Private pool, great views, AC, walk into town, weekly market, shops, restaurants

A contemporary detached house with views just a 5-minute walk to shops, restaurants, cafe bars and weekly farmers market of the 13th-century bastide town of Duras. Private alarmed swimming pool, Wi-fi, air conditioning. Villa Belvedere is situated on the outskirts of Duras just a 3-minute walk to the best boulangerie in town which sells lovely fresh croissants for breakfast or French patisserie for elevenses; and 5 minutes walk to the ancient town centre which is dominated by the magnificent Chateau and has a selection of restaurants, shops and cafe bars as well as a weekly Monday morning market which runs all year. Important note: Due to the raised terrace area in the garden Villa Belvedere is not suitable for children under 7 years old. In July and August, there is a popular weekly night market on a Thursday which has a great atmosphere with entertainment and street food. Villa Belvedere's location on the edge of Duras means that cafes, bars and restaurants can be enjoyed with no need to drive. The town location can also mean some traffic noise at times, and so may not be ideal if you are seeking absolute quiet and rural isolation. Yet the views from the property down the Dropt valley are spectacular, so you have the best of both worlds. A Carrefour supermarket and petrol station are located at Duras (1 mile) or Monsegur (6 miles). Villa Belvedere is set over two levels. You enter from the driveway to the upper floor, stairs lead you down to the ground floor to the living areas and the garden. There is air conditioning in bedroom 1 and the open plan living area. 3 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms with walk-in shower and wc. There is an additional separate wc, 3 wc in total. - Kitchen and living areas (Ground floor): The contemporary open plan kitchen has appliances including a dishwasher, microwave, cafetiere, oven and induction hob. The breakfast table and chairs have views over the pool and garden through double opening doors. The living space is open plan and air-conditioned. It has two seating areas, a TV area (UK Freesat and French terrestrial) plus a dining area which seats up to 8 people. Patio doors open onto the alfresco dining terrace with wonderful far-reaching views of the valley below. There are electric shutters and an electric sun awning on the living room windows. Please note: whilst there is a wood-burning stove this is not for guest use. Laundry room and a separate wc. - Bedrooms and shower rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms. A hairdryer is provided in each bedroom. Bedroom 1. Ground floor. Super-king size bed (180cm wide 200cm long). Walk-in wardrobe with plenty of shelving and hanging space, full-length mirror and space for suitcases. Air conditioning, insect screen on the window and electric shutters. En-suite walk-in shower room, washbasin and a separate wc. Bedroom 2. Upper floor. King size bed (150cm wide x 200cm long). Chest of drawers and bedside tables. Large built-in hanging space on the landing opposite this room. Electric fan. Insect screen on the window and electric shutters. Bedroom 3. Upper floor. Two single beds (90cm wide x 200cm long). Chest of drawers and bedside table. Built-in wardrobe. Electric fan. Large ceiling window with electric shutters. Sliding windows with views over pool, garden and rooftops. Insect screen. Bedrooms 2 and 3 share a shower room with a washbasin and a wc, this is located next to the bedrooms. There is an additional separate wc next to the kitchen and near the pool, 3 wc in total over the whole property. - Garden and Exterior: The kitchen/living room doors open onto the sunny patio overlooking the good-sized garden and private pool with wonderful views. There is a charcoal BBQ, an outside table and chairs, a pergola for shade, and a table tennis table. On the other side of the pool, there is a storeroom and a garage with parking for one car. There is also off-street parking for a second car in a carport at the front of the house. Private swimming pool: The private chlorine swimming pool is 8m x 4m and 1.5m deep and has an alarm. There are 6 sun loungers and 3 parasols. - The location and region: Villa Belvedere is situated on the outskirts of Duras but still a very easy walk into the centre of town. Duras is a small historical town with shops, cafe bars and restaurants. Weekly farmers markets and weekly summer night markets. Near the historical bastide town of Monsegur (6km) in the region of Aquitaine within the Bordeaux wine region and on the borders of the Dordogne, Gironde and Lot et Garonne, France. Bordeaux city centre is a 75km drive to the west and Bergerac is 40km to the east, St Emilion 43km north. Duras is the ideal base from which to explore South West France. Located in the region of Aquitaine on the 3 borders of Gironde / Dordogne / Lot et Garonne and is considered to be one of the most picturesque areas of France. An ideal base from which to explore southwest France. Both Monsegur and Duras are ancient Bastide towns set around a market square which are host to weekly markets and also a weekly night market during the peak summer season. There is a good selection of shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and excellent boulangeries in both towns, our favourite being La Choco-Latine in Monsegur who were runners up in the French TV show Meilleure Boulangerie de