The Retreat | 3-Bedroom Villa in Lamothe Fenelon Payrac

When you wake at The Retreat in Lamothe Fenelon, a small village tucked into the rolling countryside of the Lot department, the first thing that strikes you is silence. Real silence—the kind that exists only in rural southwestern France, broken occasionally by birdsong or the distant sound of the Dordogne river carving through its valley below. This luxury villa rental in Lamothe Fenelon sits approximately 27km north of the medieval town of Sarlat and just 8km from the vibrant markets and restaurants of Saint-Julien-de-Lampon, positioned perfectly between the cultural richness of the region and the peaceful isolation its guests crave.

Inside The Retreat

The Retreat sleeps 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, spread across 250 square meters arranged over two floors plus a mezzanine level. This layout means everyone gets privacy without feeling disconnected from the group—a rare balance in shared holiday rentals.

Ground floor living revolves around a sprawling 52-square-meter lounge and dining room where an open fireplace anchors the space. Original wooden beams run across the ceiling, dark and substantial, framing the room like an architectural skeleton that’s been here for centuries. Alongside this sits a well-equipped kitchen-diner spanning 31 square meters, where the serious business of holiday cooking can happen. There’s adequate counter space, modern appliances hidden within period-appropriate cabinetry, and enough room for multiple people to work without collision.

The bedrooms distribute across the villa’s levels: two double bedrooms on the upper floors and one flexible twin/double bedroom that adapts to your party’s needs. Each bedroom has air-conditioning—a genuine comfort during the hot July and August months when southern France bakes. Two bathrooms with showers and WC facilities, plus a separate toilet, means the usual holiday morning congestion becomes manageable. A laundry room in the basement handles the practical side of an extended stay.

Throughout The Retreat, you’ll notice the thoughtful restoration work: stone walls left exposed where they add character, modern heating and cooling systems integrated invisibly, and Wi-Fi connectivity that works reliably across all spaces. A ground-floor bedroom ensures guests with mobility considerations or families with young children can access sleeping quarters without navigating stairs.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds encompass one full hectare of parkland—enough space that different groups within your party can occupy different corners without feeling crowded. The terraced areas offer multiple vantage points; views sweep across the Dordogne valley, and on clear mornings, the light catches the landscape in ways that make photography almost mandatory.

The heated salt-water swimming pool measures 9 meters by 4 meters and operates from April through October. It’s maintained at comfortable temperatures even in shoulder seasons, allowing extended swimming before the official summer season. A pool safety alarm system adds a layer of security crucial for families traveling with children. The pool decking provides sunbathing space, and a traditional stone barbecue nearby means evening grills transition naturally into outdoor dining.

For active guests, The Retreat provides badminton equipment, footballs for the sloped sections of parkland, table-tennis facilities, basketball access, and volleyball setup. A secured 200-square-meter area of the grounds has been fenced specifically for dogs, allowing pets to play safely without risk of wandering into the surrounding countryside. Bikes are stored in the garage and available for exploring the quieter village roads and cycling paths connecting to nearby towns. A covered well provides a striking focal point and a touch of historical authenticity to the outdoor experience.

Location: Lamothe Fenelon and the Surrounding Area

Lamothe Fenelon positions guests at the crossroads of Lot’s most compelling attractions. The immediate village, just 2km away, contains a seasonal hotel-restaurant ideal for evenings when cooking fatigue sets in. For daily provisions and dining variety, Saint-Julien-de-Lampon (8km) offers a bakery, butcher, restaurants, cafés, and a weekly market that supplies locals with seasonal produce and regional specialties. Cross the Dordogne river to reach Souillac (11km), where supermarket chains sit alongside the impressive Abbey Sainte-Marie and a Friday morning market worth planning breakfast around.

The region’s village hierarchy reads like a checklist of European architectural heritage. Gourdon (15km) climbs a hillside with honey-colored stone houses stacked in medieval warren patterns. Rocamadour (32km) presents perhaps the region’s most dramatic silhouette—a clifftop settlement built vertically into limestone faces above the Dordogne gorge, with viewpoints that justify every step of the winding approach path. Sarlat (27km) functions as the cultural anchor of the area: a maze of medieval streets converges on Saturday mornings into one of France’s most animated markets, with restaurants specializing in foie gras and truffle-based dishes that represent the region’s gastronomic identity. When exploring our villas in Lot, Sarlat consistently emerges as the primary draw for food-focused travelers.

Day-trip destinations within 30km include Domme (23km), positioned high above the river with cave systems beneath, and La Roque-Gageac (28km), a postcard-perfect riverside village backed by vertical cliffs. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (34km) sits directly across the Dordogne and holds historical fortifications worth exploring. The region claims multiple classified Plus Beaux Villages: Saint-Amand-de-Coly (41km) provides proximity to the Lascaux caves—the region’s most famous prehistoric site—while Monpazier (59km) preserves a 13th-century bastide layout intact.

