Bergerac, Aquitaine 24100

An elegant 15th-century priory, with luxurious outbuildings, truffle oaks and 45-ha grounds, in the Périgord countryside, 20 minutes from Bergerac. At the end of a lane, a wrought-iron gate opens on to the former priory, the stones of which bear witness to several centuries of history, whereas a solid wrought-iron trellis is festooned with wisteria, which also envelops the façade with its purple blossoms each spring. Despite the fact that many religious edifices disappeared during the French Revolution, this building managed to escape this fate, while, today, the dwelling has, in turn, preserved the vestiges of this storied past, thanks to its architecture whose original details play a central role. As for its large interior volumes, they highlight the dwelling's pointed stone walls and visible ceiling beams, which have been combined with more contemporary amenities that have been subtly integrated, whereas extending on from the dwelling, a pool house stands perpendicular to the other buildings and provides cover for the outdoor living areas. In addition, a large rectangular swimming pool overlooks the property's meadows and forests, while, surrounding the dwelling, the grounds include an orchard, meadows and woods. With ancient downy oaks punctuating the landscape here and there, at the base of the valley, a heart-shaped, fish-stocked pond features a large, floating chalet. Boasting a hot tub on its patio, as well as a sauna, the chalet also includes a heated and air-conditioned bedroom as well as a shower room, whereas, set back from the first, a second chalet overlooks the meadows and also contains a jacuzzi with unobstructed views of the estate.