Manoir Altheas | 5-Bedroom Villa in Lanquais Bayac

Ten guests, five bedrooms, stone terraces that face south across private countryside—this is what a Dordogne retreat looks like when it’s done with genuine restraint and style. Manoir Altheas sits on the village edge of Lanquais, a settlement so small and characterful that the locals still gather around the church square. This 19th-century manor has been restored with the kind of attention that respects its bones: high ceilings remain, marble floors stay, fireplaces keep their ornamental detail, but inside you’ll find open-plan kitchens, modern bathrooms, and the kind of comfort that makes staying for two weeks feel too short.

Inside Manoir Altheas

Manoir Altheas sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, split between the main house and a separate garden cottage. Walk through the entrance hallway—marble underfoot—and the character announces itself immediately. The ground floor holds a living room with a decorative marble fireplace, Smart TV for Netflix and Prime Video, and a DVD library. A formal dining room sits adjacent, alongside a shower room fitted with shower, sink, WC and washing machine.

The upper floor is where the villa breathes. Here, an open-plan lounge and kitchen-diner opens directly onto the stone terrace overlooking the gardens—the heart of the property. The kitchen comes fully equipped: electric oven, halogen hob, dishwasher, large fridge with separate freezer section, ice-maker, kettle, filter coffee machine and toaster. This is a space built for cooking, not merely reheating. Four bedrooms occupy this floor. Bedroom 1 features a king-size bed with an en-suite bathroom (bath, sink, WC). Bedroom 2 offers another king-size bed. Bedroom 3 has a double bed with access to a separate shower room (shower, sink, WC). Bedroom 4 contains twin beds and opens directly onto the terrace and gardens—ideal for children or guests wanting morning light and garden access.

The garden cottage stands independent from the main house, a self-contained retreat with its own character. Inside: an open-plan living and dining area with CD player and small book collection, an open-plan kitchen equipped with dishwasher, large fridge with freezer compartment, oven and hob, one bedroom with a double bed, and a shower room with shower, sink, and washing machine/dryer combination. This cottage sleeps two additional guests, bringing the total capacity to ten.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The gardens at Manoir Altheas are not an afterthought—they are the property’s defining feature. Accessed from the upper-floor kitchen-lounge, the large stone terrace commands views south across rural farmland with no neighbouring houses visible. Shaded awnings provide relief on hot days; the terrace itself accommodates an al-fresco dining table and chairs, plus a Weber-style barbecue for evening meals. Below the terrace, the garden descends across multiple levels via rustic stone steps—a deliberately informal landscape that feels less designed and more discovered. Rose bushes bloom in season, hibiscus provides colour, and mature apple and cherry trees offer shade and the smell of blossom in spring. This is a garden you wander through rather than survey from a single viewpoint, each level revealing a new vista or tucked seating area. The entire space is enclosed, private, and opens only onto countryside—the kind of garden where you lose track of time.

Location: Lanquais and the Surrounding Area

Lanquais itself is a revelation for those seeking authentic Dordogne village life without the crowds. The village centre clusters around sandstone houses dating back generations, with a school, church, and small square at its heart. A walking distance away sits a casual restaurant serving French cuisine—the terrace becomes especially inviting during summer months when the light lingers until 10 p.m.

The immediate surroundings expand your options considerably. Lalinde, 7km away across the Dordogne River, is a bastide town with restaurants ranging from casual bistros to fine dining, food shops specialising in regional products, and—crucially—a Thursday morning market that supplies everything from fresh vegetables to local cheeses and wines. The market runs smaller on Saturday mornings. Bergerac lies 18km south, a town famous for its wine production and medieval architecture; the airport here connects to major European cities within two hours.

Within a 30km radius, exploration becomes rewarding. Issigeac, 13km northeast, hosts a celebrated Sunday morning market in its medieval village centre—arrive early, as crowds build by mid-morning. The riverside village of Trémolat, 18km away, provides summer watersports and canoeing access directly from the Dordogne riverbank. Limeuil, 25km distant, straddles the confluence of two rivers and offers walking trails and riverside beaches. The bastide towns of Monpazier and Beaumont-du-Périgord, both officially classified as “Plus Beaux Villages de France,” lie within 28km and showcase medieval architecture virtually untouched since the 14th century.

Wine enthusiasts benefit from proximity to three distinct appellations. Château de Monbazillac, 20km south, produces the region’s signature sweet white wines and welcomes visitors to its cellars and vineyard walks. The Saussignac and Pécharmant appellations lie equally accessible for day trips. Saint-Émilion, the world-famous Bordeaux wine hub, sits 74km away—achievable as a day excursion for serious wine tourism.

For golf, Château les Merles course (9 holes, moderately challenging) lies just 10 minutes’ drive away, accompanied by an excellent restaurant and terrace. Château des Vigiers and Golf de la Marterie, both larger courses, sit within 35-40km for golfers seeking more demanding rounds. Cycling routes proliferate throughout the region; bike hire is available near Lalinde train station, 7km away. Walking trails dot the countryside, many marked and maintained by local hiking associations.

Access to Bergerac Airport takes roughly 20 minutes by car from Manoir Altheas; Bordeaux Airport, with more international connections, requires 90 minutes. Lalinde train station offers direct departures to Bergerac, Bordeaux Saint-Jean, and Gare de Sarlat—useful for guests preferring rail travel. Parking at the villa is straightforward, with street parking available within 20 metres of the front door.

