Amanda and Philip

"Our holiday was very special and we loved absolutely everything about this beautiful ‘Retreat’ – the charming décor, the fairy lights, the piles of books, the cosy kitchen, the stars at night, the silence…it was the perfect place to relax and recharge. St Antonin was idyllic too, with cobbled medieval streets and quirky artisan shops. The Sunday market is a highlight and there are plenty of cafés to watch the world go by, with perfect invisible hosts who ensure you have everything you need. It is a magical place you will want to return to!"

Barbara and Tim

"We stayed here for one week in early September. The house is wonderfully situated on the side of a small valley and is very peaceful. It has been extremely well restored with beautiful tiled and wooden floors and old beams, and has the most appealing veranda. There are several very interesting small towns in the area, many of which are spectacularly situated on hilltops. We spent many hours in St Antonin, a few miles to the south, where they were preparing to make a Spielberg film - providing excellent free entertainment. We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday."

Laila and Nicholas

'This is a gem of a holiday retreat. The property is spacious, beautifully decorated and has a charm that many holiday cottages lack. The highlight was the long shaded veranda, a perfect retreat from the midday sun and magically lit up at night with fairy lights. The cottage is set in large grounds and has stunning views of fields and trees. We enjoyed all the local markets, swimming in the river and exploring the villages. The hosts couldn't have been more helpful in making our stay as easy as possible, even providing some toys for our little girl. We very much hope to return again.'

Mike and Fiona

'The house is a work of art - everything has been thoughtfully sourced and placed. Restful setting, lots of space to relax and a warm welcome. We came with our family of three teenagers and had a great week without internet, computers or phones. Good canoeing nearby and historic bastide villages"

The Richardson family

'We all simply loved our holiday here!
The house was exactly as the pictures show, comfortable and immaculate; and the surrounding grounds are perfect for adventurous children or grown-ups who just want to laze. The house is off the beaten track but only 10 minutes from St Antonin with its shops and restaurants so you can enjoy the isolation (silent nights!) or nip into town if lazing around gets all too much. (Our recommendations in town are La Festin de Babette for a family meal by the river or Pizza Val in the town square for lighter bites.) All in all - a great house in a great spot. Lovely!'

Joanna, Neil, Tasha and Chloe

'Apart from the obvious beauty and tranquility of the house and garden, the small, but important, touches that make all the difference were all there at the Rustic Retreat. The bookshelves were well-stocked, with both adults and children's books. There was a well-placed hammock in the garden and English tea in the kitchen. There were lovely walks from the house and the surrounding area has many interesting places to visit.'

Alice and Fred Callow

'We had a wonderful relaxing time at the Rustic Retreat. Great peace. An art-filled decor, with hints of India and distant travels. Greenery, wildlife (roe deer in the garden). Great nearby canoeing, river swimming and food. Or just lazy days in the garden reading.'

Jean Nichol

'We arrived to find the house, location and grounds everything we could have wished for (and more) ... so peaceful and beautiful... so relaxing... but yet plenty to do. We walked and cycled, read, drank wine, ate wonderful food and visited some beautiful villages, went to the market on Sunday in St Antonin (a must!!) .. and generally explored.the area. The week just wasn't long enough! Sometimes though it was hard to leave the house.. it was such a comfortable place to just while away the day..'

Quentin and Lorna

'Moments ... the buddleia and the knapweed, thistle and bramble thickets in the garden and field behind erupting with scores of butterflies… the large silver washed fritillaries in their elegant glide, the rapid flight of the Jersey Tigers and Painted Ladies, the brilliant blue-black and white of the southern white admirals, the delicate intricacies of the meadow fritillaries...

Watching the rear wall of the house at dusk, seeing 3 bats emerge from the crevices in the stonework, prolonged and very large shooting stars against a vivid Milky Way….

Red squirrels watching me watching them, early morning walk along the Aveyron... and a family of 6 sandpipers perched on the rocks below the weir. Thanks for a great week'