Domaine Des Maronniers | 6-Bedroom Villa in Proissans

Fourteen guests across six bedrooms, ten hectares of private woodland, and a heated pool overlooking Périgord Noir parkland—this is what a luxury villa rental in Sarlat Dordogne looks like when space and seclusion converge. Domaine Des Maronniers sits just under 11km from the medieval heart of Sarlat-la-Canéda, yet feels worlds away from crowds. A 400-metre private driveway lined with ancient oaks delivers you to a two-century-old stone façade painted in pale Périgord stone, shuttered windows in soft blue, and a gated courtyard complete with a working fountain and citrus trees that wouldn’t look out of place in Provence.

Inside Domaine Des Maronniers

Domaine Des Maronniers sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms across 600 square metres of thoughtfully restored living space. The ground floor anchors the home with a cavernous 100-square-metre living room where three distinct seating zones cluster around a fireplace, surrounded by shelves of worn paperbacks that hint at countless rainy afternoons. An adjacent dining room hosts a large oak table that accommodates all 12 guests without crowding. The kitchen runs the length of the adjoining wall—fully equipped with dual ovens, full-size dishwasher, substantial refrigeration, and a farmhouse breakfast table where morning coffee tastes better than it has any right to. A separate scullery provides additional storage and preparation space, crucial when cooking for large groups. Laundry facilities occupy their own room, essential for week-long stays.

Two ground-floor bedrooms serve guests who prefer to avoid stairs. The first features a king-size bed (1.8m × 2m) alongside a single bed (0.9m × 2m), with an ensuite shower room. The second offers a 1.4m × 2m double bed with its own bathroom featuring both shower and WC. Both rooms maintain the air-conditioning that runs throughout the property.

A professional gym occupies its own climate-controlled space on the ground floor, equipped with serious machinery and a wall-mounted television—no excuses for skipping workouts when the weather turns. An office with twin desks serves those who cannot fully disconnect from work obligations.

The first floor hosts the remaining four bedrooms and a dedicated reading sanctuary. The reading room stocks children’s comics, board games, and a desk—perfect for younger guests or anyone needing quiet focus. The master suite features a super king-size bed (2m × 2m) with an ensuite bathroom offering dual sinks, shower, and WC. A second king-size bedroom (1.8m × 2m) provides a full bathroom with both bath and shower, dual sinks, and WC. Twin beds that transform into a king-size option occupy the third room, complete with bath, shower, dual sinks, and WC. The final bedroom mirrors this configuration with twin beds (joinable to king-size), adds a separate dressing room, and connects to a shower-equipped bathroom with dual sinks.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The 13-metre × 5-metre heated pool commands the garden’s focal point, dropping to 2 metres depth and opening approximately late May through late September. An immersed safety cover protects when not in use. Parasols and deck chairs line the terrace, where mornings arrive with nothing but birdsong and the smell of warming stone.

The 70-square-metre poolhouse functions as a second kitchen and gathering space entirely outdoors. A summer kitchen houses a wood-fired pizza oven, electric plancha griddle, refrigeration, microwave, induction hob, and dishwasher—serious infrastructure for serious entertaining. A separate dining zone and lounge area within the poolhouse allow entertaining to continue after sunset. A separate WC prevents guests traipsing back inside. A covered al-fresco breakfast terrace catches morning light, while a distinct dining area with plancha and barbecue serves evening feasts.

An outdoor shower provides post-pool refreshment without tracking water through the villa. The courtyard fountain, flanked by a traditional stone borie (dry-stone storage structure), creates an intimate gathering spot removed from the main house. A trampoline occupies a cleared section of grounds—simple, effective entertainment for children who need to burn energy. Ten hectares of meadow and woodland surround the property, intersected by walking and jogging trails where wild deer occasionally appear between the trees.

Location: Sarlat and the Surrounding Dordogne

Domaine Des Maronniers occupies prime position within the Périgord Noir, that celebrated corner of southwestern France where limestone cliffs rise above river valleys, medieval towns cling to hillsides, and gastronomic tradition runs as deep as the Dordogne River itself. The village of Proissans lies just 2km away—a functional settlement with a boulangerie, butcher, small supermarket, bar-tabac, handful of restaurants, and a Sunday summer market (usually mid-June through mid-September) that locals regard as genuine rather than touristic. For serious provisions, larger supermarkets exist within 15km.

Sarlat-la-Canéda, 10km south, ranks among France’s most comprehensively preserved medieval towns. The Saturday morning market sprawls across the main square year-round—a sensory experience of local produce, regional specialities like foie gras and truffles, and the particular energy of a French market town at its liveliest. Medieval lanes narrow between stone facades that have witnessed six centuries of commerce. Restaurants span from traditional bistros serving cassoulet and confit de canard to more contemporary establishments, though Périgord Noir gastronomy—characterized by duck, walnuts, mushrooms, and truffles—dominates menus regardless of establishment type.

The Dordogne River itself flows 8km away, where seasonal canoeing and kayaking depart from a base approximately 2km from the villa. Traditional gabarre river cruises operate from La Roque-Gageac (13km), where limestone cliffs tower above riverside houses stacked like a cliff-dwelling community. This village counts among France’s “Plus Beaux Villages” (most beautiful villages), along with nearby Domme (10km)—a 13th-century bastide town perched 150 metres above the river with intact medieval fortifications and views that justify the hike.

