Au Bord de la Rivière

Overview

Recently renovated to a high standard, many authentic details such as thick stone walls and exposed brick and beams provide rustic charm and character to this country home.

Just outside of the tidy village of Flaujagues, through the vineyards beckons the façade of Au Bord de la Rivière. There is parking for one or two cars inside the gate; additional cars can go just outside between some trees. Upon arrival your eyes will immediately be drawn to the terrace which overlooks the Dordogne River. This picturesque area has a wrought-iron table and chairs for six and is partially shaded by a large tree. From here one can watch the sun rise, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, linger over lunch, sip an apéritif as the sun sets, or dine under the stars. Guests also have direct access to the river via a wide, sturdy staircase with railing which is secured by a locked gate. A canoe and paddles are available for guests’ use. Additional canoes can be rented from the neighboring village of Pessac and launched at the port in Flaujagues.

While swimming in the river is permitted, guests will likely prefer the salt-water swimming pool. The pool is protected by an alarm, fenced on three sides and enclosed by a natural border on the fourth side. The well-maintained grounds include flat, soft grassy areas and are gently dotted with color from plants and flowers including pastel pink roses. A shed inside the gate houses the canoe and paddles, two bikes for riding along the river and an indoor/outdoor ping-pong table.

Guests will pass by the formal entrance into the foyer and use as the primary entrance to the house the door into the main dining area and kitchen. The warm and inviting common area will be appreciated by all guests, especially in the cooler months when dining outdoors is not possible. It's very easy to imagine dining fireside at the rectangular country-style table for six, with shadows flickering on the exposed beams and rafters above. More formal seating for four is available at a round table in the adjacent salon. The well-equipped kitchen includes a large two-door refrigerator, five-burner gas range and oven, dishwasher, microwave, toaster oven, coffeemaker and tea kettle. The deep sink has a powerful spray attachment, and the cupboards are spring-loaded. A door from the kitchen allows natural light and leads to a small side terrace with river views.

The salon is a light-filled, open area with high ceilings and an impressive beam that spans the width of the room. A sofa and two club chairs next to a wood-burning stove form a convivial space to relax after dinner. It can also serve as an entertainment area and communication hub, with an iPod dock, library of English-language books, which includes guides for the region and France in general, and the high-speed Internet port.

A cozy den at the end of the hall can be used as a TV room, second sitting room or office. A door leads to the parking area and is convenient for guests staying on this side of the house. Stairs from the den lead to the fourth bedroom located on the upper level.

Whether arriving in Bordeaux by air or train, you are just an hour away from Au Bord de la Rivière. Guests can reduce the drive to a half hour by taking the TGV from Paris to Libourne. The quaint town of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site and obligatory stop for oenophiles, is only fifteen minutes by car. The fête du vin, held every June in Saint-Emilion and Bordeaux, is reason alone to visit! The lively town of Castillon-la -Bataille, with twice-weekly markets and larger stores, is a ten-minute drive. The region is rich in wine but also history, with dozens of medieval chateaux and thousand-year old churches dotting the hillsides. Restaurants in all categories also abound in the area, with a nice mix of family-run establishments serving traditional fare and newer chefs putting a modern spin into their menus.

The quiet riverside village of Flaujagues is a few minutes on foot, with an engaging restaurant, café, bakery, small grocery store and post office. A spectacular Bastille Day celebration, annual flea market and myriad special events take place in the village, including a special Christmas market. During the summer months are three evening markets, where local goods, wine and gifts are for sale and there are long picnic tables where the community gathers to celebrate well into the night. Luckily you can just stroll home from the festivities.

The helpful and pleasant English-speaking caretakers live nearby and can be engaged to prepare one or more meals. Wine tours and tastings can be organized as well.