Maison Guignol | 4-Bedroom Villa in Saint-Martin-de-Gurson Minzac

Ten guests, four bedrooms distributed across a main residence and a separate annexe, and a heated swimming pool surrounded by mature gardens in the heart of rural Dordogne—Maison Guignol in Saint-Martin-de-Gurson combines the tranquility of French countryside living with the amenities expected of a luxury villa rental in Dordogne. This is where Bordeaux wine country meets genuine village life, where morning bread arrives warm from the local boulangerie just 400 metres away, and where your days unfold at the pace you choose.

Inside Maison Guignol

Maison Guignol sleeps 10 guests across 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, configured to suit families, friends, and multi-generational groups with ease. The main house anchors the property with its ground-floor master bedroom featuring a super king-size bed (200x200cm), accompanied by a full bathroom appointed with a designer bathtub, double sink, walk-in shower, and separate WC—practical luxury for those who want convenience without climbing stairs.

The heart of the main residence opens into a unified lounge and kitchen zone. Exposed stone walls and terracotta tile flooring ground the space in authentic Dordogne character, while a fireplace, Smart TV with Netflix access, and Bluetooth speaker bring contemporary comfort into the mix. The kitchen is fully equipped for those who want to cook, or simply to graze on market purchases throughout the day. A striking steel staircase with open treads leads upward.

The upper level surprises with flexibility. The mezzanine landing overlooks the lounge below and contains twin beds that convert to a double configuration—ideal for children or friends who don’t mind proximity. A separate double bedroom tucked beneath the eaves offers more seclusion, and this too converts to single beds if needed. The architecture here is clever; the steel staircase creates visual openness rather than the cramped feeling often found in upstairs rooms of converted farmhouses.

The annexe operates as a self-contained guest house or family wing. It has its own entrance or can connect to the main residence via an internal door—giving guests autonomy or integration, depending on the group dynamic. The annexe ground floor contains a double bedroom (convertible to twin beds) with an en suite shower room and WC. Notably, this bedroom includes an infra-red sauna, a feature that transforms winter visits and adds genuine wellness value. Stairs ascend from here to a loft mezzanine bedroom with low timber beams and two single beds that join as a double. The bedroom feels intimate, set beneath the roof line with the kind of cosy geometry that makes loft spaces memorable.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Beyond the threshold, Maison Guignol’s grounds reveal a thoughtfully designed outdoor living ecosystem. The heated swimming pool measures 8×4 metres with a 1.5-metre depth and includes a shallow plage area—the sloped entry beloved by young children and non-confident swimmers. A safety alarm system protects; the surrounding decked terrace accommodates sun loungers and towel days. At the garden’s far end, this terrace becomes a social hub.

An outdoor jacuzzi sits amid verdant plantings, close enough to the house for evening soaks yet positioned to feel like a separate retreat. Two distinct dining terraces serve different moods: one open-air wooden deck with table and chairs, another covered structure providing shelter during unpredictable French spring weather. A barbecue anchors the cooking infrastructure. The olive tree commands a spot for the outdoor lounge—precisely the kind of location that becomes someone’s favourite reading corner.

The garden and lawn extend spaciously, with swings for children and a hammock strung between posts. This is land that tolerates both activity and stillness. Private parking sits discreetly, not dominating the landscape. The grounds feel spacious without being unwieldy; intimate without claustrophobia.

Location: Saint-Martin-de-Gurson and the Surrounding Area

Saint-Martin-de-Gurson sits on the border between Dordogne and Gironde, positioned where rural France still means something—narrow lanes, church steeples, farms still working the land. The village itself is walkable; the boulangerie and village shop sit 400 metres downhill, and the church and small park with football pitch and table tennis anchor communal life. A tennis court operates in the village centre for those who want to organize matches.

The wider region opens outward in concentric circles of discovery. Montpon-Ménestérol (8km) hosts a vibrant Wednesday morning market renowned for local produce and prepared foods. Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (18km), a medieval town on the Dordogne riverbank, hosts one of the region’s largest and most atmospheric markets, ideal for sourcing wine, cheese, and seasonal vegetables. Saint-Seurin-sur-l’Isle (15km) and Castillon-la-Bataille (20km) offer additional market days with different character and stock.

Wine tourism dominates the cultural landscape. The Montravel wine region surrounds you; Bergerac (35km) and its appellations lie to the south; Pomerol and Duras territories extend further; Bordeaux wine country spreads across the horizon. But the real draw for wine devotees is Saint-Émilion (27km)—a UNESCO World Heritage village built on wine wealth, with historic vineyards descending the hillside, a medieval village centre navigated through narrow stone streets, and catacombs carved into the bedrock. Libourne (33km), Bergerac itself, and Bordeaux (75km) all offer serious dining scenes; the latter city is reachable by train from nearby Montpon-Vélines station in under an hour.

Nature-based activities punctuate the calendar. A lake lies 4.5km away, offering sandy beach access, wildlife walking trails, and shaded picnic clearings. July and August bring paddle-boarding, canoeing, and supervised swimming during peak season. The Dordogne River itself, near Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, provides paddling and kayaking access; the L’Isle River near Montpon-Ménestérol offers an alternative route through intimate landscapes. Cyclists and walkers navigate extensive route networks threading through vineyards, orchards, and the rolling terrain that makes this corner of southwestern France so photographed.

