Picture yourself stepping through the stone archway of your Périgord cottage on a Tuesday morning, basket in hand, ready to stroll into Mareuil's weekly market where vendors arrange pyramids of golden melons, bundles of lavender, and wheels of local Périgord cheese. This is the rhythm of life that awaits in this thoughtfully renovated 3-bedroom stone cottage with independent guest accommodation, set on 5.4 acres of Dordogne countryside where the pace slows and simple pleasures take center stage. The Périgord region has long captivated those seeking an authentic French vacation home experience. Here in Mareuil-en-Périgord, you're positioned in one of the Dordogne's most accessible yet unspoiled corners, where medieval market towns, riverside villages, and prehistoric cave systems create an endlessly fascinating backdrop for your second home in France. This property delivers both the charm of traditional Périgord architecture and the practical layout that makes it ideal as a vacation home with rental income potential. The main cottage flows across 165 square meters of primarily single-level living space, eliminating stairs for effortless daily life. The heart of the home is the expansive 41-square-meter open-plan living and dining area where exposed stone walls and generous windows create that sought-after blend of historic character and contemporary comfort. Adjacent, the 29-square-meter kitchen with its own dining space becomes the natural gathering spot for preparing meals from market finds or planning the day's adventures over morning coffee. Two ground-floor bedrooms provide comfortable accommodation for family or guests, while the converted barn gite adds another dimension to this property's versatility. This independent guest space includes a kitchenette with seating area, bedroom, bathroom, and mezzanine level currently used as an occasional sleeping area. Whether you're hosting extended family who value their independence, welcoming friends for long summer stays, or generating rental income to offset ownership costs, this arrangement offers flexibility that appeals to international vacation home buyers. The gite can be rented separately through platforms popular with travelers seeking authentic Dordogne experiences, while you enjoy the main house, or the entire property can accommodate larger groups during peak holiday periods. The exterior spaces truly distinguish this holiday property in the Dordogne. Your south-east facing garden showcases over 60 varieties of shrubs and plants in mature borders that provide year-round interest and require surprisingly modest maintenance. The saltwater swimming pool, surrounded by sculpted yew and box hedges, creates a private oasis where you can float under Périgord's famously clear skies after days exploring medieval villages or cycling along quiet country lanes. The sheltered tiled terrace becomes your outdoor room during those legendary long summer evenings when twilight lingers until nearly 10 pm and the air fills with the scent of night-blooming jasmine. Beyond the cultivated garden, the property includes over 5 acres of adjoining pasture currently grazed by a neighboring farmer, an arrangement common in rural France that maintains the land while providing modest income and good neighbor relations. A small parcel across the lane adds to your domain. This generous land holding is increasingly rare at this price point and offers possibilities from hobby farming to simply enjoying the privacy and views that extensive grounds provide. Mareuil-en-Périgord itself deserves special attention when considering this vacation home location. Unlike some Dordogne villages that have become heavily touristed, Mareuil retains its authentic market town character while offering all essential services within a five-minute drive. The pretty town square hosts the weekly Tuesday produce market where local farmers sell seasonal vegetables, artisan producers offer foie gras and confits, and the monthly trade fair on the 28th brings antiques, crafts, and regional specialties. Restaurants serve traditional Périgord cuisine where duck features prominently alongside walnuts, truffles in season, and wines from nearby Bergerac appellations. The location provides an ideal base for exploring the broader Périgord Blanc region. Just 10 kilometers away, Brantôme enchants visitors with its riverside setting, Benedictine abbey, and summer canoe traffic that provides endless entertainment from waterside café tables. Neighboring Bourdeilles adds another medieval castle and village to your collection of nearby excursions. Verteillac's market and Périgueux's Roman ruins and Cathedral of Saint-Front extend your radius of discovery. This corner of the Dordogne experiences four distinct seasons, each bringing its own appeal. Spring sees wildflowers carpeting meadows and market stalls filling with asparagus and strawberries. Summer brings long, warm days perfect for pool lounging, outdoor dining, and evening drives through sunflower fields. Autumn delivers harvest festivals, mushroom foraging, and comfortable temperatures for hiking. Even winter has its charm with truffle markets, cozy fireside evenings, and the property's gas central heating ensuring comfort during shorter visits. For international buyers, accessibility proves excellent. The property sits equidistant between Limoges and Bergerac airports, both approximately 80 minutes away, with multiple daily flights connecting to London, Paris, and other European cities. This makes weekend visits feasible and attracts quality rental guests. Ferry ports are 5.5 hours distant for those who prefer driving from the UK with car loaded for longer stays. Broadband connectivity supports remote work possibilities or simply staying connected with home. From an investment perspective, this Dordogne vacation home presents compelling value at €265,000. The property is in good condition and move-in ready, eliminating the renovation uncertainty that accompanies many French rural properties. The existing gite provides immediate rental income potential, and the Dordogne remains one of France's most consistently popular vacation destinations with strong year-round appeal. Properties with this combination of habitable space, land, pool, and guest accommodation in well-connected locations typically maintain value well. The annual taxe foncière of €1,675 reflects the property size and amenities while remaining reasonable compared to coastal regions. Key features include: 165 square meters of habitable space arranged primarily on one level for easy living; Independent converted barn gite with kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom, and mezzanine; Saltwater swimming pool surrounded by mature hedging for privacy; South-east facing garden with over 60 varieties of established plants; Expansive 5.4-acre plot including pasture land currently generating modest income; Gas central heating and double glazing throughout for year-round comfort; Open-plan 41-square-meter living and dining area with character features; Separate 29-square-meter kitchen with dining space; Garage and games room providing 20 square meters of flexible space; Sheltered tiled terrace ideal for outdoor entertaining; Five-minute drive to Mareuil's shops, restaurants, and weekly market; Ten kilometers from Brantôme and Bourdeilles riverside towns; Equal distance to Limoges and Bergerac airports, both 80 minutes away; Established garden requiring modest maintenance; Broadband connected for modern connectivity needs. This stone cottage represents more than a vacation property investment; it offers entry into a lifestyle where market days structure your week, where neighbors become friends over shared meals, and where the greatest luxury is time spent around your own pool with people you love. The combination of authentic Périgord architecture, practical layout, income-generating potential, and accessible yet unspoiled location creates a compelling opportunity for international buyers seeking a French holiday home that balances charm with functionality. Contact Homestra today to arrange your viewing of this Mareuil-en-Périgord vacation home and begin imagining your own Dordogne story.
