House in Issigeac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Ancient, fully restored, 13th century medieval village house with garden & patio

Ancient, fully restored, 13th century medieval village house with garden & patio

Photo gallery for Ancient, fully restored, 13th century medieval village house with garden & patio

Maison de la Paix - late evening outdoor medieval feast. So French! Dordogne.
Issigeac - pristine medieval village - roots dating back to the 1st Century....!
Famous for our local Bergerac vineyards and wines! Maison de la Paix, Dordogne.
Maison de la Paix - Early spring herbs from the garden too! Issigeac, Dordogne.
Issigeac Maison de la Paix- Late evening view of South facade ...the textures...

Overview of Ancient, fully restored, 13th century medieval village house with garden & patio

5 out of 5 Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8250 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor space

Check out the area

Issigeac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Popular LocationCastillonnès Tourism Office11 min drive
  • AirportBergerac (EGC-Bergerac - Perigord - Dordogne)15 min drive
  • Popular LocationChateau de Monbazillac16 min drive
  • Popular LocationBergerac Maison des Vins18 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Chambre Bleu

1 King Bed

Chambre Gris

1 King Bed

Chambre Ivoire

2 Single Beds

Chambre Rosé

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Bleu

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Gris

Toilet · Shower only

Rosé

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Ancient, fully restored, 13th century medieval village house with garden & patio

