Manor House Reimagined for the Discerning Traveller

There are few things more tranquil than the gentle scent of lavender caught on the breeze, while the swallows soar overhead and the sunlight glints off the turquoise pool.

On the edge of a rural village and dating from the 1850s, Saint-Sulpice and its surrounding two acres of enclosed gardens retain all of their original charm, sympathetically restored by the current owners to cater for the most discerning family or group of celebratory friends. The allure of a traditional French manor house, but with an emphasis on discreet quality and modern creature comforts - cotton sheets, excellent mattresses and luxury bathrooms all ensure this is more than an exceptional home from home.

Romantic spiral staircase, housed in a stone turret

Bought five years ago from the family who built and had lived in the house for generations, Saint-Sulpice, or Château Rigaud de Vigneau as it was once known, has been carefully updated and reawakened. Elegant, comfortable family rooms with open fires and tactile furnishings contrast with quiet corners for voracious bookworms or those looking for a peaceful moment with a glass of local wine. Six en suite bedrooms are accessed by the romantic spiral staircase, housed in a stone turret, with the upper two offering dramatic double-height bathrooms open high into the eaves.

Join in the outdoor activities with a game of croquet

The garden and outside areas are designed with alfresco living in mind. Guests can enjoy picking a variety of home-grown ingredients such as the freshest peppers, blushing tomatoes and succulent courgettes from the organic vegetable garden or cut a few fresh flowers to grace the dining table. Alternatively, join in the outdoor activities with a game of croquet (torches provided for late night tournaments and night owls) or sunlit badminton matches on the lawn. Wander over to the secluded 12m pool where plentiful comfy sun loungers sit alongside the generous pool house, complete with cooking facilities, a majestic dining table for twelve and an open fire for keeping toasty during cooler evenings. Sun drenched terraces and tucked-away suntraps ensure there are enough outdoor spaces for the whole family, while a tiny hexagonal pigeonniere now serves as a reading room next to another secluded walled garden, complete with table and chairs for two.

Guests are able to enjoy all manner of activities in one of France's richest areas for historical sites

For those looking for a little more adventure, Saint-Sulpice is perfectly positioned to instil a sense of place and explore the verdant Perigord Vert. Guests are able to enjoy all manner of activities in one of France's richest areas for historical sites. Spectacular medieval towns including Hautefort and Brantôme are but a short drive away and the local area contains many idyllic rivers best viewed from a leisurely afternoon of gentle canoeing downstream. The nearby velo rail is guaranteed to bring out the train driver in all of us and for budding archaeologists, caves exhibiting pre-historic paintings or monumental stalactites are all close. Or simply experience the surrounding pathways through vibrant sunflower fields and gently undulating hills in the unspoilt French

Michelin star dining experience, there are a multitude of options at hand

Of course, the local area is synonymous with food, and specialities include the highly-prized Perigord black truffles. Truffle hunting in the spring or autumn is guaranteed to get pulses racing in the search for nature’s black gold. Whether guests are looking to cook for themselves with a wealth of local ingredients from the welcoming village shop and night markets or in search of a more formal Michelin star dining experience, there are a multitude of options at hand. A local husband and wife team can be booked to prepare and serve a sumptuous dinner at the house, while guests relax with an aperitif watching the magical fireflies as the sun goes down.

Saint-Sulpice is ideally placed for those looking for a quiet retreat or a more active sojourn

With the devoted owners on-hand to provide advice and local insight, Saint-Sulpice is ideally placed for those looking for a quiet retreat or a more active sojourn - unwind and relax or revive and explore in this beautiful Belle Epoch house which is enjoying a new era in its unique history.

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