Maison Merisier | 6-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Le Pizou

Fourteen guests arrive at Maison Merisier expecting a comfortable country house. They discover instead a meticulously restored 19th-century estate where a converted barn annexe doubles the living space, where the kitchen commands attention with six gas burners and three ovens, and where the River Isle flows within walking distance of manicured gardens. This luxury villa rental in Dordogne, France combines the architectural gravitas of a traditional Girondine Maison de Maitre with the practical infrastructure of a modern family compound—all positioned in a quiet hamlet that feels utterly removed from the world yet sits just 5km from the animated market town of Montpon-Ménestérol.

Inside Maison Merisier

Maison Merisier sleeps 14 guests across 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, distributed between the main residence and a standalone barn annexe that feels like discovering a secret wing of the property. The principal house spans 540 square metres across two storeys. Upon entry, the entrance hall draws guests through architectural bones that speak to genuine age—original tiling underfoot, a cherry-wood staircase climbing toward the upper floor. The ground floor contains the working heart of any group holiday: a fully-equipped kitchen featuring dishwasher, three separate ovens, a six-burner gas hob, microwave, integrated fridge and freezer, blender, and Nespresso machine, with kitchen tables and integrated television creating a secondary gathering space. Adjacent sits the dining room, anchored by a substantial stone fireplace, while the south-facing living room channels afternoon light through windows overlooking the hamlet, warmed by its own fireplace and equipped with a Smart TV for quieter evenings.

The first floor hallway doubles as a library with a balcony offering unobstructed views across the village and surrounding valleys—the kind of space that naturally draws people to linger with morning coffee. Three en-suite bedrooms on this level each contain a double bed and private bathroom with WC, while a dedicated children’s bedroom features twin bunk-beds alongside books and board games, creating immediate entertainment for younger guests without screens.

The converted barn annexe, accessed directly from the kitchen, functions as an entirely separate residence. It houses two additional bedrooms—one with a double bed, one with twin beds—served by a shower room and separate WC. A lounge area with Smart TV provides space for guests seeking privacy or a quieter evening, while mezzanine levels offer flexible space for office work or children’s play. A laundry room manages the practical realities of large group stays.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds surrounding Maison Merisier unfold across multiple zones, each designed for different moods and activities. A heated swimming pool measuring 10 metres by 5 metres, with a depth ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 metres, operates seasonally from May through late September. Safety features include an alarm system and perimeter fencing. Summer cooking happens under dedicated cover: a barn structure houses a summer kitchen with barbecue, sink, and al-fresco dining arrangements, adjacent to a dedicated pizza oven where evening gatherings naturally coalesce around wood-fired meals.

A separate barn houses the property’s collection of bikes and scooters, with direct access to the expansive grounds. A working goldfish pond anchors the garden, while the original village well remains as both functional feature and historical marker. Beyond the manicured garden boundary stretches a substantial field that transitions into a nature reserve—a landscape of streams, wooden bridges, and walking trails that invite exploration without requiring a vehicle. This field also contains a designated football area and trampoline, while a covered table tennis table accommodates more competitive recreation. On-site parking accommodates multiple vehicles.

Location: Dordogne and the Surrounding Area

Maison Merisier occupies a strategic position in the Dordogne department, positioned to access some of southwestern France’s most distinctive destinations. The hamlet itself sits on the periphery of Montpon-Ménestérol, a working market town 5km distant that hosts a substantial Wednesday morning market on the banks of the River Isle. This proximity means fresh bread, local produce, and regional cheeses arrive within minutes rather than hours. The Base Nautique de Chandos, located north of Montpon across the River Isle, provides supervised swimming, picnic facilities, children’s play areas, and canoeing opportunities along the water.

The Dordogne’s wine regions dominate the immediate cultural landscape. Saint-Émilion, sitting 40km south, represents UNESCO World Heritage architecture paired with world-class vineyards producing Bordeaux’s Left Bank appellations. Bergerac, 40km southwest, anchors a separate wine appellation while offering historic riverside charm, boat trips along the Dordogne, and scores of vineyard visits within 20 minutes’ drive. The grand city of Bordeaux itself, just over one hour away by car or train via Libourne station (5km away with TGV connections), provides world-class museums, restaurants, and cultural institutions for those wanting metropolitan sophistication.

Market culture shapes the weekly rhythm. Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, 30km south on the Dordogne’s banks, hosts one of the region’s largest and most celebrated Saturday morning markets—the kind of destination worth planning an entire morning around. Mussidan, 17km north, presents another respected Saturday market. Issigeac, 63km northeast, draws devoted followers to its Sunday market and medieval townscape. For a more offbeat cultural experience, Castillon-la-Bataille, 30km south, hosts historical reenactments of the final 100 Years’ War battle on Friday and Saturday evenings during July and August.

