The Gite at Rigal

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Farmhouse |3 bedrooms |Sleeps 6

Cause-de-Clerans in Lalinde

From £495 per week

1 night minimum stay

Changeover flexible

4.5 out of 5

8 reviews | Write a review

Key info  Swimming pool, balcony/terrace, car advised, no pets allowed

About the home

Rigal is available for rental ALL YEAR there is so much to see and do, wonderful walks and trails (orchids and wild flower meadows in May), special offers out of season, there is full central heating and and a gorgeous woodburner,Easter egg hunts and chicks at Easter - use the website link below to access our own website for lots more details and photos.
A crunchy drive sweeps into the entrancing courtyard of the Manor de Rigal, a stunning organic farm. You will find a cluster of ancient honey-toned stone farm buildings and, secluded at the far end, your delightful 18th century, lovingly restored, farmhouse. The interior has a contemporary French feel, the 3 elegant bedrooms are dressed in crisp luxurious linen, each is en-suite ( one bedroom is downstairs with a bath/shower en-suite) filled with soft towels. The new fully equipped kitchen awaits your gastronomic creations, but worry not, for those less inclined there are numerous restaurants, bistros and auberges just waiting to delight your taste-buds we can recommend and book for you if required. The huge beamed sitting/dining room, with imposing ancient fireplace overlooks the suntrap patio with its barbeque and plethora of chairs to sit and relax or chat or read or sip wine or …..
French windows to the rear, with views of silky, waving grass, it’s a place for children to romp in over 100 acres of picture-book organic pasture and woodland without fear of damaging anything. The garden and grounds have it all, fenced heated salt-water pool with toddler friendly roman steps, extensive wooden play area for older children and smaller play area for little-ones, trampoline, table-tennis,badminton,ball games ,cricket, ponies grazing, cats snoozing and Misty the sheepdog keeping a watchful eye on everything.

Wander freely and safely amongst the rare breed chickens ( their eggs are so good – they even have their own stone home too which they share with quails ) there is a little shop selling free range eggs when there is a surplus. Come and help feed the animals,pigs,cattle, hens, rabbits, guinea-pigs,ponies,doves... there's always plenty to see and stroke. You will discover an orchard of apple, cherry, pear, plum, fig, walnuts and you will stumble upon the medieval designed vegetable garden complete with sundial, not that time is an issue here. However, you may want to soak up the scene at one of the colourful nearby markets, visit a fairytale chateau or for the more energetic cycle or canoe down the Dordogne valley, there are beautiful shady woodland walks from the doorstep ( maps and laminated walking guides available) where you can marvel at the myriad of wild flowers, butterflies and bird life, many species of birds can be spotted including buzzard, kite and in spring cuckoo sounds fill the air with swallows busily building nests all around the farm, we even have a little owl who has moved into the ponies barn, it's a birdwatchers heaven on our 100 acre farm. Last year one spotter spotted over 30 different types of bird. Misty our gorgeous border collie will willingly accompany you on your walks if you so desire ,many are straight from the front door and well signposted along shady woodland paths where you will stumble upon a ruin or a pigeon tower or see deer at dusk. Just down the road you will find the Chateau Les Merles golf course, great golf and super restaurant and bistro.

The gite is suitable for families including toddlers and babies( all facilities, cot ,stairgates, highchair, 3 wheeler all terrain buggy,baby backpack, toddler seats on the bikes, stroller,books,toys games cbeebeies!, potty, changing mats,childs bed, steam sterilizer, baby sitting by arrangement, animals to pet and touch or just look at ! ) We have lots of families visiting with grandparents as the upstairs is great for family sleeping arrangements and downstairs perfect for grandparents giving everybody space and privacy. The gite is also fabulous for couples or a small group of friends just wanting a break and to get away from it all, (perhaps for a walking holiday of the area, birdwatching or a golfing break) at this gorgeous rural retreat. There are many cheap flights to Bergerac ( 20 minutes away) and out of season we can fit in with your travel plans. The gite is able to be totally centrally heated when required, using coppiced wood from the estate and there is a romantic woodburner in the living room.

Enjoy wild flower meadows ( wild orchids a in abundance in May) . The walking in this area is wonderful, with trails literally straight from the front door along wooded lanes and tracks. The wildlife and birdlife is prolific including little owls, tawny owls, buzzards and kites. The first cuckoo can be heard late March, throughout April and most of May. Wildlife conservation is encouraged with nesting boxes for robins, tits , little owls and woodpeckers. There are hares and deer to be seen at dusk nibbling the green shoots in the fields and it is the perfect place to relax in a safe, peaceful haven.

