Bel Arbre

Les Arques, Lot
Self-catering
+44 (0)7789 251837
Visit owner's website

From
£129 - £429
per night
From
£900 - £3000
per week

For lovers of tranquillity and the great outdoors – come for simple pleasures not mod cons - loads to explore, a pool, a tennis court

Bedroom

5 bedrooms

Sleeps

Sleeps 12

Children welcome
Babies welcome

£129 - £429 per night

£900 - £3000 per week

The Experience

An especially mellow place; unpretentious and relaxing. This old stone farmhouse in fabulous grounds, has been a treasured family escape for over 30 years. You come to it up a steep gravel track, on its summit with views over the next valley and wooded hillside; even longer ones to the south west. Lawns around the house and pool, dotted with ancient fruit trees, meld into mown woodland paths aromatic with oregano. Indoors, the ground floor of each part of the house (once two cottages) is open-plan, not huge, with quarry-tiled floors and old beams; the décor’s comfortably un-smart and un-matched. The ‘main’ house has a small, well-equipped kitchen; the second one a handy kitchenette. Up winding stairs, beamed bedrooms, rugs on bare boards, are cosy, old fashioned un-fussy – a joy to fling back the shutters on those views. Bathrooms are basic – the biggest bedroom has its own and access to the wisteria-covered terrace. Much of living here is done outdoors; among the old farm buildings the bake house is now a great seating area with barbecue; the newish tennis court set away from the house is a boon too. 

Essentials

  • EV charger
  • Self check-in
  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub
  • Garden
  • Open fire / woodburner
  • Breakfast included
  • Breakfast available
  • Meals available
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Oven
  • Parking on premises
  • Free parking nearby
  • Accessible by public transport
  • WiFi
  • Television
  • Central heating
  • Limited mobility
  • Wheelchair access
  • Mobile reception
  • Hob
  • Barbecue
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Air conditioning
  • Relaxation areas
  • Washing machine
  • Tennis court
  • Microwave oven
  • No smoking
  • Credit cards
  • Working farm
  • Owner has pets
  • Electricity included
  • Dishwasher
  • Pets welcome

Family friendly

  • Baby monitor
  • Books and toys
  • Children welcome
  • Babies welcome
  • Stair gates
  • High chair
  • Fire guard
  • Cot available

Nearby

  • Pub/bar within 3 miles
  • Restaurant within 3 miles
  • Shop within 3 miles

Activities

  • Bikes available
  • Food courses
  • Kayaking
  • Other courses
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Wild swimming

Pricing

Nightly price
from £129
Weekly price
from £900
Damage deposit
£500
Surcharges
Cots available at no extra charge. Heating at an extra cost.
1 House for 12
From £1295 bedrooms

Information

Booking information

Check in
From 4pm Saturday-Saturday
Check out
By 10am Saturday-Saturday
Other details
Minimum stay: 7 nights.
Closed
Rarely.
No smoking
Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
Meals
Restaurants 3km.

Reviews

We loved Bel Arbre. It's in a beautiful setting, has a super pool, tennis court and extensive grounds. It feels really homely (perhaps slightly shabby chic rather than chi-chi) and was a wonderful location for 10 of us - grandparents, children, wives and grandchildren. The owners were very well organised and easy to communicate with. With its rivers, quiet roads, lovely villages, woodland, vineyards and amazing night skies we thought the Lot was absolutely delightful. We would definitely do it again!

Mark, Dorset

This old French farmhouse is steeped in family memories. You can walk amongst the old vines, meadows and trees, enjoy peace, stunning views, night skies and sunsets, pick your own plums, blackberries and figs, breakfast under the walnut tree or by the wonderful pool. The house is old, with two kitchens, a large sitting room, farmhouse- style bedrooms - the bathrooms are not modern but everything works! There is a tennis court and table tennis. If you love the countryside, its flora and fauna, swimming and tennis, star-gazing at night, don't hesitate to book this house- it is beautiful.

Sian, Sevenoaks

This has been the fourth or fifth stay at Bel Arbre (can't quite remember}. Usually at the end of September but once in May. We absolutely love everything about the house and location. The view from the terrace would be hard to match as you look out over 40 acres or so of woodland into a valley with hills ranging beyond, it is really magical to sit there in the evening as the sun goes down. You can hear and sometimes see a range of wildlife. We heard but didn't see wild boar this time, in the woods there are orchids and an abundance of fungi if you have the courage! The pool is wonderful too.

Martyn, Polegate

Hidden from view and nestled in a wooded area on a hill this property is a delight. An old Farmhouse sensitively converted into a family sized holiday location. There are glorious walks and shops that are a short drive away (or cycle!) There is a nice pool and a tennis court and Table Tennis is available. The local history is interesting and there is an arts centre in Les Arques. Cahors is within easy reach; a town steeped in Roman History, as areDomme and Rocamadour. You must eat a lunch at Chez Jeanne in Pomarède rubbing shoulders with the locals and farm workers - great food and atmosphere

Mark, London

Read more reviews

Location

The neighbourhood

Local points of interest from Tim & Lizzie Drake

  • Start the day with breakfast on the terrace, with pastries from the excellent local baker, and freshly picked fruit from the garden- figs, cherries, plums and greengages, when in season.
  • Stay put. Play tennis, boules, ping pong, or cool off in the pool, then lunch in the shade of the bread oven Or follow the tracks leading down from the garden to our 40 acres of fields and woods. Linger to build a den, gather chestnuts, or hunt for cepes.
  • Venture out. We are surrounded by medieval churches, chateaux, caves and vineyards. Walk, cycle or ride on horseback along the network of tracks and footpaths that criss-cross the countryside or perhaps glide gently down the river in a canoe.
  • Eating out nearby. Choose from simple, friendly auberges, where a five course lunch including wine can be €14 (the famous Chez Jeanne, at Pomarede).Or there is the La Recreation in Les Arques, and the 2 Michelin starred Le Gindreau in St Medard Catus
  • In the evenings. Enjoy the stillness, the magnificent sunsets, watch the bats, and listen to the owls. Switch off all the lights and, unhindered by light pollution marvel at the stars of the Milky Way.
  • Locally, markets, village Fetes, and authentic brocantes are held throughout the summer, night and day. Heaven!