Joli Fontaine

When the well-heeled and well-to-do of the French bourgeoisie wanted homes to impress, the classical elegance of a ‘Maison de Maitre’ like this was the grand design of the day. The 3-storey house is steeped in period style and has been completely renovated in recent years so up to 12 family and friends, plus infants, can stay in the lap of French luxury.

The authentic character of the house has been retained, from the imposing stone fireplace in the Grand Salon to traditional French furnishings, but Maison Duras has all mod cons too, including a Nespresso in the well equipped dining kitchen, American fridge freezer/ice maker, free Wi Fi and a games console. Everyone can come together to watch UK Freesat TV and DVD’s, or play board games, in the large and comfortable Grand Salon or children can escape to a lounge of their own on the top floor, where the games console awaits and another DVD player. Two master bedrooms are also on the top floor, with beautiful beamed ceilings and luxury ensuite bathrooms, while four other ensuite bedrooms are on the first floor.

Naturally the house is set in a generous, well-tended garden and the house has a commanding position, overlooking the hills and vineyards of the Bergerac winelands. What could be more civilised than a game of croquet or badminton on the lawn and reclining by the heated pool, which is alarmed and fenced. Children have plenty of space to play in the garden, complete with a swing set, and grownups can relax, with fine local wines to hand, on a patio of luxury outdoor furniture or the al fresco dining terrace for 12 which has a Weber BBQ.

Accommodation overview

Maison Duras is a large country house with 6 bedrooms to sleep up to 12 people, plus 2 babies in cots. Two travel cots are available and there is space for these in all of the bedrooms. The dining kitchen is bright and modern, including a large oven and induction hob, a separate steam oven, microwave, Nespresso machine and double drawer dishwasher. A dining table extends to seat 12, plus two high chairs are available, and there is breakfast bar seating for 4. A separate larder has two fridge freezers and a utility room has a washing machine and tumble dryer. The Grand Salon is a spacious living room with a huge real fireplace, comfy sofas, a large flatscreen TV, UK Freesat box, DVD player, DVD’s and board games. A second living room is on the top floor of the house which makes an ideal den for children, with a games console and DVD player. Two large master bedrooms are on the second floor, with attractive beamed ceilings, polished wood floors and luxury ensuites which both have a walk in shower, twin sinks, roll top bath and wc. The remaining 4 bedrooms are on the first floor, 3 of which have double beds and ensuite shower rooms and the fourth has twin beds and an ensuite bathroom. Jolie Fleuron is set in a large lawn garden with a heated pool, swing set, croquet, badminton and table tennis. There are two outdoor terraces for relaxing and dining outdoors – one with patio sofa and armchairs and the other with a Weber BBQ and dining table for 12, overlooking the pool. The property is strictly non smoking.