guest reviews

Cynthia - from California - stayed July 2011

"We stayed at Peycibeau for an entire month and loved every minute! We had emailed the owners back and forth for almost two years before our actual arrival, and they kindly answered all our questions. Even with all the communication that had gone before, we were both dazzled when we finally arrived. The grounds are magnificent, with giant trees, swooping meadows and lovely views across to the hills beyond, and not another property in sight!

The house itself was spotless and had all the conveniences. The very capable cleaning crew came once a week. They were able to provide us with an English speaking chef for the week all of our family visited and even a masseuse for when they departed! When our family was with us, we were fourteen, and the beautiful pool and pool house were major attractions and the scene of every dinner, with plenty of room to move about .... the grandchildren loved the trampoline, and tree-house and the space!

The Dordogne area is heaven for "family fun". The painted caves, castles, gardens, and villages make for superior sightseeing, plus river kayaking, walking, biking and ballooning bring another level of excitement...we did it all! Eating is a major pastime and never disappointing - visiting villages on market day - especially the fabulous medieval town of Sarlat is always inspiring and fun. We were there for Bastille Day, and we all went to Sarlat to watch the fireworks celebration ... a great memory.

In short, we loved the house, Julia and Glen were perfect owners, and our family has some enduring memories of our time together."

Duncan - from Devon - stayed August 2011

We were lucky enough to stay at Peycibeau for a two week family holiday and had the most wonderful time. Before our arrival the owners had been extremely helpful in answering our questions and queries. We were travelling with a small child and a baby and nothing seemed too much trouble.

On arrival the property surpassed expectations. Our party consisted of 6 adults and 2 children. We have never had such spacious accommodation in such a fantastic setting. However, the icing on the cake was the pool house with the pizza oven. We loved it. The property and grounds are looked after by a very helpful English caretaker who lives nearby and is a great source of local information.

The village of Carsac has great amenities including a really good bakery, butchers and a couple of family friendly restaurants. Can't wait to come back!

Peter - from California - stayed August 2011

"My two brothers and I stayed at Peycibeau (the main chateau) with our families for a week in August 2011. We were a total of 6 adults and 7 children. It was an ideal vacation that exceeded all of our expectations. It would be hard to find accommodation with more charm or elegance than Peycibeau.

All rooms well-furnished and clean, and the grounds stunning. Add in the excellent pool and poolhouse, trampoline, swingset, etc., and I'd have to say that Peycibeau was EXACTLY what we were seeking for our vacation rental. I would recommend Peycibeau to anyone, but particularly to families with children.

I'll point out a couple of drawbacks, but these were overwhelmingly outweighed by the positives: 1) It was unusually hot during our stay, and two of the bedrooms did not have A/C units. 2) The upstairs layout was a little funky, such that one of the larger bedrooms did not have a direct means of entry. In other words, my wife and I had to walk through kids' bedrooms to enter or leave our room. And three bedrooms shared one huge bathroom.

Back to the positives: Julia, the owner, is great. Helped with everything we needed both before and during our stay. The surrounding area is terrific. Every nearby town has unique charm and hidden pleasures. (Bring a GPS to get around via the small roads.) When we weren't just lounging around the Peycibeau pool, our activities included: caves, castles, gardens, hot air ballooning, a zipwire park that the kids loved, restaurants in small scenic towns, ice cream everywhere, quirky museums, markets. Overall, a most memorable vacation in a most memorable house."

Juliette - from Wiltshire - stayed August 2010

"In August 2010 we went to stay at Peycibeau, which is a 15 minute walk away from the village of Carsac and the nearest croissant. There were 8 of us - two families, each with 2 x 18 and 2 x 21 year olds.

As the drive turns, and you get your first glimpse of Peycibeau sitting comfortably amidst the rolling meadows, you do wonder how the owners could leave it for us to enjoy. It is very special indeed and hard not to fall a little in love with the place.

On arrival we were met by Robert, who looks after the house extremely well in the owners' absence, and we knew we were in good hands - for example there had been some confusion about pool towels (not included) and we did not bring any - not a problem, Robert kindly lent a bundle of towels for us to use within hours.

The main house (we did not take the annexe) was incredibly well presented. The beds had cotton sheets/duvet covers and there was a good supply of bath towels. The configuration of bedrooms upstairs is that one of them leads to the main bed (with wall-mounted, flat-screen tv - very popular) and that they, and one other, all share a huge, en-suite bathroom - there is a further bed with en-suite shower room - downstairs there is a cavernous bedroom with en-suite overlooking the delightful front courtyard. There is also a huge drawing room, with a good racing demon table, and a sitting room with TV and Sky. Kitchen is smallish, with all white goods, and seats 6. However, as I write this review, I realise that we hardly used the living rooms and spent considerable time in the lovely pool house, eating most meals here too. We had good fun making pizzas and cooking them in the pizza oven and had several barbeques as well - the pool house is well equipped but, sadly for us, lacked a dishwasher [it now has one!] The pool is lovely too.

