We loved our stay here

Le Cireysou is a lovely old house set in a large garden. We did enjoy our stay despite a few drawbacks. The area is quiet apart from a little traffic to local houses. There is a charming village two minutes drive away with shops, friendly bar with pool table etc. Easy access to lovely villages along the Dordogne The house itself could do with a little maintenance. We had been looking forward to the lovely pool, the main reason we had chosen this property. The pool guy/gardener informed us it had been damaged by the previous tenants. This meant cold water ran consistently to top up the pool. The pool ladders were broken, the liner uneven and the decking quite dangerous. The book of house rules informed us that we were expected to clean the house and replace used things. The previous tenants had not taken this to heart. Crockery and utensils needed a wash before use. Bed linen didn’t smell clean. We had been promised dish washer tablets which were missing and NO LOO ROLLS! After a long journey this would have been very welcome. There were a few maintenance issues which didn’t bother us greatly but for the rental price, you would expect them to be fixed. For example, flooding outside the kitchen window when water was used. The outside dining table had a problem with falling beetle debris from above. The main bathroom had a problem with water channelling along the shower edge onto the carpet which was rotting. Reception for TV is none existent. WIFI is poor. We have stayed in old buildings before but there was something very large Coypu ? above the bedrooms, in the loft. My son had to change room because of the noise so he could get some sleep. This all sounds rather damming but we did enjoy our stay and for want of a little maintenance and care, this could be a really fabulous holiday. We were disappointed and thought that it wasn’t value for money.

What a dream farmhouse - we all had a wonderful time here, particularly enjoying the pool and ample gardens.

Lots of plus points but all some negatives:- Positives - 1) beautiful looking house full of character, downstairs is fine - kitchen is good and sofas in lounge very comfortable, mezzaine area great. 2) pool is huge and fantastic (though water surprisingly cold for August but maybe that's just me being wimpy). House spotlessly clean and grassy areas well kept and large. 3) 7 minute walk to next village to bread vending machine which was great (never seen one of those before - fantastic). Great croissants in Mouleydier every morning and great pizza there too in the evenings. 4) Really short drive from the airport, very handy location. Negatives - 1) bedrooms and bathrooms are somewhat basic and tired and mattress in double room with staircase was SO uncomfortable, I could feel the springs in my back. I had to turn it over, better then but still not comfortable. 2) There is only one serviceable shower, the one in bathroom over the bath is impossible to use without drenching the matting on the floor. The ensuite is tiny though the shower is fine. 3) Emails from owner were very prompt and helpful at time of booking but noticeably less prompt after payment. Took almost 3 weeks to respond to simple email and only then when I chased for a response. 4) I was surprised at the lack of basic information at the house for guests. There were masses of leaflets of tourist places but nothing useful like how to find nearest supermarket and opening times, recommended restaurants etc (make sure you ask this by email before departure). 5) I was also surprised that no pool inflatables were provided. In our experience of other properties with private pools, lilos etc are provided. 6) You need to speak good french - the lovely housekeeper speaks no english and the absence of any useful information in the house means you would have to ask her by phone if you had any questions. 7) The property description states the River Dordogne is 'a few hundred yards' away; it may be as the crow flies but not by foot/road. Also, it takes much longer to get to Sarlat than the 45 mins stated. In August traffic the drive was no fun. Summary: Overall I don't think the property is worth the high season rate; for £1700 plus 80 euros, and in comparison with other similar holiday rentals we've stayed in, this one needs more work on behalf of the owners to justify the cost but it wouldn't take much work to make it wonderful.