Maison Jospin | 11-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Caplong

Fourteen guests arrive on a Friday in June, and by Saturday morning they’re debating whether to kayak the Dordogne or explore Saint-Émilion’s vineyards. This is what a luxury villa rental in Dordogne France feels like when you’ve chosen Maison Jospin—an 11-bedroom, 10-bathroom estate set across 14 acres of working vineyard country, positioned perfectly between Bergerac and the medieval hilltop town of Saint-Émilion. The Dordogne River runs just 1.5km away, accessible by foot, while the nearest villages with restaurants and markets sit within walking distance or a short drive.

Inside Maison Jospin

Maison Jospin sleeps 18 guests across 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, arranged across two adjoining stone houses that date back generations yet feel entirely contemporary inside. A tree-lined driveway announces your arrival, leading to the main residence—the Maison de maître—which contains seven bedrooms distributed across upper and ground floors.

Climbing the entrance steps into the main house, you enter a space organised for multiple families. The upper floor holds four bedrooms: three with queen-size double beds (each with its own en suite bathroom or shower room) and one bedroom fitted with twin beds. A family bathroom with shower and a separate WC serve additional guests. The kitchen and formal dining room occupy prime positions on this level, with windows overlooking the grounds.

The ground floor of the main house contains a family room and a sun room with both sofa seating and a dining table—the kind of flexible space that absorbs different group dynamics. Two additional bedrooms sit here: one with a queen-size double bed, another with twin beds, plus a family bathroom combining shower and WC.

The standout accommodation lies in the spa bedroom area: a queen bedroom with en suite shower room connected to a dedicated spa zone featuring a 4-by-2-metre resistance pool and a heated hot tub. This space operates as a sanctuary within the larger property, ideal for parents seeking respite or couples wanting private thermal facilities.

The adjoining farmhouse adds four further bedrooms across thoughtfully divided wings. The east wing reception room connects via spiral staircase to a mezzanine level and houses two queen bedrooms—one with its own bathroom, the other with shower room and WC. The south wing contains a study area with sofa, a laundry room equipped with washing machine, and a wet room with shower. The west wing opens into a 16-seat dining room and kitchen designed for group meal preparation.

Upstairs in the farmhouse’s south wing, a quad bedroom with two sets of bunk beds serves families with children, accompanied by a bathroom and a separate play room with lounge seating. On the opposite side of the staircase, a twin bedroom connects to its own adjoining room fitted with a baby cot—practical planning for multi-generational groups. Throughout both houses, wood-burning fireplaces provide atmospheric warmth in cooler months, while smart TVs and strong Wi-Fi ensure entertainment flexibility.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The 14-acre grounds transform the experience from villa to estate. The heated swimming pool—10 metres by 4 metres with an electric cover—opens from approximately April through October, shallow enough for young children yet substantial enough for proper swimming. A dedicated pool house with bar provides shade, changing facilities, and shelter from afternoon sun. Adjacent to the pool, a boules court awaits afternoon competitions, while a full-size football pitch extends across the grounds for younger guests (or enthusiastic adults) to burn energy.

Badminton nets can be set up on the lawn, a trampoline appeals to children of various ages, and for the fitness-focused, a 1-kilometre running trail winds through the property. The barbecue facilitates open-air dining when weather permits. Terraces at multiple points allow reading, wine appreciation, or sunrise observation. The surrounding vineyard landscape creates a visual boundary that never feels confining—instead, it suggests a private corridor into agricultural France.

Location: The Dordogne and Surrounding Area

Maison Jospin occupies one of southwestern France’s most coherent regions for combining relaxation with exploration. The property sits in Gironde department, positioned strategically between two of the region’s most famous wine destinations. Saint-Émilion, 30 kilometres south, ranks among Europe’s most spectacular wine towns—its UNESCO-listed vineyards cling to hillsides surrounding a medieval settlement famous for Romanesque architecture, underground catacombs, and excellent restaurants. Bergerac, roughly 35 kilometres north, offers a different character: a riverside town with Renaissance architecture, its own wine region (Côtes de Bergerac), and markets specialising in local produce.

The Dordogne River itself provides multiple activity options. Pessac-sur-Dordogne, just 5.5 kilometres away, houses a canoeing and kayaking centre where rental equipment allows day paddles suited to various skill levels. The nearby village of Gensac (7 kilometres) contains essential amenities—supermarket, bakery, pharmacy, and a bar-restaurant—plus a modest Friday morning market focused on fresh produce. Castillon-la-Bataille (18 kilometres), another historic riverside town, hosts a Monday market and stages spectacular re-enactments of its famous 15th-century battle on Friday and Saturday summer evenings.

Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (9.5 kilometres), accessible by car or bicycle, hosts what locals regard as the region’s finest and largest Saturday market, where producers sell everything from foie gras to seasonal vegetables, fresh breads, and regional wines. This town also contains Gare Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, the nearest train station (10 kilometres), with direct services toward Bergerac, Sarlat, and Bordeaux, plus TGV connections to Paris for travellers arriving via rail.

The countryside surrounding Maison Jospin invites slow exploration. Cycling routes pass through walnut groves, apple orchards, and woodland, frequently crossing paths with modest châteaux and farm buildings. Walking trails of varying difficulty crisscross the terrain. Most restaurants in small villages within 10 kilometres emphasise local sourcing—duck, walnuts, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables appear on menus simply because they grow nearby. For wine enthusiasts, local producers operate tasting rooms within walking distance of the property, allowing morning visits before afternoon pool time.

