Le Prieure Esperance Estate | 10-Bedroom Villa in Sainte Mondane Cazou

Twenty guests across ten bedrooms and ten bathrooms. That’s the starting point for understanding Le Prieure Esperance Estate, a private hamlet tucked into the rolling countryside around Sainte Mondane, just beyond Sarlat-la-Canéda in the Dordogne. This is not a single villa—it’s a complete escape village where families and friend groups inhabit their own spaces while sharing exceptional grounds, heated pools, and the kind of infrastructure that transforms a week into something memorable.

Inside Le Prieure Esperance Estate

Le Prieure Esperance Estate sleeps 20 guests across 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms distributed across three distinct properties. The primary residence, Le Prieure Esperance itself, accommodates 8 guests through thoughtfully arranged accommodation. Access via stone steps leads to the main floor, where a lounge with working fireplace and television provides gathering space, alongside a substantial dining area anchored by a grand stone hearth. The kitchen is comprehensively fitted with oven, microwave, induction cooktop, and dishwasher, while a separate summer kitchen houses an additional oven range, microwave, refrigeration, and ice-making equipment—practical considerations when cooking for large groups.

A main-floor bedroom with 180x190cm king bed connects to its own bathroom featuring a multi-jet shower. The mezzanine level rises above this core space with two further bedrooms: one containing two 140x190cm double beds with television and a bathroom offering both bath and separate shower; the second featuring a 180x190cm king bed, television, and Italian-style shower (these two share a separate WC). Below, the garden-level suite presents a 200x200cm bed in generous proportions, its own lounge with television, and a full bathroom with both bath and shower options.

Maison Esperance, the second residence, provides 10 beds across five distinct bedrooms and serves as the property’s secondary hub. An open-plan living space flows from a fireplace-warmed lounge into the kitchen-diner, where dual refrigerators, ice-maker, dishwasher, microwave, and a versatile range (gas/induction hob with separate electric and warming ovens) handle the demands of substantial entertaining. Five bedrooms occupy various levels accessed via open-tread stairs: one features a 180x200cm king (convertible to two singles) with garden access and full en-suite including Italian shower; the second holds an identical 180x200cm king with terrace access and Italian shower; a third offers the same bed configuration with small lounge annexe; the fourth provides 180x200cm king convertible to twins with private terrace and separate WC; and the fifth contains 180x200cm king with walk-in shower and separate WC. All bedrooms feature Italian showers and individual climate control through air-conditioning and heating systems.

Cottage Esperance rounds out the sleeping arrangement with accommodation for 2 guests in 60 square metres. Ground-floor living comprises a sofa-bed configuration (available on request) and television, plus an open-plan kitchen with breakfast bar, combination oven/microwave, dishwasher, compact refrigerator, and Nespresso machine. The first floor, with sloped ceilings characteristic of period cottages, contains a bedroom with 180x200cm king bed and valley views, plus a bathroom with Italian shower and WC.

An optional two-storey annexe provides additional capacity for two guests requiring a basic bedroom and shower room (pricing and availability on enquiry). Throughout all structures, Wi-Fi connectivity, smart televisions with streaming services (UK channels included on Maison Esperance and Cottage Esperance), and laundry facilities with washing and drying machines support extended stays.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The estate commands approximately 600 square metres of manicured grounds organised into distinct entertaining zones. Salt-water heated pools serve both properties—Le Prieure Esperance features a 5×10 metre salt-water pool with safety railings, electric cover, and seasonally available opening from mid-May through mid-September (earlier or later availability possible on request), while Maison Esperance maintains its own separate heated salt-water pool. Poolside terraces at both locations transition into al-fresco dining areas equipped with barbecue and electric plancha for grilling. Sunloungers and parasols position guests for sustained relaxation, while the walled garden surrounding Maison Esperance creates intimate corridors of greenery stepped across terraces for landscape interest.

A courtyard fountain marks the centre of the hamlet, offering visual calm during midday heat. The grounds wrap around a functioning 17th-century chapel—now operating as a non-religious multi-purpose space with professional audio capabilities (HK Lucas Performer music system compatible with iPhones and digital devices, featuring excellent acoustics). Climate-controlled year-round, the chapel serves equally as a dinner venue, gathering space, or concert hall. Table tennis at both main properties provides recreational activity for groups containing younger members.

Terraces face toward the Perigord countryside in multiple directions—sunrise breakfast positions exist separate from sunset aperitif spots, allowing guests to chase light throughout the day. The views encompass unspoilt agricultural valleys rather than developed tourist infrastructure, preserving the sense of rural immersion central to Dordogne’s appeal.

