Not far from Sarlat, where the Dordogne river makes a dramatic loop, 'Les Volets Bleus' is a very private, beautifully-restored 300 year old Perigord stone farmhouse. It sits on two acres of lawned garden, with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

With its characteristic blue shutters, this spacious retreat is elegantly furnished with French country antiques, and is situated among fig and walnut trees. It has with three outstanding verandahs, two that overlook the large, magnificent (securely-fenced) pool that receives day-long sunshine.

'Les Volets Bleus' offers quality and seclusion for a family or group of friends wanting to holiday together. Luxuriously furnished, and with all modern conveniences, the property sleeps 12, with four queen-size/king bedrooms and two single/twin bedrooms, all with crisp white linens and sumptuous beds, it offers a total country getaway in the heart of the Dordogne.

The property is ideal for one large group, or for two or more smaller family groups, since the Farmhouse property includes a wonderful converted Barn (attached to the main house), with both the Farmhouse and Barn having their own fully-equipped kitchens, dining and living areas, so that two groups can have their own completely separate eating/living spaces, or they can all join together in the huge country kitchen of the Farmhouse.

'Les Volets Bleus' provides a unique retreat from the business of day-to-day life, while still offering you the comfort of modern conveniences, all set in an atmosphere of charm and stylish elegance - like free WIFI, free INTERNATIONAL phones, and satellite TV (English & French), free use of washer and dryer - all inside a 300 year old stone farmhouse! The best of both worlds...

The property was renovated to a very high standard with all high-end furniture, beds, linens and appliances. All this was done with a careful eye to modern comforts, while staying true to the charm and history of the area.

For enjoying the outdoors, there are plenty of outdoor tables and garden furniture along with 2 barbecues (gas & charcoal) to enjoy the warm summer evenings. The 11m X 5 m flood-lit pool sits in a large grassy area, with plenty of lounging chairs and umbrellas available alongside.

Walk (on a hiking path) or drive into the timeless village of Trémolat with its well-known Relais & Chateaux hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant, historic Romanesque church and casual bistrots. Or wander over to the next-door farm that offers a wonderful, local meal at the area’s best farm restaurant "Les Truffieres".

'Les Volets Bleus' is situated in the Perigord Noir within easy reach of the famous caves and paleolithic history of Les Eyzies (25 minutes), Le Bugue (15 minutes), Sarlat (40 minutes) with its medieval streets and famous market, and Bergerac (35 minutes), famous for foie gras, wines and ancient architecture. Périgueux (40 minutes) has fabulous shopping, while St Emilion (1h15) offers the perfect excursion to a quintessential Bordeaux wine-country town.

This region is rich in historic sites including the Lascaux Caves, and the fascinating Bastide towns such as Beaumont, Moliéres, and Monpazier which run along the spectacular Dordogne river.

Travel by car or by flat-bottomed 'gabarres' (river boats) to see the many magnificent châteaux to be found within easy reach of 'Les Volets Bleus'. Local, traditional markets abound and your days will be spent trying the freshest produce including the best selection of the classic food of the Perigord: foie gras, duck confit, walnuts, goat cheese, truffles and wine.

So find yourself a place in heaven, or rent it for a week at least, and enjoy long lunches out under the wysteria, or late-evening barbecues overlooking the pool.

Keywords: Countryside, Farmhouse, Villa, Luxurious, Family-friendly,