Le Mas & Le Mazet: 5-star luxury with private pool

This charming 5-star 16th century restored farmhouse (Le Mas) and 4-star characterful cottage (Le Mazet) are two detached houses on the property which can be rented separately or together. Both properties have their own private areas of the garden. Le Mas has 5 spacious bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a large kitchen and sitting room (both with big fireplaces, terracotta tiled floors and beams), a fantastic summer kitchen with views over the private heated swimming pool and the countryside beyond. Le Mazet is approached through the garden and has 1 bedroom with ensuite bathroom on the lower ground floor and a lovely sitting room with open-plan kitchen on the upper ground floor. There is a large fireplace with wood burner in the sitting room, and the views are spectacular. Le Mazet has no use of the pool. Both houses were renovated by Joris van Grinsven (renowned architect and interior designer) in 2016. We are delighted that Le Mas has been awarded 5 stars by the Dordogne Perigord Tourist Board, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, and Le Mazet 4 stars. There are only 15 other hotels and gites in the Dordogne with 5 stars. The classification is based on the facilities, space, state of the accomodation and information we offer guests. The Times included Le Mazet in their 50 Best French Holidays for 2019. The Daily Telegraph has been to stay in order to review us and has awarded us 9/10, the highest mark they have given any hotel or holiday home in the Dordogne. Le Mas & Le Mazet are situated in Sainte Croix, a hamlet nestled between the medieval towns of Monpazier and Beaumont du Périgord, only 40 minutes from Bergerac Airport. Jasmine, roses and wisteria climb the stone walls and around the shuttered windows. There are unspoilt views over glorious countryside and to the 12th century village church. 2.5 acres of garden offer you private areas to relax amongst lavender and rosemary, enjoy the wildlife and birds, or dine out under the stars. There is much to explore in the area. Markets selling local produce and antiques. Castles, churches and prehistoric caves, as well as restaurants serving the region’s specialities (such as truffles, duck and foie gras). There are stunning walks and a well-known cycle route on the doorstep; canoeing down the river, golf, horse riding. We are happy to advise on what to do and where to go. LE MAS: The large well-equipped kitchen (55m²) is the centre of the house, great for family meals where 12 people can sit comfortably around the table. The centuries-old larder and stone évier (sink) built into the exposed stone walls add to the room’s character. It is well-equipped with: a Smeg cooker with 5 gas burners and large electric oven; a Samsung washing machine; a Siemens dishwasher; a Siemens fridge freezer; microwave, blender, toaster, kettle; a Nespresso machine, Aeroccino milk frother and Siemens Porsche Design filter coffee maker. The terracotta floor tiles lead to the living room (44m²), which like the kitchen has exposed beams, an enormous fireplace with a wood burner (wood provided) and doors leading outside to the pool and summer kitchen. There are 3 large comfortable sofas and plenty of games and books to enjoy. If you want to catch up on the news or watch a film there is a flat screen satellite TV with English channels, DVD player, as well as a portable speaker which you can hook your phone, tablet or laptop to via Bluetooth. 5 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms Two bedrooms are on the ground floor at opposite ends of the house, each with two single beds and en suite bathrooms with showers. One of these bedrooms is wheelchair accessible, as is the majority of the rest of the ground floor and outside area. The other three bedrooms are accessed via two staircases. The first staircase leads to a double-aspect bedroom and en suite bathroom with shower. The main staircase goes from the kitchen up to the two large gabled master bedrooms (33m² and 23m²). The master bedrooms have wooden floors, beautiful original beams and are light and bright. Windows have views to the fields and woods beyond, being the perfect lookout for deer, birds of prey and wild boars. Both master bedrooms have large en suite bathrooms with showers and free-standing baths. Each bathroom has complimentary Noir toiletries from the White Company, a hairdryer and each bedroom has a fan in the summer. Opposite the kitchen is the covered summer kitchen (65m²). Originally a barn, it still retains the roof but is partly open on three sides, affording you shade, a cool breeze and fantastic views over the pool to the countryside beyond. There is a small kitchen area with sink, Smeg fridge and a Weber 3 burner gas barbecue (gas provided). A large dining table, 12 chairs and comfortable seating make it the perfect setting for long lunches, escaping the sun or spending time together late into the night, with atmospheric lighting. The private swimming pool is 10 x 5 meters, saltwater, heated and with an electric cover. It will be open from April to October. A saltwater pool uses the process of electrolysis to purify the water instead adding chlorine. This means softer water and fewer risks for allergies and irritation to your eyes and skin. Saltwater pools only have about 10% of the salinity of the ocean. The pool is positioned to take in the view over the fields and woods beyond, so lie back on the sun-loungers and deck chairs and enjoy it! If you are seeking solitude there are several private spots in the garden.There are also games to play outside such as table tennis, football goal, archery, boules, badminton rackets and shuttlecocks, children’s croquet. There is also a covered pétanque court. LE MAZET: Le Mazet is a charming, detached cottage renovated to be the ideal self-catering holiday home for one or two people. There are stunning views across the valley from the upstairs sitting room and from the private garden. Le Mazet guests do not have access to the pool, as it is located in Le Mas’ private garden. Radiators and a roaring fire in the wood burner (wood provided) make Le Mazet perfect for staying from autumn to spring. Approached from the garden, Le Mazet has steps to the front door, which opens into the sitting room and open kitchen (36m²) on the upper ground floor. It is a sunny room, with deep-set windows on all four sides, a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and a large fireplace with a log burner. It has everything you need to relax – a comfortable sofa, dining table and chairs, satellite flatscreen TV with English channels, DVD player, portable Bluetooth speaker and free WiFi. There are also books and games to keep you entertained. There is a modern kitchen equipped to ensure an easy and enjoyable stay, with a dishwasher, oven, hob, fridge, microwave, Nespresso coffee machine and Aeroccino milk frother, toaster and kettle. Steps lead down from the sitting room to the lower ground floor bedroom with an en suite bathroom. There is a kingsize bed, dressing table and chair, open wardrobe and shelves. The spacious bathroom has a walk-in shower, sink, toilet, washing machine, heated towel radiator and hair dryer. There are Noir toiletries from The White Company provided. Le Mazet has its own private sitting area with sun loungers, Weber charcoal barbecue, table and chairs for alfresco dining . It has the benefit of sun from morning until evening due to its south-facing position with glorious views all around.