Domaine de Pimirol

Savignac-sur-Leyze, Dordogne & Lot, France
Book from GBP Book from £672 per night

A contemporary farmhouse (for 8–12), with stunning interiors, heated pool and sweeping countryside views, close to Lot-et-Garonne's bastide towns

A contemporary farmhouse (for 8–12), with stunning interiors, heated pool and sweeping countryside views, close to Lot-et-Garonne's bastide towns

This strikingly restored farmhouse immediately impresses. We arrived to a kaleidoscope of butterflies drifting between lavender and wildflowers, bees lazily buzzing around the heated pool, and long views of uninterrupted countryside. The gardens here evolve with the seasons, so there's always something in bloom. It was this harmony with nature that took our breath away.

Dutch owners Maurice and Sandra spent three years meticulously renovating this old farmhouse into a quietly luxurious four-bedroom retreat. Only the original stone walls remain, with the interiors completely reimagined in a modern rustic style of muted tones, natural textures and tasteful furniture. Sandra's passion for interiors is evident in the curated furnishings, many sourced and imported from the Netherlands. The living room with its double-height ceilings and big glass doors is illuminated by gorgeous pendant lights and opens to the sleek designer kitchen. The four chic bedrooms are split across both floors, with two downstairs and two upstairs, via a huge custom-made marble staircase. Despite the quality throughout, the house never feels showy; it simply feels like a much-loved family home that's been generously opened to guests.

Days revolve around slow living. Mornings are for exploring nearby Bastide towns and castles or visiting wineries; afternoons consist of long lunches laden with local produce, then lazing by the pool until the sun dips behind the surrounding hills. This is an idyllic retreat for families, groups or friends looking to slow the pace in rural southwest France.

Highs

    • The saltwater pool and garden, surrounded by a wildflower meadow and wildlife, with designer loungers and sweeping valley views
    • An exceptional renovation combining rustic interiors and beautifully crafted Dutch furniture - no expense has been spared 
    • Flexible accommodation with a mix of three double bedrooms, a bunk room, and a mezzanine for teens
    • Superb outdoor living with multiple spaces to gather, including a shaded poolside dining area and a beautiful vine-covered pergola and terrace perfect for sunset dinners
    • A wonderfully peaceful setting, yet you’re only a short drive from pretty bastide towns, markets, restaurants and vineyards

Lows

    • You’ll need a car to explore this picturesque local region
    • This is a rural spot among farmland, so expect to see some insects and wildlife around the pool area
    • The kitchen has some high-tech appliances which took some figuring out, but you are sent a very comprehensive house manual prior to arrival
    • Only two bathrooms between four bedrooms, and none are ensuite; there is a separate downstairs WC

Best time to go

Late spring and early autumn are particularly special, when the countryside is green, the flowers are blooming, villages are quieter, and temperatures are comfortable for exploring. Summer is ideal for making the most of the pool and outdoor spaces, although temperatures can be high. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the surrounding landscape.

Our top tips

Leave space in your suitcases for impulse buys from local makers in the markets and small towns nearby. Try Monflanquin and Monpazier markets on Thursdays or Villeréal market on Saturdays. 

Great for...

Eco
Family
Great Outdoors
  • Restored farmhouse
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Self-catering
  • All ages welcome
  • Open all year
  • Heated Pool
  • Spa Treatments
  • Beach nearby
  • Pet Friendly
  • Disabled Access
  • Car essential
  • Parking
  • Restaurants Nearby
  • WiFi
  • Air Conditioning
  • Guest Lounge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gym
  • Daily Maid Service
  • Towels & Bedlinen
  • Electric car charger
Room:

Rooms

The two-storey villa can sleep up to 12 guests using additional beds, though we think it works best for 8-10, ideally six adults and four children.

The interiors amply demonstrate how every detail has been carefully considered. Colours are muted and understated throughout: calming beiges, touches of rust, dark wood. Bedrooms have jute rugs, ornate mirrors and eclectic artworks, plus lovely large dressers from Indonesia. The living room is built to impress, with 8-metre-high ceilings, unique pendant lighting, and a vast L-shaped sofa – and stays cool even on the hottest days. 

The ground-floor master bedroom is the pick of the rooms, with a huge window framing beautiful countryside views, a double bed and easy access to the kitchen and living spaces. It shares a large bathroom (which has a shower and a tub) with the children’s room next door, which has a small double bed and bunk beds. There is also a separate downstairs WC, so the house works well for groups sharing.

Upstairs are two almost identical double bedrooms, both calm and minimalist in style. Storage is slightly limited here, but the rooms are comfortable and beautifully finished. These two share a shower bathroom and lead onto the mezzanine above the living space; this is a flexible area with a big TV and large sofa, where a couple of additional beds can be added if needed, making it best suited to teens.

