Le Mas is a 16th century farmhouse with thick stone walls, wooden beams and huge fireplaces. It has been completely renovated in 2016 by interior designer Joris van Grinsven who respected the history and character of the building but brought it into the 21st century offering comfort, stylish understatement and discreet luxury.
The large well-equipped kitchen (55m²) is the centre of the house, great for family meals where 12 people can sit comfortably around the table. The centuries-old larder and stone evier (basin) built into the exposed stone walls add to the character of the kitchen. It is well-equipped with: a Smeg cooker with 5 gas burners and large electric oven; Samsung dishwasher and washing machine; a Siemens fridge freezer; and a Nespresso machine and Aeroccino milk frother.
The terracotta floor tiles lead to the living room (44m²), which like the kitchen has exposed beams, an enormous fireplace with a wood burner (wood provided) and doors leading outside to the pool and summer kitchen. There are 3 large comfortable sofas and plenty of games and books to enjoy.
If you want to catch up on the news or watch a film there is a flat screen satellite TV with English channels. There is a portable speaker which you can hook your phone, tablet or laptop to via Bluetooth.
Two bedrooms are on the ground floor at opposite ends of the house, each with two single beds and en suite bathrooms with showers. One of these bedrooms is wheelchair accessible, as is the majority of the rest of the ground floor and outside area. The other three bedrooms are accessed via two staircases. The first staircase leads to a double-aspect bedroom and en suite bathroom with shower.
The main staircase goes from the kitchen up to the two large gabled master bedrooms (33m² and 23m²).
The master bedrooms have wooden floors, beautiful original beams and are light and bright. Windows have views to the fields and woods beyond, being the perfect lookout for deer, birds of prey and wild boars. Both master bedrooms have large en suite bathrooms with showers and free-standing baths.
Opposite the kitchen is the covered summer kitchen (65m²). Originally a barn, it still retains the roof but is partly open on three sides, affording you shade, a cool breeze and fantastic views over the pool to the countryside beyond. There is a small kitchen area with sink, fridge and a Weber 3 burner gas barbecue (gas provided). A large dining table, 12 chairs and comfortable seating make it the perfect setting for long lunches, escaping the sun or spending time together late into the night, with atmospheric lighting.
Summer kitchen
Opposite the kitchen is the covered summer kitchen (65m²). Originally a barn, it still retains the roof but is partly open on three sides, affording you shade, a cool breeze and fantastic views over the pool to the countryside beyond. There is a small kitchen area with sink, Smeg fridge and a Weber 3 burner gas barbecue (gas provided). A large dining table, 12 chairs and comfortable seating make it the perfect setting for long lunches, escaping the sun or spending time together late into the night, with atmospheric lighting.
The private swimming pool is 10 x 5 meters, saltwater, heated and with an electric cover. It will be open from April to October. A saltwater pool uses the process of electrolysis to purify the water instead adding chlorine. This means softer water and fewer risks for allergies and irritation to your eyes and skin. Saltwater pools only have about 10% of the salinity of the ocean.
The pool is positioned to take in the view over the fields and woods beyond, so lie back on the sun-loungers and deck chairs and enjoy it! If you are seeking solitude there are several private spots in the garden.There are also games to play outside such as table tennis, football goal, archery, boules, badminton rackets and shuttlecocks, children’s croquet. There is also a covered pétanque court.
We are delighted that Le Mas has been awarded 5 stars by the Dordogne Perigord Tourist Board, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism. There are only 15 other hotels and gites in the Dordogne with 5 stars. The classification is based on the facilities, space, state of the accomodation and information we offer guests.
The Times’ has included us as one of their 50 Best Holidays in France for 2019.