Spacious Character Cottage with Pool Set In Delightful Countryside
Recently renovated but still retaining its original features with exposed limestone walls and oak beams, Larrival Cottage, part-shaded by trees, looks across sloping fields to a stream and woods beyond. French windows from the lounge and the kitchen open onto a large terrace, with ample space for sun-bathing, barbecues or just sitting with a glass of wine, reading and enjoying the views. A stroll across the garden leads to our salt water swimming pool, or can be the start of walks along the stream and up into the woods. Set in tranquil countryside, nevertheless it is only a 10-minute drive into our local town, Tonneins, on the Garonne, with all that it has to offer in terms of supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, post office and so on. If you want somewhere closer to pop to for excellent morning croissants, our village shop is just a quick 5-minutes away. This calm haven is an ideal place from which to explore all that Lot-et-Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde have to offer. This is a part of France where it is still a pleasure to take day trips along traffic-free roads through unspoilt countryside. To the South beckon Gascony, Armagnac country, Pau and the foothills of the Pyrenees. To the South West lie Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. To the North we find Monflanquin (one of France's "Plus Beaux Villages"), Bergerac, Sarlat and the famous Lascaux caves. To the West there is Bordeaux, St Emilion and the great wine chateaux.
And should you need help deciding what to do out of all that is on offer, the owners live within easy reach.
A recent comment in our guest book: "What a wonderfully beautiful cottage in which to spend our summer holiday. We have been holidaying in France for many years and can truthfully say this is one of the best cottages we have ever stayed in – everything you need and more is here. The facilities are excellent. The surrounding area is a sea of tranquillity. Sue and Tod have been wonderful hosts. We will be back again next year!" (June 2019)
Your well-being Our cottage is self-contained, within its own setting, so you can rest-assured you are the only ones who will have access to and be using the property, its terraces and surrounding gardens.
Please note, we do accept families with teenagers, but because we have two friendly but boisterous dogs, we do not accept families with younger children. It is important to us that our guests have a relaxed and comfortable time with us and that includes being at ease with our dogs.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Vares
Located in Vares, this cottage is in a rural area. Barthe Golf and Marmande Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit La Maison de la Noisette and Lavardac Market. Ferme et Musée du Pruneau and The Garden of Lilies are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and horse riding.
Does Spacious Character Cottage with Pool Set In Delightful Countryside have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Spacious Character Cottage with Pool Set In Delightful Countryside?
As of 27 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Spacious Character Cottage with Pool Set In Delightful Countryside on 22 April 2027 start from NZ$287, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Spacious Character Cottage with Pool Set In Delightful Countryside pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Spacious Character Cottage with Pool Set In Delightful Countryside?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Spacious Character Cottage with Pool Set In Delightful Countryside?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Spacious Character Cottage with Pool Set In Delightful Countryside?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Spacious Character Cottage with Pool Set In Delightful Countryside located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Moulin de Gorry and within 9 miles (15 km) of Ferme et Musée du Pruneau and Plage de Gazaille. Barthe Golf and Church of Dominipech are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a wonderful holiday at L'arrival. The Gite is big, spacious and has everything you could need inside, the gardens are very pretty and quite extensive, the owners were super helpful and accomodating. The pool is perfect to sit or lie next to when you are not swimming in it.
We would highly recommend this Gite for a relaxing base to explore this part of France.
Mrs Hodge H.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 August 2024
Thank you for your lovely review. We really enjoyed having you stay and seeing you make the most of this beautiful part of France.
Actually we would like to keep this one to ourselves….:-) Having seen many holiday homes in France, this one is the best: location, comfort, charm, welcome package (wow!), well, everything is top-rated! Thank you, Sue, we loved it, and you made us feel very welcome too, so we will definitely return!
Annelies V.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 June 2023
And we loved having you stay. You have been so appreciative. Thank you for your lovely review. We very much look forward to having you stay again.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Graham C.
8 September 2015
Amazing highly recommend
One of the most relaxing holidays I've spent in France.
Sue and Tod, the owners could not have been more helpful and enhanced our stay with the hints and tips they gave us on things do do and see in the local area. The cottage itself was stunning, a real hem in rural France. We really can't say enough about this in a review only to say I would not hesitate to return again and again. Thank you to Sue and Tod for your fantastic hospitality.
Graham C.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you. We loved having you to stay and sharing with you this very special part of France.
We spent 2 weeks in this extremely well equipped, comfortable and welcoming cottage. Surrounded by fields with glorious views - we had a wonderfully peaceful time. Views from the terrace are superb. The swimming pool was great as the weather was very hot - there’s shade there too. Our hosts were wonderful and had anticipated everything in the cottage for us and more. This cottage is a really special place and for those seeking a tranquil holiday it is perfect. We enjoyed exploring the surrounding area - night markets, gardens, golf, wine tasting, walks by the canal and trips to lots of villages and towns. Very clean cottage - highly recommend.
Lynn S.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 September 2024
Hello Lynn, thank you so much for your super review. We loved having you stay with us and are so glad that you too found this place special. Sue, Tod and (of course) Bertie
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Helen M.
4 August 2016
Superb
A wonderful place to stay. We have just spent 2 delightful weeks at this incredibly well equipped cottage. It is very spacious, clean and has everything you could possibly need. The surrounding area is peaceful, views are beautiful and the marvellous pool is just what is needed on hot afternoons. Sue was fantastic, anticipating our every need - extra water, inflatables for our children for the pool - she went far above and beyond what you would normally expect.
We will not hesitate to recommend the cottage to family and friends. A very special place! Thanks.
