This unique house dates back to the 15th Century and has been carefully conserved, retaining original features including floorboards, tiles and wattle and daub walls.

The house is built on the site of a 10th century chateau belonging to the Counts of March. It commands spectacular views over the Vincou valley.

There is a small walled terrace to the rear, facing south-west, with wonderful views over the Vincou valley and the railway viaduct. Patio set for 7.

The furniture is mainly antique, with a mix of contemporary and historical art.

It can accommodate 7 people in 4 bedrooms.

There is a lit-clos (enclosed bed) in one of the bedrooms - a unique antique sleeping experience!

• Ground floor.
• Enter through 15th century door to tiled vestibule with 1930's enamelled wood-burning stove. Off the hall is a utility room with shower, washing machine and WC.
• Twin bedroom with standard sized single beds, one of which is a fully restored original antique box bed - possibly the only one in use today.
• 15th century oak spiral staircase with original treads (rather worn and wonky).
• First floor.
• Kitchen with modern gas cooker with electric oven and grill, microwave, dishwasher, double sink, fridge with icebox, and Limoges crockery.
• Sitting room with sofa and armchairs, limestone canopied fireplace with wood burning stove. Juliet balcony overlooking the Vincou valley.
• Second floor.
• Main bedroom with panelled fireplace and oak armoire.
• Single bedroom with chestnut sleigh bed.
• Bathroom with shower. Separate WC.
• Third floor.
• Attic bedroom with large oak sleigh bed and small single iron bedstead. Fine views over the church and towards the adjacent village of Saint-Sauveur.

• Heating - night storage heaters. The wood burning stove in the sitting room has a system of concealed flues which heat the rooms above. Wood supplied.
• Rotary washing line and garden chairs.
• Towels, kitchen and bed linen provided.
• Four minutes walk to shops, restaurant and bars.
• Eight minutes walk to the local pool with slides.
• Easy walk down to the river.
  
  

   

Arrival and Departure

Our housekeeper will clean and prepare the house and beds for you by 4pm on the day you arrive.

On arrival, the house key will be found in a key safe, whose code will be supplied on confirmation of booking. Guests are advised to bring a torch, as the exterior of the back of the house is deliberately not illuminated to avoid light pollution and enable guests to see the stars.

On your last day we ask that you vacate the house by 10am.

Dogs

Well-behaved dogs are welcome

Health and Safety

The house was constructed to the standards of earlier times. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect its particular character but deserve due care and attention, particularly for the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired. There are, for example, low beams, some low doorways, steep spiral staircases, and uneven floors, and there is a big drop behind the house.

We cannot be held responsible for any injury.

Guests Comments

'The attention to detail in the restoration has made this a spectacular property.
The axe proof front door paid dividends when I told the local chef that he hadn't even bothered to cook my steak!'

Paul and Clare - May 24 2011

'Love all the quirky aspects of this house, someone is very creative!!
A pleasure and a privilege to stay in such a charming and characterful house.'

Kevin and Valerie - Suffolk, 7/11

'We have loved staying at this remarkable house. It's full of atmosphere, wonderful surprises and great charm.'

Jan and Tim

'A thoroughly enjoyable break in a wonderfully comfortable, pleasant and peaceful house. So quiet and relaxing in this picturesque village. We love the unusual aspects of the house.'

Shirley Gibbs - 4/11

'You have done a great job on the house and we enjoyed finding all the cool decorations throughout our stay.'

Dave and Francesca Chadburn - 6/11

'Michael has created a minor masterpiece in Bellac merging eccentricity and comfort within a palpably ancient setting. The house combines artistic quirkiness with a wonderful truth to traditional materials. It is a testament to his conservation skills and understanding of old structures that Michael has brought the building truly alive rather than erradicating its character by forcing it to comply with C21st blandness. Bellac is small and functional but has all the right facilities and you will get to meet real French people rather than just tourists and ex-pats! There are plenty of worthwhile day trips to be had with Poitiers, Limoges and the lakes all within easy reach. The bats and swallows racing round the building every evening provide wonderful entertainment as the sun sets on a very special place. Don't come here if you're after the usual boring holiday rental - this is unique and all the better for that.'

Angus Lawrance - June 2010

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