Bordeaux (66 kilometres, roughly 1 hour by car or train from Gare Sainte-Foy-la-Grande) functions as the region’s cultural capital, offering museums, fine dining, and urban sophistication for guests wanting a day excursion. Bergerac Airport sits just 35 kilometres away (approximately 40 minutes’ drive), while Bordeaux Airport (80 kilometres, around 1.5 hours) provides an alternative for international arrivals. For destination inspiration and detailed planning, explore our Dordogne travel guide, or browse our broader luxury villas in France collection.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families seeking multigenerational holidays find Maison Jospin exceptionally well-suited. The combination of 11 bedrooms with varying bed configurations, the quad room with bunks, the baby cot annexe, and the ground-floor bedroom mean that siblings with children of different ages, plus grandparents, can all inhabit the same property without occupying the same space during quiet hours. The main house and farmhouse separation allows some guests independence when group dynamics require breathing room.

Friend groups planning wine-focused vacations benefit from proximity to Bergerac and Saint-Émilion vineyards, plus accessible village restaurants where groups of 10-18 can eat without requiring advance booking at every destination. The 16-seat farmhouse dining room accommodates group dinners, while the kitchen facilities allow collective meal preparation—ideal for groups wanting to cook some dinners together.

Couples celebrating significant milestones (anniversaries, retirements, major birthdays) can book just the main house outside peak season—a 12-person configuration—and enjoy a more intimate setting while retaining the spa suite’s hot tub and resistance pool for romantic evenings. Corporate retreats, team-building exercises, and management away-days attract groups who appreciate that badminton, boules, and football provide structured activities without feeling forced.

Families with very young children find the layout intuitive: ground-floor bedrooms mean no carrying sleeping toddlers up stairs, the baby cot provision eliminates travel logistics, and the fenced grounds with running trail create safe exploration space. The shallow pool end suits younger swimmers, while older siblings navigate the deeper section independently.

Practical Information

Maison Jospin accommodates 18 guests maximum across 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. Maid service is available by arrangement, as is on-site chef or cook service—useful for groups wanting restaurant-quality dinners without leaving the property. The main house alone (12-person capacity) rents at a lower rate during off-peak seasons, allowing smaller groups flexibility.

Included in rental: Wi-Fi throughout both houses, heated pool access (April–October seasonal opening), pool heating costs, hot tub access, and all outdoor game equipment (boules, badminton, football pitch maintenance). Bed linen and towels are provided. Utilities (electricity, water, heating) are included. The wood-burning fireplaces function seasonally, providing atmospheric heat during spring and autumn months.

Bergerac Airport (35 kilometres, 40 minutes) is the most convenient arrival point for direct European flights. Airport transfers can be arranged. The Dordogne region experiences its warmest weather from June through September—pool season—though May and September offer the advantage of fewer tourists and pleasant temperatures ideal for cycling. The harvest season (September–October) in vineyards creates scenic beauty and village celebrations. Winter months (December–February) see lower occupancy rates and reduced activity availability, though Christmas and New Year periods attract festive family groups.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maison Jospin

How many guests does Maison Jospin sleep?

Maison Jospin sleeps 18 guests maximum across 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. The main house accommodates 12 guests (seven bedrooms, three en suite bathrooms, one family bathroom, plus the spa suite), while the adjoining farmhouse contains four bedrooms and six additional bathrooms. Outside peak season, you may rent the main house alone for smaller groups, with pricing adjusted accordingly.

What is the nearest airport to Maison Jospin in the Dordogne?

Bergerac Airport lies 35 kilometres away, approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Maison Jospin. This airport handles flights from across Europe and offers the most direct routing. Bordeaux Airport, 80 kilometres distant (roughly 1.5 hours by car), provides an alternative for intercontinental arrivals and sometimes offers competitive fares on major European routes.

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

June through September offers peak season warmth, with the heated pool functioning at its best and outdoor activities (kayaking the Dordogne, cycling through vineyard countryside, visiting open-air markets) fully operational. May and September provide nearly identical weather with substantially fewer tourists and lower accommodation pressure at regional restaurants. October brings harvest aesthetics to vineyards, though the pool closes by month’s end. December through February experiences fewer visitor crowds, though pool heating becomes impractical and some regional activities operate on reduced schedules. Wine enthusiasts benefit from September and October harvesting celebrations in Saint-Émilion and Bergerac.

Is Maison Jospin suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property includes multiple family-specific features: a ground-floor bedroom (eliminating stair navigation with young sleepers), a quad bedroom with bunk beds, a separate baby cot room, a shallow-end heated pool suitable for toddlers, a trampoline, a 1-kilometre running trail safe for childhood exploration, and badminton and football areas. The 14-acre grounds provide protected play space away from road traffic. Pessac-sur-Dordogne (5.5 kilometres) offers a riverside beach suitable for family swimming during summer months. However, note that the property has no resident lifeguard—adult supervision of children using the pool is essential.

What is included in the rental price at Maison Jospin?

The rental price includes: Wi-Fi throughout both houses, bed linen and towels, all utilities (electricity, water, heating), pool heating (during operational season, April–October), access to hot tub facilities, outdoor game equipment (boules court, football pitch maintenance, badminton nets), and all interior furnishings and appliances. Maid service and chef/cook service are available at additional cost through arrangement. Pets may be accommodated on request, subject to confirmation and potential additional fees.

What restaurants and shops are near Maison Jospin?

Gensac village (7 kilometres) contains a supermarket, bakery, pharmacy, and a bar-restaurant serving local fare. Pessac-sur-Dordogne (5.5 kilometres) has restaurants and canoeing facilities. The nearest significant market takes place in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (9.5 kilometres) every Saturday morning—the region’s largest, featuring local produce, wines, and prepared foods. For fine dining, Bergerac (35 kilometres) and Saint-Émilion (30 kilometres) contain numerous restaurants ranging from casual bistros to Michelin-listed establishments. Most rural restaurants within 10 kilometres prioritise local sourcing and seasonal menus.