Marance is a much beloved home, comprising two original stone buildings, the farmhouse and the barn. They date from before the French Revolution and are in the typical style of the region with blue shutters and vines growing on the walls. They lovely flower gardens and the grass coutyard surrond the pool. Our property is set on top of a small hill with six acres of rolling countryside in the heart of the Perigord Noir, truffle country of the Dordogne. The barn, a little gem of much charm, has uninterrupted south facing views of woods an meadows, with grassy terraces for sitting out. It is unattached and offers privacy, peace and quiet. The farmhouse is large and conmfortable with views to the west of a private garden and glassed terrace.

The previous owners bought the property twenty-five years ago as a complete ruin. Over the years it has been lovingly restored, keeping wherever possible the characteristics of its pure Perigordine architecture; its steep roof-line and internal exposed oak beams , thick original stone walls covered with ivy and lavender blue shutters. We bought it six years ago after living 15 years in the Himalayas. Our collection of artifacts and various renovations both inside as well as in the garden have continued to make Marance even more charming and comfortable.

Both houses are furnished to a very high standard in European terms, with lovely furniture, oriental rugs and Tibetan antiques, The décor reflects the years which we have spent working in the Himalayas. As the farmhouse and the barn are very much part of our home, they have not been stripped down for rental purposes. We hope that our quests will appreciate the artistic décor and keep Marance in their holiday memories. The exclusivity of the holiday is maintained by its tranquil setting, far from noisy roads. We find that its charm and allure have made Marance a dream for families, honeymooners and those with a romantic soul.

The Barn


The barn is built on four levels; the bottom was where the cows were kept and the upper floors were for hay and grain storage. We have kept the original elevation and it has resulted in a light, open and spacious habitation.

ith central heating in the off season, it is always cozy. It can easily accommodate six people. The open mezzanine floor consists of twin beds and plenty of place to sit around and relax, gazing down into the living room. The cozy double bed on the top floor bedroom is with attached toilet and sink. On the bottom floor, a private double suite looks out onto the pool with large sliding glass doors. The sauna and shower are near to this room. The spacious lounge has comfortable white leather furniture and is decorated tastefully with a combination of French, Dutch and Himalayan items.

The kitchen is fully equipped with all modern conveniences such as, a dishwasher, a microwave oven, a toaster, a coffee maker, a juice maker and a fridge –freezer. There is also a CD cassette player and no television! We have purposely not put one in so that your holiday here will be exceptionally peaceful and quiet.

The sauna is wonderful to switch on and warm up in after swimming in the evening in the pool. As the weather in the summer is usually quite warm , it is a relief to be in the lounge room of the barn which stays cool and comfortable even on very hot and bright days.

There is a long wooden farm style dining table near the lounge and a smaller breakfast table in the room near the pool. One can also enjoy eating outside on the sunny private terrace, next to the fig tree with views of pasture and forest amidst the morning glories , poppies , roses and hanging baskets of geraniums. This is a lovely place to relax and enjoy your evening barbeque.

The Farmhouse


The farmhouse is also centrally heated, and accommodates easily 8 people. This 250 year old home is magnificent with its 3,5 m high ceilings and exposed oak beams characteristic for the region. The 64 m2 living room, tastefully furnished, is spacious and comfortable. The large open Perigordian fireplace and long mustard coloured silk drapes give a châteaux –like feeling. The house has three bedrooms. The original granary ,or attic of the house, with slanting walls, and exposed oak beams, consists of two bedrooms and an attached WC, shower and sink. One of these bedrooms has a large king size bed, and the other one has a 2m long double bed. They are light and airy with windows on both sides.

The third bedroom is downstairs and has an old wooden farm bed (with new mattress). By climbing the original wooden farm ladder one can sleep on a double bed built on a romantic wooden loft. The walls of this room are lined with books which you are more than welcome to read . Across the hall is the large bathroom, an artistic masterpiece in itself , with bathtub, toilet, bidet and two sinks. It is decorated with handmade (by Nada) terracotta tiles and ochre tinted walls. The feeling of this bathroom is of tranquility. There is also a washing machine hidden in a wooden cupboard. On the other side of the lounge is the farm style kitchen, with large wooden table and the same modern facilities as in the kitchen in the barn. A step down from the kitchen you find yourself in the glassed verandah , where you can also eat your meals on a big round table or relax out of the sun. The glass doors open to a private garden, hanging pots of geraniums and lavender with lawn furniture, a large outdoor table with white rod iron chairs and of course a barbecue.

The pool (10 X 5 meter) provides enjoyment for children and adults alike. Both houses are equipped with their own private decks, garden furniture, sun-loungers and barbeques. At times the pool is shared by both houses. One usually comes to an amicable arrangement on pool privacy for everyone. The pleasant feel of the water has been much remarked on and this is, in part, due to its purification system of salt rather than chlorine – a bonus for those with sensitive skin. The large grassy gardens are landscaped with flowerbeds, herbs, roses and many different varieties of trees. There are swings, a tabletennis table, a treehouse for the children and plenty of place for them to safely discover nature in our 6 acres of fenced undisturbed pasture and woods.

The property is maintained by the family in residence. We are only too happy to help with any problems, which might arise, and, for non-French speakers, book restaurants, help you out with your sight seeing plans or translate when necessary. We are on the property but we do not encroach upon your privacy. The times that we might be in the vicinity is to maintain the lawns, water the flowers, and clean the pool. If you do decide to join us at Marance, you can be sure that we will make every effort to make your stay a happy one.

Please note that we welcome children of all ages and pets as well. Baby sitting services are available.