Recycling doesn't get better than this , in 2007 Rigal was a delipaidated estate and has been painstakingly and lovingly restored to its former glory. Parts of the estate have stood since medieval times although it was mostly rebuilt and remodelled in the 18th century. We have scoured reclaimation yards for authentic fireplaces, revealed old sinks and beams that were long since hidden, recycled parquet flooring and used traditional techniques such as lime plastering to be as sympathetic to the structure as possible. Eco paints have been used throughout . We have water recuperation tanks sunk into the garden and the whole of Rigal can be heated using an eco friendly woodburning boiler system that uses coppiced wood from our own estate...zero fuel miles and carbon neutral. When it is not cold enough to use the boiler there is a woodburning stove in the entree that has a hot air recuperation system to heat the master bedroom upstairs. The cattle are reared for organic beef and we have an organic potager supplying tasty veg in the summer, we rear rare breed pigs, and hens.Children ( and adults) are welcome to help feed the animals and collect the eggs. Our guests are encouraged to recycle their left over food , either for the hens, rabbits or pigs or compost heap. Recycling of packaging is also encouraged with recycling bins for paper, cartons,glass and so on.The pool is heated via solar panels and a heat exchange system connected to the woodburning boiler making Rigal a great experience for you and a low impact on the environment.

No wonder our guests keep coming back.

Facilities

Further details indoors:
The Gite can comfortably sleep 6 (or up to 8 if the sofabed located in the salon is used) and has 3 en-suite bedrooms ,a kingsized bedroom and twin bedroom upstairs and a kingsized bedroom downstairs with en-suite bath/shower room.Both the king sized mattresses are pocket sprung orthopedic and very comfy.There is a wooden cot and a travel cot if required. There is a new fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and washing machine, a spacious lounge with wood-burning stove and satellite television and DVD player. There is a dining area and outside you will find a walled courtyard to the front and to the rear a terrace and grassed area for BBQ's (provided) and watching the sunset. Everyone comments on how spacious the gite is and that it looks like it is straight out of a magazine..which is it....Country homes and Interiors Feb2011 and Living France March 2011
Of course there is WIFI to keep you up to date with waht's happening in the world as time seems to standstill at Rigal.

Eco-Tourism
Le Rigal estate is run organically; no chemicals are used on the pastures and re-cycling is a way of life. You will find recycling bins close to the gite where paper, card, plastic containers, boxes, bags, bottles, tins, cans and so on can be collected and recycled. A composting system is in place and most kitchen waste (apart from meat) can be composted. The compost produced is then spread onto our organic vegetable plot.
The wood burning stove in the gite is an environmentally friendly form of heating (if required!) using wood coppiced and collected from the estate.There is also wood burning central heating making out of season visits warm and comfortable. The brand new pool conforms to all the latest safety and filtration standards. The pool is a salt water pool thus avoiding chemicals that damage the skin and environment.

We have a variety of livestock, including several ponies. Much of the estate is grazed by cattle all safely fenced and we have a flock of hens including rare breeds.

Further details outdoors:
Outside there is a new large salt-water swimming pool, table tennis, swings, sand-pit and a trampoline with acres of space for games of frisby, badminton, football or cricket in a safe environment. There is woodland to explore and walks straight from the front door. There are laminated details of all the marked walks in the local area. There garden is best described as parkland as there is so much of it! but in the courtyard there is an apple orchard with very safe gardens you can view from the comfort of the patio.
There is a terrace in front of the gite with table and chairs for dining( bbq providied) and also a table by the pool for relaxed poolside dining. There are sun loungers and wooden chairs by the pool.
At dusk you can often see deer and hear owls hooting, crickets cricketing! and frogs croaking.
We have a variety of livestock, including several horses and ponies.There is Misty the sheepdog who keeps a watchful eye on our small flock of rare breed free range chickens. The rest of our land is grazed by cattle.

Conditions

There is a bedroom and bathroom downstairs and although not adapted for wheelchair use it could be suitable depending on disability.

Out of season, short breaks, special events can be catered for, we can be flexible with dates, arrivals and departures.Ideal for walking holidays/painting or just getting away from it all, winter breaks with log burner and central heating.

