Sur La Colline | 6-Bedroom Villa in Carsac Aillac Proissans

The Dordogne River reveals itself gradually as you approach this six-bedroom luxury villa rental in Carsac Aillac, perched on elevated grounds that command the valley below. Sur La Colline occupies seven private acres of woodland in France’s most dramatic region, where limestone cliffs frame the water and medieval towns punctuate the landscape. Ten guests arrive expecting a traditional holiday cottage. They discover instead a restored 18th-century chartreuse—a substantial stone farmhouse with the proportions and comfort of a small manor—sitting quietly above the river that shaped this corner of the Périgord Noir.

Inside Sur La Colline

Sur La Colline sleeps 10 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, distributed across a ground floor and two upper wings connected by a central landing.

The ground floor centers on a working kitchen that commands serious attention: dual refrigerators, a gas-powered stove, electric oven, dishwasher, coffee machine, and liquidiser occupy one wall, while a dining table seating ten occupies the adjacent space. Glass doors open directly onto the terrace. The study-library sits nearby, a retreat lined with books and accessible to the outdoor space. The living room features a wood-burning stove, substantial seating for gathering, and French doors that dissolve the boundary between interior and landscape. A master suite occupies its own corner, its double bed facing south-west, with an ensuite featuring a traditional roll-top bath and its own bathroom. A shower room and separate toilet complete ground-floor facilities. The laundry room handles the practical demands of large groups.

The basement reveals a television lounge equipped with UK satellite channels, alongside storage for pool furniture and a table-tennis table. The garage occupies this level, offering additional recreation and shelter.

Upstairs, the landing accesses both wings. A small double bedroom and ensuite serves as overflow accommodation. The nursery contains a cot and wash basin for infants. The West Wing holds two additional doubles, each with ensuite bathrooms and toilets. The East Wing provides a third double with a wash basin, and a triple bedroom containing a 160x200cm king bed, a 140x190cm queen, and a single bed—the largest room, ideal for families. A shared bathroom with shower serves the East Wing.

All bedrooms receive generous natural light. All bathrooms function with reliability appropriate to a well-maintained holiday property. No room surprises guests with inadequate facilities or cramped quarters.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The heated swimming pool measures 10 metres by 5 metres, its electric cover protecting the water outside bathing season while the heating system extends the swimming season into autumn and spring. The surrounding decking is fenced—critical safety architecture for families—with sun loungers positioned to capture southern exposure and a pergola providing shade for those who retreat from direct sun. This is the visual anchor of the property: the terrace facing north across the pool toward the Dordogne valley beyond.

The primary terrace extends from the southern façade, shaded by mature oak trees, furnished with an al-fresco dining table and chairs. This is the gathering place: morning coffee here tastes different than coffee elsewhere, because the view across private woodland to the river in the distance creates a sense of legitimate seclusion mixed with grandeur.

Seven acres of private woodland surround the property. Paths allow movement through the grounds. The parking area accommodates multiple vehicles away from the main house. At no point do guests glimpse a neighbour’s structure or hear a neighbour’s voice.

The heating system relies on oil-fired boilers. Wi-Fi covers the property, essential for modern family holidays. Satellite television receives UK channels. Fans provide air circulation. Hairdryers and irons occupy each bathroom. Board games, children’s books, and toys occupy the living spaces. A buggy (child carrier) aids parents with young children navigating the property’s scale.

Location: Carsac Aillac and the Surrounding Area

Carsac Aillac sits in the heart of the Périgord Noir, where the Dordogne River curves through limestone plateaus and hidden villages cluster around church spires. The nearest village with everyday amenities—supermarket, butcher, pizzeria—lies 3km away, approximately a four-minute drive. A small hamlet hosting two restaurants, a bar, and a bakery stands a 20-minute walk downhill (or 5-minute drive). The river’s swimming spots and canoe launch points are accessible via a 15-minute downhill walk.

Sarlat, the region’s cultural capital, occupies 8km to the east. Its medieval core—narrow stone streets, Renaissance buildings, a cathedral—fills a compact area that rewards early morning exploration before day-trippers arrive. The weekly farmers market operates year-round. The town is best visited June through August; September and October attract fewer visitors while maintaining warm weather.