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION….!
Situated in the very HEART of 100 YEAR WAR country, bastides, medieval villages, troglodyte caves, chateaux, huge winding rivers, vignerons par excellence, truffles, village markets, the home of foie gras and to cap it all – the most beautiful countryside imaginable!
Day outings to Bordeaux, St Emilion, Limoges - famous for its fine pottery, Cahors – the seat of fierce resistance to the German Occupation in WW2, to name but a few.
Few European areas are richer in history than this. Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon man bivouacked here, Richard the Lionheart was killed here, the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) ended here and French resistance to World War II, occupation by Nazi Germany and the Vichy government began here.
There is so much to see and do in this greater area that one could, literally, spend a lifetime immersed in its exploration.
What better place to do it from, than one of the most authentic and well preserved medieval villages, with roots dating back to the 3rd Century – ISSIGEAC !
MAISON DE LA PAIX – FRANCE a Medieval Village house par excellence.
Maison de la Paix - France is all about living and the ‘joie de vivre’ of everything that makes life in rural France so special.
This historic house, with original features and materials dating back to the early twelve to mid thirteen hundreds, was selected and featured as ‘The Mystery Property’ in the popular BBC documentary ‘Escape to the Continent’ – the first airing of which was on 28 May 2015!
Sympathetically restored in the early 2000s, Maison de la Paix has an interior that, whilst retaining and embellishing authentic period features - has all the mod cons and flow necessary to make it a really comfortable and easy living space to be in and accommodate up to eight guests, in true French style.
Enter the stone gateway, and leaving the slow hustle and bustle of 'medieval' village life behind you, one finds a magical, sunny and very private, South facing garden, unique to only a few houses in our village and Maison de la Paix is one of the best.
To your right, a shaded garden dining pavilion, set in a semi-formal French garden, which is just perfect for you to enjoy alfresco, suitably long and typically French lunches, or dinners by candlelight.
To your left, a romantic terrace with comfortable sun loungers for that lazy afternoon snooze under the Maple tree.
Maison de la Paix’s doorway - hewn in later years through the 13th century outer limestone wall of the village - opens to a cool, stone floored living area - that can only be described as 'incredibly special'.
That unique ‘French’ country sunlight streams into this South facing living area, and tracks back to it’s source, through the French doors and windows that open through the immense rampart wall, to the beautiful, sunny and private court garden
The warmth of the strikingly beautiful French stone fireplace.
The immense rough ancient wooden beams supporting the high ceilings, with lighting options to cater for every mood.
The inch thick, natural stone floors hewn from the hills of the South of France - so perfectly functional - cooling the interior in the heat of summer and then oozing warmth underfoot in the cooler months of winter.
This living area flows seamlessly through to the kitchen bar area and onwards deeper into a kitchen, so well equipped, it would satisfy the most demanding gourmet chef in you.
Beyond an ancient doorway a fun medieval dining ‘hall’, decorated in French period finishes is equipped with a wine sommelier for storing and chilling up to 120 bottles of your wines.
The décor - a combination of French antique and period styled medieval fittings, coupled with stylish current furnishings necessary for your absolute comfort.
A true marriage of stone, steel and timber if ever there was one!
A variety of seating and dining options - so comfortable, adaptable and accommodating – catering for all sizes of guest groups - from single to eight - allowing as much privacy, or not, as your mood dictates.
The ancient, hand crafted wooden staircase, gently meanders upwards to the sleeping quarters, where sumptuous beds await contented bodies and souls.
A reading and IT area on the landing, opening onto a romantic Juliet balcony is a perfect spot to catch up on emails back home. Print that important information for tomorrow's outing and - oh yes – uncapped FREE wifi is provided throughout the house as are telephone calls back home!
ACCOMMODATION
Boasting four genuine double bedrooms – all on the first floor - three of which are ensuite, Maison de la Paix is equipped to accommodate up to eight guests in style and comfort.
Each bedroom features luxurious, high quality, brand new, XL King size beds furnished with 100% Percale cotton bed linen and huge high quality fluffy white towels for bathing.
All with rose coloured wooden floors, high volume beamed ceilings and period features, the accommodation compliments the living area below by providing such an authentic French feel. (See full detail under facilities.)
THE FRENCH WAY
For us, as a family, sharing the joys of freshly cooked meals and working and experimenting with the incredible ingredients to be ‘sniffed’ out at the numerous village markets, has always been a feature of our special holiday time together.
It's no secret - we love our food - and our kitchen at Maison de la Paix caters for this passion being excellently laid out and thoughtfully equipped.
At Maison de la Paix, cooking is definitely part of the daily entertainment ritual and conversation and inspiration flow seamlessly from the living and dining areas through to this well equipped kitchen, allowing those not involved in the day’s culinary art, to share a glass of wine and a chat with those that are.
VILLAGE LIFE AT ITS VERY BEST
Just thirty paces from your garden gate at Maison de la Paix, will find you at our favourite Boulanger - one of three in the village - where you can pick up that morning’s freshly baked bread, croissants or pastries.
One hundred paces in towards the centre of the village, will find you at the door of the boucherie, charcuterie and traiteur in the Grand Rue, where Cyril LE MINDU will butcher your meat cuts to your personal specifications.
Regional delicacies are available from specialist shops dotted around the village and treats such as magret (duck breast), foie gras (goose liver), lapin (rabbit), regional wines and armagnac (local version of cognac) to name but a few, are all to be had just a short stroll away.
Pick up a flower arrangement for that special moment from the fleuriste Davide or have a treatment or massage by Sylvie at Centre Zen Shiatsu. There’s even a health food shop!
Just a short walk around the Tour de Ville will lead you past 3 restaurants with the furthest at 300 metres!
All special in their own way, from really good pizza and specialist regional salads with walnut and gesiers (duck gizzards) at Casa Del Seyrat, to really excellent traditional French a la carte or the menu de jour (daily menu) at La Bruciliere and Chez Alain / El Borini. Also, don’t forget Le Relais de l’Ancienne Gare about 600 metres along the Eymet road – a really excellent family run restaurant.
Other businesses to be found a short stroll from Maison de la Paix include: various art studios, pottery studio, glass blower, basket weaver, unique clothing boutiques, hair dressers, pharmacists, doctors, dentist, brocantes, cafés, bistrots, antiques, interior decorator, two well stocked, small franchise grocery stores, a Presse / Tabac and even a taxi operator.
On the other hand though, a short stroll in the other direction could easily find you on one of the unsurpassed, tranquil and comfortable country walks and cycling trails (boucles). France is famous for these boucles and Issigeac has some of the best that we have experienced.
These clearly marked routes meander through lush French forests, farmlands and vineyards, past churches and through surrounding ancient hamlets, past ancient windmills, across babbling brooks, past numerous view sites and historic features and countryside abundant with wildlife.
One can safely say that - everything that you will need for an unforgettable stay at Maison de la Paix - is available just a short stroll from your door.
Issigeac is a small intimate and secure little village, inhabited by many local French people, but is also a bit of a commercial hub of the immediately surrounding farming community.
What this means is that, even though it is so small and peaceful, it has just that right mix of activity and tranquility, that truly let’s one experience French country village life in the flesh and at it’s best - and the Sunday Market....?
NOT TO BE MISSED AT ANY COST- OUR SUNDAY MARKET
By far the most festive in the region – our village market is so popular and so much fun that people drive from all over the region for the experience!
With stalls lining the winding medieval streets and alleyways - in and out- the ambiance - the colours, smells, textures, sounds, cultures and of course the food!
Fresh Bordeaux oysters, rotisseried pintade (guinea fowl), cailles (quail), farm chicken, roti de porc (rolled pork), chèvre (goats cheese), pâté de foie gras, duck confit, saucisson, café, cassoulet, paella, wine, art, music, clothing, stone cutting, fresh flowers, artisanal breads….the list goes on.
What better way to enjoy it than from your own village house, just a few steps away from all the activity and then to retire to your OWN quiet cool sanctuary – Maison de la Paix.
For us there was no choice - it just had to be Issigeac!

