Gîte Maison Vignoble

28/05/2023

❤🇫🇷TIME TO SAY A RELUCTANT AU REVOIR & THE VERY BIGGEST OF THANK YOU'S🇫🇷❤

As the famous saying goes, ''All good things must come to an end.'' After 10 years running Maison Vignoble as a Gite I am sad to announce its closure - the time has come for me to hang up my cleaning gear, shut down the booking calendar and to turn the key in the door for the last time.

This decision has certainly not been an easy one - when I welcomed my first guests back in May 2013 feeling a mixture of trepidation and nerves, I could never have imagined how successful Maison Vignoble would become, and how much I would enjoy running the Gîte ... I wanted to offer guests a special place to stay, that was welcoming and unique, sparkling clean and a home from home - could I manage it? Would they like it? Maison Vignoble has taught me skills I never otherwise would have learned, made me a more confident person and helped me meet lifelong friends. Yes, there were some tough, challenging days when I questioned continuing at all, but they were very few and far between, in the majority I have loved it - I have so enjoyed meeting people from all over the world and all walks of life, and seeing them enjoy both the house and exploring the area, departing refreshed and happy with fond memories, as well as the challenge(s) that running a Gîte brings. However, keeping Maison Vignoble up to my standards, to be the very best holiday home I can make it, also takes a lot of time and energy - between the Gîte and my full time job, I overdid things last year and my health suffered as a result, a wake up call that now is the time to finish and put myself first; to be the best it can be, a Gîte needs drive and energy, and I would hate to not be able to give what both the house and guests deserve.

So, I'd like to say the biggest of thank you's 🙏 - to all my guests since 2013, to fellow Gîte owner friends who have given me advice and help when I needed it and the courage to improve my Gîte, expand its reach and push myself to make it better and more successful with each passing year, and to my family and friends... without each and every one of YOU, and your support, Maison Vignoble would not have become such a success. Testament to that, I could more or less have booked out my 2023 calendar with returning guest bookings had I opened this year - what a high to end on!

I am immensely proud of Maison Vignoble and what I have achieved, and I'll look back on my my ownership with very happy memories... I shall certainly shed a few tears when I leave Maison Vignoble for the last time, it is a very special place and I'm not sure I will ever find another house like it, a house with a heart. I'll finish this farewell with four comments from special guests who wanted to return this year and which left me very touched. Thank you everyone for your support, thank you for the memories. Thank you for everything. ❤🙏❤

🔹️''I just want to say that myself and Kate have stayed in a variety of places over the years but we both agree that you were the kindest and most helpful host we have experienced. It was such a pleasure to meet you and get to know you and it goes without saying that we both wish you every happiness for the future''. 🔹️

🔹️ ''We enjoyed our stay very much and we both use the photos as screen savers on our computers to make us happy!'' 🔹️

🔹️ ''The nicest Gite we have ever stayed in, and a holiday we will never forget''. 🔹️

🔹️ ''The best place is the house - it has a place in our hearts''. 🔹️

01/01/2023

🎆🥂 HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🥂🎆

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year and good health too for the year ahead! ! 🎆🍾🥂🌠

I took this image of a favourite tree at dawn back in July which I walk past most mornings - it seems a fitting image for a post about new beginnings. 2022 was a great, although sometimes challenging year for me and Maison Vignoble, but meeting so many great people and thanks to the kindness and help of some lovely people too made it another special and successful year to remember. Looking forward to the year ahead!

Bonne Année et Bonne Santé! 🎆🍾🥂🌠🇫🇷

31/12/2022

📸🎉🎉 INSTAGRAM TOP NINE 2022🎉🎉📸

The Instagram account was created with the aim of promoting not just the cottage, but the magnificent area and talented photographers who capture its outstanding beauty... a post every day, and a few of my own too. Instagram has certainly inspired an interest in photography that I didn't know I had and even more of a passion for the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of France. 📸🖼🇫🇷

A huge thank you 🙏🙏🙏 in particular to , .tineur, ,
🌟, , , .pics, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
, , , , and for their support and allowing me to share their photography multiple times this year... if you are an Instagram user, give their accounts a follow, all are very talented and post beautiful images of the region. 🇫🇷

So, here are my ! 😃📸💖

1. 📸 - Chevreuil
2 .📸 - Bourdeilles -
3. 📸 - Ségur-le-Château-
4. 📸 - Périgueux, Cathédrale Saint-Front -
5. 📸 - Ségur-le-Château - .bel
6. 📸 - Château de Puyguilhem - .bousser
7. 📸 - Brantôme - .ward86
8. 📸 Bourdeilles -
9. 📸 - Château de Jumilhac -

24/12/2022

The resident Maison Vignoble Robin and I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas! Joyeux Noël et Bonnes Fêtes! 🎅🎄🦌☃️🎁🌟

21/12/2022

The magic of Christmas in the city of Périgueux, capital of the Dordogne. Christmas festivities here begin at the end of November, and continue through until early January. Whilst Périgueux is a beautiful city to visit at any time of the year, a trip around Christmas time is extra special - browse the fantastic Marché de Noël (Christmas market) and city shops, and view the spectacular festive lights and decorations at night. 🎅🎄🍷

Des étoiles plein les yeux, Périgueux noël 2022.

