Manoir 1731 | 6-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Carlux Cazoules

Carlux sits quietly on the banks of the Dordogne, a village most travellers pass without noticing—until they arrive at Manoir 1731 and realise they’ve found exactly what they came for. This 18th-century manor commands eight hectares of private woodland and meadow that slope toward the river’s edge, where the water moves slowly enough to hear individual birds calling from the far bank. A luxury villa rental in Carlux rarely feels this remote, yet the nearest village is just 2.5km away.

The property dates to 1731, built when this corner of the Périgord was already centuries old. The owners have restored it with restraint—exposing stone walls that have absorbed centuries of light, preserving the original oak beams that still hold the ceilings high, keeping the massive fireplaces that once heated these rooms through winters before central heating existed. This isn’t a museum recreation; it’s a home where history lives in the details without making demands on your comfort.

Inside Manoir 1731

Manoir 1731 sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, split between the main house and a separate garden annexe. The layout allows families to spread across floors, groups to claim their own corridors, and couples to disappear into their own stone-walled sanctuary.

The ground floor opens with a living room where a substantial fireplace draws attention immediately—the kind where you can actually stand inside the hearth opening and look up the chimney to see daylight. The dining room stands opposite with its own grand fireplace, tall windows that frame the gardens beyond, and enough wall space to seat twelve people comfortably. The kitchen sits between these formal spaces and the gardens outside, fitted with a dishwasher, gas hob, electric oven, and refrigeration that means you’re not starting from zero if you want to cook dinner for a full table. Double doors open directly onto the terrace and gardens—the kind of connection that makes moving between inside and outside feel seamless on warm afternoons. A study with its own garden access provides quieter space for those working remotely, and a separate WC handles practical needs without routing guests through living areas.

The first floor holds four bedrooms in the main house, all with air-conditioning. Bedroom 1 features a four-poster double bed and an ensuite with WC, bath, and shower. Bedroom 2 and Bedroom 3 each contain a double bed with ensuite shower rooms and WC. Bedroom 4 holds two single beds with ensuite shower facilities. The garden annexe, positioned to feel separate yet connected, contains two additional bedrooms on its first floor—Bedroom 5 and Bedroom 6, both doubles with ensuite showers and WC—and a self-contained kitchen and living area downstairs, making it ideal for guests who prefer their own entrance and private space.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Step onto the south-facing terrace and the river appears below through the trees—not immediately visible, but audible. The heated swimming pool measures 13 metres by 6 metres, open from late April through September, surrounded by enough sunbathing space to accommodate everyone without crowding. The poolside shower rinses chlorine away before returning to the terrace. A Weber barbecue anchors the alfresco dining area, making evening meals outdoors a regular habit once you arrive.

The tennis court sits on the eastern boundary of the property, flat and well-maintained, with rackets and balls provided—a genuine option for afternoon activity rather than a decorative feature. Table tennis sits indoors for rainy days. Beyond these amenities, the eight hectares themselves become the main attraction: woodland thick enough to feel genuinely secluded, open lawns that catch morning light, and a gradual descent toward the river where reeds crowd the water’s edge and the current slows enough for shallow swimming in summer.

Location: Carlux and the Surrounding Area

Carlux occupies a bend in the Dordogne where the river widens slightly, creating natural pools that locals know about and tourists rarely find. The village itself contains a small grocery store, a restaurant, and canoe hire—everything needed for a self-sufficient week without driving further. Two-and-a-half kilometres away, a second village adds a bakery, butchers, cafés, and a weekly market where local farmers sell vegetables, cheese, and bread so fresh it’s still warm at mid-morning.

Souillac, 10km northwest, functions as the area’s service centre: supermarkets for bulk shopping, a golf course for longer stays, and the Abbey Sainte-Marie, a Romanesque structure that rewards a 20-minute visit even if you’re not religious. Sarlat, the capital of Périgord Noir, lies 18km southeast—a walled medieval town where every street corner offers either a restaurant, gallery, or view worth photographing. The Saturday market here sprawls across multiple squares, selling foie gras, truffles, walnuts, and wines from the surrounding region. Local restaurants prepare these ingredients with skill that justifies the prices.