Property manager

John
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Minimum 5 y/o - but please discuss.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking, patio and garden fine.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Issigeac

Located in Issigeac, this villa is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Port Miniature and Lac de Lougratte, while Moulin de la Rouzique and Musée du Vin et de la Batellerie are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Labyrinthe Vegetal Les Fees Meres and Zoo de Mescoules. Rafting and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and horse riding nearby.

What's nearby

  • Castillonnès Tourism Office - 11 min drive
  • Chateau de Lanquais - 16 min drive
  • Chateau de Monbazillac - 16 min drive
  • Chateau du Haut Pezaud - 18 min drive
  • Bergerac Maison des Vins - 18 min drive

Getting around

  • Creysse Station - 20 min drive
  • Bergerac (EGC-Bergerac - Perigord - Dordogne) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • La Brucelière - 3 min walk
  • Les Arcades - 11 min drive
  • Café de l'Europe - 3 min walk
  • Restaurant l'Atelier - 4 min walk
  • La P'tite Treille - 3 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Ancient, fully restored, 13th century medieval village house with garden & patio pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Ancient, fully restored, 13th century medieval village house with garden & patio?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ancient, fully restored, 13th century medieval village house with garden & patio?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Ancient, fully restored, 13th century medieval village house with garden & patio located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly villa is within 12 mi (20 km) of Castillonnès Tourism Office, Labyrinthe Vegetal Les Fees Meres and La Ferme de Michaumaille. Port Miniature and Chateau Les Merles Golf Course are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

5

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 5 - Excellent. 50 out of 51 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Good. 0 out of 51 reviews" "
Rating 3 - Okay. 1 out of 51 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Poor. 0 out of 51 reviews" "
Rating 1 - Terrible. 0 out of 51 reviews" "

4.9/5

Cleanliness

5/5

Check-in

5/5

Communication

4.9/5

Location

5/5

Listing accuracy

Reviews

5/5 Excellent

Shelby S., Baton Rouge

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Once Upon a Time.....
On a scale of 1-10, this property and our experience in the area deserve a 15! The photos and info online totally represent the home so that while there you genuinely feel transformed to a by-gone time of subdued elegance. The property owner was easy to contact; communication was prompt and helpful. This was truly a highlight of our 2019 journey in France.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2019

5/5 Excellent

John B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our 4th visit to Issigeac and the best property
The property is extremely spacious including the bedrooms. It is also near a parking area. it is extremely well fitted out and has everything you might possible need, particularly for me a printer which was very usefull. The house is about 50 meters from a good boulangerie, which is great in the mornings.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2019

5/5 Excellent

Stephen F.

Wonderful!
Beautifully modernised medieval house that retains it's character. Well located for exploring the many sites the Dordogne has to offer. The owners and staff are very helpful.
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2018

5/5 Excellent

Verified traveller

Perfect it was!
A most beautifully restored, luxurious and well equipped medieval house, a fairytale medieval village, beautiful countryside, winding rivers, rolling vineyards, bastides, chateaux, village markets, friendly locals. All the makings of a perfect sojourn in the Dordogne and perfect it was. Absolutely loved our time at Maison de la Paix and highly recommend it. Thank you we feel most privileged to have stayed in your beautiful home! All the best Leia.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

5/5 Excellent

Verified traveller

Absolutely spectacular! Historic and luxurious home in a delightful medieval village
Maison de la Paix is a spectacular property in an astonishing and convenient village setting. The tiny medieval village of Issigeac is charming, welcoming and friendly. The village market day is so much fun, so make sure not to miss out! The beautiful vistas and countryside, medieval and bastide villages and of course the multitude of chateaux and family run wineries, make day drives along winding country roads, unforgettable.This is the perfect base from which to explore the Dordogne and Vezere river valleys, St Emilion, Roman ruins and so many unforgettable places, I could go on forever. Also the prehistoric dwelling caves at Lascaux, Font de Gaume and Rouffignac will forever be with me. In summary Maison de la Paix (a play on the owners surname) is a historic, luxurious, spotlessly clean but homely base in a delightful village, with a history dating back to the 5th century. Thank you John & Louise and of course the delightful caretaker Brenda, for making this special place available to us. Can't wait to return next year!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2017

