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Our Domain d’Essendiéras is situated on one of the highest hills of the Dordogne with a magnificent view over the valley of the Isle, bordered by the river de Loue and the Haut-Loue.
After taking over the dilapidated buildings in 1999, we started renovating this charming French cultural heritage.
The total country estate has a surface area of 350 ha and consists of 7 farms with barns and ten labourers’ cottages. The centre is dominated by XVIth and XIXth century castles with annexes such as stables, barns, administrator’s residences, a large park and an orangerie.
From time immemorial it has always been an agrarian domain where highly prominent French families, often with a cultural or political background, resided.
The business foundation of the domain has also changed through the centuries. For example, tobacco and wine were cultivated in the XIXth century; the old tobacco lofts in the annexes are still intact, but due to a shortage of staff, these activities were replaced after WWI by a farm with livestock and arable farming. In the ‘60s, the previous owner, Sylvain Floirat, converted it into one of the largest apple orchards in Europe.
As the new owners, we also believe it is important to preserve this cultural heritage in its authentic state. Therefore, we have given the now bankrupt fruit company a new boost. We are also currently working on restoring all buildings to their original condition while trying to give them a new function.
The farms have been restored and prepared as holiday residences. We have employed the ‘Gîtes de France quatre etoiles’ standard, which means that there are at least two bathrooms and adequate comfort and living space.
Naturally, you will also find a magnificent heated swimming pool. Horse lovers can find what they are looking for on our domain. Take your horse along on holiday; we have stables, sufficient pasture and more than 100 ha of woods to enjoy for hours.
The outside walls of the XIXth-century castle have been completely restored. The XVIth-century castle is currently under renovation. We will be opening our restaurant and terrace, where you can enjoy culinary delights, starting in May.
The maison de gardien was completely renovated last year. In addition to the residence for the gardener, magnificent hotel rooms with bathrooms were also constructed.
Chambres d’hotes or rooms with breakfast are concepts that do not do justice to the quality of these rooms.
Here, too, guests have a magnificent heated swimming pool at their disposal, as well as a sauna, various lakes (one with a beach), walking paths and mountain bikes. In such an ambiance, you are truly on holiday and feel like a lord or lady of the castle.
The first time we also stood in awe on the 1.5 km drive up to the castles. But do not be intimidated by the impressive photos on this site. Simply take a drive up to the grounds and let us pamper you.