Features include:

  • Air conditioning
  • Central heating
  • Coffee / tea making
  • Hairdryer
  • Pool towels
  • Satellite TV
  • Toiletries
  • Tumble dryer
  • Washing machine
  • WiFi

Eating

The beautifully designed kitchen makes cooking and dining together a delight. It's exceptionally well equipped, with everything needed for group meals, although some of the higher-end appliances may take a little getting used to. There's a long wooden dining table here seating 12, beside large picture windows framing countryside views. 

Guests are greeted with a thoughtful hamper of local goodies, including bread, jams, marmalade, wine and biscuits, plus a small gift for younger visitors. We loved topping this up with produce from local market towns, enjoying long lunches and dinners outdoors. There are two particularly lovely dining areas: a shaded space overlooking the pool, perfect for relaxed lunches, and a pergola-covered terrace where we watched the sunset over dinner. 

One of the joys is eating your way around southwest France. Just 8 minutes away, medieval Monflanquin is home to L'Effet Maison, one of Maurice's favourite restaurants, serving seasonal dishes beneath the town's arcades. Pretty Villeréal (20 minutes) is another excellent option, particularly Fromages et Plus for relaxed lunches and generous cheese and charcuterie boards, or Nord Sud, which comes alive on warm summer evenings. If you're exploring further afield, Maurice also recommends combining the Sunday market in Issigeac with a long lingering lunch with a view at vineyard restaurant Verdots

For grocery shopping, Maurice and Sandra recommend Monflanquin for local produce, while Villeneuve-sur-Lot offers a wider range of supermarkets, shops and services. They can also arrange an arrival dinner, a chef for you, and breakfast service.

Features include:

  • Barbecue
  • Chef on request
  • Coffee maker
  • Dishwasher
  • Food blender
  • Fridge
  • Full kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Toaster
Eating:
Activity:

Activities

  • Explore the region's charming bastide villages. Beautiful Monflanquin is just 8 minutes away, with Monpazier around 30 minutes and Villeréal 20 minutes by car. All three are lovely to wander, browse markets and stop for long lunches
  • Wine lovers can visit nearby vineyards such as Château de Monbazillac or Château Feely, both offering tastings overlooking the vines
  • La Roque-Gageac, one of the region’s most iconic villages, beside the Dordogne river, is a 45-minute drive away
  • History buffs should make time for the dramatic Château de Biron, one of the region's finest castles
  • Bikes can be hired in Monflanquin, Monpazier or Villeréal for exploring the surrounding countryside at a gentler pace
  • Book a masseur to come to the house
  • The nearest golf course is Villeneuve-sur-Lot Golf & Country Club (approximately 20–25 minutes), while Golf de Barthe is around 30–35 minutes away
  • Canoeing or paddleboarding on the Dordogne

Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Boules
  • Cycling
  • Golf
  • Historical sites
  • Kayaking
  • Shopping / markets
  • Spa treatments
  • SUP
  • Swimming
  • Wine tasting

Kids

Families are welcome and will appreciate that there's plenty of space indoors and out, and a heated saltwater swimming pool. The flexible set-up of the rooms works well for one large family or a couple of families holidaying together. Cots and high chairs are available on request.

Best for:

All ages

Family friendly accommodation:

The charming kids room on the ground floor is stylishly designed rather than overly themed. It has bunkbeds and a small double bed, so can sleep 3 kids. And the master bedroom is next door, which is convenient for parents. There are also two single beds which can be deployed on the mezzanine floor, which work well for older kids and teens.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Baby equipment:

  • Baby cot and bedding
  • High chair
  • Night light

Remember  baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking

Kids Activities on site:

  • Heated swimming pool
  • Boules pitch
  • Small selection of books, games and toys

Kids Activities nearby:

  • Climbing parks
  • Natural river beaches
  • Castle visits
  • Educational farm experiences

Families Should Know:

The swimming pool has an electric safety cover but is unfenced so you will need to keep an eye on smaller ones. There's a large internal open-sided stone staircase.

Distances:

  • Airport: 50 mins

  • Hospital: 30 mins

  • Shops: 10 mins

Kid Friendly:

Location

Domaine de Pimirol is immersed in rural tranquility, in the lovely rolling hills and farmland of Lot-et-Garonne, outside the small town of Savignac-sur-Leyze in SW France. 

By Air:
The nearest airport is Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport, about a 50 minute-drive. Toulouse and Bordeaux Airports are about 2 hours away.

By Train:
The closest railway station is Bergerac (50 minutes). The fast train from Paris to Bergerac takes 4 hours, or it's 1hr15m from Bordeaux.

By Car:
You'll need a car to get here and explore the area. Check out our car rental recommendations.

Airports:

  • Bergerac Dordogne Perigord Airport 51.0 km EGC
  • Toulouse-Blagnac Airport 136.0 km TLS

Other:

  • Beach 195.0 km
  • Shops 10.0 km
  • Restaurant 10.0 km

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