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Stunning Dordogne riverside villa with heated salt pool, 10min walk to Tremolat

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Le Chabrol
Our Kiftsgate Roses in Bloom, May-June
Huge space to prepare, chat, quaff and cook and look to the river
Our living area - you're VERY unlikely to need TV!!
Gorgeous dining table - extends to accommodate 12 in style

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6144 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Calès, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Cingle de Tremolat Panoramic View
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Cadouin Abbey
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Parc le Bournat
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Bergerac (EGC-Bergerac - Perigord - Dordogne)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Stunning Dordogne riverside villa with heated salt pool, 10min walk to Tremolat

Le Chabrol is unique - an extraordinarily beautiful and serene property, deceptively simple on the outside but exquisite and sophisticated inside. It has everything the most discerning guest could wish for.
Situated on the banks of one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, and in a quieter part of the Dordogne, Le Chabrol is just across the river from the lovely village of Tremolat, with it's Michelin-starred Vieux Logis but within easy reach of the busy tourist towns like Sarlat, Domme, Beynac and Le Roque Gageac.

Since we took ownership of this Le Chabrol in 2014, every single one of over 50 reviews has been 5-star. We can find no other property with a similar record.

That just about says it all but there is more:

Le Chabrol was FEATURED AS #12 OF THE "TOP 50 HOLIDAY VILLAS IN SPAIN, FRANCE AND PORTUGAL" in the (UK) Times April 2009 and AGAIN 28 Feb 2010.

A little detail:
Le Chabrol, sits in a prime location in walking distance to the gorgeous village of Tremolat, under mature trees, by a vast open meadow running out to the riverbank beyond, with a private jetty for river swimming, absolute river frontage and the exquisite Tremolat bridge in full view, and an easy 100m swim!

The open yet separate spacious gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and almost every conceivable gadget, will please the most demanding cook. Shop every day in a different farmers' market, then enjoy your treasures under the cherry tree by the pool, at the table on the riverbank, informally under the grapevines on the terrace, or get out the candelabras and dine indoors at a fine oak table seating 6 to 10 in comfort.
The gardens are full of cutting flowers for you to pick, plus snackables like strawberries, cherry tomatoes, cherries, figs, pears, grapes and physalis, each in its season.
Elegant 'American' bathrooms with strong spacious showers and unlimited hot water. Enjoy hot air ballooning, cliff-top castles, antique markets, the Bergerac and Bordeaux vineyards, canoeing, Cro-Magnon caves, fine dining and much more. 8-speaker BOSE surround sound, TV, high speed WiFi internet and free calls within France.

More About the House:
Passionate about French countryside, style, food and wine, we take great pride in this place and love spending time here with friends and family. To have a beautiful home here is a long-standing dream come true: a tranquil, romantic spot located on the banks of the Dordogne in what we believe to be the loveliest corner of France. This is an area of exceptional natural beauty, steeped in history, glowing with sun and fine weather, with outstanding cuisine at every turn. The former owners had superb taste. They designed the renovation of this 300 year old stone barn to be in harmony with the region's architectural heritage, and decorated the house in muted colors, with subtly elegant fabrics and authentic French country antiques.

We love a bit of luxury, which you will find aplenty inside this house, and we love outdoor living!

We feel that the house is intimate yet expansive, cheerful but calm. In summer we live by the sparkling salt-water heated swimming pool, lunching under the cherry tree with a great bottle of the local Bergerac wine and gorgeous local produce on the BBQ. In winter, we love that big fireplace!

The Restaurants: There's a list of our current favourites in the comprehensive house booklet, and you'll surely have done some research on your own. Tempting though it is to eat at home every night, there is fantastic food to be had here at every price range.
Trémolat alone has its renowned Michelin-starred Le Vieux Logis AND the best pizza restaurant in the region.
A second Michelin-starred restaurant, our favourite, Le Petit Leon in St Leon sur Vezere, is barely an hour away. With NZ chef Nick Honeyman, this is beyond excellent and several of our discerning guests have described this as their best restaurant experience ever.
You will also find strawberries, walnuts, truffles, Bergerac wines and the elegant Sauternes-like Monbazillac.
In summer, don't miss the night markets, where you dine outdoors on regional specialities in rustic village squares throughout the region - live music, locally-prepared delicacies cooked on-site, long, long trestle tables, happy, chatting and laughing French locals and visitors from all around the world .

