Maison Des Pivoines | 6-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Cherval

Ten guests, six bedrooms, two hectares of flowering gardens, and a salt-water pool that opens onto rolling Périgord farmland—this is what a luxury villa rental in Dordogne looks like when thoughtfully restored and genuinely lived-in. Maison Des Pivoines sits between the medieval towns of Périgueux and Angoulême in rural northern Dordogne, far enough from main roads to hear nightingales but close enough to walk to a village café in twenty minutes.

Inside Maison Des Pivoines

Maison Des Pivoines sleeps 10 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, distributed across a main residence and a separate upper annexe. The property’s architecture tells its history: the core building dates to the late 1700s, with period features—thick wooden beams, exposed stone, a working fireplace—preserved throughout. Contemporary renovations have added modern amenities and open-plan living without erasing character.

The main floor operates on a split-level design centred around an expansive open-plan living and dining room. Large windows frame the terrace beyond, and a well-equipped kitchen—equipped with two fridge-freezers, a pair of electric ovens, gas hobs, coffee machine, and full breakfast bar—sits adjacent. Three twin bedrooms connect directly from the living space via steps, each convertible to doubles on request. Three separate bathrooms serve this floor: one family bathroom with both bath and shower, two additional family bathrooms with walk-in showers, and a guest WC.

A mezzanine level accessed via semi-open stairs from the kitchen holds a fourth bedroom—a double with full en-suite featuring both bath and shower. A second mezzanine (reached via steps from the living room or external access) provides a reading zone with futon seating, creating flexible space for quiet afternoons or overflow sleeping.

The upper annexe, a self-contained wing accessed via the second mezzanine or independent external stairs, houses two statement bedrooms. Both feature king-size beds (convertible to twins), along with a small kitchenette equipped with fridge and kettle. One bedroom opens to a walk-in shower; the other to an open-plan bathing area. This annex functions as an ideal retreat for older children, grandparents, or couples seeking semi-privacy within the larger group.

A basement laundry room ensures practical necessities don’t intrude on vacation time. Throughout, heating maintains comfort during shoulder seasons, while satellite TV, a multi-speaker Hi-Fi system, and a projector provide entertainment options during quieter evenings.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Two hectares of landscaped gardens surround the villa, designed to blend English and Japanese aesthetic principles. Walking the grounds at different times reveals layered planting: magnolias, peonies, and roses provide seasonal colour, while a functioning fountain creates focal points and the ambient sound of moving water. The gardens slope naturally toward a salt-water solar-heated pool (11 metres by 4 metres, depth 1.44 metres) lined in black and fitted with both a solar cover and safety cover. The pool typically operates from May through October, and sun loungers and parasols line the surrounding terrace.

A substantial outdoor kitchen courtyard anchors the entertaining space: a working pizza oven, firepit, and gas barbecue sit beneath cover, with an adjacent al-fresco dining area. Evening meals here, watching sunset light move across distant meadows and farmland, constitute the villa’s signature experience. The main terrace—large enough for 10+ people—overlooks these views continuously.

Practical amenities complete the outdoor experience: bicycles are provided for village exploration and countryside cycling, while a raised barn structure houses a table tennis table. The owner’s own residence sits just 100 metres away, visible but discrete, ensuring help is available without intrusion.

Location: Northern Dordogne and the Surrounding Area

Maison Des Pivoines occupies rural farmland between two of the Dordogne’s most significant cities. Périgueux (approximately 35km south-east) serves as the departmental capital and holds serious cultural weight: the Byzantine cathedral of Saint-Front is a UNESCO World Heritage site, while markets specialising in seasonal foie gras and black truffles operate year-round. The city’s architecture rewards wandering, and its restaurants reflect the region’s gastronomic reputation. Angoulême (roughly 40km north-west) sits elevated above the Charente River and offers museums, galleries, and the distinctive National Comic Strip and Image Centre—unexpectedly excellent for graphic-novel enthusiasts. Both cities provide sophisticated evening dining and cultural programming should guests want to venture beyond rural immersion.

More immediately, a small village lies 1.7km away (a five-minute drive or twenty-minute walk), offering a boulangerie, grocery, pharmacy, café-bars, and a monthly brocante (flea market) on the first Sunday. This is where you collect morning croissants and evening apéritifs. The regional food culture is authentic and accessible: markets operate almost daily across surrounding towns. Ribérac (16km north-west) hosts an excellent Friday morning market and is known throughout the region for produce quality. Chalais (20km south) and Saint-Aulaye (18km east) both operate regular weekly markets. The nearby town of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (25km south-east), classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages,’ sits dramatically above the River Dronne with the Monolithic Church carved directly into rock—a 12th-century marvel that justifies a day trip alone.

For water-based activities, Brantôme (32km south-east), also on the River Dronne, is the region’s watersports hub. Canoe hire operates year-round, paddle-boarding is available during warmer months, and riverside walks frame some of the Dordogne’s most scenic landscape. The town itself is architecturally charming, with independent shops and strong restaurant options. For fishing and lake swimming, La Jemaye (approximately 28km south) offers lake facilities and is popular with families. Cycling through the surrounding countryside is the primary outdoor activity—rolling hills, small roads through farmland, and village-to-village routes make this ideal touring country.