Photos

 

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Rigal manoir set in over 100 acres of organic pasture and woodland

 

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New salt water pool and veranda, underwater lighting at night

 

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The gite at Rigal in the landscaped private courtyard of the Manoir, unique,boutique,eco-chic

 

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Master bedroom, antique French walnut bed ,en-suite and dressing room

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Farmhouse rental accommodation in Lalinde

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Awards

The Aquitaine / Dordogne / Dordogne region

One of the most beautiful parts of the country. The gite is nestled in an area called the golden triangle where there are more tourist activities available area per square mile than any other area. Chateaux , vineyards ( our own special pechamant region is on our doorstep) rivers, the beautiful Dordogne and Verzere can satisfy any canoeist of any age.

The area is renowned for its gourmet restaurants and home produced foods and the markets host the most amazing array of fresh produce from the region. With beautiful honey coloured villages, some perched clinging to the side of rocks and others set around planned squares and courtyards the medieval Bastide towns beckon you to have a coffee and take in the atmosphere and the history of the area.

The Lalinde / Cause-de-Clerans area

There is so much to visit on our doorstep. The local village boasts the ruins of the oldest castle keep in France, honey coloured houses and pretty roof lines. There are local fetes and fayres in the summer and medieval fayres at Issigeac and Cadouin during July and August. Every Thursday there is a huge market in Lalinde all year round with wonderful fresh produce, ( the area is famed for its strawberries and the olives are delicious) and interesting local goods. The area is wooded which makes for wonderful walking and cycling along shaded paths.
The pecharmant vineyards are dotted around producing excellent wines and Chateaux les Merles less than 5 minutes away has a wonderful restaurant, bistro and golf course. There hand made paper mills on the river Dordogne 10 minutes away dating from the 18th century and of course canoing and water skiing at Tremolat a short distance away. The problem is deciding what not to do or whether to do anything at all!!

How to get there

The Gite at Rigal What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

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25 minutes from Bergerac Airport , Ryanair, Flybe budget airlines.
All ferry routes , good autoroute access
TGV Train to Bordeaux then Bergerac or Lalinde
Please refer to location plan on our website with details of SatNav reference, maps
Please refer to our website for car hire companies, we can email you details.

Activities near Lalinde

Reviews

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13 Sep 2011

“Perfect holiday experience” We stayed at the gite at Le Rigel almost 2 years ago but we have not stopped talking about how perfect it was and how desperately we want to go back. Jacqui and Chris were the best hosts we ever... more

12 Sep 2011

“My little piece of heaven.. totally relaxing and unspoilt.” This is the second time we have stayed at Le Rigal and we would come back again. Our hosts are wonderful and are there if you need them and the accomodation is a home from home. Extremely comfortable and spotless. So much to do locally and amenities are only a short drive away. You really can dip into the French way of life. The children can play freely and the swimming pool is very well maintained and clean. Reluctant to recommend to too many people or we might not get our holiday next time!

07 Sep 2011

“A lovely gite and a lovely location” This was a lovely family friendly trip to a gite which was full of character and with all amenities for a young family. Everything that was need was supplied. The area is very beautiful and there are plenty of things to see and do. The pool and the playground area kept the children well occupied.

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06 Sep 2011

“The Gite at Le Rigal, great location, facilities and hosts” Chris, Jackie, Alice and Eliza are the perfect hosts, their Gite blends traditional and contemporary accomodation set in the stunning Dordogne countryside, this was our second visit to Rigal and it did not disappoint, the facilities are well appointed with over 100 acres of farmland to explore. Wildlife is on your doorstep and opportunities for you to experience french rural life. For those who wish to explore the region you have a centrally located base with easy access to many stunning venues, restruants and atractions; whether you want adrenalin filled quad bike tours, go-karts or a visit to the stunning water park or the gentle exploration of the valleys and rivers by canoe, Rigal offers easy access to all. We have already booked our 2011 return visit!!

