NEW Charming C18th townhouse, Dordogne Valley - stylish, eco, luxe accommodation

I live in Australia and love to travel especially to France. I adore everything about France and the French lifestyle and feel a sense of belonging there that I have not experienced elsewhere.

My main interest is interiors and styling. I also love brocanting / antiquing and upcycling and many of the pieces of furniture in the house were found at a local brocante store or market. Additionally, I love crafting, sewing and MIY.

Nearing a major milestone birthday I decided I wanted my own piece of French real estate. Reading numerous biographies and travel memoirs led me to the department called the Lot. I bought the house on my third viewing trip. While overnighting in the medieval village of Martel, I took a stroll after breakfast before heading off to my next viewing, and realised this was the village I wanted to live in. I walked past the house and took a photo as it was so lovely, not realising it was actually for sale. That night I looked at the immobiliers websites in Martel and saw my house. I viewed it the next day and and as soon as I stepped inside its old stone walls, I knew I was going to buy it!

The house has many original character features including the local limestone walls, winding wooden staircase, wide oak floorboards, big stone fireplace in the kitchen which houses the oven range and dormer windows. These features along with the old gnarled wisteria tree in the courtyard, made me fall in love with the house.

The village is steeped in history, like stepping back in time, with its cobblestoned streets and 12th century architecture. The village has all the services required including restaurants, cafes and bars, supermarkets, bakeries, boutiques, banks and medical services, all within walking distance. Martel is surrounded by rolling hills, farmland and walnut groves. It is close to world heritage sites such as Lacave and Rocamadour, chateaux, churches, parks, cheese, truffle and walnut farms, wineries and distilleries. Brocante and farmers markets occur regularly in nearby villages and towns.

The property offers versatile accommodation suitable for a broad range of travellers including couples, groups of friends, honeymooners, food and wine lovers, weekend adventurers etc. While the house has 4 bedrooms, it only accepts 4 adults, perfect for two couples or singles as they would each have their own floor or up to 4 singles as they would each have their own room.

The house is based on eco-tourism and sustainability principles and provisions are organic and/or locally sourced wherever possible including bedlinens and towels, pantry supplies, soaps, toiletries and cleaning products.

A welcome hamper is provided on arrival, which includes a bottle of local organic wine, ground coffee, specialty teas, sweet treats and more. The pantry is well stocked and the drinks tray includes locally made walnut wine and pastis.

The house has many original character features including the local limestone walls, winding wooden staircase, wide oak floorboards, big stone fireplace in the kitchen which houses the oven range, dormer windows and the old gnarled wisteria tree in the courtyard among other things that made me fall in love with the house.

The village is steeped in history, like stepping back in time, with its cobblestoned streets and 12th century architecture. The village has all the services required including restaurants, cafes and bars, supermarkets, bakeries, boutiques, banks and medical services, all within walking distance. Martel is surrounded by rolling hills, farmland and walnut groves. It is close to world heritage sites such as Lacave and Rocamadour, chateaux, churches, parks, cheese, truffle and walnut farms, wineries and distilleries. Brocante and farmers markets occur regularly in nearby villages and towns.

The property offers versatile accommodation suitable for a broad range of travellers including couples, groups of friends, honeymooners, food and wine lovers, weekend adventurers etc. While the house accommodates up to 6 people comfortably, it is perfect for two couples or singles as they would each have their own floor.

The house is based on eco-tourism and sustainability principles and provisions are organic and/or locally sourced wherever possible including bedlinens and towelling, pantry supplies, soaps, toiletries and cleaning products.

A deluxe welcome hamper is provided on arrival for either a late supper or your first breakfast, which includes a bottle of local organic rose, breads, milk of your choice, jam, fruit, ground coffee, specialty teas, chocolate, sweet treats and nuts. The pantry is well stocked and the drinks tray includes locally made walnut wine and pastis.