The River Isle flows within walking distance from the property—ideal for fishing and cycling along its banks. Two lakes with sandy beaches lie within short driving distance, offering supervised summer swimming and nature trails. An open-air cinema and night markets in surrounding villages operate seasonally in August. The Médoc peninsula, northeast toward Pauillac and Margaux, contains the region’s most celebrated wine châteaux alongside forests, lakes, and Atlantic-facing beaches perfect for experienced surfers. Arcachon Bay, 90km west, provides excellent oyster restaurants and calmer swimming. Royan’s beaches on the Atlantic, northwest from the property, offer a full beach-resort experience within 90 minutes’ driving.

To explore luxury villa options elsewhere in the region, visit our collection of European luxury villas or browse our full selection of French properties. For deeper destination knowledge, consult our comprehensive Dordogne travel guide, which covers seasonal highlights, restaurant recommendations, and activity planning in greater depth.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Maison Merisier accommodates families requiring substantial space and varied activity options. The combination of children’s bedrooms, games room, trampoline, football area, pool, and bikes means children from ages four upward find genuine entertainment without relying entirely on parental supervision. Multi-generational groups benefit from the annexe’s separation—grandparents obtain privacy and quieter spaces while younger families occupy the main house’s livelier atmosphere.

Groups of friends seeking reunion space discover practical arrangements: the barn annexe functions as a secondary gathering point, the summer kitchen and pizza oven create natural focal points for evening socialising, and the expansive grounds prevent any sense of crowding. The kitchen’s scale and equipment support groups wanting to cook communally—not a secondary activity but the central entertainment.

Couples might feel the space excessive, though the property’s location makes it attractive for special occasions or when paired with another couple. Working groups valuing rural retreat with professional connectivity benefit from reliable Wi-Fi and mezzanine office space in the annexe.

Practical Information

Maison Merisier sleeps 14 guests maximum across 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The nearest airport is Bordeaux-Mérignac, approximately 100km northwest, with a standard transfer time of 75 minutes by car. Libourne train station, 5km away, connects to Bordeaux Saint-Jean and Périgueux with TGV service available to Paris and major French cities. The nearest supermarkets cluster around Montpon-Ménestérol, 5km distant.

Included in rental arrangements are heating, Wi-Fi internet connectivity, pool heating during the open season, linen and towels, children’s books and games, hairdryers, and access to bikes and scooters. Maid service and pre-stocked fridge options are available on request. Check-in and check-out flexibility is negotiable based on seasonal demand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maison Merisier

How many guests does Maison Merisier sleep?

Maison Merisier accommodates 14 guests maximum. The main house contains 4 bedrooms with double beds in en-suite configurations, plus one additional children’s room with two bunk-bed sets. The converted barn annexe adds 2 further bedrooms—one double, one twin. This arrangement suits extended families, multi-generational groups, or friends gathering for special occasions.

What is the nearest airport to Maison Merisier in Dordogne?

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport sits approximately 100km northwest of Maison Merisier, with a standard transfer time of 75 minutes by car. Alternatively, Libourne train station is only 5km away, connecting to Bordeaux Saint-Jean and other major French cities via TGV services, making rail travel practical for international guests.

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

May through September offers warm, reliably dry weather with heated pool access. July and August bring peak tourist activity, summer markets in local villages, historical reenactments in Castillon-la-Bataille, and open-air cinema. June and September provide fewer crowds with comparable weather. April and October allow shoulder-season visits with milder temperatures—still pleasant but without peak-season intensity. Winter visits are possible but require guests to anticipate cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours.

Is Maison Merisier suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property contains multiple dedicated child-focused features: a dedicated children’s bedroom with bunk-beds, extensive board games and book collection, trampoline, football field, heated swimming pool with safety alarm and fencing, and bikes suitable for various ages. The hamlet location eliminates road traffic danger. The Base Nautique de Chandos at Montpon-Ménestérol, 5km away, provides supervised swimming and play facilities. Nearby lakes offer family-friendly beach experiences. The expansive grounds allow safe independent exploration for older children.

What is included in the rental price at Maison Merisier?

Rental includes heating, Wi-Fi connectivity, pool heating (during May-September operation), all linen and towels, hairdryers, children’s books and board games, access to bikes and scooters, and full use of all facilities including the summer kitchen, pizza oven, and outdoor spaces. Utilities, basic cleaning at departure, and standard amenities are included. Additional services such as maid service, pre-stocked fridge, and check-in flexibility are available upon request with additional fees.

What restaurants and shops are near Maison Merisier?

Montpon-Ménestérol, 5km away, contains multiple supermarkets, restaurants, and local shops distributed through the town’s flower-lined streets. The Wednesday market at Montpon supplies fresh produce, cheeses, and regional specialities. Within 30km, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande’s Saturday market and Mussidan’s Saturday market offer larger selections of artisanal goods. Formal dining establishments cluster in Bergerac, 40km south, and Saint-Émilion, 40km south, both tourist destinations with established restaurant scenes. Wine estates in surrounding vineyards often provide restaurant facilities or picnic arrangements.