Enjoying the River:
The Dordogne, shallow in summer and rather slow-moving in many spots, is considerably warmer than you might expect, and a delight to swim in. There are many beaches along the roads from which swimming is fun, quiet and easy. Our own bit of the riverbank is protected for the blue herons, wild swans and ducks that have adopted it. It's very scenic and we love swimming from our little jetty with the beautiful Tremolat bridge just 50 metres upstream.
Canoe rentals are available throughout the region so you can enjoy any number of leisurely hour-long scenic spectaculars. Waterskiing and pedalos are available at the Trémolat Bassin Nautique, where you can also hire a canoe or kayak for a few hours, or for your entire stay -- there are locking rings on our little boat dock so you can keep it secure during your stay.
The pool is heated in the summer months (June to August).

Short barge trips can be booked in the fantastic carved-into-the-cliffsides village of La Roque Gageac on the road to Sarlat. Rent a bike and cycle the tranquil towpaths beside the local canals which skirt the occasional rapids which made it rough sailing when goods from the region drifted downriver to Bordeaux two centuries ago. Climb Richard the Lionheart's spectacular fortified castle in Beynac.
The exquisitely-painted Lascaux caves are just an hour away, driving along the beautiful Vezere valley, with many pre-historic caves and troglodyte remnants.

Property manager

Donald Collie
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Italian

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Room to run fields to play in
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NEVER leave the pool uncovered if you are not at home or have gone to bed. France imposes extremely heavy fines if an unattended pool is uncovered.
Please do not change the settings on the automated irrigation system. If there is a leak, kindly advise Brian or Cheri, our managers.
Strictly NO SMOKING or animals in the house. Please remove all your rubbish and clean the BBQ at the end of your stay.

Important information

You need to know

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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Property Registration Number 8104199230014

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 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

Cales

Located in Cales, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Vezere Valley and Bac de Sors, while Moulin de la Rouzique and Parc le Bournat are cultural highlights. Jardins Panoramiques de Limeuil and Planbuisson Bamboo Garden are also worth visiting. Waterskiing and canoeing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and horse riding nearby.
Map
Calès, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

What's nearby

  • Cingle de Tremolat Panoramic View - 5 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Jardins Panoramiques de Limeuil - 12 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Cadouin Abbey - 13 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Parc le Bournat - 17 min drive - 14.4 km
  • Proumeyssac Chasm - 18 min drive - 15.5 km

Getting around

  • Trémolat Station - 2 min drive
  • Bergerac (EGC-Bergerac - Perigord - Dordogne) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Le Bistrot de la Place - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Auberge l'Esperance - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Banana - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Le Coulobre - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Garden Party - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Stunning Dordogne riverside villa with heated salt pool, 10min walk to Tremolat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Stunning Dordogne riverside villa with heated salt pool, 10min walk to Tremolat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Stunning Dordogne riverside villa with heated salt pool, 10min walk to Tremolat?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Stunning Dordogne riverside villa with heated salt pool, 10min walk to Tremolat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Stunning Dordogne riverside villa with heated salt pool, 10min walk to Tremolat located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Cingle de Tremolat Panoramic View and within 6 miles (10 km) of Jardins Panoramiques de Limeuil and Vezere Valley. Cadouin Abbey and Planbuisson Bamboo Garden are also within 9 miles (15 km). Trémolat Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 81 out of 81 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 81 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 81 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 81 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 81 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Isabelle M.

