Mr & Mrs Smith

The Hunting Lodge

Dordogne, France

The Hunting Lodge in the Dordogne is as flexible as luxury self-catering properties come – the historic house sleeps up to 14, but smaller groups can stake out a room or three, or even the boutique barn. In contrast to the artfully aged architecture (parts of the house date back to the 11th century), rooms are bold and contemporary, with far-flung furnishings that hint at the owners’ time abroad. The six-acre grounds have a lake, bamboo forest and centuries’ old fruit trees, and the Dronne river gurgles prettily at the bottom of the garden.

Need to know

• Rates information Week from €4,078–€6,285. Separate sections of the house can also be hired by smaller groups: La Grange sleeps two (€1,100–€1,665); La Dronne sleeps four (€1,312–€2,153); La Mazilière sleeps eight (€1,943–€2,903).
• Sleeps Up to 14: eight in one house, four in the other, and two in the barn.
• Property style A 16th-century hunting lodge, with a barn and a well.
• Grounds Six-acre grounds, with a lake, ancient fruit trees and a forest.
• Minimum hire A week in high season. In low season, weekends can be booked (upon request).
• Children There's plenty of room for little Smiths, and wonderful grounds for them to play in. The owners ask that only one child aged four or above stays in each room. More...
• Booking process The property requires full payment via bank transfer six weeks before arrival. A damage deposit is required upon arrival and can be paid by cash only – this property does not accept credit cards.
• Also The house comes with free WiFi access.

Floor plan

• Accommodation is split across three areas: the main house has two sections, La Mazilière and La Dronne; there’s also the barn, La Grange, which sleeps two.
  
• Bedrooms La Mazilière: There’s one large double bedroom on the ground floor, painted in sage green and taupe, with original oak flooring, exposed beams, and a palatial bed. The room looks out over the courtyard. Other highlights include a wall decorated in modern, textured wallpaper, and a sink tucked away behind cupboard doors. The bathroom across the hallway has a washing machine and a drying machine. There are three more double ensuite bedrooms up an antique set of stairs. Each one has a theme – Safari, Red and Gold – with decor to match.
  
  La Dronne: There are two elegant bedrooms with twin beds (which can be made into doubles) and ensuite bathrooms. Both have bold, statement wallpaper, and spacious contemporary bathrooms.
  
  La Grange: There’s just one large ensuite bedroom with a big double bed. Staying here feels very private, as the building is separate from the main house. Decor is plain and understated: white walls, beamed roof, rattan carpet. The roomy ensuite bathroom has a shower, sink and toilet. The modern fittings are in sleek contrast to the old beams and tiled floor.
  
• Kitchen La Mazilière has the best one – a lovely, lounge-come-kitchen with a black-and-white tiled floor and a vast open fireplace. There are big sofas and a grand old oak dining table. La Dronne and La Grange both have a small, functional kitchen, tricked out with all the necessary mod cons.
  
• Living room Sit in the open-plan living room/kitchen in La Mazilière. La Dronne also has a lovely sitting room with a mustard-yellow sofa, two comfy armchairs, wooden flooring and plenty of finds that owner Vera has accumulated during her travels. La Grange’s living room has a dining table and chairs, and a wicker sofa.
  
• Dining room Each section of the house has a dining area, but the best spot to enjoy a meal is outside, soaking up the sun.
  
• Other There’s a cellar space in La Mazilière, where Vera teaches yoga when she’s around. Both La Dronne and La Grange have a terrace overlooking the grounds: perfect for enjoying al fresco meals.
  
• Poolside No pool, but there’s a natural bathing spot – La Dronne: swim off the jetty, or sit on it and salute the canoes passing by.
• Gardens All of six acres to explore, and the garden at the back overlooks the Dronne river (listen out for the soothing sound of the nearby waterfall). At the front of the property, you’ll find barbecues and fire pits.
• Private parking There’s plenty of parking space in the grounds for guests.

Also worth knowing

• Weddings This property is suitable for weddings. More...