Manoir Tournesols | 5-Bedroom Manor in St Martin Petit Jusix

Ten guests, five bedrooms, and four acres of French countryside waiting beyond the gates of Manoir Tournesols in St Martin Petit. This isn’t a modern build or a themed escape—it’s a restored 19th-century coaching inn that once sheltered pilgrims, now reimagined as a collectors’ home where every room tells a story of global travel and artistic vision. The property sits in the heart of Aquitaine’s agricultural heartland, surrounded by orchards, sunflower fields, and organic vineyards that stretch toward the Lot-et-Garonne and Gironde border.

Inside Manoir Tournesols

Manoir Tournesols sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with flexible options to accommodate additional children via camp beds or cots upon request (maximum of 4 children at any one time). Each bedroom features a king-size bed dressed in artisan linens, and the restoration work has preserved period character while delivering contemporary comfort.

On the ground floor, guests enter through a substantial lounge and formal dining room, both proportioned to accommodate the full party. The kitchen is comprehensively equipped—the kind of space where someone actually wants to cook rather than outsource the work. A utility room handles the practicalities, while access to the wine cellar invites exploration of the owners’ collection.

The first floor comprises the five bedroom suites. Two bedrooms feature standalone freestanding baths with shower attachments, offering that rare luxury of a deep soak separate from the washing station. Three additional bedrooms combine bath and shower arrangements, with at least one positioned as an adjacent rather than en-suite bathroom. Robes, slippers, and organic toiletries in each space signal the attention to detail throughout. Three of the five bathrooms feature those coveted rolltop bathtubs—the kind you find yourself sinking into at sunset with a book you promised yourself you’d read.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The four-acre garden is the property’s quiet revelation. Rather than manicured formality, the owners have chosen rewilding—allowing the land to restore itself while remaining welcoming. A heated swimming pool (9 metres by 4 metres, 1.5 metres deep) overlooks lavender beds and opens seasonally from June through September. A wood-fired hot tub sits in a hidden corner, the kind of spot where evening conversations drift as steam rises into the Aquitanian sky.

Fruit and nut trees—pomegranate, cherry, apricot, pear, walnut—are distributed across the grounds, and a productive vegetable garden supplies daily harvests. Free-roaming chickens contribute both eggs and character. A stone koi pond offers a quiet perch for morning coffee or pre-dinner wine. The pizza oven and barbecue terrace accommodates group dining, while a dedicated massage room provides recovery space for those seeking deeper relaxation. Parking and driveway access are secure and discreet.

Location: St Martin Petit and the Surrounding Area

St Martin Petit itself is barely a hamlet—the property’s greatest asset is what surrounds it rather than what crowds it. This is Lot-et-Garonne territory, positioned at the historical intersection of Aquitaine’s produce heartland and wine country. The region markets itself as ‘the orchard of France,’ and this description isn’t promotional hyperbole—the landscape genuinely sustains intensive cultivation of fruit, vegetables, and vines at scales that supply both local markets and national distribution.

Monségur stands 8 kilometres away, a proper bastide town overlooking the Dropt valley with an award-winning boulangerie, weekly produce markets, and marches nocturnes (evening markets with wine and live music) during summer months. The Dropt River here offers summer canoeing and fishing, plus walking routes that follow the valley contours. A tennis court within walking distance of Manoir Tournesols is free to use—rackets are available at the property.

Duras (15km) combines a wine reputation with a significant château and its own summer night market. Marmande (14km) is locally famous for tomatoes, and the town markets are where chefs actually shop. Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (32km) hosts one of the region’s largest Saturday morning markets by the Dordogne riverbanks, with walking and cycling paths following the water. The voie verte cycling route along the Canal Latéral passes through accessible scenery suitable for mixed-ability riders.

Moving further into genuine wine territory, Saint-Émilion (53km) occupies a UNESCO World Heritage hilltop surrounded by classified vineyards—the setting alone justifies the drive. Bergerac (55km) offers its own wine reputation without the crowds. Bordeaux (80km) functions as the region’s cultural and gastronomic hub. On the Atlantic side, Arcachon Bay (136km) delivers white wine and oyster experiences within reasonable reach for a day excursion. The Médoc peninsula wineries around Margaux (116km) provide another significant destination.

Explore our villas in Lot-et-Garonne for similar regional properties, or browse our broader luxury villas in France collection. For deeper destination planning, our Aquitaine travel guide details seasonal highlights, lesser-known villages, and activity planning across the broader region.

