If ever there was a place to embody the term très chic, it’s Chateau de la Forge. This classic Périgord country house is set in a private, 32-acre estate with carefully tended gardens, wild meadows, mature trees and a picture-perfect brook complete with pretty bridge to transport you across it.

Even the approach is straight out of cinéma verité; wrought iron gates mark the entrance to an avenue of trees which winds its way towards a17th century chateau, where elegant shutters add colour to the pale stone walls and the roofs rise steeply like turrets into the sky.

The interiors are equally impressive; recently renovated and displaying the owner’s immaculate sense of style and good taste. Tessellated or polished wood floors, high ceilings, feature fireplaces and antique furnishings create a sense of grandeur and yet the house retains an elegant informality that is so conducive to a relaxing holiday with friends and family. The kitchen and bathrooms are classically styled with the odd contemporary twist and thoughtful design ensures the whole house strikes a perfect balance between the aesthetic and the practicalities of daily life (though you may be pushed to argue that the spacious billiard room is a necessity).

Outside there are several terraces, perfect for al fresco dining, entertaining or simply sitting back and taking in the splendour of the surroundings. The 18-metre pool is as inviting as can be amongst the vast expanse of lawn, and when you can bring yourself to explore beyond the grounds, there’s a shop in the little village of Pont St Mamet, just a 15-minute stroll away.

Enjoying a privileged position halfway between historic Bergerac and Périgueux, with Dordogne’s prettiest villages and sites all easily accessible within an hour, Chateau de la Forge has it all; position, prestige and panache. What more could you want?

The local area

Set down a long driveway that leads from a minor road in the timeless countryside of the western Dordogne, the chateau is a peaceful haven, offering great access to the surrounding area. It’s just a mile from the local village, with its grocery store offering fresh bread and a good selection of meats and cheeses. There are also a number of other delightful villages to explore nearby, either on two wheels or four, including Issac, Jaure, Beauregard-et-Bassac and Villamblard.

There’s an excellent Saturday market in Mussidan and from here you can kayak along the Dordogne to experience the beauty of the region from its most iconic river. There’s a lovely lakeside beach at Neufont, a 15-minute drive from the house and the area is well-served by walking and cycling trails.

For a winning combination of restaurants, shops and culture, you will be spoilt for choice in Bergerac, designated a ‘City of Art and History’ by the French Cultural Ministry, whilst further north, the city of Périgueux offers an elegant café culture amidst it’s pretty streets, set against the splendid backdrop of the impressive UNESCO-listed cathedral.

Our choice of French properties is diverse, ranging from simple charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal. To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.