05 Sep 2011

“Just what we hoped for a holiday gite” From the website onwards everything about this holiday gite was special.Nothing was too much trouble and Chris and Jacky were the perfect hosts.There when needed but not too intrusive.Our three children (2,6,and9) had the time of their life visiting local attractions swimming in the perfect pool or playing at Swallows and Amazons in the woods.I would recommend this gite as a perfect base to holiday in this part of France.In a nice quite area but near to everthing you would need.All in all a wonderful place run by wonderful people

16 Jul 2011

“Just the most stylish, comfortable & enchanting holiday home!” This was our second holiday at Regal. Last year we stayed in the gite(which was very special) but when we were offered the opportunity to book the Manoir we jumped at the chance as we have a large... more

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06 Jul 2011

“Rural idyll with farmyard animals” You may think you have been to a beautiful destination but visit Le Rigal and see a true rural idyll. Whether you stay in the gite or the manoir you will be pleased with the standard of the... more

26 Jun 2011

“Wonderful Winter Retreat - Exactly what we wanted.” We were very lucky as we were the only guests throughout the whole week. We arrived to a fully decorated gite - Christmas decorations looked wonderful. Lots of logs for the fire for those wintery... more

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Guestbook for The Gite at Rigal

Dear Chris and Jacky
I wanted to write though and tell you how incredibly impressed we were not only by the beauty of the gite and the surrounding countryside, but also by your hospitality and thoughtfulness. We could not have asked for a more perfect place to stay. From the moment we pulled up the drive (tired from my frequent navigational malfunctions) and saw your smiling faces, until the moment we drove away (wishing we'd stayed another week) we were quite overwhelmed by it all. Thanks for helping out our friends (and us) by arranging for the champagne and strawberries on our arrival - this was a huge favour and many folks would have said no. Your suggestions for where to go such as the Sunday market in Issigeac and the wonderful Gouffre de Proumeyssac, really added to our trip. You gave directions to get us through Bergerac enroute to Bordeaux and let us use your laptop when we couldn't get our Ipod to work. It was wonderful for our kids to have Alice and Eliza there to play with - they are lovely girls (and as for Misty...what can I say? The kids were in heaven taking her for walks!).We all agreed that we still had the perfect holiday, and much of this was due to our fantastic hosts who went above and beyond many times.
The gite itself was unbelievable. We were genuinely blown away by the quality of the work, how well equipped it was, how charming yet comfortable the rooms were. The grounds were so peaceful. We unwound each day listening to the crickets in the evening and the quiet clucking of the chickens - you live in a rural utopia! This will be a vacation we'll be talking about for years.
Once again thanks. If we ever return to the Dordogne, we will come and stay (assuming you aren't booked up years ahead by then).
All the best,
Lucy Clearwater, Canada

We've hit the jackpot !" M. Tobin Bath

"This is the best gite we've ever stayed in"

"Our kids have had the time of their lives...the freedom they have experienced within the safety of the estate"


Hi Chris and Jacky!!
I just thought i'd drop you a line to say thank you very much for letting us stay in your gite. We had a great time there and think your gite provided absolutely everything you need when you travel with a baby! We really appreciated the babysitting as well and the delicious dining experience! Hope your photo shoot went well and we will be buying the magazine in February!
Take care and thanks again
Klare, Tim and Lottie! x

"We loved coming out of season and enjoyed the warm fire, central heating plus the wonderful walks"

Rental prices

Prices for group size 4
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
low season	31 Jan 12	31 Mar 12	495£ 495	0-	0-	Flexible
mid season	31 Mar 12	27 May 12	550£ 550	0-	0-	1 Week
mid season	27 May 12	30 Jun 12	750£ 750	0-	0-	1 Week
high	30 Jun 12	1 Sep 12	1150£ 1150	0-	0-	1 Week
mid	1 Sep 12	6 Oct 12	650£ 650	0-	0-	1 Week

Prices for group size 6
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Christmas New Year	17 Dec 11	7 Jan 12	695£ 695	0-	0-	Flexible
low season	7 Jan 12	31 Mar 12	495£ 495	0-	0-	Flexible
mid season	31 Mar 12	30 Jun 12	750£ 750	0-	0-	1 Week
high season	30 Jun 12	1 Sep 12	1150£ 1150	0-	0-	1 Week
mid season	1 Sep 12	6 Oct 12	750£ 750	0-	0-	1 Week
low	6 Oct 12	22 Dec 12	500£ 500	0-	0-	1 Week
mid season	22 Dec 12	5 Jan 13	825£ 825	0-	0-	1 Week

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

If the woodburner is required or woodburning central heating is used we charge for the wood. One basket of wood is included with the rental and after that is charged at the current competitive rate. All the wood is cut , coppiced, brought back from the woodland, chopped, split and dryed before use.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Contact the owner

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2 years listed You are contacting Chris Holton Landline +33 0 553273316 Mobile n/a Web Visit site Languages spoken The owner is based in France and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2009. This farmhouse has received 8 reviews from previous guests.

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The Manoir at Rigal in Lalinde, France