My name is Amanda, I bought La Graule in 2006 with my husband, brother and sister in law.

I'm the manager of a business language training centre in London. I live in London although I was not born in London and swore I would never live here but I have to say I now love it. However, having been brought up in a little village outside of Bakewell, I crave the outdoors and nature and the beauty and peace of the countryside hence La Graule! I am married with 2 adopted children; 8 and 6.

2886 purchased this farmhouse in 2006

We had talked about buying a property in France for a long time! When we eventually got round to doing it (after a lot of saving) our one pre requisites was that it was on The River Dordogne, it took a long time to find La Graule but it was worth it! It is a little piece of paradise! Me and husband didn't have kids then so we went there out of season and it was the most amazing place, now we do have little kids and they LOVE it, they love the pool, the trampoline, running around outside, the incredible nature; deer, butterflies, lizards, birds, orchids, frogs.... canoeing, cycling, watching dvds, playing on the wii! We love getting together with family and friends, (it's a big property!) barbequing, sitting on the terrace overlooking the river with a glass or two til late, visiting local markets and buying delicious French cheese and wine tasting of course!

La Graule is set in a stunning location. It is on a slight hill, on the bend of The River Dordogne so you don't just look across the river, you look down the river! The views are spectacular! Look at our website; www.lagraule.co.uk. That is why we bought the property! It is unique. The terrace is amazing and looks down the river. If you don't fancy eating there, eat at the table poolside next to the lavender bushes enjoying the river views or round the other side of the house at the picnic table overlooking the grapevines. The grapevines at the back of the house are part of the property and if you visit in September, the first row of grapes is for eating. If you visit in June, the cherry tree next to the swimming pool is laden with cherries and in August the plums, damsons, figs and apples in various are pretty good!

The swimming pool is fantastic and has an electronic cover and a pool alarm.

adults and kids love it! For kids, there is also the trampoline, outside toys, dvds and toys on the mezzanine.

La Graule does not have nearby neighbours so is truly rural and peaceful. However, the nearby villages are easy cycling (and walking - 20 minutes) distance, less than 5 minutes drive and they have everything you could want; bakery, butchers, supermarket, bars (one being the most rural bar you could ever imagine, another being quite upmarket) and restaurants (one overlooking the river). They also have canoe and bike hire. Canoeing down The River Dordogne is must! St Foy is 15 minutes drive away and has everything you could want, plus an amazing Saturday market with delicious roast chicken and potatoes (buy them!). St Emilion is 20 minutes drive away, a beautiful town with the best wine tasting, have a designated driver! Don't worry though, there is a vineyard at the end of our road, 10 minutes walk, one of our nearest neighbours, great wine tastings, he uses the vines at the back of our house. you'll find a few bottles of this wine in your welcome pack on arrival!