Dordogne Périgord Tourisme
Just My Périgord
Ville de Périgueux
Office de Tourisme Intercommunal du Grand Périgueux
VIPérigueux
Périgueux Actus
Pxinfos
Just My Périgord

30/11/2022

The beautiful walled town of Rochechouart, twenty minutes drive from Maison Vignoble, is watched over by its own stunning Château which dates back to the 13th century. Whilst part of the building is taken over by the local council, you can visit the Museum of Modern Art which is housed within the Château de Rochechouart and its gardens. The collection of Art is relatively big and there is often a temporary exhibition to view.

19/11/2022

Exciting news that the 8th stage of the Tour de France 2023 is passing not far from Maison Vignoble on Saturday 8th July 2023! Catch it during a visit to Brantôme, or at the villages of Abjat sur Bandiat, Saint-Saud-Lacoussiere, Champs Romain, Dournazac or Bussiere-Galant, all of which are in a 15 to 30 minute radius of Maison Vignoble. 😃🚵‍♂️🇫🇷

🚴🏽‍♂️ 🤩 Tour de France 2023, samedi 8 juillet : la 8e étape entre Libourne et Limoges traversera le canton du Perigord Vert Nontronnais, et passera par St Front la Rivière, St Pardoux la Rivière, Champs Romain, Abjat sur Bandiat et St Saud Lacoussière
Plus d’informations à venir !

15/11/2022

The village of Piégut is only 7 minutes drive from Maison Vignoble - it might not be big, but the town is famous across the region for its large general market held every Wednesday morning throughout the year; bustling with activity and a huge array of stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to beautiful local artisan crafts, it really is not to be missed! The town also has two boulangeries, shops, a supermarket and a few restaurants to choose from. The castle of Piégut-Pluviers was destroyed in 1199 by Richard the Lionheart (Richard I of England), and today only the Tower remains as shown in these terrific images by Declic & Decolle; after leaving the castle, he was later killed at the local town of Châlus, and you can follow a marked 'Richard the Lionheart' trail through the region.

14/11/2022

In the past few days, there has been a significant increase in the numbers of Cranes, or Grues as they are called in France, passing overhead as they migrate south for the Winter - a truly incredible sight and sound! Turn up the volume on this fantastic video taken yesterday evening by La Météo en Haute-Vienne.

08/11/2022

I walk past this tree 🌳 most days - the skies are a bit grey today (as you can see from the photo!) but for me, it illustrates perfectly Autumn 2022 🍂 in this region of France. Half and half, losing its leaves but clinging on to the rest as if unsure whether it should lose the remainder; this is perfectly natural of course, but it could be forgiven for being uncertain!
Indian summer? Definitely. After a very dry and hot summer, Autumn is continuing with little rain and in the main exceptionally warm temperatures for the time of year... the grass is growing like Springtime, 20°c and sunshine is forecast for the coming weekend, the flowers are still blooming and I have never seen the water levels so low this late in the year. A little rain is forecast next week with slightly cooler temperatures, maybe Autumn is finally properly arriving?

01/11/2022

Beautiful Autumn colours in Brantôme 🍂🧡

𝕍𝕠𝕤 𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕖𝕟 ℙé𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕠𝕣𝕕
📍Brantôme 📍
❇️ Photo signée 📸🍁merci pour ce beau partage ✅
❇️
:  c'est  votre Périgord au travers  de vos photos.
❇️
➡️ Suivez-nous et partagez vos plus beaux instants du Périgord en utilisant
ou 🏰pour être sélectionné
🔶
📷 Sélection par ✅
⚪
 

10/10/2022

The stunning Gare de Limoges Bénédictins train station in Limoges has just won 'The Most Beautiful Train Station in France' Award - a very well deserved win! Magnificent both inside and out, put it on your list of places to visit during a day out in the city of Limoges.

