Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

This well-converted pepinieriste's (plantsman's) house, built in the 18th century, sits in a small hamlet with friendly neighbours, sleepy dogs and impressive views over the Dordogne river. A tasteful blend of traditional and contemporary furniture creates a relaxed feel and each ground floor room leads from one to the other; big sofas sit opposite an open fireplace, the oval glass-top table is perfect for family meals, the kitchen is modern and well-equipped and on wet days you can snuggle in with books, DVDs and games. Up steep stairs are bedrooms (three up, one down), not huge but with white walls, squashy mattresses, mosquito nets and bright and lively paintings; functional shower rooms (one up, one down) have lovely Caudalie fragrances. The garden area is laid to gravel with a trickling water feature and chest-high hedging for privacy; on warm days you can chill out on the rooftop sundeck, furnished with an all-weather sofa and hammock, and gaze on the river. Informal and fun, this is great for families, and you are spoiled for outdoor activities and wine tastings – there are vineyards galore.