We hired bikes one day (delivered to the house) and cycled along the old railway to Sarlat for lunch- great fun and safe too. We also canoed down the Dordogne (with the flow) which we all enjoyed - you beach at a certain point and are taken back by minibus to, literally, the bottom of the road leading to Peycibeau.

I highly recommend Peycibeau to you - the area is delightful (in August, do get up really early to visit wherever to beat the crowds) but most of all, you will have a delightful, first-rate holiday home so really there is no need to get up early, save for the person on the croissant run! DON'T hesitate on this one and bonnes vacances!"

Michelle - from Cambridgeshire - stayed July 2010

"We stayed at the Chateau for a week in July and had a brilliant time. It was very clean, and very well equipped, and the interior was of a very high standard. The outdoor eating area was fantastic - we had bbq's nearly every night and enjoyed cooking in the outdoor pizza oven. It's a great place to stay for families and likewise if you were planning an adult only holiday. We felt it was very good value and the area was great if want to go out and explore. We can't wait to go back"

Justine - from Twickenham - stayed August 2009

"We arrived at Peycibeau after a long drive, hoping against hope that our holiday home would be half as good as it looked and sounded on the Peycibeau website. As we drove up the long driveway we began to relax, the place looked magnificent. We parked the car and explored immediately. We couldn't believe how wonderful Peycibeau was! It exceeded our every expectation and more. We were overjoyed. The children ran out across the parkland to look for animals and wildlife.

On our first night they saw deer and listened to the woodpeckers. The Grand Maison is spacious, airy and totally luxurious. Its design qualities are enviable and the place is huge - perfect for sharing with a number of other families. We were there with four other families (one of which used the cottage) and not once did we feel on top of each other. The enormous living room in the Grande Maison has the most beautiful piano, much to our happy surprise as a couple of our party love to play.

The summer house was the icing on the cake and made the holiday truly magical for us. You can happily while away your whole day and evening here and don't even need to take the short walk back to the house to shower or visit the loo! It is fully equipped with a kitchen, shaded living area, huge BBQ, coffee machine and even a bread oven where we cooked our home made pizzas! Sitting by the poolside at the end of the day, glass of rose in hand, admiring the view and listening to the wildlife, were quite the most magical moments of our holiday. We would totally recommend Peycibeau and have already to friends and family, and will be visiting again this year.

Everything as described on the website is accurate. I would just say perhaps the photos don't and can't do it justice! The property was very clean and well maintained and we were able to call on immediate help with any queries. The surrounding area is beautiful. We would recommend canoeing, visiting the castles (especially Castlenaud which the children LOVED!) and enjoying Sarlat. The owners are delightful - very helpful and welcoming if you have the good fortune of meeting them! "

Donal, Nikki, Niamh & Ciaran - from Bicester - stayed June 2011

"Quite simply, the best holiday we have had. We try to holiday in France 2 or 3 times per year and have done this for a number of years. This will be the first time we will return to the same place for a second time, (already booked for next year).

Everything about our stay was perfect. From the immaculate condition of the cottage on our arrival, to the shared drinks in the summer house the evening before our departure, it was everything we could have hoped for and more. I can honestly say that there is nothing about the holiday I would change.

I think one of the nicest things was how much the kids (10 &6) enjoyed their holiday too. On the days when we weren't out and about, there was still plenty to keep the kids amused. Swimming in the pool and playing games, football in the field, bouncing on the trampoline. The photographs don't do justice to the amount of space in the grounds, which is great for those looking for peace and quiet, while still big enough for the kids to run around and make as much noise as they want.

The area is stunningly beautiful, with loads to do for all ages. This includes the bicycle lanes which go for miles in both directions, canoeing down the Dordogne which gives a different perspective than any which can be gained from a car, climbing through the trees at the nearby Squirrel Park, I couldn't be outdone by my 6 year old. On the more relaxed days there were numerous Chateaux nearby as well as the beautiful town of Sarlat and a little further afield is the world famous St Emilion. (Well worth the effort in my opinion.)

Normally I do not like to stay at property with the owners on site, but Glenn and Julia were great. They managed the balance of giving us all the space we needed, with being available for questions and help when required. In fact, I would say that their friendliness and warmth is another very positive attribute of this property. Evenings spent in the summer house, looking out over the fields watching the deer and hawks, while putting the world to rights over a couple of beers are remembered fondly. As are the pizza and barbeque evenings. Thank you!!

All in all, this was a slice of heaven, to those fortunate enough to try this for themselves, I can only hope that you enjoy it as much as we did."

John & Shannon - from Wiltshire - stayed September 2011

"Our third visit to Peycibeau. Why? Because it is such a beautiful, peaceful place. The weather has been exceptional so the dips in the pool have been fabulous. I'll be remembering it all in the cold, wintry UK! Your recommendations to visit the Jardins d'Imaginaire; Chateau Milandes and the Gauloise restaurant in Sarlat were excellent. Thanks. The canoe trip was very good too.

