Maison Esperance | 5-Bedroom Villa in Sainte Mondane Cazoules

The Dordogne’s finest villages cluster within 30 kilometres of Sainte Mondane, a hamlet where Maison Esperance commands views across undulating countryside toward the river valley itself. This luxury villa rental in Sainte Mondane accommodates ten guests in five bedrooms, each with its own bathroom—a configuration that transforms multi-generational trips and friend groups from logistically complex into genuinely relaxed. The property sits less than two kilometres from the Dordogne riverbank, positioning you between Sarlat-la-Canéda’s medieval lanes and the clifftop village of Domme without requiring either as your daily reality.

Inside Maison Esperance

Maison Esperance sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The ground floor opens into a living space where an open fireplace anchors conversations, while the adjoining kitchen-diner sprawls with professional cooking capacity: dual refrigerators, an ice-maker, dishwasher, and a range combining gas and induction hobs with both electric and warming ovens. A Smart TV with Netflix integration and UK streaming channels occupies the living area, though most guests find the hillside views more compelling than any screen.

The first bedroom features a king-size bed (180x200cm, convertible to twin singles upon request), direct garden access, and an ensuite combining traditional bathtub with Italian shower and separate WC. A second bedroom offers identical king proportions with access to its own terrace and Italian shower facilities. The third bedroom provides king-size bedding, a small lounge alcove within the room itself, and Italian shower facilities. A fourth bedroom—king-size, convertible to twins, with private terrace access—includes Italian shower and separate WC. The fifth bedroom completes the suite with king-size configuration (twins available), walk-in shower, and independent WC.

Throughout the villa, open-tread stairs connect the various floor levels to each bedroom, a design choice that maintains visual flow while defining distinct sleeping quarters. Air-conditioning and heating regulate temperature across all rooms. Bedrooms feature satellite television, and Wi-Fi extends everywhere. A dedicated laundry room with washing machine and dryer handles the practical realities of a ten-person household. The property includes a separate two-storey annexe with an additional bedroom and shower room, available for two supplementary guests if your party expands beyond the main house capacity.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The 600-square-metre grounds surround the house with graduated terraces and a walled garden that filters views while containing the space into something intimate rather than sprawling. The heated salt-water swimming pool operates from mid-May through mid-September (earlier and later opening available by request), with safety cover included and lounge furniture positioned to catch maximum sun. An al-fresco dining pavilion provides covered space for meals, while poolside lounging areas invite the kind of afternoon languor that requires nothing more demanding than turning a page or sipping wine. Table tennis equipment sits ready for guests preferring activity to stillness.

A public viewing point accessible from the hamlet’s perimeter offers panoramic perspectives across the valley, while a hiking trail passes directly in front of the property—morning walks on established paths leave you back at the house within an hour. The landscape here compresses elevation changes and distances in ways that make Dordogne’s geography feel both substantial and intimate.

Location: Sainte Mondane and the Surrounding Area

Sainte Mondane sits within France’s most architecturally consistent region, where feudal planning and Renaissance ambition created villages that haven’t fundamentally altered in five centuries. Sarlat-la-Canéda lies 20 kilometres away—a medieval town with cathedral-grade architecture, twice-weekly markets featuring truffles and foie gras, and narrow lanes that feel authentically lived-in rather than museum-preserved. The Thursday market in the nearby village (4.5km away) supplies local producers and seasonal vegetables; the Saturday market in Sarlat requires a longer journey but rewards culinary obsessives with regional specialities unavailable elsewhere.

Domme, classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages (Plus Beaux Villages designation), rises 16 kilometres away on a hilltop that rewards the short drive with views encompassing thirty kilometres of river valley. La Roque-Gageac, equally distinguished for architectural preservation, stretches along the Dordogne’s riverbank 21 kilometres south and provides traditional boating departures for exploration of the river itself—canoe rentals and guided kayak excursions operate seasonally. Château de Fénelon sits within easy driving distance, while the more substantial Château de Beynac (28km away) ranks among the Dordogne’s finest castle preservations, with interior layouts reflecting actual medieval and Renaissance habitation patterns rather than period reconstruction.

The Dordogne River itself generates activity beyond sightseeing: boat hire operators facilitate self-guided exploration, while professional guides lead canoe expeditions that reveal limestone cliffs and cave openings invisible from roads. Summer night markets in surrounding villages—Souillac (17km), with its market Thursdays and Saturdays—pair fresh regional produce with local wines and live musicians. Further exploration extends to Les Eyzies (40km), centre of prehistoric archaeology and Neanderthal research, or westward toward Bergerac’s wine region and medieval town centre.

Browse our luxury villas in Europe and our full collection across France for additional regional options. For comprehensive destination context, consult our Dordogne travel guide, which details seasonal highlights, cultural calendars, and practical regional navigation.

