Le Bois Ambre | 3-Bedroom Villa in Saint-Chamassy Audrix

A heated pool overlooks four hectares of Périgord Noir woodland in Saint-Chamassy, where the Vézère and Dordogne rivers frame one of France’s most compelling landscapes. Le Bois Ambre sits on the edge of a wine region famous for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, positioned precisely where medieval villages, prehistoric cave systems, and contemporary gastronomic culture converge. This is countryside rental in luxury villa form—3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, capacity for 7 guests, all within driving distance of four UNESCO-tier towns and eight distinct villages worth exploring on foot.

Inside Le Bois Ambre

Le Bois Ambre sleeps 7 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms spread across two levels. The ground floor contains the primary social spaces: an open-plan living and dining room anchored by a wood-burning stove with decorative detailing, terracotta tiles underfoot, and exposed beamed ceilings that establish the property’s authentic Périgourdine character immediately. Stone walls surround you—the original architecture remains visible and unadorned. From here, French doors lead directly onto the terrace that overlooks the pool.

The kitchen occupies the same ground floor, equipped with professional-standard appliances: built-in oven, microwave, full refrigerator, and dishwasher. This is the kind of cooking space that transforms holiday meal preparation from chore to opportunity. Additional utility storage and a closet system handle the practical requirements of longer stays. Bedroom 1, also on the ground floor, features a double bed and its own shower room with WC—essential for guests with mobility preferences or those arriving fatigued from travel.

A separate full bathroom on the ground floor contains a substantial soaking tub, unusual in French rural properties and a feature families particularly value. The open-tread staircase ascends to the first floor, where Bedroom 2 provides a double bed, ensuite shower room, and air-conditioning—critical during the warmer months of July and August. Bedroom 3, designed for children, contains three single beds under eaves ceilings and also benefits from AC, creating a genuinely comfortable sleeping environment for younger guests during peak season temperatures.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds demand as much attention as the interior. Four hectares of private land create an uninterrupted buffer between Le Bois Ambre and neighboring properties—no overlooking, no surprise visitors, genuinely secluded outdoor living. The heated swimming pool measures 10 meters by 4.5 meters, surrounded by a security fence and covered with a bar system for safety and maintenance. Water temperature remains comfortable from May through September, and the system functions year-round for guests seeking thermal immersion in cooler months.

A flagstone terrace runs the pool’s length, positioned to capture south-facing light and protected by mature trees that provide dappled afternoon shade without blocking winter warmth. Garden furniture includes dining tables and lounging areas. A functional barbecue stands ready for evening cooking. Children’s swings occupy one corner of the grounds—movement and noise absorbed by the landscape. A table tennis table shelters under cover, offering entertainment during unexpected rain. The expansive lawn invites running, rolling, and the kind of unstructured outdoor time that justifies the rental investment.

Views from the terrace extend across woodlands and cultivated fields toward the river valleys beyond. The sensory environment shifts throughout the day: morning birdsong from the surrounding oak and walnut trees; midday cicadas during summer months; evening light that turns the pool water copper-gold as the sun descends toward the river basin.

Location: Saint-Chamassy and the Surrounding Area

Saint-Chamassy positions you at the geographic and cultural heart of Le Périgord Noir. The village itself remains small—fewer than 500 residents—but the wider region contains some of Europe’s most significant prehistoric and medieval heritage. The nearest substantial village sits just 2 kilometers away, offering Saturday evening markets during summer months, a traditional wood-fired bakery producing daily bread, and a restaurant of genuine quality for occasions when cooking holds no appeal.

Limeuil, 5 kilometers south, ranks among France’s officially designated “Most Beautiful Villages,” with cobbled streets ascending steeply past period houses and carefully maintained gardens. Les Jardins Panoramique provides a viewing platform where the Vézère and Dordogne rivers merge, a sight that explains the region’s historical significance as a trade and settlement crossing. Le Bugge, 7 kilometers along the Vézère valley, functions as the market town for the surrounding area, with Tuesday and Saturday morning markets offering seasonal produce, local cheese, and prepared foods. Its riverside location and winding medieval street layout reward exploration.

Campagne, 10 kilometers away on the same river, presents a quieter alternative—steep-roofed Périgourdine architecture clustered around a church, with a graveyard viewpoint offering expansive landscape perspectives. Domme, 31 kilometers distant, holds “Plus Beaux Villages” status and occupies a hilltop position with cave systems extending beneath the main square, testimony to centuries of underground habitation. Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, 17 kilometers away, operates as the archaeological capital of the region, with multiple cave sites and the national Prehistory Museum.

Lascaux Caves near Montignac, 38 kilometers away, represent the world’s most significant Paleolithic art chamber—though the original remains closed to prevent damage, the full-scale replica provides authentic experience of 17,000-year-old hand stencils and animal drawings. Four boundary towns anchor the wider region: Périgueux (47 kilometers), celebrated for black truffle markets and the exceptional Cathédrale Saint-Front; Bergerac (42 kilometers), home to the prestigious Maison de Vins and river barge experiences; medieval Sarlat (62 kilometers), perhaps the region’s most photographed town; and Monpazier (27 kilometers), a fortified grid-plan village built by Edward I in 1285 and designated a Plus Beaux Village.

Explore our luxury villas in Saint-Chamassy and our full collection in France. For comprehensive destination information, read our Dordogne travel guide.

