L'Atelier

Very spacious, well presented and equipped . Located in an historic village which will benefit once the local hotel/restaurant re-opens. Very good outdoor seating area, but not large in size, which could be an issue for large families. One improvement would be increased English TV channels when taking a rest from exploring the superb area In conclusion, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, as did our dog !

The Forge is a fantastic house, four large bedrooms with bathrooms, plenty of living space, lovely garden with a great pool. It is decorated to a very high standard and extremely well equipped. In all, a perfect destination for a gathering of families .

It was our third Holiday-Trip to Saint Amand and we enjoyed it very much. Florence‘s Maisons are perfect equiped and absolut comfortable. The Restaurants around, in Montignac or Sarlat-la-Canéda are fantastic. Our Family will visit Saint Amand again in the next years.

We spent a month in the Dordogne, staying for three weeks at La Forge and then our final week in one of Florence and Richard's other properties, L'Ermitage. We found both to be exactly as described on the website, and looked even better than in the photos. Traditional rustic properties that have been expertly and beautifully renovated with the standards you would expect at a five-star hotel in terms of furniture, decor and facilities. Florence and her husband are such charming, considerate hosts, and had thought of everything from a welcome bottle of wine, pate and homemade apricot jam (made by Florence herself) and the kitchen full of basics like salt pepper, herbs, pasta, butter, olive oil etc. - Florence even contacted us before we arrived to ask if she could get some breakfast things for us as she knew we'd be arriving late at night and wouldn't have time to shop. It was these thoughtful little touches that made our stay so special. The property was spotless, and everything well maintained. The pool was cleaned/checked at least once a week by the gardener/pool man; the garden and grounds were immaculate and perfect for our small border terrier who came with us; and everything in the house worked like a charm. The kitchen had absolutely everything you could possibly need and we really appreciated the two sets of dinnerware cutlery, loads of glasses and mugs etc. so we had plenty even if we'd filled the dishwasher. The village itself has a local restaurant which we ate at a few times, and the children bought ice creams there practically every day. The nearest boulangerie is just a short drive away. There are also plenty of good local restaurants within just a few miles so we were never short of places to try. We particularly enjoyed visiting Sarlat, Montignac and many of the smaller pretty villages - St Leon, Domme, Rocamador, Roque Gageac - and also loved canoeing down the Vezere river, and visiting the various caves and castles. Lascaux 4 is amazing and well worth a visit - and it's only 10 minutes drive away in Montignac. In summary, we would highly recommend La Forge and L'Ermitage and the local area has plenty to offer in terms of beautiful countryside, peace and quiet, activities, heritage sites and delicious local food and wine. But in particular, it is Florence and Richard and their extended family who make this experience special with their warm and genuine welcome.

An amazing property in a beautiful location. Lots of room for a holiday with family or friends with all the facilities you need for the perfect stay. We would highly recommend. We were well looked after during our stay and the villa was clean on arrival.

We arrived in what was the wettest week in France you could ask for but the house was our safe haven for the week. Vincent greeted us with food and drinks bought fresh for us on our request which was most appreciated. He gave us advice on markets, fuel, the house and local restaurants. The pool was an asset in warmer days. The children loved playing in it. The views outside are lush too. Wander round the village it's quaint and very beautiful, everyone was friendly especially in the local produce shop which is a must visit. We did lots of sightseeing and the house was well equipped on return to cook, sleep chill out etc. As we were two English families it would of been good to have English tv or a DVD player plus an extra sofa so we could all sit in the lounge but the 4 teenagers hogged the two sofas. The bedrooms were large and beds very comfortable. The house is close to all local towns and we visited Sarlat often. Would we recommend the house to anyone else - absolutely I can imagine how great it is in the French summer sun. Thanks to Flo and Vincent for their hospitality.

St Amand is a small village tucked away in a glorious wooded valley, it's cobbled narrow streets lead to a central square where there is the imposing 12 century Abbey. There also is a local restaurant serving simple French food and a shop selling a variety of local products from hand made cups to dried cepes to fantastic liqueurs. The owner is a particular delight, as he is very keen for you to try samples! St Amand is very well positioned being just 10 mins drive from Montignac, 20 mins from Sarlat and local interests such as the Grottes. The house L'Abbey is stunning. It is an imposing Maison Matre, built from local stone and is one of three neighbouring houses, LSource and L'Hermitage. Even though they are together and share a well maintained 1 acre lawn at the front, they are all very private. It is difficult not to sound over enthusiastic but L'Abbey is simply brilliant. If you are looking for luxury accommodation mixed with old charm and modern facilities, then this is the place. It is spacious, decor finished to a very high standard, comfortable contemporary furniture, but mixed with a scattering of antique furniture. Our visit was at the beginning of May, the days were warm, but nights were chilly, so we lit a roaring fire in the imposing fireplace, with wood provided. We didn't really need it as there is underfloor heating throughout the ground floor and heaters upstairs, but it made the experience even better. Outside to the rear, there is a cobbled/grass courtyard, where there is the heated pool, with electric cover, a large gas Webber BBQ, sun-loungers, table and chairs, again all of a quality standard. There is access to this directly from the house via double doors from the snug and a door from the kitchen area. This is bordered by a tall stone wall to one side, an old barn wall to another and trees and bushes to another. Here is access to the steps that lead down to the large front grass lawn I mentioned earlier. Florence was a very helpful host, she responded to any of our queries promptly and provided us with the contact details of Vincent, who lives locally. He greeted us and in fact helped our daughter, who had driven to the house before we arrived; she couldn't find the house and he went and found her! It may appear to some that it seems expensive, but if you visit you will see why, as it gives the impression that you are actually staying at someone's home. Would highly recommend and will go back without a second thought.

Great and we want to come back.