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maureen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Living a dream
Every aspect of our stay at the beautiful ‘Le Chabrol’ was idyllic. Such a comfortable and beautifully decorated home, well appointed kitchen (we had eager chefs staying with us), lovely shaded garden and swimming in both the pool and river enjoyed by all.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Virginia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second visit just as wonderful!
I adore this house! Set in the fields by the river it had everything we needed for a stay in rural France - great kitchen, sparkling lightly heated pool, comfortable beds with high quality linen, privacy and peace and quiet and an easy walk to the charming village of Tremolat. This was my second stay and there will be a third!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Always Wonderful
Wonderful hosts, location and amenities as always
Stayed 21 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Claire J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Le Chabrol stay
We had a lovely time staying at Le Chabrol. The property is just beautiful. It has such a homely feel to it that you never want to leave. The communication with the owners and the property manager was excellent. Any little query I had was answered immediately. I’ve never stayed somewhere with such quick responses before! The location is great for exploring the region but would be a little boring if you didn’t have a car and were simply planning on staying in Tremolat for the duration of your stay. The summer soirée series in the local villages was fantastic. So much going on in the evenings for entertainment! Only downside for us was that we were staying during the heatwave and the property, although equipped with fans, doesn’t have any air conditioning. Overall would highly recommend and would love to return one day. Thank you for a lovely stay!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Always Fabulous
We love this property - it is our 4th visit and no matter the time of year it is wonderful. Thank you to the owners and managers for all they do.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful property and area
The perfect place to get away from it all over Christmas. The area is wonderful and the host excellent.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sue D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house, beautiful area, beautiful host!
Everything we hoped for. Xx
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nick B.

Brief Indian Summer in the Dordogne
Le Chabrol lived up to our high expectations: elegant, welcoming and luxuriously equipped. We were very lucky to have arrived in beautiful sunshine which persisted throughout our stay. A refreshing dip in the lovely pool was a great beginning. We enjoyed walking to the nearby village for morning croissants across the bridge over the Dordogne. We took full advantage of the kitchen facilities to produce memorable evening meals. This is a lovely place to have a tranquil holiday in such a popular place as the Dordogne.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tonya H., Virginia

Beautiful French Country Cottage
Stunningly beautiful home, with all the comforts. Bedrooms were luxurious, bathrooms were a treat with great mix of modern and country style with white tile and wooden cross beams. Living room, dining area and kitchen were so cozy and relaxing, we didn't want to leave. We enjoyed many days out on the back patio, and would have enjoyed swimming if the weather had been warmer.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

NICKYE M.

FANTASTIC even better than the photos
This is beautiful gem of a place. from the cozy fire place to the out door large dining table surrounded by walnut trees. I read the home "bible" from front to back when up early the first morning. The BEST information was provided from where to go to markets to the best restaurants. The bathrooms were spotless as was the rest of this beautiful home. Only wish that we could have stayed longer.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

A perfect place to spend a week
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Le Chabrol. We had heard about the place from friends in New York City – and not just one. We knew the previous owners who renovated the house as well as five other couples who went at different times over the years. The place had quite the word of mouth recommendation and it lived up to the hype. It is a beautiful home with a wonderful kitchen, two and a half comfortable baths and three bedrooms (there were only two of us so we only made use of one bedroom but it was quite comfortable). The house is clean and well maintained. The house comes with a book, which previous visitors had referred to as the “Bible” with instructions, tips and things to do (it has been updated so the new owner refers to the new version as the “new testament”). It is very helpful, very detailed. While the owner is in Australia he communicates regularly by email and the local manager, who is from New Zealand, is close by in Lalinde. We had no problem finding our way to the managers house to pick up the keys and then to the house itself. The house is a very short distance from Tremolat and 15 minutes from Lalinde (which has a boulangerie that makes croissants and baguettes on site – not all do – as well as a grocery store). We made use of the kitchen so we were not eating out every night. It was nice to have a place to make a light meal and enjoy good French wine without having to drive. It was also great that there was a washer and dryer there so we did not have to bring clothes for the entire trip nor did we have to wash clothes in the bathroom sink as we have on some European trips. We found the location quite convenient: there are two nice restaurants in town (note: both fill up with reservations in advance) and a third one (L’Assiette Gourmand – well worth it - that is about a 15 minute drive away in the countryside). For those who want to visit Bordeaux, Saint Emilion is about an hour and 40 minutes away. Chateau Beynac, a castle occupied by Richard the Lion Hearted is about 30 minutes away. We are unable to write about the pool as the weather did not cooperate during our stay. Not only would we recommend staying here but we might return ourselves.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Vicki W.