The region supports extensive outdoor activity: cycling routes follow river valleys and connect villages; golf courses operate near Périgueux and Bergerac; fishing permits allow fly-fishing in both rivers; canoeing outfitters in Le Bugge rent equipment for half-day or full-day explorations. Wine tasting at local estates—particularly those producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and the region’s distinctive Muscadelle—represents a core seasonal activity. Black truffle markets operate in Périgueux from November through March, and September brings walnut harvesting across the countryside.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families benefit from the ground-floor bedroom arrangement—elderly relatives or guests with mobility considerations access full bathroom facilities without stair navigation. Three separate bedrooms accommodate multiple family units maintaining semi-autonomous sleeping arrangements. The pool and open grounds allow supervision of children across sightlines while permitting independent play.

Groups of friends seeking rural immersion find the location ideal: wine tourism, archaeological exploration, and market visits consume daylight hours, while the property’s isolation eliminates noise concerns about evening socializing or cooking projects extending late. Couples interested in gastronomic tourism can base themselves here while day-tripping to restaurants in nearby towns, or cook jointly using the well-equipped kitchen and barbecue setup.

Multigenerational groups—grandparents, adult children, grandchildren—appreciate the mix of structured activities available in surrounding towns, combined with completely unstructured pool and garden time requiring no advance booking or coordination.

Practical Information

Le Bois Ambre accommodates 7 guests maximum across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Rental rates include utilities, Wi-Fi internet throughout the property, heated pool maintenance and temperature control, weekly linen and towel changes, and basic housekeeping services. Maid service availability can be arranged for an additional fee. Air-conditioning operates in the two upstairs bedrooms; the ground floor relies on natural ventilation and shade from surrounding vegetation.

Bergerac Airport (42 kilometers, approximately 50 minutes’ drive) handles international flights from the UK and other European hubs. Périgueux Airport (47 kilometers, approximately 55 minutes) offers fewer connections but slightly longer runways for larger aircraft. Both airports feature car rental agencies. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (approximately 500 kilometers, 5.5 hours’ drive) provides the primary continental hub for intercontinental passengers, though the drive reduces the appeal for most short-break travelers.

Carrefour supermarket in Le Bugge (7 kilometers) provides comprehensive provisioning for weekly shopping. The local village 2 kilometers away stocks bread, basic supplies, and newspapers. Regional markets in Limeuil, Le Bugge, and surrounding villages operate on set weekdays and Saturdays, offering superior produce and prepared foods compared to supermarket chains.

Check-in occurs from 4:00 PM on arrival day; check-out from 10:00 AM on departure. Flexibility around these timings can be arranged in advance depending on property availability between bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Le Bois Ambre

How many guests does Le Bois Ambre sleep?

Le Bois Ambre accommodates 7 guests across 3 bedrooms. The primary bedroom contains a double bed; the first-floor bedroom provides a second double; the children’s bedroom features three single beds. This configuration suits families with 2-3 children, adult couples sharing space, or smaller groups of friends.

What is the nearest airport to Le Bois Ambre in Saint-Chamassy?

Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport lies 42 kilometers from Le Bois Ambre, approximately 50 minutes’ drive via the D660. This regional airport serves routes from the UK and France’s major cities. Périgueux Airport operates 47 kilometers away (approximately 55 minutes), while Paris Charles de Gaulle, France’s largest international hub, sits 500 kilometers away with a 5.5-hour drive time.

What is the best time of year to rent Le Bois Ambre?

May through September offers warm, dry weather suitable for pool use and outdoor activities, with June and September providing ideal temperatures (20-25°C) without peak-season crowds. July and August see the region busiest but also warmest—air-conditioning in upstairs bedrooms becomes essential. March through May brings spring markets and wildflower meadows; September-October offers crisp autumn light and fewer tourists. November through February remains quiet and cool, suitable for those seeking solitude and lower pricing, though pool heating becomes the primary temperature control rather than recreation.

Is Le Bois Ambre suitable for families with children?

Yes. The heated pool permits safe supervised swimming during warmer months. A dedicated children’s bedroom with three single beds and AC provides comfortable sleeping arrangement for multiple children. The ground-floor full bathroom with soaking tub accommodates bathing routines. Four hectares of enclosed grounds allow running and play without traffic concerns. Swings occupy the garden. Table tennis provides entertainment during rain. Markets in nearby villages offer ice cream and prepared foods. Prehistoric caves at Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil and the Lascaux Caves replica engage older children interested in archaeology. The property’s isolation means children’s noise and activity don’t disturb neighboring properties.

What is included in the rental price at Le Bois Ambre?

Rental rates include utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi internet throughout the property, heated pool operation and temperature maintenance, weekly linen and towel changes, initial cleaning, and ongoing housekeeping services. Maid service can be arranged on a daily or per-visit basis for an additional fee. Air-conditioning functions in the two upstairs bedrooms. Televisions with English-language channels, DVD and CD players, and table tennis equipment are available. Guests supply groceries; the kitchen provides standard cooking equipment and dishwashing facilities.

What restaurants and shops are near Le Bois Ambre?

Le village nearby (2 kilometers) operates a traditional bakery firing bread daily in a wood oven, a small restaurant of solid reputation, and Saturday evening markets during summer. Le Bugge (7 kilometers) provides a full supermarket (Carrefour), Tuesday and Saturday morning markets featuring seasonal produce and regional specialties, and multiple restaurants suitable for casual or more formal dining. Limeuil (5 kilometers) contains several small cafés and restaurants positioned along the river. Domme (31 kilometers) offers fine dining establishments suited to special occasions. Sarlat (62 kilometers), the region’s largest medieval town, contains dozens of restaurants ranging from casual crêperies to Michelin-starred establishments, plus daily markets and shops.