Reviews
“I’d wanted for many years to spend time in the Dordogne and imagined a beautiful country setting for a place to stay. Unlike the usual problem set up by other idealized and long imagined events, this one was everything I’d hoped it would be and more!”
“When reading comments in the guest book, I was envious of the guests who stayed 2 or 3 weeks. If I could spend another week at Gaurenne, I would not go sightseeing. I’d hike the many trails, swim in the lovely pool, explore the apple and the walnut orchards, and sit on the vine-covered terrace breathing in the rose-scented air and enjoying the tranquility of this piece of heaven.”
“We’ve been to many parts of France before, and my wife used to live in Paris, but we’d never been to la France profonde. One reason we didn’t get to all the attractions is that staying in this house beats all. Gaurenne and its surrounding vast meadows is the quietest place I have been. No highway white noise in the background. A bucket of mussels for dinner with friends who came to stay with us out beneath the pergola at 10 o’clock with still evening light to spare. The house could not be more comfortable or tranquil. Biggest commotion was a grandmother and grandchild trotting by on a miniature-horse-drawn cart. Writing a note about it, I am only sorry I am not there right now.”
“When we stayed here for a week seven years ago, we promised ourselves that we would come back and spend more time. This two week visit has allowed us to really slow down and absorb the rhythms of Gaurenne. It’s difficult to describe the tranquility of staying in this 18th century farmhouse. It’s surrounded by fields that are surrounded by woods in the peaceful Périgord country. There is a feeling of openness and privacy at the same time. The landscaping, orchards, the courtyard, and gardens are stunning without being overdone.”
“We have rarely experienced such peace and quiet. The ambience is truly authentic.The farmhouse, quietly situated in a hill-top meadow, is simply beautiful inside and out, and, despite its apparent isolation, provides ready access to local markets, villages, farms and hiking trails. Moreover La Gaurenne is ideally located for those wishing to explore the extraordinary pre-historic cave art found throughout the region – indeed several of the most famous caves are almost on the doorstep!”
“We spent two weeks there in late August and early September using Gaurenne as our home base for exploring the Dordogne. Farmers markets, caves, prehistoric sites and lovely villages are all close by as are excellent restaurants. After a day of touring, the swimming pool was a welcome respite. At the farmers markets we found bread, vegetables, fruit, wine, cheese and take-away chicken, ham and potatoes. We also dined in wonderful nearby restaurants. Driving up the hill to Gaurenne and turning left out of the woods into the sunlit meadow with the house ahead on the right will always be a sweet memory.”
“My husband and I stayed at Judith’s incredible, impeccable, peaceful and lovely farmhouse last summer, and we are coming back this summer, and hope to return again and again. The care that has been put into restoring this amazing and very old and grand farmhouse makes the experience of staying there both restorative and a real revelation. The house is on its own high rural plot of farmland with charming little country lanes extending along a ridge where you can walk and see the most amazing views. The countryside here is very soft, rolling, idyllic. The house and its fairly vast grounds are perfectly maintained by someone with very deep knowledge of the area and of the farming and ecology and culinary traditions of this part of Dordogne. Gaurenne is an exquisite place. Being there inspires a desire to be careful, to tread lightly, and to return, to return, to return! We walked all over. Slept peacefully with the screened windows wide open. Swam in the beautiful and extremely private pool. Ate on the covered terrace, after walking to the little grocery store in the town up the hill. Gaurenne is something very special. I actually was reluctant to leave a review, after staying last summer, because I feared we would never get another reservation. Indeed, we had to reserve early for this next summer. This house is really the jackpot in Dordogne, and I can’t believe our luck in having discovered it. You will love it and not be sorry. It’s even more incredible than the pictures suggest. I can’t wait to go back.”
“The house and pool are even more beautiful and amazing then the pictures show. Very peaceful property yet within easy access to local villages – that have fantastic outdoor markets and restaurants! This was our first time to the Dordogne region and it will not be our last…we can’t wait to return! Lots of activities (prehistoric caves, local markets, kayaking Dordogne River, hikes, exploring local villages) within easy access of this property. We have rented many VRBO properties and this was one of the easiest transactions….and most memorable house/vacation.”
“At first glance, as we turned into the meadow, I knew this was a special place. I will treasure our time here and long remember the beautiful forest walks we had – truly a paradise.”
“”We spent a fortnight at this charming farmhouse. It is beautiful, peaceful and it is impossible not to slow down and relax. It feels like it was a privilege to stay here, it has been renovated and furnished to a very high standard. The swimming pool and the gardens, orchards, meadows are lovely. Watching the sunset each evening from the terrace was an experience that will sustain us through the winter.
“We had a wonderful stay at this idyllically remote cottage, perfectly located to take advantage of the best of both the Vézère and Dordogne valleys. The cottage is fabulously decorated and both it and it’s gardens are immaculately maintained. It is superbly furnished and the kitchen is brilliantly equipped. Judith was extremely attentive at all times and very thorough in detailing everything from restaurants to markets in the locality.”