Beautiful, comfortable house and gorgeous garden
We spent the most wonderful and relaxing week at Le Chabrol, on the banks of the Dordogne. It was early July and the weather was hot and sunny. We ate alfresco, did our sightseeing and market visits in the morning and lay around the pool in the afternoons. Bliss. A great way to start the day was to walk into Tremolat, only 15 minutes, to buy the baguettes and croissants to bring back home for breakfast which we had outside in the garden. Sorry to say this was our only exercise apart form laps of the pool as it was too hot. We visited markets in nearby towns like Issigeac and Perigueux and picked up local produce which ended up on our lunch table. Not to mention the wine, there was always plenty of that. There were some great restaurants in the region. We dined at the three that Tremolat had to offer and enjoyed them all - Le Vieux Logis, Le Bistrot and the Pizzeria. There was also the quaint Assiette Gourmand at which we had an unusually early dinner so that we could then go to Le Jardins de Marqueyssac. On Thursday nights these topiary gardens have live music and are lit by a thousand candles. Well worth a visit. We would also recommend lunch on the terrace at La Belle Etoile in Le Roque Gageac, but book and ask for a front table overlooking the river, the view is lovely. It is a beautiful and comfortable house with a gorgeous garden. It made us feel welcome, spoilt and very much at home. Our memories of our visit and the fun times we had at Le Chabrol will stay with us for a long time.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin L.

The Best of France: Le Chabrol & the Dordogne
Having traveled to many parts of France we found that the Dordogne region is perhaps the best region yet. Beautiful scenery, quiet, rivers and hills, farms, villages, fantastic food, caves, castles, etc. And Le Chabrol near Tremolat has to be the most ideal base from which to enjoy this spectacular region. The house is beautiful, comfortable and functional. For those who want to use the local ingredients to cook a regional feast, there is a truly terrific chef's kitchen, with every appliance you need. And while you're cooking the open plan allows you to interact with your guests and look out at the beautiful back garden. The salt water pool is fantastic, the local town lovely, the several highly recommended restaurants (on the list that includes everything you need to know about the house and the surroundings) are deserving of the high praise. Upstairs there are three lovely bedrooms-- one en-suite, one with a full bathroom across the hallway, and a powder room on the first floor. Washing machine & dryer, great wi-fi, sound system, books and guides, nut trees, strawberry bushes, herb garden... what more could you ask for? It was a week in paradise.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marty K.

Infused with comfortable character.
Wonderful home full of character and both welcoming and comfortable. Beautifully appointed home with owner's "stuff" around you so not a hotel atmosphere. If in this area you need a car so house is very well located close to but removed from town. Very highly recommend this area for holidays and you must stay at this home!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

sarah s.

Summer days at Le Chabrol
Our family of 5 had a wonderful (if very hot 38-41 Deg) week in the Dordogne, staying at Le Chabrol. The house was simply lovely inside and out! It was exactly as described in the literature and pictures. The place was spotlessly clean and every possible amenity was thoughtfully provided. The beds were very comfortable and had lovely linen on them...so soft! The kitchen was marvellous and the flagstone floor downstairs kept the place nice and cool..we left the windows open at night to take advantage of the cooling river breeze, but it was also great to have the fans in each bedroom. The land around the property is huge and runs down to the Dordogne River (there is a little jetty at the end of the garden for quiet contemplation, fishing, or anchoring your hired canoe!). Our kids enjoyed playing soccer in the garden, and even tried their hands at a spot of golf. The highlight of the garden in the summer of course was the gorgeous pool...so clean and refreshing and with it's easy to operate automatic pool cover. After our day trips every day, it was lovely to come 'home' every afternoon and enjoy swimming and lolling beside the pool in the shade with a nice cool drink, then BBQ dinner outside at the huge outdoor table. The rural location was so peaceful, yet close enough to the village (Tremolat) to get daily items..croissants etc. We found the supermarket at Lalinde became our regular big shopping place and enjoyed browsing at all the different food items we can't get here in Australia. We made day trips throughout the area every day going to places such as: markets in Issegeac, Le Buge and Le Buisson; Castelnaud Castle (very interesting especially with kids); Sarlat and Monpazier (gorgeous Bastide towns): St Emillion (another gorgeous town with lots of winery's); Hautefort Castle (where Everafter was filmed): the caves of Gouffre Promeyssac - amazing and lovely and cool; a highlight was canoeing an 18km section of the Dordogne in hired canoes (from the man in Port le Limeuil). We only ate out once, and this was for one of the kid's birthday's. We went to the recommended l'Assiette Gourmande which was wonderful. We thouroughly recommend La Chabrol to anyone intending to visit the Dordogne. The service and information Donald and Maureen provided was extremely thorough from booking through to arrival. There is a great information folder in the property that was very useful and much relied upon throughout our week.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Peter M.

