Ancient, fully restored, 13th century medieval village house with garden & patio
- Villa2691 sq. ft.
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Min Stay: 5–6 nights
4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, historic village house with romantic, sunny patio garden
Bedrooms
Owner
John
- Languages:
- english, Afrikaans - Dutch, French, German & other by email
About John
We are a South African couple with two adult 'children' who, together as a family, have been incredibly fortunate to travel extensively, both in our own beautiful country, as well as Europe. Being fortunate to live and bring up our family in what must be one of the most beautiful places on earth - the little seaside village of Hermanus, in the Western Cape region of South Africa - the seed for owning a second home in another country and culture was firmly planted in our brains in the early 2000s. Our passion for property is unbounded and after a hard working career in retail building materials supply, we decided to indulge our passion. The two of us once enjoyed a romantic barging trip in the Burgundy region of France and using our bicycles to explore the little villages along the way down the Canal du Nivernais, we were struck by the beauty of the French countryside and the textures and colour palettes of the ancient and often crumbling village houses – many of which were deserted and for sale! Always being on the lookout for property for sale, our interest was sparked and the internet research began in earnest. Initially, our thoughts turned to Italy and the beautiful Tuscany in particular, but having explored it on the three different occasions, we decide to revisit the French countryside again. Obviously the French countryside is huge and the time and resources to travel limited, so we read everything we could about France and where the ideal spot would be to indulge our fantasy. Having narrowed it down to the Dordogne, our first family holiday in France was booked and…….the rest is history.....we were HOOKED!
John purchased this Villa in 2014
Why John chose Issigeac
On our first family holiday in this region, we spotted an idyllic little water mill and although our initial interest in purchasing it did not produce results, a few years later, we became the proud owners of that beautiful spot. The problem was that we had completely underestimated the enormity and cost of turning it into what we dreamed of, especially from the Southern tip of Africa. After another two years of dilly dallying, we also came to the conclusion that, from a vacation point of view anyway, life in one of the little villages would be really enjoyable – provided we could find something that looked after our needs of privacy, peace and tranquillity. In August 2014 we visited the area again, and having always been attracted to more remote country properties, this time we decided to try the little medieval village of Issigeac which we had fallen in love with on our first visit to the region. As they say in the classics…we were hooked and hopelessly in love with this little village and having done the critical LOCATION, LOCATION and LOCATION test Issigeac it was and we proceeded to look at everything that was available – but alas – returned to South Africa empty handed. Late last year, it was back to Issigeac again, this time armed with our kids who joined us for our annual get together. Having rationalised our thoughts and having had the benefit of some less emotional input from the kids, we decided to raise our sights and look at a property that had been so tempting to look at on our earlier visit, but seemingly out of our reach. Well from the moment we crossed the threshold, on that cold and rainy mid-winters day, we were smitten – every one of us! In the process of buying this property, the ownership of which became ours officially, just a month or two ago, we not only found ourselves with a spiritual home in Fance, but made our first good friends in Issigeac, in the lovely couple from whom we bought it. This was just meant to be
What makes this Villa unique
WHY ARE WE SO KEEN TO SHARE MAISON DE LA PAIX IN ISSIGEAC? Issigeac - surely one of the most interesting little villages in the Perigord? Issigeac - an unspoiled authentic French medieval village - survivor of the trials and tribulations of a troubled, violent, sometimes peaceful, but always colorful evolution and history. Built, plundered, burned, sacked, rebuilt, again and again throughout it and France’s fascinating history, the modern day Issigeac has survived as a beautiful and unspoiled example of a classic medieval French village. Issigeac’s roots in the modern history of mankind are literally set amongst and on top of ruins from various periods dating right back to Gallo Roman times - when the Roman villa of Sedius was first built here in the 4th century. Some of these high or low lights, depending on one’s view, include: During the Frank Period, the early 6th century monastery of Sediacum gives root to the name – “Issigeac” – to which it eventually evolved. The 12th century monks of the Benedictine Order coming under the protection of the Abbey at Sarlat during the Capetian Period in 1153. The sacking and destruction by the Lord of Bergerac - Renaud 4th de Pons and 600 of his men in 1300 and the subsequent order of compensation that he was compelled to pay. The 100 Years War with the eventual ‘taking’ of the town from the English in 1437. Infamously known as ‘The Prince of Ruffians’ - the Spaniard Alexandro de Villadrando a Lieutenant of King Charles 7th, King of France – and 10,000 of his toughest soldiers, virtually destroying the town, once again, in the process. The building of the late Gothic church 1449 - 1527 during the Renaissance Period and the rebuilding of the Chateau on the remains of the old one during the Sun King Period around 1660.
