Manoir Des Poemes | 8-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Fumel

Seventeen guests converge on this restored 18th-century manoir in southwestern France, where the Lot River runs alongside the estate and a private lake beckons for summer swims. Manoir Des Poemes sits within an 18-acre domaine straddling two waterways, positioning guests at the heart of the Lot-et-Garonne region—yet far enough from crowds to hear nothing but birdsong and water lapping against the jetty. This is luxury villa rental in Dordogne at its most authentic: a working farmhouse kitchen, eight distinct bedrooms, six bathrooms, and grounds that sprawl across orchard, millstream, and forest.

Inside Manoir Des Poemes

Manoir Des Poemes sleeps 17 guests across 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms—the manor house itself holds six bedrooms with four bathrooms, while a separate stone annexe apartment tucked behind the manor adds two further bedrooms and two shower rooms. The accommodation spans three floors of carefully restored architecture.

Ground level unfolds across multiple living spaces. Four reception rooms cater to different moods: one centers on a log-burning stove surrounded by shelves of novels and board games; another showcases original stonework and mantelpiece objets d’art; a third combines contemporary viewing with a log fire and Sky TV; the fourth opens directly onto a cobbled courtyard. The dining room seats twelve guests around a wooden table beneath exposed beams and another warming stove. The kitchen runs the full length of the western wing—a serious working space with two separate ovens, a five-ring gas hob, electric fan oven, grill, microwave, slow cooker, dishwasher, coffee machine, and food processor. A farmhouse table dominates the center. A utility room houses the washing machine; a separate WC serves ground-floor guests.

The first floor accesses four bedrooms. The master suite features a four-poster super king-size bed positioned to catch morning light, with an original stone fireplace at its foot. A second bedroom offers two twin beds; a third contains a super king-size double. The family bathroom spans the full width of this floor—bath and generous shower compartment separated by stone walls dating to the manor’s original construction.

The second floor contains three further bedrooms, each with en suite shower rooms and WCs. One holds a French double bed with a Juliet balcony overlooking the gardens; another features twin beds; the third, a super king-size double. All three shower rooms include heated towel rails and underfloor heating.

The annexe apartment, accessed via external stone steps and located behind the main manor, provides semi-independent accommodation. Its open-plan lounge and kitchen contain a stove, hob, microwave, kettle, toaster, and refrigerator-freezer. Two bedrooms—one with twin beds, one with a double and single—each have private en suite shower rooms. This arrangement suits multi-generational groups or allows younger guests privacy while remaining part of the larger gathering.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The heated swimming pool measures 12 meters by 5 meters, with depth ranging from 1 to 1.5 meters—deep enough for actual swimming, shallow enough for children to wade. Safety shutters protect the water when unoccupied. Beside it sits a circular children’s pool measuring 3 meters across, heated separately. Sun-loungers cluster on the adjoining terrace, while a pergola provides shade for twelve guests seated around a communal table. At the far end of the pool, a separate stone terrace accommodates outdoor dining, with a built-in barbecue for evening feasts. The pools operate approximately May through September.

Gardens surround the manor in concentric rings. Immediately adjacent sits an herb garden where guests harvest thyme, rosemary, and basil for evening meals. Mediterranean plants—lavender, cistus, santolina—flourish in the gravel beds. Specimen trees create natural shade zones for afternoon retreats.

The 18-acre domaine extends well beyond the immediate manor grounds. Bordered on two sides by rivers, the estate encompasses a productive fruit orchard where apple, pear, and cherry trees provide seasonal harvests. A jetty projects into the private lake—guests fish from its boards, dive from its edge, or launch kayaks toward the far bank. A millstream winds through tree-cover, providing paddling spots for children. An on-site barn has been converted to accommodate a games room stocked with pool table, darts equipment, and table football. Bicycles remain available throughout the estate for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Location: Lot-et-Garonne and the Surrounding Area

Manoir Des Poemes occupies a strategic position within the Lot-et-Garonne department, just south of the Dordogne border—a location that grants access to three distinct wine regions while keeping the manor itself in quieter, less-visited countryside. The estate road connects Villefranche-du-Périgord (13km away) with Fumel (12km)—both working market towns rather than tourist destinations. Within 500 meters of the manor gates, a small village offers fresh bread, pastries, and daily groceries. Fumel itself, a 10-minute drive south, provides supermarkets, restaurants, and varied shopping.