[ PLUS BELLE GARE DE FRANCE 🚉 ]

Grâce à vous et à votre soutien, notre gare de Limoges Bénédictins remporte la première place du concours et devient la : une véritable fierté 🤩

📸 : Loïc Lagarde Photography

Gares & Connexions⎢Limoges Tourisme ⎢Département de la Haute-Vienne

27/09/2022

🌸 THANK YOU 🌸

Apologies for posting less often than usual in recent weeks.

October is almost upon us, and slowly the weather is starting to feel a little bit Autumnal with finally some significant rain in the forecast (the first in months) which should help to ease the severe drought conditions across the region and much of France. The change of season also means the end of the 2022 Gite season at Maison Vignoble, busy from early Spring I decided some months ago to close the cottage to bookings a little earlier than usual this year. Season 2022 has certainly been challenging but in the most part very enjoyable - sincere thanks to everyone who chose to book their holiday at Maison Vignoble, and who helped make it my second busiest season ever; yet again I have been lucky to meet and welcome some lovely guests this year - the record breaking summer of heat and the aforementioned drought has meant people enjoyed some beautiful weather during their stays, always the icing on the cake to a good holiday!

Finally, special thanks to my father Les and to Carol and Mark who exceptionally kindly stepped in for September and finished the season for me when I became unwell and unable to do the changeovers - lifesavers (literally!), and to whom I am incredibly grateful indeed. Thank you everyone. 😊💖🇫🇷

15/09/2022

Le ciel Limousin en feu hier soir 14/09/2022. Coucher de soleil, pas de filtre. 🔥🌅 🇫🇷

The Limousin sky on fire yesterday evening 14/09/2022. Sunset, no filter.


 

📸 - Mon image .ward86

12/09/2022

Why visit Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche? These images speak for themselves - explore this beautiful medieval town, the Plô Tower and discover its porcelain history.

28/08/2022

Au bord de la rivière à Brantôme... 🦆

By the river in Brantôme...

     
🇫🇷

📸 - Mon image .ward86

15/08/2022

Always nice to start the week with a lovely review via Airbnb - reviews like this and seeing people enjoy the house and area are what makes running the Gite worth it! Thanks very much to Alice and her friends. 😊

13/08/2022

There has been no rain whatsoever for over a month here at Maison Vignoble, just like across much of France - we have been stuck in a cycle for weeks of regular 35°c days, I have never known a summer so dry! An emergency situation has been declared, with tight restrictions on water usage because the drought is so severe and the situation now critical. There have been some forest fires locally and fireworks are banned. Thankfully, finally, some rain is forecast in the coming days, but not enough to counteract the drought unfortunately. The ground is tinder dry as you can see from the video below - one could be forgiven for thinking this was Southern Spain, not the Northern Dordogne!

07/08/2022

GRAND ETANG DE SAINT-ESTÈPHE

Maison Vignoble is located within easy reach of a number of good swimming lakes, but my personal favourite is Grand Etang de Saint-Estèphe, around a 10 minute drive from the cottage. This lake really does offer something for all - its beautiful location means it is perfect for an enjoyable walk at any time of the year, and for relaxing on the pretty sandy beach and swimming in summer. During the high summer months of July and August there are lifeguards on duty, and also additional watersport activities available including canoeing and paddle boarding. Surrounded by trees, there are plenty of areas to take solace from the heat of the day, with a variety of dining choices too - a cabin by the lake provides drinks, snacks, light meals and ice creams, and the restaurant La Bodega du Moulin offers very reasonably priced meals; if you fancy treating yourself to something more expensive though and a high end dining experience, then try Le Moulin Du Grand Étang - this restaurant has repeatedly received excellent reviews from guests staying at Maison Vignoble. The 3.5km walking circuit around the lake is perfect for all abilities, and it even has a little boat operated by a pulley system to get you from one side of the lake to the other when following the walking route... great fun for kids (and adults! 😉). If you are visiting the Northern Dordogne, don't forget to fit in a trip to Grand Etang de Saint-Estèphe. 🏊‍♀️☀️💦🇫🇷

01/08/2022

A one hour twenty minute drive from Maison Vignoble is Cognac, famous of course for its brandy (you can visit the distilleries, see the production methods, and try some Cognac tasting), but also its beautiful historic old town, castles, and gardens; there is much to see and do, a visit here makes a great day out.

25/07/2022

LE VIEUX MOULIN, CHABANAIS

There are a number of excellent restaurants to choose from in the area, which are all detailed in the cottage handbook - judging by guest comments so far this year, Le Moulin du Grand Etang at nearby Saint-Estèphe swimming lake is the 2022 favourite with excellent reviews!

