Stunning 4 star cottage w/big private pool & 2 great restaurants at 5 mins walk!

In a sought after location in the Périgord Noir, a region considered to be the most beautiful in France and famous for its numerous châteaux, pre-history sites and outstanding cuisine, nestles this charming period stone cottage. "La Maison du Gardien" has been restored to a high standard, blending stunning original features with contemporary fixtures and fittings to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay and its verdant gardens and large, private swimming pool (11 x 5 metres) offer guests peace privacy and a sense of well-being. The cottage has been awarded 4 stars, the highest star rating for self-catering holiday accommodation, as well as a "diplôme de Grand Ambassadeur" for the quality of the cottage and the welcome and service provided to guests by its owners.

It is set within the spacious, leafy grounds of a 17th Century manor "Le Tribunal de Losse" which was formerly the courthouse for the nearby Château de Losse, and was previously the gatekeeper's cottage. The cottage and the manor are constructed in the local golden limestone with traditional stone-tiled 'lauze' roofs and stone window surrounds, typical of the old local architecture. They are set in 1.5 hectares of land with trees and flowering shrubs and lovely shady areas for outdoor dining with lovely views of the surrounding tree-lined hillside.

La Maison du Gardien is for 2 people only making it ideal for a couple or 2 friends travelling together. It is tastefully decorated and furnished and equipped to a high standard, offering 2 charming bedrooms (1 double and 1 single) with lovely oak floors and beams, 2 spacious modern shower rooms, a handmade fully fitted kitchen with dining area and a charming and comfortable living area with stone fireplace fitted with a wood burning stove. It is equipped with a TV/DVD (UK channels) and WIFI, but for those dreaming of lounging by the pool with a book, a large selection is available.

The village of Thonac is situated on the banks of the Vézère river and is just a few minutes away on foot. It benefits from a grocery shop which sells a variety of products including fresh bread which is brought in daily from a local bakery. There is also a boutique selling local gastronomic specialities (preserved ducks and patés, wild mushrooms, chutneys and honeys, oils, walnuts and wines and liqueurs, to name but a few!) and seasonal fresh vegetables as well as offering take away pizzas during the summer season. Thonac is also home to 2 great restaurants, one offering exciting haute cuisine which can be sampled in its tasteful dining room or outside on the terrace and the other serving traditional regional food in its delightful shady garden. Both are within easy walking distance from the house.

For those yearning for an outdoor experience, take a picnic to the Etangs de Fongron, 2 lakes (10 minutes on foot) in a lush setting where you can fish for trout or carp (and even cook it on site!) or walk for miles in the the surrounding woodland. For a more challenging stay, you can take a canoe from the village hire station and meander down the river or hire a bicycle (electric cycles available) in Montignac (5 mins by car) and explore the nearby towns and villages. Horse riding is available in St Léon, a delightful village a few minutes by car from Thonac.

Thonac, which with its 3 châteaux featured on the 2017 Tour de France, is in the heart of the Vézère valley, the cradle of civilization in Europe, habitat of Neanderthal then Cro-Magnon man and world famous for its prehistoric sites and decorated caves. It lies between Montignac and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac , home to the National Prehistory Museum and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The entire valley is peppered with ancient caves, their walls decorated with fabulous artistically and historically significant wall paintings. The most important is just a few minutes away in Montigac whose Lascaux caves are considered to be "the Sistine Chapel of prehistory". The new International Centre for Cave Art was opened in Montignac in 2017 and offers an exciting technological approach to retrace these celebrated caves.

A few minutes drive from the cottage you will find favourite tourist attractions such as the imposing Château de Losse and its gardens, the glorious village of St Léon (listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France) with its riverbank cafés and restaurants, and the prehistoric settlement of La Roque St Christophe.

The nearest towns offering all amenities are the medieval towns of Montignac (6km) and Sarlat (26km). Montignac is a small, pretty riverside town with an attractive stone bridge and lovely balconied houses along the riverfront. Sarlat is the third largest town in Périgord and boasts many splendid and beautifully restored Renaissance mansions and timber-framed buildings. Both towns are lively and dynamic, have twice-weekly markets and host festivals, art exhibitions and events from June to September. Local events include the international music and dance festival held annually in Montignac, regular flea markets and bric à brac fairs, as well as evening farmer's markets where you can sample the local cuisine and wines.