About the host

Hosted by John

Host profile image
We are a South African couple with two adult 'children' who, together as a family, have been incredibly fortunate to travel extensively, both in our own beautiful country, as well as Europe.
Being fortunate to live and bring up our family in what must be one of the most beautiful places on earth - the little seaside village of Hermanus, in the Western Cape region of South Africa - the seed for owning a second home in another country and culture was firmly planted in our brains in the early 2000s.
Our passion for property is unbounded and after a hard working career in retail building materials supply, we decided to indulge our passion.
The two of us once enjoyed a romantic barging trip in the Burgundy region of France and using our bicycles to explore the little villages along the way down the Canal du Nivernais, we were struck by the beauty of the French countryside and the textures and colour palettes of the ancient and often crumbling village houses – many of which were deserted and for sale!
Always being on the lookout for property for sale, our interest was sparked and the internet research began in earnest.
Initially, our thoughts turned to Italy and the beautiful Tuscany in particular, but having explored it on the three different occasions, we decide to revisit the French countryside again.
Obviously the French countryside is huge and the time and resources to travel limited, so we read everything we could about France and where the ideal spot would be to indulge our fantasy.
Having narrowed it down to the Dordogne, our first family holiday in France was booked and…….the rest is history.....we were HOOKED!

Why they chose this property

On our first family holiday in this region, we spotted an idyllic little water mill and although our initial interest in purchasing it did not produce results, a few years later, we became the proud owners of that beautiful spot.
The problem was that we had completely underestimated the enormity and cost of turning it into what we dreamed of, especially from the Southern tip of Africa.
After another two years of dilly dallying, we also came to the conclusion that, from a vacation point of view anyway, life in one of the little villages would be really enjoyable – provided we could find something that looked after our needs of privacy, peace and tranquillity.
In August 2014 we visited the area again, and having always been attracted to more remote country properties, this time we decided to try the little medieval village of Issigeac which we had fallen in love with on our first visit to the region.
As they say in the classics…we were hooked and hopelessly in love with this little village and having done the critical LOCATION, LOCATION and LOCATION test Issigeac it was and we proceeded to look at everything that was available – but alas – returned to South Africa empty handed.
Late last year, it was back to Issigeac again, this time armed with our kids who joined us for our annual get together.
Having rationalised our thoughts and having had the benefit of some less emotional input from the kids, we decided to raise our sights and look at a property that had been so tempting to look at on our earlier visit, but seemingly out of our reach.
Well from the moment we crossed the threshold, on that cold and rainy mid-winters day, we were smitten – every one of us!
In the process of buying this property, the ownership of which became ours officially, just a month or two ago, we not only found ourselves with a spiritual home in Fance, but made our first good friends in Issigeac, in the lovely couple from whom we bought it.
This was just meant to be

What makes this property unique

WHY ARE WE SO KEEN TO SHARE MAISON DE LA PAIX IN ISSIGEAC?
Issigeac - surely one of the most interesting little villages in the Perigord?
Issigeac - an unspoiled authentic French medieval village - survivor of the trials and tribulations of a troubled, violent, sometimes peaceful, but always colorful evolution and history.
Built, plundered, burned, sacked, rebuilt, again and again throughout it and France’s fascinating history, the modern day Issigeac has survived as a beautiful and unspoiled example of a classic medieval French village.
Issigeac’s roots in the modern history of mankind are literally set amongst and on top of ruins from various periods dating right back to Gallo Roman times - when the Roman villa of Sedius was first built here in the 4th century.
Some of these high or low lights, depending on one’s view, include:
During the Frank Period, the early 6th century monastery of Sediacum gives root to the name – “Issigeac” – to which it eventually evolved.
The 12th century monks of the Benedictine Order coming under the protection of the Abbey at Sarlat during the Capetian Period in 1153.
The sacking and destruction by the Lord of Bergerac - Renaud 4th de Pons and 600 of his men in 1300 and the subsequent order of compensation that he was compelled to pay.
The 100 Years War with the eventual ‘taking’ of the town from the English in 1437. Infamously known as ‘The Prince of Ruffians’ - the Spaniard Alexandro de Villadrando a Lieutenant of King Charles 7th, King of France – and 10,000 of his toughest soldiers, virtually destroying the town, once again, in the process.
The building of the late Gothic church 1449 - 1527 during the Renaissance Period and the rebuilding of the Chateau on the remains of the old one during the Sun King Period around 1660.

Languages:

English

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