Within 15km radius: Domme (8km) offers clifftop views across the Dordogne loop from its bastide foundation; La Roque-Gageac (10km) strings itself along the river’s edge beneath towering rock faces; Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (16km) preserves a substantial castle with museum exhibits spanning medieval warfare to wine production; Beynac-et-Cazenac (15km) anchors the southern riverbank with fortifications dating to the 12th century.

Natural attractions concentrate within 40km: Montignac (34km north) hosts the Lascaux cave complex with its famous prehistoric painted halls. Marqueyssac gardens (14km south-west) cascade down a hillside with geometric hedges and water features. The Cingle de Montfort—a dramatic meander of the Dordogne surrounded by viewpoints—sits approximately 12km north-west. Cycling routes traverse the plateau above the river. Hiking trails accommodate all fitness levels. Horse-riding operators work from several villages. Golf courses operate within 30km (18-hole courses at Sarlat and Souillac). Hot-air balloons launch from designated sites for dawn or dusk flights across the landscape.

Children’s attractions include La Forêt des Écureuils adventure park (5km) with ziplines and paintball; the Dinosaur Park at Monflanquin (40km south) with life-sized models; the Aquarium du Périgord Noir (38km) displaying river and aquatic life.

Go-kart racing operates south of Périgueux (60km, approximately 50 minutes).

For inspiration on exploring this exceptional region, consult our Dordogne travel guide, which details seasonal highlights, local produce, and wine routes. You may also explore our luxury villas across Europe and our broader collection of French properties.

Bordeaux-Mérignac airport (140km north-west, approximately 2 hours by car) handles international flights. Bergerac Dordogne Périgord airport (50km south, approximately 50 minutes) accommodates regional and some European services. Toulouse-Blagnac airport (180km south-east, approximately 2.5 hours) provides an alternative entry point.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Large family groups spanning three generations find Sur La Colline structurally ideal. The ground floor master suite allows grandparents to retreat early. The twin wings upstairs separate children from adult spaces. The nursery accommodates infants. The pool and spacious grounds contain young children safely. The kitchen’s capacity supports home cooking for ten; families arriving with a private chef or engaging the available chef service cook at professional scale.

Friends gathering for a week find sufficient bedrooms and bathrooms to eliminate schedule conflicts around ablution. The television room and study provide breakout spaces for different interests. The outdoor terrace supports both intimate dinners and group gatherings.

Couples seeking total privacy should consider smaller properties; this villa’s scale encourages group dynamics rather than seclusion. However, couples travelling with adult children or extended family discover the property’s accommodation and facilities serve multi-generational coordination effectively.

Guests requiring accessible bathrooms will note the presence of showers alongside the roll-top bath on the ground floor, though the property’s size and stair access between levels may challenge mobility-limited guests. Confirming specific accessibility requirements before booking is essential.

Families with school-age children discover the Dordogne’s outdoor activities—river canoeing, cycling, hiking, adventure parks—occupy the daytime hours. The heated pool extends the swimming season. Markets in Sarlat and the weekly village market offer exploration opportunities. Educational content around cave archaeology and medieval history enriches young guests’ perspective on the landscape.

Practical Information

Capacity: 10 guests distributed across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Nearest supermarket: 3km away. Nearest airport with international service: Bordeaux-Mérignac (140km north-west, 2 hours by car). Regional airport: Bergerac Dordogne Périgord (50km south, 50 minutes by car).

Included in rental: Accommodation in all 6 bedrooms, use of the heated swimming pool with electric cover, satellite television with UK channels, Wi-Fi internet, pool heating, linen, towels, kitchen equipment including dishwasher and coffee machine, board games, and children’s books. The property is supplied and cleaned before arrival. Utilities—heating, hot water, pool heating, electricity—are included in the rental price.

Optional services available: Maid service (daily cleaning, laundry management) and private chef service (meal preparation using local ingredients, accommodating dietary requirements). These services are arranged in advance and priced separately.

Check-in typically occurs from 16:00 on the arrival date. Check-out occurs by 10:00 on the departure date. Early check-in or late departure can be arranged subject to the property’s booking schedule and availability, usually at no additional cost if arranged in advance.

