Don't take our word for it, this is what our guests say about their stay
"A taste of Eden, if not Paradise itself"
2020
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France
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Jane and richard's house indeniably has a soul. You will feel it upon your arrival. Even if you enter their privacy, at no time you wil feel an intruder. Everything is welcoming here. The organization of the interior space is intuitive: things are found easily, as if the guest had designed them that way. The style is a tribute to the Entente Cordiale, between France and UK, but also present and past, countryside and modernity, apparent rusticity and great comfort, a mixture of genres always in the best taste. However, wherever the eyes fall, the house is full of charming details, a real “cabinet of curiosities”: the decoration, the paintings, photographs, ornaments, books, cds etc. A rabbit here, a duck there... Lewis Carrol and Beatrix Potter reunited ! In this regard, the connection between the interior and the exterior is harmonious. The best illustrations are the visits we had in the morning, for breakfast: little rabbits in the garden, birds... even a fawn! The colourful magic of Bambi in your garden ! In fact, the house is neither more nor less than like its owners, full of a caring presence, full of charming promises. Thanks for your kindness Jane and Richard . Alain, Aurore, Alicia and Aloys. Plailly. France.
"A little piece of paradise"
2018
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Spain
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Where do I begin to describe what a magical place this is. We stayed here for several days on our way back to our current home in Marbella, with a view to potentially buying our own property in the area. Carmangnac is in the most idyllic setting, nestled in a little valley, surrounded by rolling countryside and blessed with spectacular views. We were greeted personally by our hosts Richard and Jane, a lovely warm welcome after our journey from the Loire Valley. The farmhouse is superbly appointed with a magnificent dining kitchen and you can tell this is a real cook's kitchen, everything you could possibly need was there. There is a lovely, comfortable living room, tv with English channels if you need them and a fabulous Godin wood burner which we used on several evenings. There are three large, well-appointed bedrooms, a very comfortable bed, and lovely bathrooms although of course we only used one. Outside a beautiful sunny terrace (we were very lucky with the weather, 22 degrees and sunny every day) and a lovely swimming pool set in pretty gardens. The local town, Villebois Lavalette has all the amenities you need, a good supermarket on the outskirts, excellent bakers and butchers and two good restaurants, only 10 minutes or so from Carmagnac. Richard and Jane are the consummate hosts, discreet but there if you needed them. As we were looking at the area as a prospective home, they were both so very generous with their time, advice and invaluable experience having spent many years renovating Carmagnac - it has been a real "Labour of love" and boy, it shows. Thank you both for a wonderful few days and we very much hope to see you again in the Spring. Any prospective guest, please do not hesitate to stay here, you will not find anywhere better.
"What a Gem"
2018
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"This farmhouse is beautiful, it has everything you could think of in the kitchen for you to use. The bedrooms are all big sizes and have plenty of room, they all have great wardrobes and drawers to put your clothes in. The en-suites are lovely with lots of room in the shower with plenty of hot water for all when needed, day or night. The pool is fab, I'm not sure we could have coped if it hadn't of been for the pool and the air con, which we used loads as it got to 41 degrees at times. Richard and Jane were on hand if needed but were never intrusive, they have some good information about the area, especially the tip of getting the train to Bordeaux airport, instead of driving, thanks for that both. We would definitely book this farmhouse again if visiting the area. Thank you both for a great holiday" Jo, Paul and family
"Loverly relaxing stay"
2019
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Richard & Jane were welcoming, friendly & very knowledgeable on the surrounding area. Their home was a great starting point for venturing around the leafy lanes of France. Nights in with a glass of wine, feeling toasty from the log burner & the relaxing scent of lavender will remain with me as a very happy memory. Will definitely keep in touch & return next year.
"First time French rural holiday"
2019
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UK
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Our party of 7 (4 adults and 3 children under 8) fully enjoyed our two weeks at Carmagnac in July/August. We arrived a little early (with permission and due to a flight time change) and were warmly welcomed by Jane and RJ. Our first impressions were that the property was roomier than we had anticipated from the photographs, especially the kitchen/diner and upstairs bedrooms. This house has everything you need for a home from home break and not once did we not have something to hand for cooking or prep. On hotter days, the air con was an absolute godsend! The views were to die for and the grounds so pretty and well kept. The pool area was clean and pretty and the children thoroughly enjoyed their 'midnight swims' (at 9 pm!). The pool was an adequate size even with us all in. The smallest gained water confidence as the shallower end allowed him to be able to touch the bottom easily and enjoy some (supervised) jumping in. Jane and RJ were excellent hosts, always on hand to answer any questions about where to go and RJ even led us to the local SuperU so that we'd find it easily the next time. A lovely couple with lots of fascinating anecdotes. Location is very rural with the nearest large supermarket a 10 min drive away and some boulangerie in surrounding villages. The drive out of Bordeaux was a little hair raising though! Lots of local places to visit and hardly any other cars on the road, which is marvelous when you're not used to driving the opposite way! We would recommend Aubterre (river and town), Brantome and St Emillion for day trips. For 3 of us, it was our first folly into the 'rent a farmhouse in France' world, having always been 'waited on hand and foot in resort' types and thoroughly enjoyed the change. Our 8-year old enjoyed exploring the area and practicing the French that she has started to learn at school. We would recommend Carmagnac to anybody considering it even for a short hop for relaxation. Thank you, Jane and RJ for a wonderful stay. Fond memories will be with us always x
"Fantastic location for a family holiday"
2017
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UK
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We thoroughly enjoyed our two weeks in this beautiful and extremely well-equipped house in this quiet out of the way location. We were welcomed by Jane who showed us how everything worked and when we did have a minor problem with the pool, it was quickly resolved by Angi. While the house is secluded, it's just a 10-minute drive from the nearest supermarket, restaurant and cafes - but having a car is absolutely essential. We visited a number of other locations during our stay which while not local (Bordeaux & Lascaux Cave among others) were not too far away (each within about 1.45hrs). I'd certainly stay here again - we had everything we needed and wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend the place to anyone looking to get away from it all.