Location: Sainte Mondane and the Surrounding Area

Sainte Mondane itself remains a quiet agricultural commune, but its strategic position within the Dordogne creates exceptional access to the region’s gastronomic, cultural, and natural attractions. Sarlat-la-Canéda, perhaps France’s most visually perfect medieval town with its honey-coloured stone buildings and Saturday market famous for duck products and seasonal produce, sits just 20km away—approximately 25 minutes by car. This is where most substantial shopping, restaurant dining, and cultural programming occurs.

The Dordogne river runs within 8km of the estate, defining the region’s character. Canoe routes operate from multiple launch points along the river between Les Eyzies and Beynac, offering both half-day expeditions and multi-day journeys past limestone cliffs and historic castles. Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, located 35km south, functions as the prehistoric capital of France—the national prehistory museum occupies a dramatic clifftop position, while dozens of cave systems with 17,000-year-old hand stencils and hunting scenes remain open to visitors. Grotte de Font-de-Gaume and Grotte des Combarelles near Les Eyzies rank among Europe’s most significant paleolithic sites.

Beynac-et-Cazenac, 30km southeast, preserves a 12th-century fortress castle standing 150 metres above the river, its ramparts and towers photographed for numerous French historical films. The village contains respected restaurants featuring local duck cuisine and wine pairings from Bergerac and Cahors appellations. Explore our luxury villas in Sainte Mondane for additional estate options in the broader region.

Monbazillac Castle, 50km south near Bergerac, produces distinctive sweet wines sold directly from the château. Wine touring encompasses the Bergerac and Cahors valleys within 60km—several estates offer tastings and cellar tours. Farmers’ markets in Sarlat (year-round Saturday market), Domme (Wednesday and Sunday), and Montignac (Wednesday and Saturday) provide direct access to duck products, walnuts, strawberries (May-June), and white truffles (November-December) that define Perigord cooking. For destination planning, consult our Dordogne travel guide covering seasonal events and dining recommendations.

Montignac, 40km north, anchors the upper Dordogne and serves as a hub for family canoeing, cycling along river paths, and visits to Lascaux IV (the latest paleolithic cave reproduction). The town features local restaurants and a Wednesday market. Périgueux, the departmental capital 75km northwest, contains the Byzantine-domed cathedral of St-Front and museums focusing on Roman archaeology and medieval manuscripts.

Cycling opportunities abound—the region maintains marked routes along the Dordogne valley and through undulating farmland. Equipment hire is available in Sarlat and Montignac. Hiking trails connect villages; the GR64 long-distance path passes through the immediate area. Best visiting months run May through September for assured pool opening, warm weather, and active markets; June-August brings peak tourism and higher temperatures; April and October offer autumn colour and fewer visitors but variable pool availability. Our full collection in France includes additional estates across Provence and the Loire Valley for comparative exploration.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended family reunions find their ideal accommodation here. Twenty guests split across three properties permit grandparents privacy in the cottage, adult children in one residence, and younger generations in another—proximity without enforced togetherness. Multi-generational groups with children aged 6-16 benefit from pool safety features, table tennis recreation, hiking access, and proximity to family-friendly attractions like Les Eyzies caves and Montignac canoeing.

Friend groups celebrating milestone occasions (50th birthdays, significant anniversaries) appreciate the professional chapel for private ceremonies or commemorative dinners, combined with private chef availability and waiter service options that transform entertaining into guest experience rather than logistical burden. Corporate retreats and small-team bonding exercises utilise the estate’s scale for workshop breakouts followed by group dining.

Couples seeking romantic immersion in rural France often book the cottage exclusively, enjoying its valley views, private garden, and proximity to Sarlat’s restaurants without managing larger property complexity. The combination of seclusion and convenient access to dining, shopping, and activities suits those wanting curated destination experience rather than tourist-dependent self-catering.

Practical Information

Le Prieure Esperance Estate provides accommodation for 20 guests: 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms across three primary structures, with optional annexe capacity. The nearest commercial airport is Bergerac-Périgueux (code EGC), situated 75km south—approximately 90 minutes’ transfer by private car. Bordeaux-Mérignac (code BOD), France’s fifth-largest airport with direct flights from major European and North American cities, lies 220km southwest—approximately 3 hours by transfer. Paris-Orly (code ORY) remains 600km north via train connections through Bordeaux or Sarlat, approximately 7-8 hours total journey time.