Explore our luxury villas across Europe and our full collection of properties in France for alternative options. For comprehensive destination planning, consult our Dordogne travel guide, which covers seasonal events, lesser-known villages, and regional dining traditions.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Manoir Altheas accommodates several distinct guest profiles effectively. Multi-generational families benefit from the flexible bedroom configuration: the main house sleeps eight, the cottage adds two more, allowing grandparents and adult children to co-occupy while maintaining separation when desired. Twin beds and accessible terrace doors in Bedroom 4 suit children; high chairs and cots are available on request.

Couples seeking space and scenery find the main house’s upper-floor lounge compelling—two of the king-size bedrooms mean friends can travel together without intimacy compromise. Wine-focused groups appreciate proximity to three appellations and the ability to plan vineyard visits from a stable base. Golf groups find Château les Merles convenient, and larger courses available for varied skill levels. Walkers and cyclists benefit from marked routes radiating in all directions, with bike hire organised easily from nearby Lalinde.

Those prioritising privacy find Lanquais village sufficiently remote to feel isolated, yet close enough to towns and restaurants that self-catering feels optional rather than mandatory. The villa suits guests aged 30 to 75 equally well, accommodating both active outdoor pursuits and leisurely terrace-based retreats.

Practical Information

Manoir Altheas sleeps a maximum of 10 guests: the main house accommodates 8 (5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms); the garden cottage adds 2 more (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom). The property provides Wi-Fi throughout, maid service is available on request (typically cleaning twice weekly), and utilities are included in rental rates. Linen and towels are provided; guest laundry facilities exist in both the main house shower room and cottage bathroom. The kitchen arrives fully stocked with essential equipment; however, guests must provision their own groceries. DVD and CD libraries are available for evening entertainment; Smart TV access to Netflix and Prime Video is included.

Nearest airport: Bergerac (17km, approximately 20 minutes’ drive). Lalinde train station provides rail connections 7km away. The nearest supermarket is in Lalinde, 7km distant, with smaller shops (boulangerie, pharmacy, restaurants) in the village of Couze-et-Saint-Front, 4km away. Check-in is flexible depending on availability; check-out typically occurs by 11 a.m. on departure day. A car is necessary to explore the region effectively; public transport exists but with limited frequency outside summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions about Manoir Altheas

How many guests does Manoir Altheas sleep?

Manoir Altheas accommodates 10 guests maximum. The main house contains 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (sleeping 8), while the separate garden cottage holds 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom (sleeping 2). Bedroom configurations include two king-size doubles, one double bed, one twin bed, and one additional double bed in the cottage. High chairs and cots are available for families with young children on request.

What is the nearest airport to Manoir Altheas in Lanquais?

Bergerac Airport lies 17km away, approximately 20 minutes by car from the villa. This regional airport connects to major European destinations and is serviced by several low-cost carriers. Bordeaux Airport, 123km distant (approximately 90 minutes’ drive), offers more international flight options if required. A hire car is essential for both airport transfers and regional exploration.

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

April through October offers the most rewarding climate: temperatures range from 18°C (April/October) to 26°C (July/August), with reliable sunshine and minimal rainfall. May and September are ideal for those avoiding peak summer crowds while enjoying warm, dry weather—restaurant terraces fill less densely, and walking routes feel quieter. July and August bring the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours (sunset around 10 p.m.), ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, though village markets and tourist attractions become busier. Winter (November–March) sees cooler temperatures and occasional rain, but the region retains substantial appeal for those prioritising solitude and lower rental rates.

Is Manoir Altheas suitable for families with children?

Yes, the villa accommodates families well. High chairs and cots are available on request for younger children. Bedroom 4 features twin beds and direct access to the terrace and gardens, suitable for children who appreciate semi-independent sleeping arrangements or early risers wanting garden access. The gardens descend via manageable stone steps; parents should supervise children on these levels. Nearby villages (Lanquais, Lalinde) feel safe and pedestrian-friendly. Restaurants in Lalinde and surrounding villages accommodate children routinely. The Dordogne River near Trémolat (18km) offers summer beaches and shallow water access suitable for supervised paddling. Markets in Issigeac and Lalinde fascinate children through novelty and activity.

What is included in the rental price at Manoir Altheas?

Rental rates include utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi internet throughout the property, linen and towels, and use of all kitchen equipment and furnishings. Maid service can be arranged separately at additional cost, typically costing €80–120 per cleaning session, with guests commonly booking twice-weekly service. DVD and CD entertainment libraries are included. Guest laundry facilities (washing machines) are available in both the main house and cottage. Guests must arrange and pay for their own food provisioning; no meals are included unless specifically contracted as an additional service.

What restaurants and shops are near Manoir Altheas?

A casual restaurant serving French cuisine sits within walking distance along the village road from Lanquais, with a pleasant terrace ideal for summer dining. Couze-et-Saint-Front, 4km away, hosts a boulangerie, pharmacy, and small restaurant. Lalinde, 7km distant, offers superior restaurant variety (ranging from casual bistros to fine dining), a substantial supermarket, speciality food shops selling regional cheeses and charcuterie, and famous Thursday morning and Saturday morning markets. Bergerac, 18km south, provides additional restaurant options and gastronomic experiences reflecting the town’s wine heritage. For self-catering, the Lalinde supermarket stocks all necessary provisions, whilst local producers sell direct at village markets on designated days.