Rent Domaine Du Soldat France

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Périgord Vert, Domaine du Soldat is a magnificent residence for guests looking for sophistication and charm close to Saint-Jean-de-Côle and Brantôme, two exquisite gems of northern Dordogne.

Sleeping up to 20 guests, stay in two inviting houses with formal gardens, a heated swimming pool and private tennis court. First of all, the historic Manoir has been stunningly renovated into a 7-bedroom abode with elegant décor and the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Admire the splendour of the salon, dining room and library with antique furnishings and artwork, before arriving into the modern kitchen. Seven beautiful double bedrooms can be found on the first and second floors, some with en suite bathrooms, alongside a contemporary cinema room to appeal to guests of every age.     

Whilst it is said that a general once resided in the Manoir, his aide-de-camp lived in the separate maison set slightly above which has been renovated to equally impressive standards. Step in to its vast living and dining space with a cathedral-high ceiling, then take the striking staircase upstairs to its three bedrooms and a bathroom – two doubles and a quad with four single beds mean that up to 6 guests can stay in this part of the domaine.  

The formal gardens and terraces are ideal for peaceful strolls whilst the heated swimming pool awaits down the steps with its attractive terrace and gorgeous pool house for al-fresco meals by the barbecue. The most energetic of guests will enjoy the private tennis court within the grounds.

Keen cyclists and walkers note that a new voie verte follows a former railway line between Saint Pardoux la Riviere and Thiviers and passes near Saint-Jean-de-Côle, a picture-perfect village only 5km away. Riverside Saint-Jean-de-Côle is one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ thanks to its lovely main square, half-timbered houses and overall historic charm. Even closer is a smaller village, also by the banks of  La Côle, home to a small supermarket and auberge.

Just 15km away, discover the character of Brantôme, often referred to as the Venice of Périgord, beside the idyllic Dronne for canoeing, kayaking, boat rides and riverside walks. Visit the twice-weekly market in its medieval centre and enjoy the traditional gastronomy of the Périgord Vert in one of its charming restaurants. Brantôme’s abbey and troglodyte dwellings are also waiting to be explored.

Elsewhere, appreciate the grandeur of French castles such as Château de Puyguilhem, Château de Bourdeilles and Château de Jumilhac or meander around pretty villages and market towns including Thiviers and Nontron. A little further afield, experience the historic ambience of Périgueux, only 30km away, or venture south to the tourist sights of the Dordogne’s Bergerac and Sarlat-la-Canéda, both reached within a 90-minute drive. 

Manoir Interiors

–    Entrance hall
–    Living room
–    Dining room with fireplace
–    Reading room 
–    Kitchen, well-equipped
–    WC

First Floor

–    Master bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower
–    3 x bedrooms with double bed
–    Bathroom with bath and shower
–    Bathroom with shower

Second Floor

–    2 x bedrooms with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower
–    Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
–    Home cinema room
–    Utility room

Separate Maison Interiors

Ground Floor (split-level)

–    Open-plan dining space with high ceiling
–    Open-plan kitchen
–    Utility room
–    WC

First Floor (beneath the eaves/low beams, via open-tread stairs)

–    Bedroom with double bed
–    Quad bedroom with four single beds
–    Bathroom with shower

Outside Grounds

–    Heated swimming pool (10x5m, depth: 1.1-2.3m) with counter-current, safety alarm and electric cover. Heated approximately mid-May to mid-October
–    Pool house
–    Al-fresco dining terrace
–    Barbecue
–    Fire pit
–    Tennis court
–    Garden and grounds (with steps and different levels)

Facilities

–    Wi-Fi
–    Air-conditioning
–    Home cinema
–    Smart TV (with Netflix)
–    Board games
–    Tennis court

Domaine du Soldat is in northern Dordogne, around half an hour north of the historic city of Périgueux (30km). It is an ideal location for visiting handsome market towns, picture-perfect villages, grand châteaux and the beautiful landscapes of Périgord Vert and the Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park.

Fly into Limoges, Bergerac or Brive-Souillac Airport, all just over an hour away by car, or take the train to Thiviers via Limoges or Libourne. It is around a 6 to 8 hour drive from various ferry ports on the north-west coast of France.

A 3km drive takes you to the small local village, home to an auberge and small supermarket. Saint-Jean-de-Côle (5km) is also nearby, an incredibly charming medieval village by the river with pretty half-timbered houses and a lovely village square – it is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Keen walkers and cyclists note that the voie verte between Saint Pardoux la Riviere and Thiviers passes near Saint-Jean-de-Côle and there are also some picturesque strolls by the river.

The market town of Thiviers (10km) is known as the capital of ‘foie gras’ and its bustling market takes place on a Saturday morning where you may also find truffles and walnuts depending on the time of year (the foie gras and truffle markets usually take place from mid-November to mid-March). Château de Puyguilhem (11km) is another highlight of the area or venture a little further towards Château de Jumilhac (30km) and its wonderful gardens.

In the opposite direction is the gorgeous town of Brantôme (15km), home to its famous abbey. By the banks of the Dronne River, this historic town is considered one of the prettiest places in the Dordogne. Soak up the ambience of the twice-weekly market and enjoy lunch in the medieval centre before wandering by the river, taking a boat trip or hiring a canoe or kayak. Perhaps combine with a visit to the old village of Bourdeilles, home to the impressive Château de Bourdeilles (26km).

Meanwhile, admire the grandeur of Périgueux (30km) with its historic architecture and amazing markets showcasing the best Périgord food or head north towards the interesting town of Limoges (77km), just over an hour away, known for its medieval centre, gothic cathedral and porcelain production.