The previous owners bought the property twenty-five years ago as a complete ruin. Over the years it has been lovingly restored, keeping wherever possible the characteristics of its pure Perigordine architecture; its steep roof-line and internal exposed oak beams , thick original stone walls covered with ivy and lavender blue shutters. We bought it six years ago after living 15 years in the Himalayas. Our collection of artifacts and various renovations both inside as well as in the garden have continued to make Marance even more charming and comfortable.
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Both houses are furnished to a very high standard in European terms, with lovely furniture, oriental rugs and Tibetan antiques, The décor reflects the years which we have spent working in the Himalayas. As the farmhouse and the barn are very much part of our home, they have not been stripped down for rental purposes. We hope that our quests will appreciate the artistic décor and keep Marance in their holiday memories. The exclusivity of the holiday is maintained by its tranquil setting, far from noisy roads. We find that its charm and allure have made Marance a dream for families, honeymooners and those with a romantic soul.

The Barn
The barn is built on four levels; the bottom was where the cows were kept and the upper floors were for hay and grain storage. We have kept the original elevation and it has resulted in a light, open and spacious habitation.

With central heating in the off season, it is always cozy. It can easily accommodate six people. The open mezzanine floor consists of twin beds and plenty of place to sit around and relax, gazing down into the living room. The cozy double bed on the top floor bedroom is with attached toilet and sink. On the bottom floor, a private double suite looks out onto the pool with large sliding glass doors. The sauna and shower are near to this room. The spacious lounge has comfortable white leather furniture and is decorated tastefully with a combination of French, Dutch and Himalayan items.

The kitchen is fully equipped with all modern conveniences such as, a dishwasher, a microwave oven, a toaster, a coffee maker, a juice maker and a fridge –freezer. There is also a CD cassette player and no television! We have purposely not put one in so that your holiday here will be exceptionally peaceful and quiet.

The sauna is wonderful to switch on and warm up in after swimming in the evening in the pool. As the weather in the summer is usually quite warm , it is a relief to be in the lounge room of the barn which stays cool and comfortable even on very hot and bright days.

There is a long wooden farm style dining table near the lounge and a smaller breakfast table in the room near the pool. One can also enjoy eating outside on the sunny private terrace, next to the fig tree with views of pasture and forest amidst the morning glories , poppies , roses and hanging baskets of geraniums. This is a lovely place to relax and enjoy your evening barbeque.
About Marance

Marance is a much beloved home, comprising two original stone buildings, the farmhouse and the barn. They date from before the French Revolution and are in the typical style of the region with blue shutters and vines growing on the walls. The lovely flower gardens and the grass coutyard surrond the pool. Our property is set on top of a small hill with six acres of rolling countryside in the heart of the Perigord Noir, truffle country of the Dordogne. The barn, a little gem of much charm, has uninterrupted south facing views of woods an meadows, with grassy terraces for sitting out. It is unattached and offers privacy, peace and quiet.
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