Maison Regence | 4-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Riberac Allemans

Eight guests arrive in Ribérac, a market town where Friday mornings transform the central square into one of Périgord’s most celebrated food markets, and step directly into a 4-bedroom villa rental Ribérac Dordogne that bridges four centuries of French provincial living. Maison Regence occupies the prime position facing this vibrant square—your front door opens onto centuries of local life, yet your back garden descends into complete privacy behind walled stone, where a heated swimming pool glimmers between sun terraces and the countryside breathes just beyond.

This is not a modern conversion pretending at heritage. Two-thirds of Maison Regence genuinely dates to the mid-17th century, with later 18th-century extensions that feel inevitable rather than tacked on. Walk across oak floorboards worn smooth by generations, ascend a sycamore staircase that still creaks in the same spots it did three hundred years ago, and discover living spaces where character isn’t curated—it’s lived in the grain of the wood and the slope of the ceilings.

Inside Maison Regence

Maison Regence sleeps 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, distributed across three floors with room to breathe and space to separate when family dynamics require it. The ground floor holds the heartbeat of shared living: a capacious lounge with views toward the square, a formal dining room seating twelve, a separate television room for quieter evenings, and a breakfast room where morning light finds you before the day properly begins. The kitchen sits ready—not showpiece-small but genuinely proportioned for cooking real meals. Utilities include laundry facilities, because a week-long gathering of eight people produces the kind of washing that matters.

First-floor bedrooms establish the property’s commitment to genuine comfort. Bedroom 1 features a super king-size bed, air-conditioning (critical during Dordogne’s hot July and August), and an en-suite shower room with contemporary fixtures that respect the period character surrounding them. Bedroom 2 offers a king-size bed paired with a full bathroom featuring both bath and shower options, plus characteristic low wooden beams that frame the space without closing it in. Both rooms feel substantial, the kind of bedrooms where guests actually unpack rather than live from suitcases.

The second floor houses Bedrooms 3 and 4. Bedroom 3 provides a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, and those same charming exposed beams that appear throughout the property’s older sections. Bedroom 4 combines a king-size bed with a child’s bed (ideal for families extending across three generations), air-conditioning, and a full en-suite bathroom. This flexibility—the ability to accommodate couples, families with young children, and multigenerational groups within the same walls—distinguishes Maison Regence from purpose-built apartment conversions.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Steps lead downward from the main house into a walled garden where privacy feels absolute despite your position in the town center. The swimming pool measures 8 meters by 4 meters with a depth of 1.6 meters—substantial enough for proper swimming, shallow enough for children and weaker swimmers to feel secure. An electric cover protects and insulates the water, while heating systems keep the pool at comfortable bathing temperature from May through late September. This extends your usable season significantly; Dordogne’s spring and early autumn offer perfect swimming weather without the oppressive heat of peak summer.

Two sun loungers and a parasol occupy the poolside terrace, positioned to catch either morning or afternoon light depending on preference. An al-fresco dining terrace (open May through September) includes a functioning barbecue, transforming evening meals into occasions. The walled garden itself invites exploration—mature plantings create natural screening, and the enclosed space holds warmth in spring and autumn, making outdoor breakfasts feasible earlier and later in the season than you might expect in central France.

Parking accommodates two cars via a rear entrance accessed through a remote-controlled electric gate, eliminating the need to navigate narrow town streets or rely on street parking that may or may not exist on market days.

Location: Ribérac and the Surrounding Area

Ribérac functions as the genuine heart of this experience. The town sits 38 kilometers south of Périgueux, the Dordogne region’s capital, approximately 45 minutes by car if you choose to explore the region’s museums, historic architecture, and administrative center. Directly below your villa’s front door, the Friday market brings producers from across the Périgord—cheese makers from the limestone plateaus, fruit farmers from the river valleys, honey producers from the forest edges. This isn’t a tourist market but a working market where locals shop for the week ahead, meaning selection changes with seasons and availability.

A boulangerie sits 70 meters from your front door, meaning fresh bread and pastries—croissants still warm from the oven, pain au chocolat that justify breakfast—arrive within a two-minute stroll. Cafés cluster around the square’s edges, their tables arranged beneath protective plane trees, serving coffee that Dordogne standards means excellent. Groceries require either these local shops (within 100 meters) or a drive under 2 kilometers to larger supermarkets on the town’s edge, accessible via the D674.

