Maine de la Garde
St Martin de Ribérac
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The present owners, John and Pippa Bromell, discovered Maine de la Garde at the end of a summer holiday spent at a gîte in nearby Siorac de Ribérac. We fell in love with its character, the space and the breathtaking views straight away, and it became ours in January 2008. 'Maine de la Garde' means 'watch tower' or 'vantage point' - and it is easy to see how it got its name.

The house has stone walls two feet thick, oak beams, and fireplaces almost big enough to stand in. It was restored by the previous owner, Nancy Roberts, a locally well-known and very popular artist. Nancy has returned to her native America, but you will find many prints of her paintings decorating the walls of the house - as well as hanging in the local Mairie and the doctor's surgery!

The accommodation is currently all on the ground floor and is comfortable and homely rather than luxurious. The 'great room' has kitchen, living and dining areas. The kitchen is well-equipped, with a dishwasher, gas cooker, microwave oven, toaster, and fridge/freezer. The living room has satellite TV (English channels), video and DVD player, a variety of games for the children and plenty of books for the grown ups. Wi-fi internet access is available. The master bedroom has a double bed and an en-suite bathroom with bath, washbasin and W.C. There is a single-bedded room (through which the master bedroom is accessed), and another bedroom with three single beds. There is a separate bathroom with shower, washbasin and W.C. And finally, a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer.
 
We are planning to add two bedrooms (each with twin beds) upstairs in time for the 2012 season. When those are finished, the single bedroom downstairs will revert to being a study/sitting area, and the triple-bedded room downstairs will become a twin-bedded room.  

The house has central heating for the colder months of the year.

Outside, there is a garden with flower beds and lawn, mature trees, and a large 'meadow' area which is covered in wild flowers from Spring until our neighbouring farmer comes to cut it in August. Tables and chairs are provided for eating outdoors, and there is a barbecue. There are several outbuildings, including a vast barn. Le Pigeonnier is about 40 yards away from the house.

The 12m x 5m heated swimming pool is open from the beginning of May until the end of September.

There is covered parking for one car (or two parked nose to tail) plus parking space in front of the house. 
The House
Living room
Great room - kitchen area
Great room - living area
Master bedroom
Single bedroom
Triple-bedded room
Availability
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Places of Interest
How to Get Here
 
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Other Links
The weather in
Saint Martin de Ribérac
Our friends' guest house in Ribérac 
Our friends' guest house
near Cape Town 
Dordogne Gites
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