Traditional Charm Modern Luxuries, Panoramic Views , Private Solar-Heated Pool

A charming villa set in beautiful and spacious gardens with views of the French countryside and a private, sole use, heated pool.

2024- ONLY 4 GUESTS OR EVEN A COUPLE? ASK FOR A SMALL PARTY DISCOUNT before booking. Ideal for a 2 person get away in June OR a single family group.

Le Chai at La Realle is a charming, traditional stone building set at the heart of the Lot et Garonne and on the door step of the Dordogne and Entre Deux Mers; used originally to store and make wine with products from the farm's vines and orchards. This recent renovation provides a cool, clean and modern interior within a traditional stone building, which is maintained and updated each year, taking account of customer feedback to ensure the modern touches our customers expect.
The building is set in a very PEACEFUL location with PANORAMIC VIEWS of the French countryside and is only a 10 MINUTE drive from a range of SUPERMSRKETS, BARS and RESTAURANTS. Sitting at the centre of many villages and towns the area provides a wide range of activities for both young and old making Le Chai an ideal base for a family holiday.

Found near the small village of Levignac de Guyenne it is within easy distance of many traditional towns with weekly markets, French cafes / bars, restaurants and shops. The village has an excellent pharmacist, bakery, village shop and post office and many guests cycle of walk to the village to collect croissants and bread.
Le Chai is set in beautifully maintained gardens of over 2 acres which over look the open French countryside and has a covered veranda which shades you from the heat of the day while you enjoy the simple French outdoor lifestyle; eating local produce and fruit from the orchards, relaxing in the summer sun or watching the sun set and the stars come out in a dark clear sky.
Alternatively the more active can enjoy playing outdoor games in the gardens which provide ample space to kick a ball around, run and play. You can enjoy a game of swing ball, football or boules in the garden or use the village tennis and boules courts. The 10m pool is checked and CLEANED DAILY and there is a selection of floats for your fun in the pool, there is also a large barn for indoor table tennis. POOL TOWELS are provided.
Inside an extensive collection of books (100s) and DVD's (over 100) are provided for you to enjoy and a 'SMART' TV allows you to watch the usual UK Freesat channels or use your Netflix code (Netflix allowing!). FREE Wi-Fi is available throughout the property via HIGH SPEED FIBRE BROAD BAND (700mb/sec approx) . 4G access is good if you have this on your devices.
With 2 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms in the main house split across both floors there can be a 'natural' split in the accommodation giving space for friends and family holidaying together or for extended families; perhaps as grandparents, parents and grandchildren; the downstairs bedroom being ideal for those not wishing to climb the stairs.

FLOOR PLANS - are available on request.
THE KITCHEN is excellently equipped and guests can always find all they need and more.
ALL bedrooms have DAYLIGHT BLINDS and are very quiet/ ALL windows have INSECT BLINDS. We use HOTEL quality bedding. No need to pack hairdryers as we provide powerful hairdryers in all rooms.
BATHROOMS include shaving mirrors and PowerPoints and bath sheet sized towels. BIO cleaning products and shower products provided.
Bedroom 1 downstairs has a LARGE king-sized bed (1600mm/ 5' 4") and its own separate shower room with WC and sink. A door opening onto the garden provides beautiful views across the countryside. Ample space for a cot.
The 2 double sized upstairs bedrooms are continental style - 4 single beds allowing for changes to configuration. In bedroom 2 a double or a super king can be available on request.
ALL the bedrooms have FANS although the combination of stone walls and breeze through the upstairs windows usually keeps the Chai cool as long as guests keep blinds and windows shut during the day.

THE FOURTH bedroom is for occasional use only, no more than 5 days, but ideal for friends or family wanting a long weekend. Ensuite it is accessed from the games room and is only available by prior agreement, at an additional nightly cost and minimum charge of £150

THE VERANDA is used by most guests throughout the summer for alfresco dinning and leads onto a spacious garden with flower beds and plenty of room to run off excess energy as well as areas to sit in the shade under the trees, play ball games and barbecue.
The popular SW facing solar heated pool is within view of the front garden and the kitchen window (SOLAR HEATED). With panoramic views of the French countryside provides an ideal spot for sun lovers by day and star gazers by night when the dark skies in rural France provide excellent night skies. The mineral pool is virtually CHEMICAL FREE, better for the environment and better for you!
The potager garden and orchard provide a bountiful supply of fresh produce including cherries, figs, local Marmande tomatoes and plums, when in season and dependent on the gardeners' skill! We do not use herbicides on our garden.

