Maison Moulene | 10-Bedroom Villa in Sainte Foy La Grande Caplong

Twenty guests, ten bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a 19th-century manor house that has hosted mayors, wedding parties, and multi-generational families seeking the heart of Dordogne’s wine country. Maison Moulene sits on the edge of Sainte Foy La Grande’s historic quarter, metres from the Dordogne riverbank and within strolling distance of Saturday morning markets that rank among France’s finest. This is not a villa that whispers its credentials—it announces them through marble hallways, original waxed oak flooring, and architectural details that span two centuries.

Inside Maison Moulene

Maison Moulene sleeps 20 guests across 10 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, distributed across the main house, a ground floor studio annexe, two garden apartments, and a separate two-bedroom gîte—giving families and large groups genuine flexibility in how they organise themselves.

The main house contains five substantial bedrooms. One features a king-size bed paired with a marble fireplace and a roll-top bath within its ensuite; another pairs a king-size bed with a marble hearth, seating nook, Juliette balcony, and walk-in shower. A third bedroom mirrors this layout with king-size bed, marble fireplace, seating area, balcony access, and a compact sink unit. The fourth main-house bedroom—smaller, more intimate—holds a queen-size bed and opens to a balcony; it can interlock with the two preceding bedrooms or lock independently for privacy. The fifth bedroom commands river and garden views with a king-size bed, feature marble fireplace, and walk-in shower ensuite.

The ground floor studio bedroom operates as a semi-autonomous space with its own kitchenette (countertop oven, hob, fridge), a king-size bed, TV, seating area, and a separate bathroom with walk-in shower and WC—ideal for guests wanting minor independence without full separation.

The first garden apartment (ground floor) contains a king-size bedroom with ensuite shower, a lounge with log-burning stove and garden views, kitchen corner, and a covered terrace. Upstairs in the second garden apartment, a low-ceiling bedroom with king-size bed connects to a lounge with TV and kitchen facilities, opening onto a balcony terrace.

The garden gîte functions as a self-contained two-storey home. Ground floor: an open-plan lounge with TV, a well-equipped kitchen (full fridge, oven, hob), a bedroom with king-size bed and full bathroom with soaking tub, and a terrace for outdoor dining. First floor: a low-ceiling bedroom with king-size bed and ensuite shower room.

Throughout Maison Moulene, the restoration has married modern comfort—quality bed linen, heating, five smart televisions, DVD player with an established collection, board games—with period authenticity. Original features remain visible: stone staircases, marble fireplaces, heritage tile work, period furnishings, and an art collection scattered through the main house.

The kitchen serves as the property’s operational heart: fully equipped with commercial-grade appliances, it adjoins a summer kitchen with wine fridge, perfect for pre-dinner prep or local wine storage. A dining room accommodates ten guests at a single table. Three separate lounge spaces provide variety—intimate conversational settings, television viewing, or quiet reading areas.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The walled garden spans approximately 0.5 acres and functions as an extension of the living space rather than mere landscaping. A 6×4-metre swimming pool with adjustable depth (to 1.4m) opens approximately mid-April through mid-October; it includes safety gating and an alarm system. The poolside terrace offers unshaded lounging and views into the garden’s mature plantings.

Plum, apricot, and cherry trees dot the grounds, their branches heavy with fruit during summer months. Raised vegetable beds allow guests to harvest lettuces, courgettes, and beans—a tactile connection to the region’s agricultural character. The resident chickens provide daily eggs and mild entertainment; their coop adds village authenticity without intrusion.

Two seating areas anchor evening socialising: a firepit surrounded by chairs and benches, and a gas barbecue on the principal outdoor terrace. The courtyard, closest to the main house, overflows with culinary herbs (help yourself to rosemary, thyme, lavender for cooking) and climbing roses, jasmine, and trailing plants that perfume the air through June, July, and August. This is the sensory Dordogne at close range—not manicured, but lived-in and productive.

Location: Sainte Foy La Grande and the Surrounding Area

Sainte Foy La Grande itself warrants two hours of exploration. The medieval quarter features half-timbered houses dating to the 15th and 16th centuries, narrow lanes designed for foot traffic and conversation, and a Saturday morning market (year-round, weather permitting) that attracts vendors from across the Gironde and Dordogne departments. The market sprawls near the town hall within a ten-minute walk; expect 200+ vendor stalls selling regional cheeses, charcuterie, fresh vegetables, stone fruits, preserves, local wines, and artisan goods. Thursday nights in summer bring weekly night markets with food trucks and live music, atmosphere without the crowds.

The Dordogne riverbank lies 400 metres away. Cross the bridge to the town’s beach—sandy stretches that rival small Mediterranean coves—and hire canoes or kayaks for downstream paddling. The train station sits 700 metres from Maison Moulene with direct services to Bordeaux (55 minutes), Bergerac (30 minutes), and Libourne (25 minutes), opening day-trip possibilities without the hassle of driving.

By car, a 20-minute radius unlocks exceptional villages: Issigeac (13km) preserves medieval architecture without tourist excess; Duras (25km) commands a fortress overlooking rolling vineyards; Monpazier (30km) represents a textbook bastide town with arcaded squares and intact 13th-century planning. The sweet white wines of Château de Monbazillac (20km) invite tasting rooms and vineyard walks. More ambitiously, the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Saint-Émilion (33km) offer cave systems, wine tastings, and cobblestone alleyways that climb 200 metres above the Dordogne valley. Château des Vigiers (18km) provides an 18-hole championship golf course surrounded by woodland.