Spring (April-May) brings wildflower displays and Easter holiday crowds; summer (June-August) provides warmest weather and maximum village activity but highest accommodation demand; autumn (September-October) offers mild temperatures and emptying markets as regional produce peaks; winter remains quiet, with December holiday periods representing the only winter demand spike.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families spanning three generations find Maison Esperance’s five independent bedrooms and bathrooms eliminate morning scheduling conflicts while maintaining shared living spaces for collective meals and evenings. Groups of friends planning villa holidays rather than hotel chains benefit from the commercial kitchen’s capacity—catering services and cooking class availability allow culinary projects that transform dinner preparation into entertainment rather than obligation.

Couples seeking accommodation for parallel friendship groups appreciate that the villa functions as a social base rather than an intimate retreat. Families with young children benefit from the pool’s safety cover, the enclosed gardens preventing child-wandering, and the pre-stocked fridge option that eliminates initial supermarket navigation. Guests prioritising chef services (private cooking staff available) or maid service find the property’s support infrastructure already established—no coordination necessary with external contractors.

Those researching Dordogne as a multi-day base rather than a through-route discover that Sainte Mondane’s central location within the region’s major attractions justifies four to six-night stays without repetitive driving. The property’s combination of substantial kitchen facilities and chef availability accommodates both self-catering guests and those preferring professional meal service on selected evenings.

Practical Information

Maison Esperance accommodates 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with capacity for 2 additional guests in the separate annexe bedroom upon request and availability confirmation. Bergerac Airport operates 90 kilometres away (approximately ninety-minute transfer time by car); Toulouse Airport sits further south (180km, three hours) but sometimes offers more flight options. Limoges Airport (120km, approximately two hours) represents a less-trafficked alternative.

The nearest supermarket operates in the small village 4.5 kilometres distant; Sarlat-la-Canéda’s larger shopping facilities lie 20 kilometres away for more substantial provisioning. The pre-stocked fridge option provides initial supplies, eliminating the immediate post-arrival shopping requirement.

Included in the rental: pool heating, Wi-Fi connectivity throughout, air-conditioning and heating systems, bed linen, towels, and use of kitchen equipment. Optional additions include maid service (scheduled to guest preference), chef services (menu planning and meal preparation), babysitting arrangements, and breakfast provision. Transfers from regional airports can be arranged. Cooking classes led by professional instructors operate by advance booking. Pet policies require specific inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maison Esperance

How many guests does Maison Esperance sleep?

The main villa accommodates 10 guests across 5 bedrooms with 5 private bathrooms. The property includes a separate annexe with an additional bedroom and shower room that can house 2 supplementary guests, expanding total capacity to 12 pending availability and pricing adjustment. All main-house bedrooms feature either king-size beds or convertible king/twin configurations—confirm your preferred bed arrangement at booking.

What is the nearest airport to Maison Esperance in Sainte Mondane?

Bergerac Airport sits 90 kilometres away, requiring approximately ninety minutes by car to Maison Esperance. Toulouse Airport (180km, three hours) and Limoges Airport (120km, two hours) represent alternative options with potentially different flight availability or pricing. Transfer services from any regional airport can be arranged through the property management office.

What is the best time of year to rent Maison Esperance?

The heated swimming pool operates mid-May through mid-September, making summer months ideal for families prioritising water recreation. May and September provide warm weather with reduced summer crowds and lower accommodation rates. June, July, and August see peak demand and highest temperatures but also maximum village activity, market frequency, and evening entertainment. April and October offer mild weather and spring/autumn scenery but cooler conditions for pool use. Winter months (November-March) bring atmospheric quietness and reduced tourist presence, though regional heating and indoor living become priorities.

Is Maison Esperance suitable for families with children?

Yes, with specific provisions. The heated pool includes a safety cover and lounge furniture suitable for supervising swimmers. The walled garden provides enclosed outdoor space preventing unsupervised child-wandering. Babysitting services can be arranged through the property office. The vicinity lacks dedicated children’s beaches (the Dordogne River accommodates swimming in designated areas but isn’t a traditional beach environment). Board games, a baby bouncer, and changing mats provide activity and practical support. Sarlat-la-Canéda and Domme offer children’s activities and museums, though exploration requires short driving. Table tennis provides teenage-appropriate entertainment.

What is included in the rental price at Maison Esperance?

Standard rental includes: Wi-Fi throughout the property, air-conditioning and heating systems, pool heating (seasonal), bed linen and towels, kitchen equipment and dishwasher, laundry facilities, Smart TV with Netflix and UK streaming services, and satellite television in bedrooms. Additional costs apply to: maid service, private chef employment, babysitting, breakfast provision, cooking classes, and airport transfers. The pre-stocked fridge option requires separate arrangement and payment.

What restaurants and shops are near Maison Esperance?

The village 4.5 kilometres away provides a Thursday morning market with local producers. Sarlat-la-Canéda (20km) offers gastronomic restaurants, specialist food shops showcasing regional truffles and foie gras, and Saturday/Wednesday markets. La Roque-Gageac (21km) provides riverfront restaurants and small specialist shops. Souillac (17km) operates markets on Thursdays and Saturdays with more comprehensive shopping facilities. Independent shops throughout the region specialise in regional wine, preserved duck products, and artisanal goods. The property’s chef service eliminates restaurant dependency if preferred.