Walls of Duras

Tucked into a quiet hamlet under five minutes' drive from Duras, this house sits within 18th-century walled gardens that wrap you in real privacy – and when the walls are floodlit in the evening, there's a particular kind of magic to alfresco dinners on the grand terrace. Days here tend to organise themselves around the heated pool and the herb garden just steps away, where you can pick fresh thyme or basil before cooking. Saint-Émilion, Bergerac, and Monbazillac are all within an hour's drive, and the Dordogne is close by for kayaking – though the weekly market and château in Duras will likely come first.

Home truths:
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot, high chair, baby bath, changing table, and plug socket covers. You'll need to request these in advance.
* The owners live next door and their two cats may wander in the garden during your stay, though they're kept out of the indoor living spaces.
* There's no TV in the home – several guests have found this no hardship given the wi-fi connection, but it's worth knowing if you like to unwind in front of a screen at the end of the day.
* This is a lived-in home. You should expect some of the host's personal belongings to be present during your stay.
* For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground floor bedroom and bathroom here.
* Due to this home's location, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay.
* While the home can sleep up to eight people, the maximum occupancy is six guests.
* The swimming pool isn't fenced.