The Atlantic coast lies within easy day-trip range. Lacanau (124km) operates as the region’s primary surfing destination. Arcachon Bay (approximately 130km west) delivers oyster shacks, white wine, and bay scenery. Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, stands 135km distant for those motivated by geological drama. To explore further afield, we recommend consulting our Dordogne travel guide for seasonal highlights and hidden villages. You can also explore our luxury villas in France and our full collection across the region.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Maison Guignol functions exceptionally well for multi-generational family groups. Grandparents benefit from ground-floor access and a separate bathroom; children occupy upstairs rooms and the annexe mezzanine with enthusiasm; parents claim the annexe bedroom for potential early-morning solitude. Groups of four to six couples find the annexe configuration ideal—one couple claims that space, three couples share the main house, and the layout prevents the bathroom queuing chaos that derails friendships.

Families with young children appreciate the fenced grounds, shallow pool entry, swings, and proximity to a calm village environment without isolation. The sauna in the annexe appeals to wellness-focused groups or those managing minor muscle strain from cycling or hiking exertion.

Wine enthusiasts with travel companions benefit from proximity to multiple wine regions without requiring daily driving to premium destinations. The market access suits cooks; the kitchen-diner functions as both cooking laboratory and social space.

Practical Information

Maison Guignol accommodates 10 guests across 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with flexible bed configurations allowing adjustment based on group composition. The property includes Wi-Fi internet, air conditioning, and heating. Pool heating is managed during warmer months; the outdoor jacuzzi operates seasonally. Linens and towels are provided. A chef or cook can be arranged through the property management team for groups requiring meal preparation. Maid service is available for multi-week stays or groups preferring daily housekeeping.

The nearest airport is Bergerac Airport (40km away, approximately 45-minute drive). Bordeaux Airport (80km, approximately 90-minute drive) offers broader flight options. Libourne train station (32km, approximately 40-minute drive) connects to Paris via a fast rail service, though a rental car is essential in this rural part of southwestern France given the dispersed nature of villages and activities. Montpon-Ménestérol supermarket (8km) handles groceries and supplies. Fishing is available on nearby waterways for those holding appropriate permits. Golf courses operate within reasonable driving distance. Check-in timing can be negotiated with management; flexibility often accommodates arriving guests’ schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maison Guignol

How many guests does Maison Guignol sleep?

Maison Guignol accommodates 10 guests. The main house provides sleeping space for 6 guests across four beds (the ground-floor super king, the upstairs double, and the mezzanine twin beds that convert to a double). The separate annexe houses 4 additional guests across the ground-floor double bedroom (convertible to twin configuration) and the upstairs loft bedroom with two single beds that join as a double.

What is the nearest airport to Maison Guignol in Saint-Martin-de-Gurson?

Bergerac Airport sits 40km away with a transfer time of approximately 45 minutes by car. Bordeaux Airport, 80km distant, requires approximately 90 minutes drive time but offers significantly more flight options and international connections. Libourne train station (32km, 40-minute drive) provides rail access to Paris and other French cities via fast services. Car hire is essential given the rural location and dispersed nature of regional attractions.

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

May through September offers warm weather, active market seasons, confirmed restaurant openings, and water-based activities on the nearby lake and rivers. July and August bring supervised swimming at the lake plus peak tourism energy, though crowds increase proportionally. April and October provide quieter conditions with mild weather suitable for walking and cycling, though some restaurants may operate reduced hours. The infra-red sauna in the annexe makes winter months viable for groups prioritizing wellness and fireside comfort over beach activities. Wine harvest season (September-October) adds atmospheric appeal for those timing visits around regional wine-making calendars.

Is Maison Guignol suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property offers multiple child-friendly features: the heated swimming pool with shallow plage entry accommodates young swimmers and anxious paddlers; a safety alarm system protects pool access; swings and hammock provide garden entertainment; the lawn accommodates running and games. The ground-floor master bedroom with full bathroom suits families managing young children or elderly guests who need stair-free access. Proximity to a quiet village (400 metres to boulangerie) keeps children engaged without overwhelming sensory input. The nearby lake (4.5km) offers safe supervised swimming in July and August. Canoeing and cycling suit older children accompanied by adults. Conversely, teenagers find sufficient entertainment in market exploration, wine-region drives, and Atlantic coast excursions.

What is included in the rental price at Maison Guignol?

The rental encompasses furnished accommodation, Wi-Fi internet, air conditioning and heating, pool heating during appropriate seasons, outdoor jacuzzi access (seasonally managed), linens, towels, and cleaning of the property between guest stays. Chef and cook services are available on request for an additional fee, as is maid service for extended stays or groups requiring daily housekeeping.

What restaurants and shops are near Maison Guignol?

The village shop and boulangerie stand 400 metres downhill from the property, operating daily except Mondays, stocking fresh bread, vegetables, fruit, basic groceries, pizzas, and on Sundays, oysters and roasted chickens. Montpon-Ménestérol supermarket (8km) provides comprehensive shopping; the same town operates a vibrant Wednesday morning market. Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (18km) hosts a major regional market alongside numerous restaurants and shops. Bergerac (35km) and Libourne (33km) offer substantial dining scenes ranging from casual bistros to Michelin-recognized establishments. The property management team provides personalized restaurant recommendations within short driving distance based on specific preferences and group size.