The region falls within the broader Périgord area, renowned for Périgordine cuisine—confit duck, walnut oil, mushroom preparations, and the aforementioned truffles and foie gras. Wine tasting is available at numerous local properties; the Dordogne wine region is less internationally famous than Bordeaux but produces credible results, particularly whites. For broader destination context and seasonal planning, explore our Dordogne travel guide, which details markets, festivals, and regional highlights. You may also wish to browse our villas in Verteillac for alternative nearby properties, or review our full collection of luxury villas in France.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational family groups: The six-bedroom layout, separate annexe, and family-focused amenities (high chairs available, pool safety covers, table tennis) accommodate grandparents, adult children, and younger guests comfortably. The owner’s proximity is reassuring for families with young children.

Groups of friends or couples sharing: Ten guests across distinct sleeping zones mean privacy without isolation. The outdoor entertainment infrastructure—pizza oven, firepit, large terrace—supports group dining and social time.

Families prioritising outdoor activity: Provided bicycles, nearby water sports (canoe hire at Brantôme, lake swimming), fishing access, and golf courses in the wider region suit active households. The pool and gardens allow younger children independent play without leaving the property.

Couples or small groups seeking cultural immersion: Proximity to UNESCO sites (Aubeterre’s monolithic church, Périgueux cathedral), regular markets, wine tasting, and regional gastronomy suit guests interested in French rural culture rather than beach resort amenities.

Practical Information

Capacity and Layout: Maison Des Pivoines accommodates 10 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The main residence holds 8 guests; the upper annexe sleeps 2 additional guests in a self-contained wing with private kitchenette and bathrooms.

Nearest Airport: Bordeaux-Merignac Airport (approximately 110km west, roughly 90 minutes by car) is the primary international gateway. Limoges Airport (roughly 120km north-east, approximately 100 minutes) offers an alternative for some European routes. Car hire is recommended given the rural location; public transport from airports requires multiple connections.

Nearest Supermarket: The village 1.7km away provides basic groceries; larger supermarkets operate in Ribérac (16km) and Périgueux (35km).

What Is Included: Wi-Fi internet, full heating throughout the main season, provided bicycles, pool opening and solar heating (May–October), and kitchen equipment (American-style fridge-freezers, dual ovens, full cookware) are included. Bed linens and towels are provided. The outdoor kitchen (pizza oven, firepit, gas barbecue) is ready for guest use. Cleaning and changeovers are managed professionally.

Check-in Flexibility: Standard check-in is typically 3pm; early arrival or late departure may be negotiated depending on turnover schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maison Des Pivoines

How many guests does Maison Des Pivoines sleep?

Maison Des Pivoines accommodates 10 guests maximum. The main residence contains six bedrooms (three twins, one double, and two additional doubles within the mezzanine levels), sleeping 8 guests comfortably. The upper annexe—a separate wing with two additional king-size double bedrooms and a private kitchenette—accommodates 2 further guests. All bedrooms can be configured as either doubles or twins on request.

What is the nearest airport to Maison Des Pivoines in Dordogne?

Bordeaux-Merignac Airport is the primary international hub, approximately 110km west (90 minutes by car). Limoges Airport lies roughly 120km north-east (100 minutes drive). Both provide European and some long-haul connections. Car hire from either airport is strongly recommended; public transport to the rural villa location requires multiple transfers and is time-consuming.

What is the best time of year to rent Maison Des Pivoines?

May through September offers warm, stable weather ideal for pool use, outdoor entertaining, and countryside cycling. July and August are peak season—warmer and more crowded regionally. June and September offer excellent weather with fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates. April and October are shoulder seasons: spring weather is variable but countryside is in bloom; autumn brings warm days but cooling evenings suitable for firepit entertaining. The pool typically operates May through October. Winter (November–March) is quiet and atmospheric for those seeking solitude, though heating costs rise and pool use is impossible. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are arguably ideal for balanced weather and regional activity levels.

Is Maison Des Pivoines suitable for families with children?

Yes, with provisos. The property includes a high chair, a secure heated pool (1.44 metres maximum depth, fitted with safety covers), and 2 hectares of enclosed gardens providing safe outdoor play. Table tennis and bicycles suit older children. However, the split-level main floor involves multiple steps and mezzanine access—requiring supervision with very young children. The rural location means distances to emergency services; the owner’s residence 100m away provides reassurance. Families with children under 5 should enquire carefully about supervision requirements in multi-storey sections.

What is included in the rental price at Maison Des Pivoines?

The rental price includes Wi-Fi internet throughout, full heating, provided bicycles, pool opening and solar heating (May–October seasonal), all kitchen equipment and cookware, bed linens and towels, satellite TV, Hi-Fi system, and access to the outdoor kitchen (pizza oven, firepit, gas barbecue). Professional cleaning is included in the turnover; weekly cleaning during longer stays is available at additional cost. Utilities (electricity, gas, water) are included.

What restaurants and shops are near Maison Des Pivoines?

The closest village (1.7km, five-minute drive) contains a boulangerie, grocery store, pharmacy, and several café-bars. Ribérac (16km north-west) operates an excellent Friday morning market with local produce, butchers, and prepared foods; several restaurants operate here. Chalais (20km south) hosts weekly markets and village restaurants. Périgueux (35km south-east) provides sophisticated dining options, multiple markets, and larger supermarkets. Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (25km south-east) has village restaurants and cafés. The regional cuisine emphasises local duck, walnuts, mushrooms, truffles (seasonal), and foie gras; restaurants range from simple village bistros to Michelin-starred establishments in larger cities. Self-catering in the villa’s well-equipped kitchen with market-sourced ingredients is a highlight for many guests.