Amenities
Featured
- Children Welcome
- Heater
- TV
- No Smoking
- Washer & Dryer
- Satellite or cable
- Internet
- Parking
- Fireplace
Bathrooms
- Bathrooms: 3
House Rules
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
No parties/events
No smoking
No smoking, patio and garden fine.
No pets
Children allowed
Minimum 5 y/o - but please discuss.
Minimum age of primary renter:28
Max guests:8 (sleeps up to 6 adults)
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.
35 Reviews
Need more stars ⭐️
Just left Maison de la Paix today but already missing it after too short a visit! This home is so beautiful, completely well equipped and everything a French Country home should be....but so much more! The booking process so easy, detailed directions, suggestions and helpful tips made our visit to Issigeac and surrounding towns memorable. For staying in a small French town, with the people who live there rather than tourists provides a unique and rewarding experience. Many small, excellent restaurants and cafes and a few lovely shops, but the greatest asset in this authentic village are the charming and friendly residents. The weather prevented us from enjoying the lovely outside patio, but we certainly made good use of the fireplace! Can’t wait to return for an even longer visit!
Elegant house in a perfectly lovely Perigord village
This wonderful beautifully furnished house was so comfortable and my husband and I and our two sons and their wives thoroughly enjoyed our week at Maison de la Paix. John, the owner was so helpful with info and answered my emails promptly. The house manager was also friendly and helpful and a delight to know. Attention to detail in the house was another plus- good beds, lovely bed linens and bath towels, candles for use on the patio and garden area and in the atmospheric Medieval dining room, large well equipped kitchen. A good patisserie is right across the lane, and the Sunday market, cafes and shops are most satisfying and allowed us to eat very well. Thank you for an exceptional stay in the Perigord.
Outstanding
Excellent
Excellent
The house is in a charming town from the middle ages with excellent restaurants nearby.
There was more than enough room for our 3 couples, and we all appreciated how well appointed the entire home was.
Kitchen, dining room', bedrooms, bathrooms, and all indoor and outdoor sitting areas were charming and very updated for such an old property.
There were absolutely no problems.
We all agreed we would happily return.
Perfect House
Loved the house and the village of Issigeac! The beautiful house is large with the most comfortable beds and plenty of places to sit and eat either indoors or outdoors. The kitchen has lots of dishes and whatever you might need for cooking. We found excellent communications with the owner and with Brenda, who checked us in and out with ease. She was extremely helpful and we felt well taken care of for the entire ten days. The village has lovely shops and restaurants to enjoy. We loved being 30 steps away from our morning croissant. I would highly recommend this house!! We were so sad to leave.
Fabulous Visit, Wonderful Home
We had an amazing stay in this property. It was exactly as pictured and every little detail had been considered. We were extremely comfortable, the village is charming, and it was a fabulous home base from which to explore the beautiful Dordogne countryside. Our hosts had thought of everything imaginable - I barely needed to do any travel research, given their comprehensive guide - and the property manager was warm and lovely. I hope we can return and I am certain this would be a great spot for any couple or family who wants a comfortable, low key, beautiful vacation.