A large GAMES ROOM accessed through the kitchen is used for TABLE TENNIS (we do not allow football or basketball in the barn). This room also provides additional accesses to the driveway which can be useful in wet weather, at night, for unpacking on arrival or for the infirm if required. As a secure store room the barn is ideal for storing and servicing bikes.
The drive has ample room for 2 cars and is well light with security lighting leading into the barn as well as down the pathway into the front of the property.

Out and About
Around the house there are many opportunities for cycling and walking through the countryside or by the canal, wine tasting, tree walking, water sports and much more.
La Realle is on the edge of the small bastide of Levignac de Guyenne which sits midway between the towns of Duras and Marmande. In July and August Levignac and Duras hold NIGHT MARKETS, which are not to be missed, with local farm produce, barbecues, dancing and entertainment. Guests have commented on the convenience of the local shop and excellent boulangerie at Levignac; you can buy croissants and warm bread for breakfast (10 minutes cycle ride/ 2 minutes in the car). The Chai is also within easy reach of several supermarkets (10 /15 minutes).
The area is renowned for its wines and local produce which may be bought from the many traditional local markets. We are near to a number of local wine routes which lead you through the French countryside to sample wines at the local vineyards; some of which also hold an evening soiree, where you can taste both the wine and local farm produce.
Nearby DURAS with its large medieval chateau and cobbled streets is a popular attraction; with a bustling market here on Mondays and an ever-increasing selection of pavement cafes and several restaurants and shops (10 mins drive).
August sees the annual Duras wine festival with tasting of wines from many of the local vineyards, medieval events and live music at the night markets. Nearby EYMET, Miramont de Guyenne, Monteton and Monsegeur also host both morning and evening markets.
CYCLING - the area is ideal for cycling and many guests bring their own bikes and store them in the pool room or barn. The properties central location gives access to a wide range of routes in all directions.
The area is also popular with experienced hikers and suggested maps include a route around the local vineyards. http://cdt47.tourinsoft.com/upload/Fiche-VignesVergersDuraquois.pdf).
We include 2 FREE BIKES for guests to use throughout their stay, and details on how to hire further bikes. The terrain is deceptively challenging and is recommended for experienced cyclists.
A local river at Allemans du Dropt is a popular CANOEING spot (in July and August) for the more energetic and the Canal de Garonne is a pretty spot for both walking and hiring a boat for a day trip. Three LAKES are within easy reach and are perfect for family days out. Some fun parks provide peddlos and include flumes and rides (in July and August) while some are more traditional with quiet shaded areas.
There is also a popular animal and water park with flumes only 2 minutes away which is ideal for children under 10 years, and a sky walk centre close to Duras with a range of challenge levels.
BORDEAUX, Bergerac and Marmande are within easy reach and are worth a visit with a range of activities including markets, historical sites, boat trips and shopping.
There are a range of golf courses in the area including Vigiers at Monestier (20mins drive) which has been highly rated by guests and the Marmande course favoured by the locals.
BEDDING
A change of bedding can be provided on a weekly basis at an additional charge. Please ask. For those staying more than 2 weeks we provide a free change of linen. Towels and pillow cases are changed on a weekly basis. We use hotel quality sheets and can provide duvets if required.
Advertised for 6 but very comfortably SLEEPs 7/ 8 - using the fourth bedroom. We charge an additional £54 per person per night (minimum payment £80) payable by bank transfer or at an additional 3% credit card charge through VRBO. This option MUST be agreed before booking.
WHY CHOOSE THIS ROPERTY
We take your holiday seriously and act in a PROFESSIONAL manner throughout booking, arrival and your family holiday. As OWNER MANAGERS we are available to solve any difficulties, offer advice or help with booking meals out or excursions. You can WhatsApp us after you have settled in to help with any questions or problems.
A cot is available. Stair gate can be provided if requested on booking.