The Collégiale Ribérac, a Gothic collegiate church, anchors the historic quarter with its pointed arches and Renaissance details. Wander the adjacent streets—the Quartier des Arts contains galleries, antique shops, and architecture dating back centuries. The mairie (town hall) stands opposite the market square, an impressive building that reflects Ribérac’s past importance as an administrative center.

Beyond the town center, Brantôme lies 38 kilometers north—perhaps the Dordogne’s most photographed town, with its 11th-century abbey reflected in the Dronne River and boat rental services offering gentle paddles past riverside cliffs where monks once sought isolation. Saint-Jean-de-Côle, 57 kilometers northwest, holds official status as one of France’s “Plus Beaux Villages” (Most Beautiful Villages), with stone bridges, a medieval castle, and a layout that somehow resists modern incursion. La Forêt de la Double, an ancient forest, begins approximately 20 kilometers east and provides hiking trails ranging from gentle forest walks to more challenging routes through deep woodland where wild boar and deer still roam.

The Forêt de la Double connects to Le Grand Étang de La Jemaye (15 kilometers east), a substantial lake with supervised swimming areas, picnic grounds, and seasonal kayaking. Périgueux itself—38 kilometers south—rewards a day visit for its Roman amphitheater remains, Byzantine cathedral, and museum-quality shopping and dining. Heading south toward wine country, Bergerac sits 52 kilometers away along the Dordogne River, famous for wine production and as a market town in its own right. Saint-Émilion, 67 kilometers south, combines a picture-perfect hilltop medieval town with the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage vineyard landscape—Pomerol and Merlot territories where bottle prices climb steeply and cellar door visits require advance notice.

Bordeaux itself (112 kilometers, approximately 90 minutes by car) anchors France’s wine industry. The region around Bordeaux produces the world’s most expensive and prestigious wines, though exploring this territory requires planning and designated driving. North instead leads to Angoulême (56 kilometers), a riverside city famous for its annual comic festival and the prestigious Musée de la Bande Dessinée, dedicated to European comic art.

Seasonally, May through September offers warm, reliable weather ideal for pool swimming and outdoor dining. July and August bring crowds to popular sites but peak heat for the pool. April and October provide pleasant temperatures (typically 15-20°C) perfect for exploring villages and forests without summer crowds. The Friday market runs year-round, though spring and summer feature greater variety and abundance.

For destination inspiration and practical planning, explore our Dordogne travel guide, which covers the entire region’s attractions, wine routes, and seasonal highlights. Browse our luxury villas in France for additional properties across the country, or review our full collection of luxury properties for comparison.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Maison Regence appeals most strongly to multi-generational family groups—grandparents, adult children, grandchildren sharing a week where everyone has private bedroom space yet gathering happens in genuinely proportioned common rooms rather than cramped conversions. The formal dining room seating twelve suggests birthday celebrations or milestone anniversaries; the separate television room permits younger children’s bedtimes independent of adult evening hours.

Friend groups of six to eight—particularly those who’ve vacationed together before and understand group dynamics—thrive in this configuration. The combination of on-site entertainment (board games, Wi-Fi for streaming, Smart TV), outdoor living (pool, barbecue terrace), and town-center location means some prefer staying in and others exploring without requiring complex car-sharing arrangements.

Couples seeking multi-bedroom space for visiting family, or those simply desiring bedroom-and-bathroom independence rather than sharing, find Maison Regence practical and character-filled in ways boutique hotels cannot replicate. The air-conditioned bedrooms appeal to heat-sensitive travelers, while the pool-heating system extends comfortable swimming seasons for temperature-conscious swimmers.

This property suits guests who value authenticity—worn oak floors, period architecture, and visible age—over pristine modernity. Families comfortable with low doorways in period rooms, irregular floor levels between sections, and the occasional creak and character that comes with centuries-old stone rather than character-free new construction will appreciate Maison Regence. Conversely, those requiring wheelchair accessibility or universal design features should explore alternatives, as this property’s charm derives partly from features that modern accessibility standards would eliminate.

Practical Information

Maison Regence accommodates 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The nearest major airport is Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD), approximately 112 kilometers south, typically requiring 90 minutes to 2 hours of driving depending on traffic and routing. Alternatively, Limoges Airport (LIH) lies approximately 120 kilometers east, offering similar drive times. Regional trains connect Périgueux to Paris and regional centers, with Ribérac served by local bus services.

Utilities and services included: Wi-Fi throughout, heating available on request (essential November through March), air-conditioning in Bedrooms 1 and 4, pool heating during operating season, washing machine and dryer, board games, and Smart TV access. Linen, towels, and pool safety features (the heated pool includes an electric safety cover) are standard. Check-in and check-out arrangements should be confirmed directly, as flexibility often accommodates travel schedules when properties aren’t fully booked.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maison Regence

How many guests does Maison Regence sleep?

