La Ferme de la Dronne - Silver Truffle  

Description from the manager

2.6 hectares [6.4 acres]: The chateau was built in the 17th century, with the foundation dating back to 1090. In the 18th and 19th century the chateau was enlarged with 2 more parts. All sections are attached to each other with 3-foot thick walls. The different styles of the various constructions are visible, which lends an attractive rambling aspect to the building. For example, in the 17th century the cellar, now used for wine storage, was the kitchen. The original details are still visible. The property is accessed via a quiet little road that connects two small villages. The graveled courtyard leads to the house, barn and garden. The back...yard overlooks the winding Dronne River where there is a dock [4m x 7m] where guests can sit and to enjoy the riverside and the canoes passing by. The large garden is completely private; the north, south and west sides consist of typical large French walls; the river Dronne is on the east side of the property. The south of the property has a splendid view of the 12th century Roman church of Chenaud. There is garden furniture in both sunny and shaded areas of the garden. There are huge 100-year old oak and line trees, as well as apple, peach, cherry, prune and chestnut trees. New plantain trees have been planted. At the far end of the garden is a little pond. This apartment is located in the part of the chateau built in the 18th century. This section has been tastefully decorated with antiques and exquisite fabrics, combined with pieces of modern European art. All bedrooms still have the original fireplaces, but due to safety reasons they are not useable.

[275m2] Ground floor. One enters the entrance hall with floor tiles and wooden beams from the 17th century. From this hall one can access the living area, a bedroom, and a bathroom with a washing machine and dryer. The living area includes a large fireplace [wood is available for an extra cost], a fully equipped kitchen, dining table and comfortable seating close to the fireplace. The decor is a combination of antique and modern art. The bedroom has a king-size bed [or twin beds, depending upon the preference], 300-year old oak floors, built-in electronic safe, and a small wash basin. The bathroom, separate from the bedroom, has a WC, shower, sink, washing machine and dryer, and radiant floor heating.

First floor: From the hall there is access to the 300-year old staircase to the first floor. From the landing there is a wonderful view over the Dronne River. From here there are three spacious bedrooms. The first bedroom, with a safari theme, has a king-size bed, and an en suite bathroom with a WC, circle-shaped shower, sink and floor heating. This bedroom also has a built-in electronic safe. The second bedroom, decorated in red, has twin beds which can be made into a king-size bed upon request, and an en suite bathroom with WC, shower and sink. There is a built-in electronic safe. The third bedroom has twin beds which can be made into a king-size bed upon request, and an en suite bathroom with WC, shower, sink and radiant floor heating. The bedroom has a built-in electronic safe. There is central heating and each radiator can be individually adjusted. Because of the 3-foot wide walls, there is no need for air conditioning, as the walls keep the house quite cool in summer.

Located on the border of the Dordogne and Charente regions of Southern France, this charming chateau is located just outside of the medieval village of Chenaud [population of 340]. The area is a quiet little valley on the west side of the Dordogne region. There is a bakery and butcher shop less than 5 km south in St. Aulaye; 5 km north there is a good grocery store in Chalais.

Bordeaux: 69 km

Angouleme: 59 km

Perigueux: 50 km

Riberac: 19.2 km

Aubeterre sur Dronne: 9.6 km

St. Aulaye: 4.8 km

Chalais: 4.8 km

Available Amenities: central gas heating, dishwasher, oven, microwave, coffee maker, blender, mixer, roaster, CD player and stereo in the living room, Broadband and wireless internet connection, washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board, hair dryer in each bathroom, built-in safe in each bedroom.

Arrive and Relax: The owners provide a nice welcome basket with the basic necessities and a bottle of champagne.

Extra Services: Child's bed is available upon request for an extra charge. Wood for the fireplace is extra and paid locally.

Nearby Attractions: The property is situated in the center of the largest wine producing area of France: Bordeaux, Bergerac and Cognac. Saint-Emilion is only a 45-minute drive away. The countryside is ideal for walking and biking – in the hilly fields, the forest of the banks of the Dronne River. Close to St. Aulaye, there's a nature reserve: La Jemaye. There are markets throughout the area, with a large market in Riberac on Friday; on Sunday there is a big antique market in Bordeaux. Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is listed as one of the “most beautiful villages of France”.

Please Note:

* The property is not well suited for handicapped people.

* Because of the river, children must be watched closely.

* Smoking and pets are not allowed on the estate.

Minimum Stay: 7

Check-In: 3:00pm - 8:00pm

Check-In: 3:00pm - 8:00pmRead more

Additional Location Information

What Past Guests Are Saying

Overall Rating

• Michael
  

  Michael's review of La Ferme de la Dronne - Silver Truffle

  Left on 10/20/2012 for a stay in October 2012
  
  

  We are enchanted with this property. It is beautifully decorated with a mix of country French antiques and modern amenities. The living area is spacious and welcoming. The bedrooms are beautiful. The owners were there during our visit and were so warm, welcoming and delightful. The owners made us feel like this was home during our stay. We were there for two weeks.
  
  Without a doubt the beauty of the interiors and the exterior property are like something out of a movie. It is peaceful, quiet and charming.
  
  If you are interested in French wine country this property is ideally situated. We visited wine Chateaux in Castillon, St. Emillion and Bordeaux. The owners also had a wonderful book outlining the best restaurants and towns to visit. Hiring a guide is highly recommended. They can be found online. We were lucky to have a referral for a guide from some friends who had been to the region previously.

  More Details ►

  ---

  Was this review helpful? Yes

• Robert
  

  Robert's review of La Ferme de la Dronne - Silver Truffle

  Left on 06/23/2012 for a stay in June 2012
  
  

  This is a beautiful property in the beautiful French countryside. The grounds are very spacious and there is access to the river. The house is situated on a quiet country road. The owners went out of their way to make our stay comfortable and to ensure that we had everything we needed.
  
  Vera, the owner, is an interior decorator and you can see her creative touch throughout the house. Each room is beautifully decorated, with many original ideas. We liked the themes of each bedroom and found the living room to be an excellent family gathering place. Unlike many rentals, the kitchen here had all the implements one would need to do some serious cooking. Obviously the owners like good food!
  
  Beautiful countryside, quiet roads, a slow pace.

  More Details ►

  ---

  Was this review helpful? Yes

• Cheryl
  

  Cheryl's review of La Ferme de la Dronne - Silver Truffle

  Left on 07/09/2011 for a stay in June 2011
  
  

  It was fantastic we enjoyed it very much.
  
  It was in a great location and well appointed.
  
  No instructions for the washing machine,dryer and oven. Frustrating.
  
  Peace and tranquility with lots of wonderful walks and drives.

  More Details ►

  ---

  Was this review helpful? Yes

• Dennis
  

  Dennis's review of La Ferme de la Dronne - Silver Truffle

  Left on 01/08/2011 for a stay in December 2010
  
  

  We had a great time! Everyone was in awe of the property.
  
  Spaciousness, contemporary furnishings, kitchen.
  
  Nothing not to like. In December the weather is COLD!
  
  Country atmosphere.

  More Details ►

  ---

  Was this review helpful? Yes