This 17th century farmhouse must be the only property of its type left in such close proximity to the interesting town of Périgueux, the capital of the Périgord. The area is residential just outside the centre of town. It takes 20 minutes (1.5km) to walk to the stunning cathedral and the daily market. There are festivals in Périgueux throughout the summer. The lovely town of Brantôme is 29km to the north and the closest famous landmarks of the Dordogne, the châteaux and prehistoric sites, are 40km away. There are watersports on the River Dordogne (canoeing, boating, swimming - 50km), a leisure lake for swimming and fishing at St-Armand-de-Vergt (32km), and horse riding at Campcevinel (6km). Close to the property is a 15km cycling lane along a canal. Sarlat is 63km to the southeast and Bergerac 50km to the south.

The property is a true oasis. The house is set in spacious and peaceful grounds of two hectares, an enviable idyllic space with extensive lawns and many shady areas for sitting and relaxing. There is a shower by the south-facing swimming pool.

The interior is full of charm and character. A lot of thought and taste has gone into decorating and furnishing. The ground floor rooms open onto a stunning interior courtyard, a beautiful patio garden planted with potted fruit trees, ideal for outdoor meals. On the ground floor are a large well-equipped kitchen, a sitting room leading to a dining area and in turn to a spacious living area both of which open onto the back of the house and the pool area. Also on the ground floor are a large games room (ideal for children of all ages), a double bedroom with a shower, and a separate wc. In an independent building, also at ground level, is a very pleasant large bedroom with an en suite shower room with a wc.

On the half-landing are a double bedroom with a huge bathroom (with sofas, a large chandelier and exercise equipment) with a separate shower and a wc, and a twin bedroom (only accessible via double bedroom and bathroom).

The first floor consists of a double bedroom with an en suite shower room, and two further double bedrooms (one of which is smaller and recommended for use as a single), a bathroom with a separate shower, and a separate wc.

On the second floor is a spacious air-conditioned attic room with two single beds.

Occupancy of 14 must include at least two children.

Read Sean Newsom's comments in the Sunday Times >>