Supermarket shopping occurs in Sarlat (20km away) at Carrefour and independent grocers; the Saturday market provides fresh seasonal produce. Smaller convenience stores function in intermediate villages. The estate provides Wi-Fi, heating and air-conditioning, smart television access with UK streaming services, and fully equipped kitchens with oven and dishwasher capacity adequate for self-catering. Maid service, private chef service, babysitting, and cooking classes are available on request. Breakfast preparation and pre-stocked refrigerator options reduce first-morning logistical challenges. Pool heating is included seasonally; opening dates remain flexible depending on weather conditions and party requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Le Prieure Esperance Estate

How many guests does Le Prieure Esperance Estate sleep?

Le Prieure Esperance Estate accommodates 20 guests maximum across 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. Breakdown: Le Prieure Esperance primary residence sleeps 8 guests across 4 bedrooms; Maison Esperance sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms; Cottage Esperance sleeps 2 guests across 1 bedroom. An optional two-storey annexe provides supplementary capacity for 2 additional guests with basic bedroom/shower room configuration (enquire for separate pricing). Sofa-bed configurations in cottages accommodate additional guests on request.

What is the nearest airport to Le Prieure Esperance Estate in Sainte Mondane?

Bergerac-Périgueux Airport (EGC) is the closest international airport, situated approximately 75km south of Sainte Mondane—roughly 90 minutes by private transfer vehicle. This regional airport receives flights from UK, European, and some North African hubs. For broader connectivity, Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) operates 220km southwest at approximately 3 hours’ transfer distance, offering direct international flights. Paris-Orly (ORY) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), while 600km distant via train connection through Bordeaux, provide extensive global flight options if justifying extended journey time.

What is the best time of year to rent Le Prieure Esperance Estate?

May through September represents the primary season—heated pools open mid-May, weather stabilises into warm reliability, and farmers’ markets transition to daily operation. June-August brings warmest temperatures (22-28°C daytime averages) but also peak tourist presence and higher accommodation rates. April and October offer excellent weather, spring wildflowers or autumn colour, and dramatically fewer visitors—though pool heating cannot be guaranteed before mid-May or after mid-September. December through February remains cool (5-8°C) with infrequent snow; the estate operates year-round with full heating and air-conditioning, but river recreation and market activity diminish substantially. July-August can exceed 30°C midday; late May, June, September, and early October provide optimal conditions balancing weather reliability with crowd-avoidance.

Is Le Prieure Esperance Estate suitable for families with children?

Yes, the estate accommodates families effectively. Heated salt-water pools feature safety railings and electric covers, reducing drowning risk compared to unsecured swimming. Table tennis provides age-appropriate recreation for children aged 8+. Nearby attractions explicitly suited to children include Lascaux IV (cave reproduction at Montignac, 40km), family canoeing on the Dordogne river (Les Eyzies and Montignac offer gentle guided routes for ages 6+), and prehistoric museum at Les Eyzies (35km) featuring interactive exhibits for older children. The separate cottage and annexe permit flexible sleeping arrangements allowing parents private adult-only space. Babysitting services are available on request, enabling couples to dine in Sarlat unattended. The three-property configuration reduces noise complaints from active children disturbing others.

What is included in the rental price at Le Prieure Esperance Estate?

Standard inclusions comprise: all utilities (electricity, water, heating, air-conditioning), Wi-Fi connectivity across all properties, pool heating during seasonal operation (mid-May through mid-September, dates flexible), bed linens and towels, full kitchen equipment including ovens, dishwashers, and cooking tools, television access with UK streaming services on smart TVs, laundry machines with washing and drying capability, and comprehensive cleaning of common areas upon departure. Breakfast is available on request rather than included. Private chef services, babysitting, cooking classes, packed lunch provision, and pre-stocked refrigerator options are charged separately and arranged in advance. Maid service (daily or periodic) operates independently of base rental. Transfers from airports can be arranged through separate providers.

What restaurants and shops are near Le Prieure Esperance Estate?

Sarlat-la-Canéda (20km, 25 minutes) contains the region’s highest restaurant concentration, ranging from Michelin-starred establishments like Le Présidial to casual bistros and crêperies. The Saturday market offers duck products, walnuts, strawberries, and fresh vegetables from regional producers. Supermarkets (Carrefour) operate daily. Domme village (25km) features Wednesday and Sunday markets plus several respected restaurants overlooking the Dordogne valley. Beynac-et-Cazenac (30km) specialises in duck cuisine and wine pairings, with restaurant terraces positioned above the river. Intermediate villages of Sarlat’s arrondissement—Ste-Nathalène, Carlux, Vitrac—maintain smaller restaurants and farm shops. Wine producers near Monbazillac (50km south) offer direct cellar sales and tasting experiences. Farmers’ markets operate in Sarlat (year-round Saturday), Montignac (Wednesday and Saturday), and Domme (Wednesday and Sunday) for self-catering ingredient sourcing.