The river villages that define the Dordogne’s visual identity sit within 30km: Domme perches on a hilltop overlooking the valley; La Roque-Gageac clusters against golden stone cliffs where the river narrows; Castelnaud-la-Chapelle crowns another bluff with its fortress visible from the water. Rocamadour, 50km south in the Lot region, rises vertically from a canyon wall—a pilgrimage site since medieval times, now a tourist destination where the architecture alone justifies the drive. Gourdon, nestled in the same limestone hills, offers a quieter version of the same landscape appeal.

The Dordogne’s established leisure industry means boats for hire at multiple points—canoes for day trips, electric launches for those preferring motors, pedalos for families with young children. Cycling routes connect villages across the region: the valley floor stays relatively flat, while hillside routes reward fitness with panoramic views. Prehistoric caves open to tourists with surprising regularity—Lascaux, Font-de-Gaume, and Les Combarelles all contain Palaeolithic hand stencils and animal paintings that stopped being novel approximately 15,000 years ago but remain visually arresting. Gardens like Eyrignac and Marqueyssac offer 18th-century European landscaping if you want structured beauty between the natural river views.

Explore our luxury villas in Europe for similar riverside properties, or browse our full collection of French villas. For deeper destination research, read our comprehensive Dordogne travel guide covering seasonal activities, restaurant recommendations, and cultural highlights across the region.

The best months are May-June and September-October, when the temperature reaches 20-24°C, the river swells with spring snowmelt or autumn rains, and the tourist crowds thin compared to July-August heat. Spring brings wildflowers and young walnuts on market stalls; autumn delivers mushroom season and the first truffles. July and August guarantee hot weather (often 28°C+), full pools, and peak restaurant reservations.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families visiting France for a week find the six-bedroom configuration ideal: grandparents in the main house, adult children in the annexe, children distributed by preference. The pool keeps young guests occupied during afternoon heat; the river provides older children with swimming space once they’re strong swimmers.

Groups of friends or couples travelling together benefit from the villa’s self-contained layout—shared dining and entertainment spaces but private sleeping quarters. Two couples can use the main house bedrooms; four more can occupy the annexe without encountering anyone except at meals.

Remote workers appreciate fibre optic Wi-Fi reliable enough for video meetings, a study with garden views, and the psychological separation of taking a proper week away while remaining professionally contactable. The property’s 2.5km distance from village amenities means you’re not isolated, but you’re not living above a shop either.

Couples seeking quieter travel might feel the property is oversized—the bedrooms are comfortable but the communal spaces assume group activity. Multigenerational families or milestone celebrations (anniversaries, reunions, joint holidays) fit the design and scale perfectly.

Practical Information

Capacity: 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The main house contains 4 bedrooms (sleeping 8 guests), while the garden annexe holds 2 additional bedrooms (sleeping 4 guests) with its own kitchen and living area, effectively functioning as a self-contained secondary residence.

Nearest Airport: Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport (Aéroport de Bergerac) sits 50km away, approximately 50-60 minutes by car. This regional airport handles direct flights from most major European cities and avoids the congestion of larger hubs like Toulouse or Bordeaux. Car rental at Bergerac is straightforward; most guests collect vehicles immediately and drive directly to the property via the D703 and local roads.

Nearest Supermarket: Souillac, 10km away, contains a full-range supermarket (Carrefour or Intermarché) sufficient for restocking mid-week. The nearest village shop (2.5km) handles basic groceries, fresh bread, and drinks.

Included in Rental: Fibre optic Wi-Fi throughout the property, air-conditioning in the four first-floor main-house bedrooms, pool heating (seasonal, weather-dependent), initial linen and towels, and on-site parking. Catering can be arranged through local providers for groups preferring not to cook. Cleaning occurs before arrival and after departure; mid-week cleaning available on request.

Check-In and Check-Out: Flexible arrival times can be arranged by prior agreement. Standard check-in is 4pm, check-out 10am, though these accommodate group dynamics when discussed in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Manoir 1731

How many guests does Manoir 1731 sleep?