"Fantastic location for a family holiday"
2017
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UK
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We thoroughly enjoyed our two weeks in this beautiful and extremely well-equipped house in this quiet out of the way location. We were welcomed by Jane who showed us how everything worked and when we did have a minor problem with the pool, it was quickly resolved by Angi. While the house is secluded, it's just a 10-minute drive from the nearest supermarket, restaurant and cafes - but having a car is absolutely essential. We visited a number of other locations during our stay which while not local (Bordeaux & Lascaux Cave among others) were not too far away (each within about 1.45hrs). I'd certainly stay here again - we had everything we needed and wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend the place to anyone looking to get away from it all.
"Wonderful"
2020
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France
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Wonderful
I would like to thank Jane and Richard for their welcome and kindness.They are a great resource for visits to the surrounding area and extremely kind. The house is beautifully decorated, with quality fixtures and fittings: this kitchen is just amazing, the bedrooms are very large and very well appointed (my 2 teenage girls loved having their own bathroom). The swimming pool area is a great place to relax and to watch the sunset. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy a beautiful and very comfortable home, I recommend it. Thank you Jane, thank you Richard The spider cat family
"Vaux Lavalette August"
2020
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UK
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​We had a fabulous week staying at Jane and Richard’s beautiful place. It was our second visit to Carmagnac and it was just as lovely as we remembered. The house is cool, quiet and well-equipped with plenty of space to spread out but also come together to eat , play games or just hang out. The pool area is fab with gorgeous views and enough loungers and chairs to go around. Jane and Richard couldn’t have been more helpful and welcoming. Great hosts with a beautiful house. Highly recommended!
"Magnifique maison de campagne charentaise"
2020
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France
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Nous avons passé un excellent séjour dans cette très belle et vaste maison charentaise, restaurée avec goût et parfaitement équipée. Accueil charmant de nos hôtes. Nous reviendrons!
"Great family stay"
2018
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"Wow-what a wonderful farmhouse, we had a fantastic stay whilst visiting with friends and would highly recommend to anyone. The farmhouse is beautiful both inside and out with everything you could wish for. From a perfect farmhouse style kitchen, a fantastic log fire in the sitting room and a swimming pool set in beautiful surroundings. Both Jane and Richard were the perfect hosts: so accommodating before and during our stay and there to help and recommend places to visit nearby. We will be visiting again hopefully soon! Thank you"
"Beautiful luxury retreat in the heart of the French countryside"
2018
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"Beautiful luxury retreat in the heart of the French countryside
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My wife and I enjoyed a short break at this fabulous renovated French farmhouse. Located in the small community of Vaux-Lavalette, we were delighted at the both the amenities on offer and the stunning location in the heart of the rolling French countryside. The accommodation has been renovated to a very high standard offering roomy bedrooms with ensuite shower facilities; a beautiful traditional kitchen area, and a comfortable lounge. We used the heatted swimming pool and BBQ facilities as we enjoyed the temperatures in the high 20s/ low 30 degrees C. The property is located within reasonable distance from a number of small villages, towns, and places on interest including the fabulous Château de la Mercerie. We will visit again"
"Our family holiday"
2019
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Germany
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​Undoubtedly, this was one of the nicest, most relaxing Holidays we have ever had as Family. The house is simply stunning and beautifully maintained, as is the pool. Jane and Richard could not have been more friendly, welcoming and forthcoming. we will definitely be coming back! Thank you so much for Opening your stunning house to us!
"A little slice of heaven... on Earth"
2019
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USA
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Our group of six friends from various parts of the U.S. met in Paris and travelled by car to heavenly Carmagnac where we spent 6 glorious days. ( By the way, it is possible, we learned, that you can train from Paris to Angouleme where you can rent a car which we would do next time. This farmhouse is charming, comfortable and truly a home away from home. It was especially good that we each had our own en suite and there was plenty of space for all of us. The weather was terrific...lots of sunshine even in October. We frequented neighboring Villebois and travelled to St. Emilion and Bordeaux for superb views and wines, to Aubeterre where the largest subterranean church in a Europe can be visited. and finally to Angouleme for supper on our last evening at Chez Paul. Richard and Jane saw to it that our every need was anticipated. We loved cooking in a fully outfitted gourmet kitchen and enjoyed the company of our hosts. We are leaving France with a large collection of happy memories. Richard and Jane - much appreciation for all you did to make our stay perfect. We are already dreaming about our return. Au revoir ‘til we meet again! Constance and Crew
"Superbe maison de caractère avec une vue magnifique sur les tournesols"
2019
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France
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Tout est pensé avec goût, les équipements ne manquent pas, la literie est confortable et la piscine agréable.