The region’s fame rests on food and wine. The Bergerac wine region lies approximately one hour’s drive northwest—some 80km—and welcomes visitors to family-owned domains producing Pécharmant reds and dry whites. Cahors, equally distant to the east, specializes in Malbec-based wines with intense fruit and aging potential. Weekly markets throughout the region showcase local specialties: cepes (wild mushrooms), black truffles, foie gras, local cheeses, and seasonal produce. Summer brings evening ‘marchés gourmands’ in various villages—outdoor gatherings where food vendors, wine producers, and musicians create atmospheric dinner settings.

Bastide villages—fortified medieval towns with distinctive grid-pattern streets—dot the landscape. Monpazier (16km distant) showcases a perfect example, with symmetrical arcaded squares and narrow lanes. Monflanquin (21km) occupies a hilltop commanding views across three valleys. Both rank among France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ (Most Beautiful Villages). Issigeac (39km northeast) blends architectural heritage with a thriving Thursday market.

The Dordogne River, France’s most popular canoe destination, winds through stunning gorges 45 minutes to the north. Domme sits high above the river on a limestone cliff, its gates and ramparts intact; La Roque-Gageac clusters impossibly on the riverbank beneath overhanging cliffs; Limeuil occupies the confluence where the Vézère joins the Dordogne. All three provide canoe hire, riverside picnic spots, and walking routes. The Lot River to the south flows through equally dramatic scenery. Puy-l’Évêque (20km) displays medieval architecture climbing hillside streets; Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (81km), perched on a 100-meter cliff above a river bend, has inspired painters and writers for centuries.

Grand châteaux reward day visits. Château de Bonaguil (10km south) rises as one of France’s most photogenic fortresses—a late medieval castle with towers, crenellations, and moat. Château de Biron (15km southeast) combines medieval fortress elements with Renaissance refinements. Château de Bridoire, less than one hour away, welcomes families with garden games and child-friendly activities alongside its architectural interiors.

Golf enthusiasts access two courses: the 18-hole championship course near Villeneuve-sur-Lot (34km south) offers full facilities, while Golf de la Forge (slightly closer) provides a welcoming 9-hole option on the Dordogne’s banks. Cycling routes crisscross the region—quiet country lanes suitable for families on hired bikes connect villages and wine domains. Fishing in both rivers and on the manor’s private lake provides fresh-water sport throughout spring and summer.

Sarlat-la-Canéda (54km north) merits a full day—its medieval center remains beautifully intact, hosting Wednesday and Saturday markets famous throughout France. Rocamadour (76km northeast), a pilgrimage site clinging to a cliff face above a canyon, draws visitors for both spiritual and scenic reasons. Explore our villas in Lot-et-Garonne for alternative properties in this celebrated region, or browse our luxury properties in Fumel for other distinguished estates. For comprehensive destination information, read our Dordogne travel guide for seasonal highlights and planning advice.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended family gatherings represent the ideal application for Manoir Des Poemes. Three generations—grandparents, adult children, grandchildren—can occupy separate bedrooms and still gather in one of four communal living spaces. The annexe apartment allows teenage relatives or adult friends privacy without isolation. Multi-bedroom configuration suits friendship groups of 12-17 people splitting accommodation costs across several families.

Families with children benefit from specific amenities: the shallow children’s pool, swings on the grounds, badminton and board games indoors, games barn activities, and safe river access for supervised paddling. Parents appreciate the separation of sleeping areas from shared living space.

Couples seeking space for entertaining work well here—the manor comfortably hosts 12-17 guests for multi-day celebrations. The kitchen scale and multiple dining options support dinner parties where guests mingle across different rooms. For destination inspiration, explore our luxury villas across Europe for other sophisticated group properties.

Food enthusiasts benefit from the working kitchen, nearby markets (Villefranche-du-Périgord, Fumel), and the option to arrange a personal chef. Wine lovers access Bergerac and Cahors within reasonable driving distances. Cyclists find extensive quiet routes through farmland and villages. Canoeists reach the Dordogne River within 45 minutes for full-day paddling trips.

