Le Figuier

Swoop down country lanes lined with nodding sunflowers to this tranquil stone house hugged by rural peace. Once a manoir for the nobility, today it is a characterful and much-loved family home filled with cosy spaces, a grand fire-warmed living room, bedrooms with views and small yet spotless bathrooms.

Cleverly fusing new and old, traditional stone walls and beams add charm while the modern kitchen has all the kit and caboodle for cooking and eating together – or you’ll barbecue and dine outside in the undercover courtyard lit up with solar lights and twinkling candles. The set-up is fantastic for families with big relaxed gardens, a swimming pool, outdoor table tennis and football plus books and games for wet weather days.

Pop to your closest town, Ribérac (8km), for restaurants, shopping and an excellent Friday market. It’s perfect for a potter around with two churches and a municipal lido.