A great Dordogne location
For our first venture into the Dordogne we couldn't have chosen a better location than Le Chabrol. We rented for two weeks and the accomodation was comfortable and welcoming for our family (first week) and friends (second week). The house is a beautifully converted barn with high quality fittings (great showers!) and equipped with everything we needed. Part of the time the weather was unseasonably hot so relaxing in the pool, or around it with a glass of wine, after a day of sightseeing was a highlight of our time there. For us the location was near perfect. Peaceful and quiet, yet an easy walk into a delightful village for bread and croissants in the morning or for dinner in the evening. For a small village the dining choices were excellent, a superb Michelin starred restaurant, a bistro and a pizzeria. And many more restaurants if you are willing to drive or take a taxi a few miles. Several of us are keen cyclists and there are a wealth of great routes from Le Chabrol's doorstep. Aquitaine bike rental provided There was a change of ownership soon after we made our booking but the transition was seamless and the new owners of Le Chabrol, Donald and Maureen, couldn't have been more helpful, providing lots of useful information both before we arrived and waiting for us in the house. The couple who live locally and look after the property for them were also helped to make this a truly memorable introduction to a beautiful part of France.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Brenda N., Hawaii

Over the Top! This Lovely Home is a Dream Home!!
My husband and I rented Le Chabrol in May for 3 weeks for our 25th Anniversary. This home is fabulous and there really isn't much that the original owner Gary didn't think of when designing his dream home. I love the house so much that I wish I could snap my fingers and move it home with me! Everything from the fresh flowers in every room, the fluffy towels stacked on the most comfortable beds, to the fabulous Italian bed linens, made it feel like you were in a 5 star hotel. The house is extremely well designed and comfortable with the large fireplace for chilly nights, large open kitchen for cooking up all the amazing local products purchased at any of a number of local village markets. The gourmet kitchen is stocked with almost everything a cook could need. My husband is the chef in our family and he had so much fun cooking in the kitchen that we never went out to dinner the entire three weeks! We had many wonderful evenings cooking and drinking lots of French wine! The property surrounding the house is beautiful and very well cared for by Brian, the caretaker. He promptly responds to every request or need (as does the new owner, Donald). Donald is the most hand-on VRBO owner (as was Gary) that I have ever dealt with. Even all the way from his home in Australia he managed to respond to any inquiry in a very timely fashion. For example, there was an issue with the dishwasher not working....so next thing I know, here comes Brian to install a new dishwasher! As with any home, there will be issues that pop up, and it was very nice to have such prompt resolution. I have dealt with many owners who just let you languish with the situation as is. Located along the Dordogne River, the grounds are a beautiful place to sit by the pool or at the large outdoor dining table and enjoy a nice bottle of wine (or two!) while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. (If only the weather had cooperated when we were there, we would have had more dinners outside. The bright spot of cooler weather was the roaring fires built in the big fireplace. Tres romantic!) There is also a lovely herb and flower garden which you can take advantage of to your hearts content. The village of Tremolat is just a 15 minute walk away. It is a pretty quiet and simple village, so be ready to venture out to nearby villages if you feel you need more action. As you can tell we loved our time at Chabrol and are already can’t wait to return!! Merci Donald for your hospitality!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gerald K., Reston, Virginia US