Practical Information

Manoir Des Poemes accommodates 17 guests maximum: 8 bedrooms (six in the manor, two in the annexe) and 6 bathrooms (four in the manor, two in the annexe). The nearest major airport is Bergerac-Dordogne Airport (approximately 65km northwest, roughly 90-minute drive). Toulouse-Blagnac Airport provides an alternative 150km southward (approximately 2-hour drive). Both airports offer car rental; transfer services can be arranged through Excellence Luxury Villas.

Included in the rental: heating, Wi-Fi internet throughout, pool heating (May-September), bed linens and towels, cleaning of communal areas. The property benefits from well water and benefits from mains electricity. Parking accommodates four vehicles on the estate grounds. Check-in flexibility can be discussed directly with the property manager; standard check-in runs 4pm, check-out at 11am.

Optional services available through arrangement: professional chef services (advance booking required), housekeeping staff (daily or specific days), and vehicle transfers from either airport. Well-behaved pets welcome subject to advance approval and additional cleaning fees. The manor operates year-round, though the outdoor pools heat seasonally (typically May through September).

Frequently Asked Questions about Manoir Des Poemes

How many guests does Manoir Des Poemes sleep?

Manoir Des Poemes sleeps 17 guests across 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The main manor house contains 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms; the separate annexe apartment holds 2 additional bedrooms and 2 shower rooms. Bedroom configurations include super king-size doubles, French doubles, and twin beds, accommodating different party compositions.

What is the nearest airport to Manoir Des Poemes?

Bergerac-Dordogne Airport lies approximately 65 kilometers northwest, requiring roughly 90 minutes by car. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport provides an alternative 150 kilometers south (approximately 2 hours driving). Both airports offer standard car rental facilities. Excellence Luxury Villas can arrange private transfer services from either airport; advance booking ensures drivers meet arriving guests with name cards.

What is the best time of year to rent Manoir Des Poemes?

May through September offers the warmest weather and active pools (heated seasonally). June and September provide ideal temperatures—warm days, cool evenings—without peak summer crowds. July-August sees peak tourism and warmest conditions, suitable for water activities but busier local sites. April and October bring spring/autumn mildness; the pools remain unheated but countryside walking excels. Winter months suit guests who don’t require pool access but appreciate lower pricing and pristine countryside solitude.

Is Manoir Des Poemes suitable for families with children?

Yes, extensively. The dedicated children’s pool measures 3 meters across with shallow water for wading. The main pool operates with safety shutters. Swings provide outdoor play. The games barn contains activities engaging older children. Board games, darts, and badminton suit varied ages. The millstream allows supervised paddling. However, the estate encompasses 18 acres with river access—adult supervision remains essential around water features. The annexe apartment allows parents private sleeping areas while children share adjoining bedrooms.

What is included in the rental price at Manoir Des Poemes?

Included: all heating, Wi-Fi internet, pool heating (seasonal, May-September), bed linens, bath towels and hand towels, cleaning of communal areas, use of the 18-acre domaine including lake, millstream, orchards, bicycles, and games barn facilities. The substantial kitchen equipment (ovens, hobs, dishwasher, slow cooker) supports self-catering. Well water and mains electricity are included. Not included: food, alcoholic beverages (though local markets provide wine and regional specialties), optional staffing (chef, housekeeping), and vehicle transfers.

What restaurants and shops are near Manoir Des Poemes?

Within 500 meters, a small village provides fresh bread, pastries, and basics. Fumel (12km, 10-minute drive south) contains multiple supermarkets, casual restaurants, and standard shops. Villefranche-du-Périgord (13km northwest) hosts a notable Thursday market featuring local cheeses, produce, and cooked foods. Both Bergerac (approximately 80km, 90 minutes) and Cahors (similar distance eastward) offer Michelin-referenced restaurants alongside wine bar dining. Summer evening ‘marchés gourmands’ occur in various villages—inquire locally for specific dates. Specialty food shops focusing on regional products (truffles, foie gras, cepes) cluster in larger towns but appear in local markets.