venice of Perigord because the Dronne divides around it. After the Friday market there are many opportunities for serious or otherwise riverside lunches. There is an impressive view over the Dronne valley from the church at Montagrier and the Chateau in Bourdeilles.