The property operates year-round. The pool heating system allows comfortable swimming April through October. Winter months bring lower temperatures but milder precipitation patterns than northern France; fireplaces and oil heating maintain comfortable interiors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sur La Colline

How many guests does Sur La Colline sleep?

Sur La Colline accommodates 10 guests across 6 bedrooms. The ground floor holds the master double suite. The landing level contains one small double bedroom. The West Wing provides two double bedrooms. The East Wing contains one double bedroom and one triple bedroom (with a king bed, queen bed, and single bed). All bedrooms except the East Wing triple have ensuite bathrooms. This configuration comfortably houses multi-generational groups or friends travelling together, with adequate bathroom facilities to eliminate morning scheduling conflicts.

What is the nearest airport to Sur La Colline in Carsac Aillac?

Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, France’s third-largest international hub, lies 140km north-west of Sur La Colline, approximately 2 hours by rental car or private transfer. Bergerac Dordogne Périgord airport—a smaller regional facility serving European destinations—sits 50km south, approximately 50 minutes away. Toulouse-Blagnac airport (180km south-east, 2.5 hours) offers a third option. Ground transfers can be arranged; journey times depend on traffic on the A89 motorway and secondary road systems.

What is the best time of year to rent Sur La Colline?

June through September offers warm, dry weather ideal for pool swimming and outdoor exploration. May and early June feature wildflower displays and lighter crowds at regional attractions. July and August, while excellent for weather and school holidays, bring peak visitor numbers to Sarlat and major sites; early morning visits secure better access. September and October maintain warm days (18-22°C), reduced crowds, and harvest activities in vineyards. April and May are ideal for families avoiding summer crowds; the pool heating allows swimming on warm afternoons. November through March bring cooler temperatures (4-10°C) but the property remains habitable with oil heating; this period suits groups prioritizing cost savings over warm-weather activities. Fewer tourists visit during winter months, so attractions and restaurants operate more selectively.

Is Sur La Colline suitable for families with children?

Yes. The heated swimming pool is fenced with secure decking and an electric safety cover when not in use—essential protection for young swimmers. The private seven-acre grounds allow children to play safely away from traffic and neighbours. The property includes a nursery with cot for infants, children’s books and toys distributed throughout, and a buggy for transporting toddlers. Nearby family attractions include La Forêt des Écureuils adventure park (5km), the Dinosaur Park at Monflanquin (40km), and the Aquarium du Périgord Noir (38km). River canoeing is available for children aged 5+. The village swimming areas along the Dordogne (15 minutes’ walk) provide additional water recreation. The spacious kitchen supports family meal preparation. An available maid service and private chef service can reduce parental workload, freeing time for exploration.

What is included in the rental price at Sur La Colline?

The rental price includes accommodation in all 6 bedrooms, use of the heated 10x5m swimming pool with electric cover, satellite television (UK channels), Wi-Fi internet throughout the property, pool heating system operation, oil-based heating for the property, all linen and towels, kitchen equipment (including dishwasher, gas hob, electric oven, coffee machine, and liquidiser), board games, children’s books and toys, table-tennis facilities in the garage, and cleaning prior to your arrival. All utilities—electricity, gas, water, and heating—are included. No additional charges apply for pool heating or Wi-Fi. Optional services (maid service, private chef) are priced separately and arranged in advance.

What restaurants and shops are near Sur La Colline?

A small hamlet 20 minutes’ walk downhill (or 5 minutes by car) contains two restaurants and a bar serving casual dining and regional cuisine, plus a bakery for breakfast provisions. The village 3km away (4-minute drive) includes a supermarket, butcher shop, and pizzeria. Sarlat, 8km east, hosts numerous restaurants ranging from casual bistros to gastronomic establishments; the town’s Thursday and Saturday farmers markets offer regional produce, cheeses, and prepared foods. La Roque-Gageac (10km) contains riverside restaurants with terrace seating overlooking the Dordogne. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (16km) has a small restaurant serving local specialities. The region is renowned for foie gras, duck confit, walnuts, and wines; many restaurants source ingredients from nearby producers. Private chef service available at Sur La Colline can also access local markets and suppliers for prepared meals delivered to the villa.