Writer Retreat, Tranquil Stone Farmhouse, Views, Ancient Barns, Rose Garden

Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes were visitors to this beautiful, traditional two-bedroom original stone farmhouse located in the tranquil rural village of Lacam de Loubressac overlooking the Dordogne River Valley. The farmhouse and its historic stone barns, which have been featured in a number of architectural magazine articles, overlook a wide loop of the river and the great 12th century castle of Castelnau de Bretenoux dominates the panorama below. The village of Lacam is 3 kilometers west of the medieval walled village of Loubressac, perched on a rocky promontory. Lacam is very quiet as it is not a through way to anywhere and is rarely used as a short cut.

From here the road descends to two medieval towns, Bretenoux and St Céré, the latter famous for its summer music festival and 18th century houses.

The house is an original “Quercynois” stone building with exposed beams, central heating, a wood burning stove and an open fireplace. Twin barns, fine examples of the local stone architecture, are part of the property.

Accommodation: 2 bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms, sleeps four.

The ground floor consists of a large sitting/dining room and a separate kitchen. Upstairs are a large master bedroom and en-suite bathroom with shower as well as a smaller bedroom with twin beds and an older bathroom with a shower-tub.

Great room: Entered by the main door on the south side, the large sitting room has two inglenook fireplaces (one with wood stove) and a north facing terrace with views over the river valley and the lower village. The ceiling has exposed beams and the floor is tastefully covered in rush matting and kilim rugs.

Kitchen: There is a new electric stove/oven, new small refrigerator and double sink with good counter space under a window overlooking the valley below. There is a large choice of cooking equipment and crockery as well as cookbooks. There is no washing machine but public launderettes are available locally. Four people can eat comfortably at the round table in the kitchen or 6-8 can eat comfortably at the long antique dinning room table. The best place to eat in good weather is on the north-facing terrace, which has a simple table large enough to accommodate six.

Bedrooms:

The master bedroom is painted white with original exposed dark wood beams, a queen size bed with French windows overlooking the Dordogne River valley. The master bedroom has a double armoire in which to hang clothes, a clothes bureau with four drawers, bedside tables and lamps. There is a rocking chair next to the large dormer with windows that look out over the valley and is perfect for reading or contemplating life. The floor is oak.

The second bedroom is small and has two narrow twin beds with small windows facing east and north. The floor is carpeted and the room has a hanging cupboard, shelves, and bedside lamps.

Bathrooms:

The simple but elegant master bathroom was added in 2021 in a separate alcove with windows affording views to the north and east. It has a wood floor, a large shower, a toilet and a wash basin.

The cozy second bathroom is tucked under the eaves of the roof. It is carpeted, with a tub equipped with a hand-held shower. There are tiled areas around the bath that provide extra areas to place things, a porcelain sink and toilet. The east-facing window opens on a view of the barns and the hillside.

All the beds have firm mattresses with duvets, square pillows and extra blankets. Linens and towels are provided.

Safety and a note about children:
While the interior of this beautiful old stone house has been renovated and is completely comfortable, it has an uneven floor in the great room, narrow staircase to the upstairs, wood stove in the fireplace, and antique furniture. For these reasons, we do not generally allow children younger than 6 to occupy the house.

Additional fees:
Firewood can be provided for 60€ per cubic meter, prorated by actual use. In colder weather, heat costs about 125€ per week, prorated by metered use. Dogs are allowed, but the owner must approve and an additional fee of 100€ is applied.

Activities:
All the local towns have swimming pools and there are two larger bathing lakes within six kilometers.
There are several companies renting canoes on the Dordogne and they deliver you back to your point of departure after the day’s outing.
There are two restaurants in Loubressac as well as a shop that sells groceries, fresh bread daily, fruit and vegetables.
Bicycles can be rented in the local towns.
There are walks along the sheep tracks in every direction, including the renowned Grandes Randonnées.
The Gouffre de Padirac and the pilgrimage village of Rocamadour are within half an hour’s drive. A little further away are the Lot and Célé rivers, the towns of Cahors, Figeac, and St Cirque la Popie. Going west along the Dordogne river is Sarlat, with, to the north, Les Eyzies and Montignac, where you can visit the reproduction of the Lascaux caves and their prehistoric paintings.

Airports: Toulouse, Limoges, Rodez, Brive la Gaillarde. You can also fly into Paris and drive about 5 1/2 hours south to Lacam.
Nearest railway stations: Bretenoux-Biars, Brive la Gaillarde, Cahors.
Rental cars: Available in the mentioned towns (excluding Bretenoux-Biars). Check whether the rental car agency is open on Sunday.