So au revoir and merci. No doubt we we'll return when life gets stressful and chilly!"

Gerald & Elsie - from Vancouver - stayed September 2009 and 2011

"This property left absolutely nothing to be desired!

As adult travelling with an elderly parent, I had some particular concerns when choosing a holiday property. This cottage, actually an annex directly adjoining the manor house, gave us incomparably safe, comfortable accommodation.

The setting is quietly spectacular. The cottage gives unlimited access to a lovely terrace and swimming pool, beautifully appointed outdoor cooking and dining facilities, a formal garden and open meadows. The Dordogne is a stone's throw away with abundant canoe rental, river tours and riverside cycling paths, ideal for jogging and easy walking. Sarlat and the wine producing areas of Domme, Bergerac and Cahors are close by. A hot air balloon trip from a nearby town was a highlight of our stay.

The owners are perfect hosts. From our first contact, they went out of their way to ensure our safety and comfort. They most graciously balanced their availability with respect for our privacy throughout.

The cottage interior is well equipped and appointed, nicely decorated and amply supplied with linens, cooking implements and dinnerware. The house and yard are meticulously maintained and immaculately clean.

I have no hesitation in recommending this property without reservation."

Joe & Cheryl - from Melbourne, Australia - stayed June 2010

"We have travelled widely in France, but the Dordogne is our favourite area and Sarlat one of the best towns we have visited. Located only a few minutes drive from Sarlat and within pleasant walking distance from the picturesque village of Carsac, the Peycibeau Cottage was for us an ideal holiday location.

The warm welcome from Julia and Glenn and their willingness to be ever helpful, plus the superb appointments and comfort of the cottage would have equalled anywhere we have stayed previously. However the additional access to the magnificent summerhouse and pool, plus the ability to wander freely over the whole 42 acres of beautiful Dordogne countryside that make up the property, made this truly outstanding for us. Towards the end of our stay we were hard put to venture away from the property, so relaxing was it just to enjoy the cottage and its surrounds.

An additional feature for us was the wood fired pizza oven in the summer house that, with the aid of the brilliant dvd made by Glenn, enabled professional creations that we enjoyed with local beverages overlooking the pool. This would be very hard to match anywhere."

Paul & Claudette - from Florida - stayed June 2011

"Our time in Peycibeau has been an entertaining, peaceful interlude - you made us feel very welcome. The beauty of this part of the world is encompassed in your beautiful estate. We are so glad to have been able to share in it for a time. Thank you for everything .... from Champagne to all the touches of home. We are hoping to return and do it all again."

Sam, Justine, Ben, Charlotte & Millie - from Surrey - stayed August 2009

"What a magical place you have here! We were stunned when we arrived - Peycibeau completely exceeded our expectations. We feel very privileged to have stayed here - thank you for sharing your home with us. The summer-house is a work of art!! We lived there the entire week ... we are already counting the weeks till next August."

John & Shannon - from Wiltshire - stayed September 2007 and 2008

"From the moment you approach the lovely manor house you relax.

The house and adjoining cottage are set in stunning grounds with the swimming pool shimmering in the sunshine.

The warm welcome from Julia and Glenn only confirms your suspicion that you are about to enjoy a really good holiday!

We have spent two holidays in the pretty cottage. It is well equipped and Julia's flair for interior decor makes it a comfortable and attractive home from home.

There is plenty to do in the surrounding area e.g. canoeing from Carsac, visits to the attractive local medieval towns to enjoy the history and shopping, not to mention the delicious food! Sarlat's twice weekly market is a must! Or you could just start another novel as you lie by the pool gazing at the blue sky, pinching yourself every now and again as a reminder that you have indeed found a little bit of heaven on earth!

In fact, we have already booked for 2011! "

Wendy & Peter - from Sydney, Australia - stayed May 2007

"What a great week we have had here in the Dordogne and one of the greatest pleasures has been staying here in your gorgeous home, Peycibeau. It has been a difficult decision each day as to whether to go out and see the many sights, or to stay here and relax, and we have tried to do some of both"

Christine, Gary, Christopher & Nicola - from Nottingham - stayed August 2006

"What a pity we have to leave! We have had a wonderful week with non-stop sunshine. Your house and grounds are to be envied and our accommodation has everything you could wish for.

We've loved walking, canoeing, seeing the chateaux and watching the world go by sitting in the lovely cafés. The Indian Forest is a must for children (and adults too!) Thanks again for everything - we'll be back.

Rachel, Alan & Jessica - from New Zealand - stayed May 2006

"We have discovered a magical spot in France"

Sally & Charles - from Surrey - stayed September 2006

"We wanted a quiet, relaxing environment and we found it here at Peycibeau. Thank you for a warm welcome. This is a lovely area and we are so pleased that our first self-catering holiday has been so enjoyable"