Enjoy serene moments with family or friends in a beautifully converted barn adorned with charming blue shutters and roses in northern Dordogne, just a 45-minute drive from Angoulême, amidst characterful market towns and picturesque landscapes.
The owners have lovingly restored most of the horseshoe of period barns around the original courtyard, crafting an authentic family home perched on a hillside, overlooking the breathtaking Dordogne countryside. Adding to the allure is a heated swimming pool enveloped in the scent of summer lavender, complemented by sweeping rural vistas from the al-fresco lounge and dining terrace. The elegant pool boasts a shallower end for younger guests, while boules, badminton, and table tennis ensure endless entertainment on balmy summer days. As dusk settles, relish barbecues while listening for the hoots of resident owls in one of the unconverted barns.
Inside, Grange La Chouette has undergone a splendid renovation, with double-height ceilings crowning the expansive open-plan lounge, dining, and kitchen area, alongside five bedrooms. Traditional thick stone walls and shuttered windows ensure the interiors remain cool even in summer.
Upstairs, two pairs of bedrooms—two king-size doubles and two twin bedrooms that can be converted into king-size doubles—are connected by an oak and glass walkway. Two bedrooms boast en suite shower rooms, while the remaining two share a large Jack and Jill style bathroom accessible directly from either room. A fifth bedroom on the ground floor, also with an en suite bathroom, completes the accommodation, accommodating up to 10 guests in total.
This region is a treasure trove for exploring authentic Dordogne. Journey to nearby Piégut-Pluviers to discover one of the region’s largest outdoor markets on Wednesday mornings, or visit the picturesque market town of Montbron, nestled along the banks of the Tardoire River, offering excellent fishing and canoeing opportunities. Dine at the Michelin-starred riverside restaurant just north of Montbron, indulge in wine tasting in Saint-Sornin, or embrace the splendid walking trails nearby—the GR4 hiking route passes close by.
Cycle or wander around the serene Grand Etang de St-Estèphe, just 8km away, or explore the woodland activities and trails at Périgord Vert Aventure. Quaint Dordogne villages and towns beckon, including Nontron, Brantôme, and Thiviers, while the cities of Angoulême, Périgueux, and Limoges promise delightful day trips in this enchanting corner of southwestern France.
Features:
Grange Interiors
Open-plan lounge and dining area
Open-plan kitchen, fully equipped including dishwasher and additional wine fridge
Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath and overhead shower
Upstairs (via open-tread stairs)
Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite shower room
Bedroom with twin beds (convertible to king-size double) and en suite shower room
Bedroom with king-size double bed
Bedroom with twin beds (convertible to king-size double)
Shared Jack and Jill style bathroom (en suite to both above bedrooms with lockable doors either side) with bath, separate shower, and two sinks
Outside Grounds
Heated swimming pool (11×5m including raised shallow section with dividing internal wall) with safety key-controlled automatic cover. Open and heated (via air-source pump) approximately May to end-September (unless outside temperature drops below 10C)
Poolside terrace
Al-fresco dining and lounge area
Feature wall with lavender (no climbing)
Barbecue
Boules
Badminton
Swing
Bikes (2 x adult bikes and 2 x children’s bikes)
Table tennis
Outbuilding barns (one which is often home to owls)
Facilities
Wi-Fi
Electric heating (on request)
Fans (on request)
Stairgates (on request)
Smart TV
Children’s books
Board games
Boules
Badminton
Table tennis
Bikes
Washing machine
Location:
Perched on a hill with panoramic vistas of the stunning northern Dordogne countryside, Grange La Chouette lies around a 45-minute drive from Angoulême and an hour north of Périgueux. Nestled in a tranquil corner of the region, the property offers easy access to charming villages and historic market towns away from the usual tourist crowds.
Surrounded by verdant landscapes with few neighbors, the nearest being approximately 100m down the track, guests can expect peace and privacy. Local restaurants are within a 10 to 15-minute drive, or adventurous guests can embark on a half-hour countryside walk to an excellent restaurant open two or three days a week (advance booking required).
The small Dordogne town of Piégut-Pluviers (8km) offers supermarkets and other amenities, along with one of the region’s largest outdoor markets on Wednesday mornings. Crossing into the Charente department, Montbron (14km) boasts restaurants, a twice-weekly market, and a 12th-century château hosting summer art exhibitions.
Discover fishing and canoeing/kayaking along the Tardoire River on the outskirts of Montbron, or explore idyllic watermills further up the river toward La Rochefoucauld (28km), home to an impressive château. The surrounding countryside teems with hiking trails (the GR4 passes close by), cycling routes, and horse-riding opportunities. The lake at Grand Etang de St-Estèphe (8km) offers tennis, summer kayaking, cycling, and a highly regarded French restaurant.
Wine enthusiasts can explore the vineyards around Saint-Sornin (20km) or venture further to Jarnac (77km) and Cognac (93km). Gastronomes can savor Michelin-starred dining on the banks of the Tardoire just north of Montbron and peruse wonderful markets brimming with seasonal produce from across the Périgord and Charente regions.
To the south, Nontron (13km) beckons with its arts and crafts heritage and beautiful historic center, while Brantôme (35km) offers a picturesque riverside setting ideal for leisurely lunches followed by scenic walks or canoe trips along the river.
The historic capital of Dordogne, Périgueux (65km), promises a memorable day out with its stunning architecture and vibrant markets. Don’t miss Angoulême (40km), a captivating city on the Charente River, renowned for its elegant old quarter, the National Comic Strip and Image Centre, and the annual classic car race in September, Le Circuit des Remparts.