Manoir 1731 accommodates 12 guests maximum across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The main house provides 4 bedrooms (Bedroom 1 with four-poster double, Bedrooms 2-3 with doubles, Bedroom 4 with two singles), sleeping 8 guests. The separate garden annexe contains 2 additional double bedrooms (Bedrooms 5-6), accommodating 4 more guests with their own kitchen and living area. The ground floor of the main house contains no additional sleeping accommodation; the annexe is ground-floor living and first-floor bedrooms only.

What is the nearest airport to Manoir 1731 in Carlux?

Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport (code EGC) lies 50km north, roughly 50-60 minutes by car. This regional airport receives flights from across Europe and offers a less congested alternative to Toulouse (130km, 90 minutes) or Bordeaux (170km, 2 hours). Car rental is essential; the village of Carlux and surrounding attractions are not accessible by public transport. The drive south to Manoir 1731 follows the D703 and local roads through farmland and small villages—scenic rather than motorway-based.

What is the best time of year to rent Manoir 1731?

May through June offers ideal conditions: temperatures 20-24°C, the river full from spring snowmelt, gardens in bloom, and tourist density still moderate. September through October mirrors this climate, with added benefits of mushroom foraging, early truffles on market stalls, and warm water (the pool remains heated into early October). July and August deliver guaranteed heat (often 28°C+) and peak tourist crowding in nearby villages—restaurants require reservations weeks in advance. April and November see shoulder-season pricing and fewer tourists but less reliable weather and cooler water temperatures. Winter (December-February) is quiet and inexpensive, but heating bills rise and the pool remains closed.

Is Manoir 1731 suitable for families with children?

Yes, with precautions. The heated swimming pool (13m x 6m, open late April to late September) is appropriate for children aged 6+ with adult supervision; it’s not a shallow paddling pool but a full-depth lap pool with a sun terrace. The river, 200m away through the grounds, becomes swimmable in July-August once water warms above 18°C but requires strong swimmers given its current. The eight-hectare property contains no immediate road hazard—gates secure the perimeter and the descent toward the river is gradual. The nearest village (2.5km) houses no specific children’s attractions, though Sarlat’s museums include family-friendly exhibits on medieval life and natural history. The market towns and river villages accommodate children without fanfare. Canoe hire from Carlux village suits ages 8+; younger children need secure seating in doubles. The property explicitly lists as kid-friendly and can arrange catering for families on request.

What is included in the rental price at Manoir 1731?

The rental price includes fibre optic Wi-Fi throughout the property, air-conditioning in the four first-floor bedrooms of the main house, pool heating (weather-dependent, operational late April through late September), initial linen and towels for all beds and bathrooms, and on-site parking for multiple vehicles. Utilities (electricity, water, gas) are covered except for exceptional consumption. Cleaning occurs before arrival and after departure; mid-week cleaning services are available for additional fees. Catering can be arranged through local providers but is not included in standard rental rates. The Weber barbecue, tennis rackets, table tennis table, and poolside facilities are provided at no additional cost.

What restaurants and shops are near Manoir 1731?

Carlux village (2.5km) contains a small grocery store, a restaurant, and canoe hire—sufficient for basic supplies and casual meals. A second village 3.5km away adds a bakery, butchers, and a weekly market selling local produce, cheese, and bread. Souillac (10km north) has supermarkets (Carrefour, Intermarché) for bulk shopping and the Abbey Sainte-Marie for cultural visits. Sarlat (18km southeast), the regional hub, hosts dozens of restaurants ranging from casual crêperies to Michelin-starred establishments specialising in regional cuisine (foie gras, duck confit, truffle dishes). The Saturday market sprawls across multiple squares with local producers selling cheese, walnuts, wines, and seasonal delicacies. La Roque-Gageac (12km) and Domme (15km) each contain 2-3 restaurants focusing on river views and local ingredients. Restaurant quality increases significantly in summer months; advance reservations are essential July-August.