France in 2019. The market squares host a variety of festivals and events throughout the year including Monsegur's famous 24 Heures de Swing at the beginning of July every year. Wine and Gastronomy: There is an abundance of vineyards in the area. The Bordeaux wine region has 21 appellations. Visit some of the many local Chateau that offers free tastings and tours while you choose a bottle or two. Not to be missed is the world-famous Saint Emilion 43km. A designated world heritage site and is truly stunning. Explore characteristic narrow lanes lined with wine merchants, cafes, restaurants and interesting independent shops. A guided tour of the monolithic church is highly recommended. Wine tours, a picnic in a vineyard and cheese and wine pairing evenings are available through local couple Sylvie and Pascal who run Loving Aquitaine. Wine tours in an air-conditioned vehicle for up to 7 people to hidden chateaux in the world-famous St Emilion region, Off-Piste Wine Tours. Bordeaux: This designated world heritage site is a must for all visitors. This cosmopolitan city offers a diverse range of attractions. The golden triangle has a fabulous range of shops for those shopaholics. A rich variety of architecture forms the backdrop for the street cafes, restaurants, bars and not forgetting the superb Grand Theatre. Dordogne: The Dordogne is just one of the many places to visit for day trips. Anything from canoeing or boat trips on the Dordogne river at Bergerac to exploring the wonderful and pretty ancient villages. - Activities and what to do: Duras Castle: Just 450 metres away is the famous Chateau de Duras. It’s well worth a visit, climb to the top and see the stunning 360-degree vista. Chocolate: Maison Guinguet gourmet chocolate, 2km away just outside Duras, there is a lovely shop that also sells gifts and offers guided visits to their artisan factory in July and August. Tea room with gardens: Jardin de Boissona has six little gardens, each with its own character. Outside and inside seating. Especially known for their teas and delicious cakes. 4km away. Zip wire adventure and climbing park: Just 8km. Playground and snack bar. Coast, Beach and Water park: A freshwater lake with a sandy beach at Blasimon is 30km away and is a popular attraction to take children for a day out. The gently shelving sand provides a fun environment for splashing around and cooling off in the heat of the summer sun. Blasimon lake. Aqua Park is 34km located near Bergerac. Aqua Fun Park near Casteljaloux is 47km. Park with a huge freshwater lake, picnic benches, walks, facilities, man-made sandy beach, water sports, kids play area, great for adults and kids. Visit Europe's largest sand dune 133km, the Dune du Pilat where both the climb and the views will take your breath away! Reward yourself by feasting on fresh seafood around the Bay of Arcachon or take the ferry to Cap Ferret and feel the sand between your toes whilst you enjoy oysters and chilled white wine. Cycling and bike hire: The French countryside around this property is perfect for cycling whether it's just a gentle ride around to explore or if you are a keen cyclist, a long training ride on fantastic stretches of road to get the blood pumping whilst taking in the fantastic views. Electric bicycle hire is also available locally. Public tennis courts: Good quality courts are located in Monsegur, Saint-Vivien-de-Monsegur, Duras and St Sernin de Duras and are usually booked via the local tourist information office. Canoeing and kayaking: Canoe hire is available on the rivers. The river Dropt winds through the valley with a slow flow on it, whilst the Dordogne river at Sainte Foy La Grande has a faster pace and has plenty of canoe hire opportunities. Allemans-du-Dropt 12km. Sainte-Foy-la-Grande 22km: On the Dordogne river. Boat trips: Dordogne river trips are available on traditional boats in Bergerac with Les Gabarres de Bergerac. 40km. Golf: There are pay and play golf courses within the area, the best being the beautiful Chateau Des Vigiers Golf and Country Club 19km. The chateau dates back to 1597 and is set in 450 acres of stunning countryside. Facilities also include a fine restaurant and a relaxing beauty spa. Crazy Golf: Crazy golf and animals! Drinks and snacks, 16km. Wildlife park: Animals: Parc du Griffon, animals, play areas and snack bar, 10 minutes drive, 11km away. Ferme Exotique is a fun day out with lots of activities for children. 86km. Zoo: Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac is 94km. Local markets and supermarkets: Most villages and towns hold weekly markets full of fresh and interesting local produce. An ideal place to pick up your holiday mementoes and gifts too. Night markets: Duras, Monsegur and Levignac de Guyenne also have vibrant night markets during the peak summer months grab a bite to eat from one of the stalls and enjoy your food with a drink at one of the bars. There's usually musical entertainment which creates a lively atmosphere. Supermarkets: Nearest supermarket is just 1km away. - Included in the price: Bed linen, bath towels and pool towels are provided. A complimentary supply of bed linen and bath towels will be provided for stays of 2 weeks or more. End of stay clean is included in the price, although the house should be left in reasonable condition on departure, any excessive cleaning will be charged. This is a private property just for you, all facilities are for your personal private use.