Lovely three-bedroom house plus pool, Dordogne!

Lovely rustic three-bedroom converted farmhouse in the Dordogne. The property is part of a big converted barn and occupies one spot on the land, with a shared pool. Larmet is a small, hillside hamlet surrounded by countryside on the borders of the Dordogne and the Charente regions, between Aubeterre and St. Aulaye. ‘Le Tournesol’ is one of six privately owned houses on an architect-designed, British development. Re-furbished in 2004 to a high standard by an interior designer/builder team, this 3 bedroom house (formerly the cowshed) shares a large, enclosed, outdoor shared swimming pool and tennis court set in mature communal grounds. The Accommodation: The house comfortably sleeps 6 (2 double rooms on the ground floor and an attic room over looking the main receptions room which has 2 x single beds). There is a separate family bathroom on the ground floor and the main living room/dining room is open plan with a large and well equipped kitchen area ideal for entertaining. A small selection of videos, games and books are provided along with bed linen and towels. Outside: There is a patio area which has a large table and six chairs beneath a shady parasol and an outside bbq available to any staying guests. The log pile is also available to those who wish to snuggle up in the evening out of season in front of our fabulous wood burner. The parking area for no.4 can fit two cars (one behind the other) and there are additional visitors spaces usually available by the tennis court. There is a large swimming pool shared with several other properties (although never really busy) and a tennis court. Things to Do: There are many local attractions - a few are listed below and there are also a selection of leaflets and brochures under the lid of the stool in the living room. Golf enthusiasts: there are two local courses and others within an hours drive, the nearest (Email hidden by Airbnb) Sandy, man-made river beaches are avaiable at Aubeterre and St Aulaye with safe bathing in the river. Cafés on the beaches cater for the basics during the summer months. Arts and Crafts/Markets/Fetes: There are numerous Arts and Crafts shops in the locality. During the summer period many of the local villages have their annual fetes, often followed by fireworks and the many town and village markets ring with the sounds of different languages as holiday makers and locals savour the foods and products of the region. Ribérac market is on Friday mornings until midday (slightly longer in peak season). The lake at La Jemaye has sandy, man-made beaches which are pleasant. Bathing is safe (life guard monitored) and there is a childrens play area with climbing frames. Pedalos are available for hire. There is a good well stocked shop, café and a restaurant all in a picturesque setting. Directions to La Jamaye: From St Aulaye follow road to Ribérac. Turn right after approx 5 miles - signposted Ponteyraud. Follow this road to junction turning right onto D708. Follow road through La Jamaye (about 5 miles from junction) until you see camping signs. Turn left (following camping signs) to lake. Canoeing on the River Dronne: Canoes/kayaks can be hired near to the beach in Aubeterre, with various excursions available. Land surrounding the river tends to be flat with vegetation along the riverbanks - preventing views across open countryside. The river is pleasant, easy paddling (with the exception of the weirs (barrage) which have to be navigated). Short one-hour excursion avoiding the weir is ideally suited to families. Canoeing on the River Dordogne is better as the scenery is more striking. River cliffs, rolling landscapes and chateaus give a greater scenic appeal. Caves and Grottos (about 1.5 hours drive) There are many caves around Les Eyzies. From Larmet head east through Periguéux (the signs are not good) when travelling through the town, follow the road until you get to the other side of town when signs start again. Lesaux 2 is supposed to be a very good cave with pictures depicting prehistoric man. Lesaux 2 is a replica of Lesaux 1 (the original site) which is now protected from tourism. The Grouffe de Proumeyssac ‘the crystal cathedral’ at Les Eyzies is fantastic. Easy walk into the main cave chamber ‘The Cathedral’ takes a few minutes. Headsets provide translation (take your credit cards, driving license, passport as you need to leave something like this as a deposit). There are fantastic examples of stalactites and stalagmites here. Light shows enhance the natural wonder of the cave. A gondola ride (from the surface into the cave) is available at extra cost - waiting times for this may however be lengthy. Cave visit takes about 50 minutes. Shop, W.C. and café facilities on site. The underground cathedral in Aubeterre is worth a visit. Dug out by the monks and now often used for music recitals. There is a good tourist office in Aubeterre full of leaflets of local events and places of interest. Cognac: There are a number of brandy houses offering tours in Cognac (about 1.5 hours drive from Larmet). See how the brandy (Cognac) is made. The Remme Martin brandy house is good. Guided tour (on train) of distillery, cooperage, cellars and vineyards. Sample brandy at end of tour. No hard sell to purchase. Finding the site is not the easiest. Tend to go back on yourself. Small signs direct you onto an industrial estate. Follow the road - Reme Martin is on the estate, surrounded by high hedge growth. You’ll see the car park after the roundabout. SHOPPING The nearest larger towns are either Chalais (10 mins) or Ribérac (15 mins). Ribérac has an open air market on a Friday morning in the main square area extending up to the high street in peak season. There are several large out of town supermarkets (Le Clerc/Intermarche etc) just outside the town in Ribérac which are signed and also in Chalais . Periguéux is about an hour away but is a large town/city with lots of bars/shop/restaurants and nightlife if you want it. Bergerac itself is worth a visit - St Emilion is good for a full day out if you like your wines etc. Cinema There is a small cinema in St. Aulaye. Beaches The nearest ports and sandy beaches are directly West across country from St. Aulaye and take about and hour and a half by car. (Website hidden by Airbnb) Larmet is instantly recognised by the swimming pool and tennis court and is at the end of a tarred road, about a kilometre after the turning off the main road. The place to park your car is just beyond the main gate into the space allocated for No. 4 (small wooden sign). There is just about enough room to park two cars (one behind the other) but please make sure you’re not blocking in anyone from number 5 slightly higher up. (Website hidden by Airbnb)