La Borie des Combes

This charming French Stone House dates back to medieval times and is set in the small village of Bezenac in the heart of the Aquitaine region in the fantastic Dordogne (dept 24). It sits on a hill overlooking the breathtaking Dordogne River. Bezenac was ground zero for the 1999 book by Michael Crichton “Timeline”, which is definitely recommended reading before or during your stay, as this immediate area was a hotbed of activity during the Hundred Years War and is chronicled in “Timeline” as well as many other books. The house is situated in the quiet village of Bezenac, an easy 20 minute drive from Sarlat. This small village is not usually visited by tourists so a peaceful stay is the order of the day here if you wish, yet you are within a few kilometers of dozens of must see sites, super market, shops and places to eat that will make you wish you never had to leave. As close as we can trace the origins of this house, we’ve found out that it probably was built in stages, in the 13th or early 14th centuries. Many of the houses in France, and specifically in this area, date back to around the years 1100 and 1200 AD. A lot of the original deeds for these houses in Dordogne were written in Latin. Most didn’t survive the ravages of time and war and the original dates of construction are often never known and can only be estimated buy examining the construction style and the materials used. The meter thick stone walls in our house are more than simply an attractive building technique. The mass of the stone makes the house cool in the summer and stable in the colder months. Even in very hot weather with outside temperatures of 100° F, the interior of the house is rarely over 82° even with the doors and windows open. This, is with no air conditioning. In colder months, after the house is initially heated it retains the heat and is very cozy. There is a large gated, private courtyard with parking for two to three cars with additional parking at the back of the house if needed. A full laundry is available for your use. The Main House consists of: Two large bedrooms, Sleeps four plus room for fold out bed & cribs One large Double bed & one American King Size bed Salon, seating for five - CD/Tape player/Radio Large Fireplace Full Bath with Tub and Shower Fully equipped kitchen with a dining area for ten people Full Laundry facilities – Fully stocked with Linens, towels & Table cloths Large Private Courtyard that overlooks the Dordogne Valley and River with outdoor seating and table.
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Please visit our website for more info and prices www.francestonehouse.com

The Dordogne region is blessed with an enormous concentration of natural beauty and a profusion of interesting sites in one region. Literally all periods are represented: Prehistory in the Vezere valley sites, the Romanesque period with its numerous churches – the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Classical period with its castles and fine Bourgeois residences. This area is famous for its beautifully preserved castles and historically rich heritage dating back fifty thousand years. From the prehistoric cave dwellings in Les Eyzies de Tayac (15km), which was chronicled by Jean Auel in her book “The Shelters of Stone”, to the surrounding villages of St Cyprien (4km) and Sarlat (15km) with their unique charm and heritage, your days can be as busy or relaxed as you please. Sarlat has been recognized as The Best Medieval Village in all of France. Just 5km away is the beautifully preserved medieval village of Beynac with its huge castle that you may tour. This village can be seen in the movies “Chocolate” and “Joan of Arc”. The castle of performer Josephine Baker is just across the river and is open for tours. There are also beautiful gardens and hiking trails to explore to find your own piece of heaven on earth here in the Dordogne. Dining: There is a wide range of dining experiences just a few km from the property, ranging from 4 Star Restaurants to casual dining alongside the river. There are also many wineries in the area for a great day of wine tasting. Not To Be Missed: Patisserie Lucco (the best bakery in the region) is an easy 1/4 mile walk from the house for your morning croissants or your after dinner treats. Sporting Activities: You can take long walks from the house through the countryside. The area is fantastic for riding bikes, with a great variety of terrain ranging from totally flat to some good climbs. There is canoeing on the Dordogne River just down from the house. The area abounds with stone cliffs for rock climbing enthusiasts. There are two golf courses: le Domaine de Rochebois 15 km away in Vitrac, and le Golf de l'Olivarie 14 km away in Siorac. A breathtaking view of the area can be seen by taking a hot air balloon ride, or flying over the area in a small plane, both of which are available close by.

Please visit our website for more info and prices www.francestonehouse.com