Today, a new discovery - why not treat yourself to a meal at Restaurant "Le Vieux Moulin" in Chabanais, around a half hour drive from Maison Vignoble. An old Mill, set in beautiful garden surroundings and with a pretty shaded terrace in summer, you can choose from 4 menus - the French staple menu du jour at €22.00, the menu détente for €44.00, or if you really want to push the boat out, the menu gourmet for €58.00; a vegetarian menu is also available for €30.00. Le Vieux Moulin is more expensive than most local restaurants, but it offers something different and a luxurious dining experience perfect for a special treat. The Tiramisu in the final photo... the best I have ever tasted! Reservation in advance essential.

22/07/2022

The Hydrangeas in the garden were amongst the casualties damaged by the late snow and frosts in April, so I feared that they wouldn't bloom at all this year - delighted to report that they have, perhaps with a few less flowers than normal, but still adding beautiful colour to the garden. ❤💙🤍💜

19/07/2022

Today in the Dordogne there is a haze and strong smell of smoke and forest fire in the air - it has been carried by the wind all the way from the Gironde over 2 hours away, where firefighters have been battling absolutely horrendous forest fires which have so far destroyed 47,700 acres of land. Totally catastrophic. Firefighters from across France, including this area, have travelled to the Gironde in order to assist the local crews who are now exhausted.

Tout l'ouest de la Dordogne se réveille ce mardi matin sous les fumées. Elles proviennent des incendies en Gironde et se propagent vers l'est à cause du vent. Les pompiers invitent les habitants à ne pas les appeler. Leur standard est saturé.

17/07/2022

Just like much of Europe, France is in the midst of another heatwave, or 'canicule' as it is called in French. The first image below shows the forecast temperatures which could be reached tomorrow - up to 44°c here and a blistering 50°c in the far south! 🥵🌡 The past week has already seen days of intense heat across the region, illustrated by the second image showing the temperature at Maison Vignoble whilst I was working outdoors on Thursday captured by my phone, 33°c already by mid morning! ☀️ Just a couple of hours away near Bordeaux, firefighters have been battling a vast and very intense forest fire for days, but locally the heat caused a large out of control fire in a local farmers field when the bailer caught alight, requiring a large number of fire fighters ('Sapeurs Pompiers' in French) to bring it under control - you can see the aftermath in the third photo. 🔥🚒👨‍🚒 Wherever you are, keep cool and take care everyone - early starts to beat the heat mean beautiful mornings like the summer sunrise captured in my final image the other morning.😊🇫🇷

14/07/2022

🇫🇷 FÊTE NATIONALE 🇫🇷

Today is the 'Fête Nationale', the 'National Day of France', better known in English speaking countries as 'Bastille Day'; it celebrates the storming of the Bastille on 14th July 1789 which was a key turning point in the French revolution, and the 'Fête de la Fédération' the following year on 14th July 1790 which celebrated the unity of the French people. A national holiday, it is taken very seriously and is celebrated annually throughout France - in Paris the oldest and largest military parade in Europe is held in front of the Champs-Élysées, and in towns and cities across the country there are firework displays, concerts and parties. Joyeux 14 juillet à tous! Vive la France! 🇫🇷🎆🎊🥳🍾🥂🎉🇫🇷

©️ 🔎 - Images: istockphoto.com / Wikipedia /Frenchtoday.com / Capbreton

09/07/2022

The Indian Bean Tree (also known by the name Catalpa Bignonioides) in the garden is flowering this year - the flowers only appear for a very short period unfortunately, but so pretty whilst they last! 😍

07/07/2022

I've posted here many times previously about the town of Brantôme, known as the 'Venice of the Périgord' - this stunning Drone image illustrates its amazing beauty from above; if you only have time to visit a few places in the Périgord Vert region, make sure that Brantôme is one of them! 🇫🇷

Brantôme, quel charme ! (Photo©️réalisée sous déclaration préfectorale)

Dordogne Périgord Tourisme
Office de Tourisme PÉRIGORD Dronne Belle
Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin






.focus_on .focus_on

03/07/2022

In May 2021, my very talented photographer friend Carrie Hill took these fantastic drone images of Maison Vignoble from the vineyard orchard - they are some of my favourite photos of the cottage, offering a different perspective of the house and its pretty location in a little hamlet set amongst beautiful Dordogne countryside. 🇫🇷 Thank you so much again Carrie.

30/06/2022

A 4.1 magnitude earthquake hit the Charente department in the early hours of this morning, and was felt into the Haute-Vienne and Dordogne - it only lasted a few seconds, but I certainly felt it! 😯

30/06/2022

The city of Angoulême, capital of the Charente department, isn't just known for its pretty buildings and annual classic car race - it also boasts incredible wall murals. Aren't they amazing? You can follow a 9km route when visiting the city to see them all.