Perched on a hilltop, this handsome 18th-century manor house is set in the heart of the Dordogne’s Bessède Forest, with tranquil views across seemingly endless wooded valleys and green fields. In keeping with the area’s historic heritage, the original building has been meticulously restored. Its many exposed beams, tiled floors and open fireplace create a warm and inviting atmosphere. As well as four bedrooms on the ground and first floors, this comfortable, family-friendly home includes a converted attic room – ample space for five single beds, children’s pyjama parties and bedtime stories. Outside, there is plenty of space for little ones to run around. The villa enjoys a tranquil setting in extensive grounds, with woodland and a large lake (300m from the house), which is unfenced so keep an eye on younger children. A pleasant terrace off the kitchen leads to the heated swimming pool surrounded by sunny lawns and you'll also find a spot dedicated to playing boules and a table tennis table. The local area The Dordogne River is just 13km away, a spot for fishing, canoeing or even a quick dip. Beautiful, dramatic scenery greets you at every turn and the area is steeped in history: castles perched high over the river valley and charming bastide towns with sun-dappled terrace cafés, not to mention the prehistoric caves, unique to this region. The perfectly preserved medieval village of Monpazier is just 12km away. Hire a bike there, book a hack with the local riding school or wander its Thursday market. A short drive also takes you to St-Avit-Sénieur with its beautiful 11th-century Benedictine abbey. The Dordogne region in the heart of the southwest is an area rich in all the delights France has to offer. Beautiful dramatic scenery greets you at every turn: castles perched high over the Dordogne River valley, the spectacular Gouffre de Padirac caves, tranquil rivers winding their way through limestone cliffs. Our earliest artists descended 17,000 years ago into the caves near Lascaux, on the Vézère River, to paint in breathtaking colour the animals they hunted; you can visit a replica cave, as well as many other prehistoric sites in the area. The fortified ‘bastide’ towns of Monpazier, Eymet, Villefranche, and others are remarkably well-preserved witnesses to turbulent times. The mighty donjon of Bourdeilles castle looms imposingly, while Brantôme (the ‘Venice of France’) wears a more serene aspect, the beautiful Benedictine abbey gazing contemplatively down onto the river Dronne.