Maison Regence accommodates 8 guests maximum across 4 bedrooms. The bedroom configuration includes two king-size beds (Bedrooms 2 and 3), one super king-size bed (Bedroom 1), one king-size bed plus a child’s bed (Bedroom 4), and all four bedrooms include private en-suite bathrooms. This sleeping arrangement suits families with children or friend groups preferring private bedroom space over dormitory-style accommodation.

What is the nearest airport to Maison Regence in Ribérac?

Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport (BOD) serves Maison Regence best, situated 112 kilometers south, requiring approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours of driving via the A89 motorway depending on traffic conditions and parking time. Alternatively, Limoges Airport (LIH) lies roughly equidistant (approximately 120 kilometers east) for those preferring smaller regional facilities. Both airports offer car rental services; advance booking often secures competitive rates. Périgueux, 38 kilometers south, offers rail connections to Paris and larger European centers if air travel to regional hubs is preferred.

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

May through September offers the most reliable weather for pool swimming and outdoor dining, with daytime temperatures typically ranging 20-28°C. July and August bring peak heat (often 25-30°C) and peak tourism crowds at major sites like Saint-Émilion and Brantôme. April and October provide pleasant spring/autumn temperatures (15-20°C ideal for exploring without summer intensity), fewer crowds, and lower accommodation pricing. The Friday market in Ribérac runs year-round but features greater variety and abundance during spring and summer. November through March requires heating, with temperatures dropping toward freezing and frequent rain; these months suit those preferring quiet villages and lower rates. The heated pool extends the swimming season from May through late September, meaningfully broadening comfortable vacation windows compared to properties with unheated pools.

Is Maison Regence suitable for families with children?

Yes, with considerations. The property includes a heated swimming pool with an electric safety cover, shallow enough (1.6 meters maximum depth) for younger children with appropriate supervision. Bedroom 4 combines a king-size bed with a child’s bed, accommodating parents with young children in one room. The walled garden provides secure outdoor space, and the town-center location eliminates car-dependent activities—the market, boulangerie, and cafés sit within walking distance. However, the building’s age means low doorways in period sections, some irregular floor levels between the 17th and 18th-century sections, and stairs requiring careful navigation with toddlers. The property suits families with mobile older children (ages 5+) better than those with very young children or mobility challenges. Multiple bedrooms mean older children can have privacy while parents maintain reasonable proximity; the separate television room and board games support mixed-age entertainment without constant device dependence.

What is included in the rental price at Maison Regence?

Standard inclusions cover Wi-Fi internet throughout the property, heating available on request (important during cooler months), air-conditioning in Bedrooms 1 and 4, pool heating during the May-to-September operational season, pool safety features (electric cover), access to the heated swimming pool, board games, Smart TV, washing machine and dryer for guests’ laundry needs, and parking for two vehicles via the remote-controlled electric gate. Linen and towels are provided; confirm specific arrangements regarding pool towels when booking. Cleaning between guests is standard; some bookings include mid-week cleaning services—confirm at reservation. Utilities (water, electricity, heating fuel) are included. Clarify check-in/check-out times and any flexibility options directly with the booking agent, as these sometimes negotiate for multi-week bookings or adjacent reservations.

What restaurants and shops are near Maison Regence?

The boulangerie sits 70 meters from the front door, providing fresh bread, pastries, and basic bakery goods daily. Local grocers operate within 100 meters—typical small-town shops offering produce, dairy, and staple items. Supermarkets including Casino or Intermarché (full-service grocery stores) operate under 2 kilometers on the town’s edge, accessible via the D674 road. Restaurants concentrate around Ribérac’s central square and historic quarter—a café-bistro directly across the square from Maison Regence offers casual dining beneath shaded plane trees; several restaurants within 200 meters serve traditional Périgord cuisine (duck confit, foie gras, walnut-based dishes are regional specialties). Friday’s market provides prepared foods, cheese, charcuterie, and produce at lower cost than restaurant dining. For more ambitious dining, Brantôme (38 kilometers north) and Périgueux (38 kilometers south) offer substantially more restaurant choice, including Michelin-listed establishments, though these require driving. Most guests find Ribérac’s restaurants sufficient for casual dining while cooking some meals—particularly breakfast and lunch—utilizing the property’s full kitchen and on-site dining terraces.