Welcome, a gardener's delight

Le Manoir de Fouilloux lies in soft rolling countryside in the North Easterly corner of the Dordogne, close to the small town of Saint-Aulaye; in the beautiful Dronne Valley.

She sits within a 40 minute drive to the world famous vineyards of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.

The house dates from the 15th century, the family were originally walnut farmers; a crop synonymous within the Périgord. The house had fallen into disrepair before the current owners fell in love with her and bought her in 2013.

Slowly but surely, over a five year restoration, life has been breathed back into this fine old lady. The house now resplendent in traditional luxurious decoration, befitting her country status. The garden when purchased was a simple set of rolling lawns with few trees, but lacked any privacy or impact. Today the Manoir's gardens benefit from a formal terrace where a beautiful pool has been created, surrounded by an English country herbaceous border, filled with the scent of heady roses, lilies and much more. The terrace is completely private and sheltered with a due South elevation.

Creating the gardens at the house has been, and continues to be a life project for both Hugh and Ian. The couple, who have travelled the world extensively, took inspiration for one garden from a visit to Morocco, and specifically Marrakesh. The Gardens of Majorelle, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent are world famous. The dominance of a beautiful blue colour running through house and garden, interspersed with water truly inspirational, and a haven of peace and tranquility. In 2016 attention at Le Manor turned to the courtyard garden. A completely private and walled garden on all sides. A design agreed, the couple started the transformation to create a unique and authentic Moroccan courtyard garden and outdoor dining and sitting area, where guests now soak up the sunshine or read a book by day, or at night dine in the tranquility of this magical space; with only the gentle sound of the fountains in the central reflecting pool and wall fountains to distract. The flowers in this space are also dominated by blue, mauve and purple, to keep the Majorelle theme running into the borders. Jasmine scent wafts throughout the space during the evenings, together with Lemon, Orange, Lime trees and tall cypress firs.

The garden project for 2019 is to create a beautiful Potager, where guests can pick their own fresh organic vegetables for table. The raised beds are being designed so that aerially they resemble the shape of the Union Flag of the UK. This again will be a unique garden for the Dordogne, and promote the union between the UK and France.

Next year the plan is to develop a wildlife natural pond, incorporating trees wetland plants and flowers, a haven for wildlife and migrating birds. In a separate area the couple intend to design a Mediterranean Garden with a sundowner summerhouse so guests can enjoy the magnificent sunsets whilst enjoying a refreshing glass of Champagne or wine. This garden will be planted with Lavenders, Mediterranean Pines, Juniper, wild flowers and grasses. There is hoped to be another unique facility within the Dordogne but for now that's under wraps.

Le Manoir de Fouilloux is maturing and will further develop over the coming years, but already its a haven for busy guests to leave the pressure of work behind. To chill by the pool, stroll the gardens, find a favourite place to sit or eat; and enjoy the beauty and simplicity of rural France at its best.

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