La Ferme du Fournil

Up a country lane, with acres of woodland, gardens and stunning valley views, is a delicious tobacco farmhouse and a colourful cottage. The British owners have restored both with artistic flair, adding modern day comforts yet retaining the old spirit. The split-level main house has a magnificent veranda for breakfast and an aperitif arbour. Inside, find a big, friendly kitchen/sitting room at its heart: new white units and old Welsh dressers, rugs on granite floors, squashy red sofas, a chandelier in the rafters, an open fire stacked with logs. There are four bedrooms with polished mahogany beds, charming patchwork quilts, old beams and two bathrooms (one at the bottom of a stair); soft toys and books in the mezzanine room keep children happy and there are fans for warm nights. The cottage has its own garden shaded by wild plum trees. Inside, it’s tiny yet vibrant with brocante finds, heaps of art and all you need for a cosy stay: sitting room, quirky kitchen, fresh shower room and open stairs to the mezzanine bedroom; mind your head! History and beauty are close: Les Eysies, Monpazier, Sarlat, Domme. Return to barbecues, an abundance of wild flowers and a pristine pool.