Grand châteaux punctuate the landscape within 20-30-minute drives: Château de Beynac and Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle command riverside positions, while Château des Milandes and Château de Puymartin represent inland fortifications. The Voie Verte, a cycling path following a former railway line between Sarlat and Souillac, passes near the property’s edge—perfect for those who hired two adult bikes provided at the villa or prefer to arrange additional rental locally.

Brive Vallée de la Dordogne Airport lies 42km north (approximately 45 minutes by car), while Bergerac Airport sits 80km southwest (roughly 1 hour 15 minutes). Both airports connect to major European hubs.

For broader destination context and inspiration, explore our Dordogne travel guide, or browse our luxury villas in France and villas in Cassis for comparison properties.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families spanning three generations benefit from the flexible bedroom configurations—grandparents claiming a ground-floor king with full bathroom while adult children occupy the upstairs twins, and younger children claiming the reading room as their headquarters. Groups of 8-12 friends celebrating milestones (anniversaries, retirements, significant birthdays) find the poolhouse essential for entertaining without dominating the main villa. Families with children appreciate the trampoline, pool shallow end, children’s reading area, and table tennis/table football combination—entertainment that requires neither screens nor leaving the property. Professional groups conducting working retreats value the office with dual desks and strong Wi-Fi throughout. Couples seeking privacy should note that the villa suits groups better than pairs; the scale feels designed for shared experiences rather than intimate seclusion.

Practical Information

Capacity: 12 guests maximum across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms.

Nearest airports: Brive Vallée de la Dordogne (42km, ~45 minutes by car) and Bergerac Airport (80km, ~1 hour 15 minutes by car).

Included in rental: Wi-Fi throughout the property, heating and air-conditioning (bedrooms and gym), pool heating (seasonal), linen and towels, use of board games and books, access to adult bikes, and a fully equipped kitchen. Maid service and private chef services can be arranged separately.

Pool season: Approximately late May through late September. An immersed safety cover protects when not in use.

Check-in flexibility: Inquire directly regarding flexible arrival and departure times outside standard windows.

Frequently Asked Questions about Domaine Des Maronniers

How many guests does Domaine Des Maronniers sleep?

Domaine Des Maronniers accommodates 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The bedroom configuration includes one super king-size (2m × 2m), two king-size beds (1.8m × 2m), two sets of twin beds that can be joined to form king-size doubles, and one bedroom combining a king-size with a single bed. No sofa beds or annexes provide additional capacity.

What is the nearest airport to Domaine Des Maronniers?

Brive Vallée de la Dordogne Airport is the nearest option, located 42km north of the villa with approximately 45 minutes driving time. Bergerac Airport provides an alternative 80km southwest (roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car). Both airports connect to major European destinations through carriers including Air France, Ryanair, and regional operators.

What is the best time of year to rent Domaine Des Maronniers?

May through September offers warm, dry weather ideal for pool use and outdoor dining. The heated pool operates approximately late May through late September. July and August bring peak crowds to Sarlat and nearby villages, while June and September provide warmer weather with fewer tourists. The Saturday morning market in Sarlat operates year-round, though the village summer market in nearby Proissans runs mid-June through mid-September. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) deliver comfortable temperatures for walking and cycling the Voie Verte without summer heat.

Is Domaine Des Maronniers suitable for families with children?

Yes, with appropriate supervision. The heated pool features depths to 2 metres and includes an immersed safety cover when not in use. A trampoline occupies a cleared garden section. Indoor entertainment includes board games, children’s books and comics in the upstairs reading room, and table tennis and table football in the main villa. The nearest beach-style water recreation occurs at the Dordogne River’s seasonal canoeing and kayaking base, approximately 2km away. The 10-hectare grounds provide safe space for exploring under supervision. A nearby water garden with labyrinth trails through lotus and waterlily ponds (open May-September, approximately 2km away) appeals to younger guests. Maid service can be arranged to manage household tasks, freeing parents for activities.

What is included in the rental price at Domaine Des Maronniers?

The rental includes Wi-Fi throughout the property, heating and air-conditioning (bedrooms and gym equipped), pool heating during the operational season, all linen and towels, access to board games and books, use of two adult bicycles, and a fully equipped kitchen with dual ovens, dishwasher, and all standard equipment. Utilities (electricity, water, gas for heating) are included. Maid service and private chef services can be arranged separately at additional cost.

What restaurants and shops are near Domaine Des Maronniers?

The village of Proissans (2km away) contains a boulangerie, butcher, small supermarket, bar-tabac, and several restaurants. Sarlat-la-Canéda (10km) hosts numerous restaurants ranging from traditional bistros to contemporary establishments, all emphasizing Périgord Noir specialities including duck confit, foie gras, and truffle-based dishes. The Saturday morning market in Sarlat and the Proissans summer market (mid-June to mid-September) provide fresh produce and local specialities. Larger supermarkets exist within 15km for substantial provisions. The water garden near Proissans (approximately 2km away) operates May-September and provides a secondary destination for afternoon excursions.