Our stay at Le Chabrol
My wife and I have just completed a wonderful three week European vacation. We traveled with friends, reconnected with several French friends and enjoyed many new and wonderful experiences along the way. However, the single high point of our vacation was our weeks stay at Le Chabrol. At Le Chabrol we were able to slow down the pace of our travels. Mostly we "hung out" and enjoyed our wonderful accommodations. We enjoyed Tremolat and the other nearby villages and took full advantage of the recommendations contained in the owner's book. The suggestion to dine at the nearby country restaurant "L'Assiette Gourmand" provided us with a truly unique dining experience. It's so good that fortunately we were able to obtain a second reservation during our stay. My wife and I vacation in Europe on an annual basis and Le Chabrol ranks high on our list of places to which we'd like to return. The property was impecably maintained and had all of the amenities needed to make it feel like "home." We highly recommend this property to anyone who is looking for a relaxed stay in one of the most beautiful parts of France.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Damien C.

Journey Into The True France
"Le Chabrol" was definitely a big highlight of our trip to France over last Christmas. This rustic countryside grange was tastefully refurbished into an incredibly homely and comfortable villa. The owners have done an amazing job at mixing modernity and character, and the result made us feel at home, immersed in the true French life-style. To give a few details, the house's furnishing, appliances and linen were literally top notch. The bedrooms are very comfortable and tastefully decorated, and the living area is perfect for a familly or group of friends to enjoy an "aperitif" while the roast is in the oven and the fireplace is crackling. I personally very much appreciated the kitchen, which had everything a foody like me wished for. Since it was winter, we appreciated the fireplace more than the swimming pool but the weather was kind enough to let us enjoy a few charcuterie-lunches on the terrasse, which was also lovely. As for the area, the intro guide was very comprehensive and helpful, we felt like Donald had a true understanding of French culture and the wonderful Dordogne Region. Thus we were able to experience the tourist/sightseeing side, as well as the small details, the little gems that made us feel like we had been living there for years. Thanks again for this perfect stay. Will definitely come back for summer. Damien
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Isabelle et Pierre M.

lovely break
Nous avons déniché un véritable bijou en bord de Dordogne . Tout parfait, ravissant, cosy, beaucoup de caractèr, il nous a semblé arriver chez nous. Rien ne manquait et si vous avez cuisiner il y a plus qu'il n'en faut . Merci aux hôtes

10/10 Excellent

Tony G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely home, great pool and gardens to river
The property was very comfortable and well equipped, a 15 minute walk to the centre of Tremolat across the bridge. The garden and field between the house and river are lovely -lots of birds and butterflies. The tables inside and in the garden were great for our party of 5 and would be fine for 6 to 8. We wound recommended to anyone😊
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cristina V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely stunning
Thank you so much for another amazing stay. This is our second visit to Le Chabrol and it was just as stunning as I remembered. The house is in such a brilliant location, close enough to Trémolat that you can stroll in and the river is just at the end of the garden. It really is an amazingly idyllic spot. Le Chabrol is a beautiful house with everything you could possibly need. Eating in is easy as literally everything you could need is in the kitchen- no blunt knives or lack of saucepans here! Trémolat is a quiet village and never feels crowded but has everything you could need. There’s a bakery for your morning croissants and a great choice of restaurants. There’s a great choice of restaurants too: a pizzeria, a wine bar (you have to try the duck burgers), a bistro (we loved the confit de canard) and a stunning Michelin star restaurant. The village gets a mention on Rick Stein’s Secret France. We had a great time exploring all the beautiful villages and towns nearby and this time made it to the beautiful Marqueyssac Gardens. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing home!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Freek P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
geweldig
Heel goed
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Isaac W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun for all of us!
The house was beautiful. It was just as advertised. We did a lot of swimming on most days before we would adventure out to the different towns and villages. In the evening, we would enjoy the various restaurants and the fantastic cuisine the area offered. All in all, it was an experience that we will always remember.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2024

About the host

Hosted by Donald Collie

Host profile image
My love for France began when, as a young Australian doctor, I was lucky enough to work at L’Hopital Americain de Paris in Neuilly, suburban Paris. The experience changed my life. I came to appreciate the 'joie de vivre' of the French, I learnt to love the French culture, style, food, wine and countryside. I travelled to the Dordogne in that first year, 1978, and was spell-bound by the beauty of the region, the river and all that it encompassed.