“The cottage is furnished and equipped to a very high standard indeed, with no expense spared, and a great deal of thought has gone into the inventory. A very quiet location allows for a great sleep. A great fruit orchard with delicious cherries and soft fruit as well as apples, pears and a huge walnut grove. Very well located for many Dordogne sights No negative comments are possible. This cottage suits our need perfectly.”
“Alas, I am starting this review with an apology, because this place deserves more positive adjectives than my small mind can come up with. I am not a sycophant and struggle to get excited or inspired by very much – BUT, if you are looking for the most peaceful, tranquil, natural, original, clean, welcoming, home from home feel to your stay in the Dordogne, then this place oozes all of that and more. To be honest, this place was so comfortable, we probably did not explore the area as much as we could. Sincerely this place is simply stunning.”
“Our family of four, including two twenty-something children, had a lovely time at this unique property. The remote countryside location and the beautifully landscaped grounds create a truly magical setting . The owner was a wonderful host from afar, offering friendly tips and advice on our stay. When we unexpectedly needed a FedEx package sent and asked if finding the house was difficult for delivery services, she promptly emailed directions to the house in French!”
“Amazing esthetics and comfort. The owner has thought of everything. This was our first sightseeing in the Dordogne, and we were delighted to find so many different places to visit and the way in which they welcome tourists. One of us lives in rural southern New Hampshire, the other in New York, and it suited us both! One of the best vacations ever.”
“Our elation upon arrival to gorgeous Gaurenne quickly ceded to feelings of despair at the thought that we would ever have to depart! One is so spoiled for choice in the Périgord Noir with things to see and do, and in the days preceding our stay at Gaurenne we hopped madly from one stunning site to another. But the gravity of this exquisite place is such that, once we stepped foot on the property, we rarely left! Imagine dining on the covered terrace, the air redolent with the heady scent of honeysuckle and roses, listening to the cicadas’ symphonic serenade … Imagine lazing beside the lovely grass-encircled, hedge-framed pool, looking up from one’s book to watch the birds flit along the pretty stacked-stone roofs and walls … Imagine strolling through the meadows laced with umbels of cow parsley and fragrant wild mint, stopping to pluck a peach or apple from a generous tree before exploring the surrounding woods … Gaurenne is a special place one wants to drink in lustily, to savour its every carefully considered, painterly detail. Judith is an absolutely wonderful host, providing guests with all of the information, amenities, and care one could possibly need. A stay here is worth every penny/pence/centime, and we dream of coming again!”
“We have been to the Paris area many times but not to Southwest France. We read about Judith’s place in The New York Review of Books and decided it was exactly what we were looking for. And are we glad we did. Serenity, seclusion, breathtaking beauty, history, great food and last but not least, Judith’s spectacular Gaurenne. Gaurenne is more beautiful than even the photos indicate and at a very reasonable price. No expense has been spared to make a visitor feel at home-from the sumptuous and fully equipped guesthouse to the pool, gazebo, orchards and manicured grounds. Throw away the guidebooks—they are not needed here as Judith’s extensive knowledge and recommendations as to the Perigord Noir as to markets, sights, dining and history are all provided. We will be going back.”
“When the Bruno Chief of Police mystery series by Martin Walker (set in nearby Le Bugue) brought us to this area of France, I determined to find a family friendly lodging with a pool. Narrowing the search to Gaurenne was a very lengthy process since there are innumerable gites in the Dordogne. But a decision was made based on the proximity of this sanctuary to Sarlat, Les Elyses, Lascaux II, Rocamadour, Roque de Christophe etc. We wanted a spot with a pool, and the stunning rock buildings of Gaurenne depicted on the VBRO site were unsurpassed by other advertised sites. This lodging is completely serene, with local cows being the nearest neighbours, however Gaurenne is located smack in the middle of the most desirable sites in the region. The property is stunning and we couldn’t have been more pleased with our decision.”
“What a glorious spot in a truly beautiful setting. We have loved our week here filled with excursions to caves, castles and a myriad of towns and hamlets. We’re already discussing how we can return next year.”
“”A little gem in a green setting! Judith was able to preserve the soul of the place and highlight this sublime Périgord house, beautifully renovated, while providing it with all the modern comforts that make it extremely pleasant to live in. The location is amazing. And the lane leading to this set of stone buildings, placed in the middle of rolling meadows, at the exit of a very nice forest path is simply magical. Special mention for the large pool surrounded by beautiful stone walls, in the middle of the meadow. Magical!
“We had a great week at Judith’s place and she was a thoughtful and warm host. The house is nestled in a meadow after crossing a wood. It is a haven of greenery, everything is beautiful and relaxing. The surrounding villages are welcoming and charming. Everything is designed to ensure that you have a wonderful holiday!”
“This property is wonderful in every respect. It’s very old with loads of character, but it is also furnished impeccably, so that you will have everything that you need. The property is located in a very peaceful area, with no other houses in sight. This means that you will need to drive to do the shopping, but also means that you won’t hear anything except the sounds of nature. We saw deer, falcons, and bats on the grounds, and loved the stargazing. My favourite part of the day was sitting down on the shaded terrace with some local wine and a book; the children loved the swimming pool in the late afternoon. Coming back each day to such a lovely property made our holiday really special. We hope very much to return.”