Sarlat-la-Canéda (95km) represents the region’s gastronomic capital with Michelin-listed restaurants, markets specialising in foie gras and truffles, and architectural preservation that rivals any French medieval town. Limeuil (45km) sits at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, offering riverside restaurants and cave systems. Supermarkets (Carrefour, Leclerc) operate 2km away in the town centre. Explore our luxury villas in Sainte Foy La Grande and our full collection in France. For destination inspiration, read our Dordogne travel guide.

Best visiting window: May through September. April and October work for those tolerating variable weather. July and August bring peak heat (28–30°C) but also peak crowds at markets and tourist sites. June offers fuller daylight, reliable warmth, and gentler crowds. Wine harvest season (September–October) adds regional festivity and winery activity.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families spanning three generations find Maison Moulene’s modular layout invaluable: grandparents claim the main-house bedrooms, adult couples use the garden apartments, teenagers inhabit the gîte independently. The pool and courtyard provide natural gathering points without enforced togetherness.

Wedding parties (up to 20 guests) appreciate the mix of private sleeping quarters and shared social spaces; the property’s history as a mayor’s residence and documented wedding-gift recipient carries symbolic weight.

Groups of friends with varying mobility preferences benefit from ground-floor studio access (no stair climbing required for some guests) alongside traditional upstairs bedrooms for others. Book clubs, book tours, and culinary-focused groups leverage the kitchen’s professional setup and the owner’s availability as an accomplished cook.

Couples seeking an unusual anniversary or milestone celebration find intimacy within abundance: two can occupy the riverfront-balcony apartment while 18 others spread across the property, or they can hire the entire villa for genuine privacy.

Practical Information

Maison Moulene accommodates 20 guests across 10 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. The nearest commercial airport is Bordeaux-Mérignac (90km, approximately 75 minutes by car via the A89 motorway), followed by Bergerac-Dordogne Périgord Airport (50km, 50 minutes). Libourne train station (15km) connects to Bordeaux’s airport by rail in under an hour, offering an alternative to car rental.

Included in the rental: Wi-Fi throughout the property, heating, electricity, linens, towels, pool access (seasonal), and initial stocking of the main-house fridge. The owner offers optional breakfast service (continental or full cooked) and on-site cooking arrangements if your group wishes to delegate meal preparation. Board games, DVD collection, and smart TV access provide rainy-day entertainment. Pet arrangements are negotiable—discuss at booking.

Standard check-in is 3pm; check-out is 11am. Early arrival and late departure are possible subject to availability and owner confirmation. A cleaner visits mid-week for weekly rentals; end-of-stay deep cleaning is included.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maison Moulene

How many guests does Maison Moulene sleep?

Maison Moulene sleeps 20 guests across 10 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Five bedrooms occupy the main house (including one ground-floor studio), two garden apartments contain one bedroom each, and a separate garden gîte provides two bedrooms. All beds are king-size or queen-size; sofa beds are not available, so actual capacity is 20 without exception.

What is the nearest airport to Maison Moulene in Sainte Foy La Grande?

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (90km away, 75 minutes by car) is the nearest international hub with direct flights from major European cities. Bergerac-Dordogne Périgord Airport (50km, 50 minutes) offers a closer alternative with regional European service. Libourne train station (15km, 20 minutes) connects Bordeaux airport by rail for guests avoiding car hire.

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

May through September delivers reliable weather, open markets, and full vineyard access. June offers the optimal balance: daytime temperatures around 23–25°C, long daylight (sunset after 9pm), and fewer crowds than July–August peak season. April and October are viable for flexible groups tolerating occasional rain (average 4–5 rainy days per month). November through March bring shorter days and closed tourist attractions, though winter rentals suit quiet, intimate retreats.

Is Maison Moulene suitable for families with children?

Yes, with provisos. The swimming pool includes safety gating and an alarm system appropriate for young swimmers; it operates April through mid-October. Sainte Foy La Grande’s riverbank beach (400m away) offers shallow, supervised bathing areas suitable for children aged 5+. The town market is engaging for all ages. Raised vegetable beds and chickens provide rural learning. However, the property is not childproofed (marble staircases, full-size fireplaces, ornate furnishings); supervising children under 5 requires vigilance. No high chairs, cots, or children’s entertainment systems are standard—discuss specific needs at booking.

What is included in the rental price at Maison Moulene?

Included: Wi-Fi internet, heating and electricity, bed linen and towels (fresh weekly), pool access and maintenance during the open season (April–mid-October), television and DVD access, board games, initial fridge stocking, and end-of-stay cleaning. Optional and negotiable: breakfast service (continental or cooked, charged daily), owner-led cooking (charged at professional rates), and pet accommodation (subject to approval). Garden produce (herbs, vegetables, eggs) is guests’ to harvest.

What restaurants and shops are near Maison Moulene?

Sainte Foy La Grande’s town centre—a 10-minute walk—offers a Carrefour supermarket, Leclerc hypermarket, and multiple bakeries selling croissants and bread fresh daily. Local restaurants include Le Temps de Vivre (traditional French cuisine, 500m away) and several café-brasseries around the market square. Duras (25km) and Issigeac (13km) each have restaurants specialising in regional dishes. Sarlat-la-Canéda (95km) hosts France’s highest concentration of Michelin restaurants for celebratory dining. The owner can recommend local caterers for group meals prepared on-site if preferred.