Seasonal timing matters. June through September offers reliably warm weather, open pool access, and active market seasons. May and October provide milder conditions and fewer crowds. Winter rainfall is genuine, though the region’s microclimate supports year-round exploration. Summer night markets peak from July through August, while autumn brings harvest activities and hunting season (relevant if visiting rural villages).

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational groups benefit significantly from Manoir Tournesols’ capacity and flexibility. Five separate bedrooms mean couples can maintain privacy while sharing communal spaces—the dining room accommodates all ten guests comfortably. Families with children aged 5+ find the heated pool, massage room, and babysitting availability (upon request) substantive amenities. The baby bath and cot availability serve younger visitors, though the property’s aesthetic and positioning suit sophistication-minded families rather than high-chaos households.

Friend groups seeking a working base for wine exploration gravitate here—the wine cellar, proximity to major vineyards, and the barbecue setup support extended gatherings. Couples seeking countryside retreat find solitude without isolation; market towns and river activities are accessible without the exhaustion of city tourism. Remote work groups appreciate reliable Wi-Fi, the massage room for wellness breaks, and comfortable furniture throughout.

Practical Information

Manoir Tournesols accommodates 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Camp beds and cots are available for additional children by request, with a maximum of 4 children permitted at any occupancy period.

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (approximately 80km, roughly 90 minutes by car) serves international arrivals. For regional alternatives, Bergerac Airport (55km, approximately 60 minutes) offers seasonal and European connections. Ground transfers can be arranged separately.

The nearest significant supermarket is in Monségur (8km). Weekly produce markets operate in Monségur and Duras; Saturday mornings at Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (32km) offer the largest selection. Restaurants cluster in market towns rather than the immediate surroundings—planning a night out requires a 10-15 minute drive minimum.

Inclusions typically cover Wi-Fi, heating, utilities, pool heating (seasonal), linen, towels, and cleaning (end-of-stay). Babysitting is available by arrangement. Check-in flexibility is managed on a per-booking basis with advance notice to Excellence Luxury Villas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Manoir Tournesols

How many guests does Manoir Tournesols sleep?

Manoir Tournesols accommodates 10 guests as standard across 5 king-size bedrooms. Two additional children or infants can occupy camp beds or cots upon request, bringing the total to 12 (subject to a maximum of 4 children at any single occupancy). This flexibility suits expanding groups without requiring a second property.

What is the nearest airport to Manoir Tournesols in St Martin Petit?

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (approximately 80 kilometres away) is the primary international gateway, with a standard ground transfer time of 90 minutes by private car. Bergerac Airport (55km, approximately 60 minutes’ drive) serves European connections and seasonal routes. Both airports are well-connected to UK and European hubs.

What is the best time of year to rent Manoir Tournesols?

June through September delivers peak conditions—warm, reliable weather, the heated pool is open, and evening markets operate across all nearby towns. July and August peak with tourists and higher temperatures (occasionally exceeding 30°C). May and October provide milder weather, emptier markets, and lower accommodation pressure. April and November are transitional months with variable weather but reduced crowds. Winter (December-February) brings genuine rainfall and cool temperatures; the property is functional but less appealing for garden-focused visits.

Is Manoir Tournesols suitable for families with children?

Yes, with qualifications. The heated pool includes a safety alarm and reaches depths suitable for supervised swimmers. A baby bath, highchair, and cots are available on request for infants. Babysitting can be arranged through the property management. The four-acre garden provides safe roaming space. Nearby Monségur and Duras have family-friendly restaurants and activities. However, the property’s artistic focus and valuable furnishings suit families comfortable with a sophisticated environment rather than child-centered vacation homes.

What is included in the rental price at Manoir Tournesols?

Rental rates typically include Wi-Fi, heating, all utilities, end-of-stay cleaning, linen, towels, and (seasonally) pool heating. Babysitting, massage room access, tennis rackets, and wine cellar access are included. Activities like wine tastings, fishing permits, and specialized catering are arranged separately. Clarify specific inclusions directly with Excellence Luxury Villas at time of booking.

What restaurants and shops are near Manoir Tournesols?

Monségur (8km) houses an award-winning boulangerie, multiple restaurants, and weekly markets. Duras (15km) offers wine-focused dining and château visits. Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (32km) by the Dordogne combines restaurant density with the region’s largest Saturday morning market. Marmande (14km) specializes in fresh produce and local tomato-focused cuisine. For significant supermarket shopping, Monségur serves basic needs; larger retail chains exist in Bergerac (55km). Plan restaurant visits in advance—rural locations demand reservation discipline.