Horticultural attractions include the topiary gardens at Eyrignac (22km), which opens Monday evenings during summer for evening picnics and occasional performances, and Les Jardins de Marqueyssac (32km), suspended high above the river gorge and accessible by candlelit evening tours on Thursday nights in summer months. Consult our Dordogne travel guide for seasonal event schedules and detailed activity planning. Browse our luxury villas in Lamothe Fenelon and our full collection in France for alternative properties in the region.

The Dordogne river itself functions as an activity corridor: canoe hire operations provide access to multi-hour or multi-day paddles through some of France’s most scenic valley passages. Mountain biking trails connect villages across the region. Horse-riding stables operate near Sarlat. Golf courses exist within 20km of The Retreat. Hiking options range from riverside walks to upland forest trails. Fishing permits provide access to river and tributary angling. Hot air balloon operators based in Sarlat offer sunrise flights across the valley. Tree-top adventure parks with rope courses operate near Sarlat for families seeking physical challenges.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational groups function well at The Retreat. The ground-floor bedroom arrangement and spacious grounds accommodate elderly family members or those with mobility considerations. The activity provision—badminton, football, table-tennis—gives children structured entertainment while maintaining adult relaxation spaces.

Food-focused groups discover that the proximity to Sarlat’s restaurant scene, combined with the full kitchen facility and room for six, enables alternating cooking nights. Market mornings at Saint-Julien-de-Lampon or Sarlat supply ingredients; the kitchen equipment supports ambitious meal preparation.

Couples seeking a quiet base with nearby cultural activities find The Retreat provides retreat-like isolation while keeping major attractions within 30-minute drives. The one-hectare grounds ensure privacy, while the heated pool extends shoulder-season usability.

Active families utilize the bike provision, outdoor games, and proximity to hiking trails and river activities. The pool safety systems and contained grounds give parents confidence in children’s safety during outdoor play.

Practical Information

The Retreat accommodates 6 guests maximum across 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The nearest airport is Toulouse-Blagnac (approximately 150km, roughly 2 hours by car), though smaller regional airports at Bergerac (90km, 1.5 hours) and Brive-la-Gaillarde (100km, 1.5 hours) offer closer options. Car hire from any airport provides the most practical access to the property; the villa’s private parking accommodates two cars.

The rental includes heating, air-conditioning in all bedrooms and the main living room, Wi-Fi connectivity, pool heating during the operating season (April to October), basic linen and towel provision, and access to all recreational equipment (bikes, badminton, table-tennis, sports balls). Maid service, professional cooking services, and yoga instruction are available at additional cost and should be arranged during booking. Pets are accepted with prior approval; the fenced dog area accommodates them safely.

Check-in and check-out arrangements adjust to flight arrivals and departures; flexibility exists within reasonable bounds. The washing machine enables guests to manage laundry during extended stays.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Retreat

How many guests does The Retreat sleep?

The Retreat sleeps 6 guests across 3 bedrooms: two double bedrooms and one twin/double bedroom. A ground-floor bedroom arrangement ensures accessibility for guests with mobility requirements. The property contains 2 full bathrooms plus a separate toilet, with additional laundry facilities in the basement.

What is the nearest airport to The Retreat in Lamothe Fenelon?

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (approximately 150km away, roughly 2 hours by car) functions as the primary gateway, though Bergerac Airport (90km, 1.5 hours) and Brive-la-Gaillarde Airport (100km, 1.5 hours) offer closer alternatives. Car hire from any airport enables scenic drives through the Dordogne region to The Retreat.

What is the best time of year to rent The Retreat?

May through September offers warm, reliably dry weather ideal for pool usage and outdoor activities. June and September provide pleasant temperatures without July-August peak summer crowds or school holiday pricing premiums. The heated pool allows April and October visits for shoulder-season travelers. November through March experiences occasional rain and cooler temperatures; however, Christmas-period family gatherings and Easter holidays attract bookings during these quieter months.

Is The Retreat suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property provides pool safety alarms, a fenced 200-square-meter dog area that converts easily to a secure children’s play zone, table-tennis and badminton equipment, footballs, basketball access, and bikes for older children. The heated pool operates in warmer months; the one-hectare grounds offer safe play space away from roads. The ground-floor bedroom ensures family groups can keep young children nearby. The proximity to kid-friendly activities—caves, castles, hot air ballooning, and tree-top parks near Sarlat—rounds out the family-focused appeal.

What is included in the rental price at The Retreat?

The rental price includes heating and air-conditioning throughout the villa, Wi-Fi connectivity, pool heating during the April-to-October operating season, linen and towel provision, access to recreational equipment (bikes, badminton equipment, table-tennis, sports balls), and standard cleaning upon departure. Maid services, chef services, and yoga classes require advance arrangement and incur additional charges.

What restaurants and shops are near The Retreat?

Saint-Julien-de-Lampon (8km) contains a bakery, butcher, restaurants, cafés, and weekly market. Souillac (11km) offers supermarkets and a Friday morning market alongside the historic Abbey Sainte-Marie. Sarlat (27km) hosts the region’s most celebrated Saturday market and numerous restaurants specializing in regional cuisine including foie gras and truffle dishes. The local village (2km) has a seasonal hotel-restaurant. Gourdon (15km) provides additional dining and artisan shopping opportunities.