Imagine waking to the sight of a 13th-century bastide perched on limestone cliffs, golden morning light spilling across the Dordogne Valley below. This is your daily reality in this 173-square-meter residence positioned in one of France's most celebrated regions, where medieval history meets riverside tranquility. Step onto your western terrace with morning coffee, watching hot air balloons drift over châteaux as the valley awakens beneath you. This is not just a vacation home in the Dordogne—it is your gateway to the authentic rhythm of Périgord Noir life, where every season brings new reasons to return. The region surrounding Domme represents everything international buyers seek in a French holiday property: accessibility without crowds, cultural depth without pretension, and investment value backed by centuries of desirability. La Roque-Gageac, consistently ranked among France's most picturesque villages, sits minutes away, its honey-colored houses clinging to cliff faces above the meandering Dordogne River. Your property occupies 2,591 square meters of fenced grounds, providing both privacy and panoramic perspectives that capture the essence of this UNESCO-recognized landscape. The architectural layout maximizes the Dordogne's famously temperate climate and spectacular vistas. The ground floor centers on a light-filled living space that opens westward through French doors to a covered terrace—your front-row seat to valley sunsets that paint the bastide walls in shades of amber and rose. An insert fireplace adds warmth during cooler months, while reversible air conditioning ensures comfort during July and August when temperatures peak around 28°C. The eastern side features a second covered terrace, creating cross-ventilation and multiple outdoor living zones that adapt to sun patterns throughout the day. The equipped kitchen flows naturally into daily life here, designed for preparing market-fresh produce from Sarlat's renowned Saturday market, just 12 kilometers away. The master bedroom on this level includes a substantial walk-in closet, while a dedicated office offers flexibility—whether you need workspace for extended stays or prefer converting it to accommodate additional guests. A ground-floor shower room and separate toilet serve this level, eliminating the need for stairs during your stay. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms provide accommodation for family or friends, served by a full bathroom with both bath and shower. The separate toilet maintains convenience, while a generous walk-in closet and dedicated laundry room address the practical needs of vacation property ownership. This upper level proves particularly popular with guests if you pursue the strong rental market opportunity this property presents—the Dordogne consistently achieves 65-75% occupancy rates for well-presented vacation rentals, with weekly rates reaching 2,500-3,500 euros during peak season. The garden level adds remarkable versatility with a studio currently under conversion, offering potential for guest accommodation, rental income maximization, or multi-generational living arrangements. Two garages provide secure parking and storage—essential for the outdoor equipment this region invites you to collect, from kayaks for river excursions to bicycles for vineyard exploration. The large basement and installed elevator delivering direct access to main living spaces above demonstrate thoughtful design for long-term usability and aging-in-place potential. Outside, the swimming pool becomes the summer heart of your Dordogne retreat. Its electric roller shutter simplifies maintenance during your absences, while the expansive surrounding terrace accommodates al fresco dining for twelve as easily as solo morning swims. The fenced grounds ensure security and privacy, with automatic gates adding convenience when arriving with loaded vehicles after the scenic drive from Bergerac airport, just 75 kilometers distant. Solar panels reduce ongoing costs while aligning with France's environmental priorities—an increasingly important consideration for property values and rental appeal. Living the Dordogne vacation home lifestyle means market mornings in Sarlat, where you'll select walnuts, foie gras, and seasonal produce from vendors who become familiar faces. It means afternoon canoe trips from La Roque-Gageac, paddling beneath medieval fortresses and spotting herons in riverside reeds. Summer evenings bring outdoor concerts in bastide squares, where local wines flow as freely as conversation. Autumn transforms the valley into a patchwork of russet and gold, with truffle markets and harvest festivals celebrating the land's abundance. Winter offers a quieter charm—riverside walks without crowds, hearty cassoulet in village bistros, and the incomparable pleasure of your own fireplace as rain patters on terrace roofs. Spring explodes with wildflowers and château gardens reopening, while May and June provide the region's most sublime weather before peak tourist season. The property's location near Domme positions you perfectly for exploring the Dordogne's treasures. The Lascaux cave paintings lie 45 kilometers north—humanity's artistic heritage preserved in limestone chambers. The pilgrimage town of Rocamadour clings to cliffs 50 kilometers east, its chapels and ramparts defying gravity and time. Dozens of classified châteaux dot the surrounding valleys: Castelnaud, Beynac, Commarque—each offering different windows into medieval life. The region's gastronomic reputation extends beyond foie gras and truffles to encompass exceptional wines from nearby Bergerac appellations, farmhouse cheeses, and the walnut products that have sustained local economies for generations. For international buyers, the Dordogne represents exceptional value compared to Provence or the Côte d'Azur, while offering comparable lifestyle quality and superior rental yields. The region attracts sophisticated travelers seeking authenticity over glitz—British, Dutch, Belgian, and increasingly American buyers who appreciate well-preserved medieval heritage and outstanding cuisine. Property prices have shown steady appreciation over the past decade, supported by the area's enduring appeal and limited inventory of quality homes with views like these. French property ownership for non-EU buyers involves straightforward processes, with notaires handling legal aspects and numerous English-speaking professionals available to assist. This residence arrives in good condition, requiring no immediate investment beyond your personal touches. The double glazing, mains drainage, modern heating and cooling systems, and recent updates mean you can begin enjoying ownership immediately. The conversion project on the garden level offers exciting potential you can pursue at your own pace, whether you envision artist's studio, home cinema, or income-generating rental unit. Your investment includes not just 173 square meters of living space and 2,591 square meters of grounds, but membership in a community that has attracted discerning property owners for decades. Key Features: Four bedrooms accommodating family and guests comfortably, Two full bathrooms plus additional shower room and separate toilets, 173 square meters of thoughtfully designed living space across multiple levels, Swimming pool with electric roller shutter and expansive terrace, Panoramic valley views toward Domme's medieval bastide, 2,591 square meters of fenced grounds with automatic gate access, Two covered terraces maximizing outdoor living throughout seasons, Reversible heating and air conditioning plus fireplace insert, Garden level studio under conversion offering flexible use potential, Two garages plus substantial basement storage with elevator access, Solar panels reducing ongoing energy costs, Double glazing and mains drainage throughout, Master suite with walk-in closet on main level, Ground floor office convertible to additional bedroom, Dedicated laundry room simplifying extended stays. The Dordogne vacation home market rewards early decisions—properties combining views, pool, land, and proximity to UNESCO sites like this attract immediate interest from buyers who recognize value. At 610,000 euros, this residence offers the complete package: immediate enjoyment, rental income potential, long-term appreciation, and the intangible wealth of owning your corner of France's most celebrated countryside. Contact Homestra today to arrange your private viewing and begin your journey toward owning this exceptional Dordogne valley retreat, where medieval bastides frame your mornings and riverside villages become your neighborhood.