After my time at the L'Hopital Americain, I returned to Melbourne, completed my training as an eye surgeon, had further specialist training in Holland, the UK and in Cleveland, Ohio in the USA and then set up practice in both private and public hospitals in Melbourne. For many years, I was involved with Aid trips to treat blindness in the Pacific Islands – Vanuatu, Solomons, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu.

Wonderful people, simple lives, beautiful places, bountiful natural supplies. These are the things I love and in its own way, the Dordogne embodies all of them.

In April 2014, I travelled to the Dordogne and met Gary Gunas who, with his partner Billy Rosenfield, had restored this magnificent 300 year old barn on the riverbank, now known as Le Chabrol, just a stone’s throw from one of the loveliest villages in the region.

Gary and Billy were reluctantly selling the property to purchase an apartment in Paris and we were able to purchase Le Chabrol with all their beautiful, original art, superb furnishings, a fully equipped kitchen.
We also have Paula Lopez as a wonderful manager, Corinne Jammet to keep the house spotless, Simon Batt to keep the lawns perfect and Benjamin Escarment to maintain fine gardens.

Why they chose this property

We love this property for the way it addresses that great rule of Location, Location, Location.
Location #1: The Dordogne itself. We've vacationed in this region since the late 1970's and we believe it's the loveliest corner of France. This is an area of exceptional natural beauty, steeped in history, glowing with sun and fine weather, with outstanding cuisine at every turn. Our fellow expats here claim, and we agree, that for certain people there's a definite magnetism here that draws you in and just doesn't let go - kind of a mystical, visceral pull, in fact.
Location #2: Our little corner of the Dordogne. The Périgord Noir, as it's called, is the heart of the heart of the region, known for its indigenous black truffles and the black shade of the pine forests that still stand in many areas, however open to farming and scenic vistas it may be today. We have far less of the tourist-jammed traffic of the Sarlat area, 40 minutes to our east, and far more of the sumptuous tranquility which is the region's greatest asset.
Location #3: Our own plot of land. Turning our backs on our quiet little road, we overlook our own pool and gardens, and beyond that the open fields and river, with our own land blending into the neighbours' as far as the eye can see. Giant sky, total privacy. Sweet.

When our now good friends, Gary and Billy bought this property, it was a very tired working barn - cows were still living on its mud floor! They designed the renovation to be in harmony with the region's architectural heritage. From the street, it still looks rather like the barn always was - large-scale louvers around the front door reflect the house's original heritage as a tobacco-drying barn. But from the back - the side facing the river - it's clearly more like the 'Relais et Chateau' properties that inspired its design. More than one friend has called our house a Tardis - a seemingly-modest box by the road, with a whole other UNIVERSE inside and out back.

What makes this property unique

We love to cook -- elaborate meals, for lots of friends and the kitchen was designed to suit this joy. It's got everything you could possibly want in terms of equipment -- fish poachers, cherry pitters, cake and tart pans of all sizes, the works. And given the quality of even the most basic foodstuffs here -- from the daily farmers' markets or the superb Grand Frais shop in Bergerac and other specialty shops like Arvouet Foie Gras in Le Buisson -- well, you can cook the same recipes you use at home and come up with flavours you never thought possible! But you can also use our many French cookbooks (all in English) and cook like you've never cooked before.
What sets us apart from most other rental houses in the area is that it's really a HOME, and not a calculated, Ikea-furnished rental property. The house was designed and furnished with basic calm and good taste and decorated in muted colors, with subtly elegant fabrics and authentic French country antiques. When you compare ours to many other properties, you won't find 'that' sofa here (as one of our guests recently exclaimed with relief)!
Further, while it's indeed our home, we always de-clutter it completely before any guests arrive, so that you're never living with any of our 'stuff' -- every closet and cupboard is completely empty and sparkling clean. No clothes, photos or toys. You're not working around us; the house is all yours when you're here. We rent HomeAway homes on our own holidays, and a key factor for us is just this -- not feeling like we're bunking in with strangers!

We want this to be your very own home away from home.

Languages:

English, French, Italian

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