Helen M.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you so much for your super review and for being such gracious and caring guests. It was lovely having you stay with us.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Elisabeth N.
1 September 2016
A truly wonderful, rare find
The cottage houses five adults easily with its two bathrooms and two bedrooms. The beds are very comfortable and while we were there, the rooms remained cool despite the 32-degree heat outside. The kitchen has everything you can think of; truly, it is like home from home. The owners' pool, which is a short stroll up a slightly sloping garden, is perfect and we enjoyed private use of it throughout our stay.
The owners, Sue and Tod, were on hand with advice and plenty of suggestions of where to go locally and I feel our stay was made the more enjoyable by having them so close by. Let's not forget their two very bouncy and friendly dogs, Bertie and Vita, who joined us on a daily basis!
We would not hesitate to recommend this cottage, and part of France, for a family holiday if rest and relaxation is on your agenda. However, for those wanting to get out and about, there are lots of activities to do nearby. We particularly enjoyed kayaking on the Lot which was just 15 minutes away.
Overall, just wonderful.
Elisabeth N.
Stayed 12 nights in Aug 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you so much for your super review. We really enjoyed having you stay and are so glad you had a great time here (including the dogs!)
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
27 August 2018
Treat yourselves to something really special!
It is hard to find enough superlatives to describe just how special this holiday destination is. I use the word "special" because you will find that a holiday at Larrival Cottage is a real treat. Thanks to Sue and Tod's attentive and caring congeniality, you will feel well and truly spoilt from the minute you arrive. Greeted with your own choice of welcome pack upon arrival, it is a great relief not to have to go and do a huge shop straight away. Sue and Tod will have thought of everything...fruit and fancy biscuits on the table...olive oil, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, salt, pepper and vinegar...coffee, bread, milk, butter and jams. Travel plugs, mosquito repellent, fans for every room, air conditioning, washing liquid, dish washer tablets, kitchen and loo roll, wi-fi, loads of towels, bath robes, extra blankets, matches, numerous games including petanque, DVDs, puzzles, books...not to mention the amazing huge Smart TV. In each drawer, there is a pretty shopping list and pen. Equipment for the pool includes inflatables and balls. The barbecue has all equipment provided. You will want for absolutely nothing...there is even a very generous "Help Yourself" artists box of paints, brushes, pads and canvases. The Cottage is very spacious and comfortable. Sue and Tod have obviously spent a great deal of time and energy into compiling a very comprehensive guide on information and instructions for operating all the Cottage equipment, as well as providing lots of local information and advice such as places to visit, restaurants, attractions and markets. One evening, they very kindly packed us up a cool bag with tablecloth, cutlery, plates and cups for the night market at Laparade, five to ten minutes drive away. (Something a bit different, an open air communal dining area, where you can select a variety of local produce which is cooked before your eyes, washed down with the local beers, wines and fruit juices and all accompanied to live music). With access to the property via a long farm track flanked by a field of sunflowers and sweetcorn, one of the great things about Larrival Cottage is its remoteness...yet its easy access to the town of Tonneins (10 min drive away) that meets all your needs with its range of restaurants, huge Leclerc and excellent Lidl supermarkets. The Lot et Garonne region is truly beautiful, varied, traditionally French - many photo opportunities with its attractive villages, imposing Churches, pretty river beaches, vineyards and Chateaux.
Verified traveller
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you so much for your lovely review. It was really special having you all stay again and a real pleasure to welcome you because you get such enjoyment out of being here and are so appreciative. We do hope we will see you again. Sue & Tod (and Bertie and Vita, of course)
Als je houd van stilte en rust, dan moet je hier zijn. Ontvangen door een fantastische gastvrouw. Huisje van alles wat je maar kan denken voorzien. Grote slaapkamers met airco. Verschillende terrasjes rond het huis zodat je altijd in de zon of schaduw kan zitten. Top!.
Tom B.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 September 2024
Dank u voor uw mooie recensie en dat u zulke goede gasten bent.
Des vacances reposantes dans un cadre au calme.
Dès notre arrivée, un accueil chaleureux nous a été réservé par Sue.
Nous nous sommes sentis très bien dans cette belle maison très bien équipée, tant au niveau de la cuisine que la télévision avec beaucoup de chaînes et nous avons pu découvrir Netflix.
En ce qui concerne l'extérieur, la maison est entourée de champs, ce qui nous a permis de déconnecter complètement et de profiter du calme qui régnait avec un petit plus en allant se baigner dans la piscine et faire un barbecue les jours de beau temps.
Malgré la Covid, nous avons pu discuter avec Sue et Todd qui sont vraiment très charmants et leurs chiens Vita et Bertie, très câlins et très gentils.
C'est un endroit où nous pourrions revenir pour nous ressourcer !!!
CECILE D.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 29 August 2021
Merci Cécile pour votre chaleureuse critique et vos gentils commentaires sur votre séjour à Larrival Cottage. Nous avons été ravis de vous accueillir et nous espérons vous revoir un jour.
Wir haben hier einen wunderschönen Urlaub verbracht. Das Haus und die Lage sind paradiesisch. Das Haus ist total gemütlich, wir haben uns wie zu Hause gefühlt. Es ist liebevoll eingerichtet mit qualitativ hochwertigen Sachen. Angefangen bei den Handtüchern, das Geschirr, die Geräte...., alles tiptop und Markengeräte. Und blitzsauber! Vom feinsten. Es ist super in der Landschaft eingebettet. Das Haus steht auf dem Grundstück der Eigentümer, aber man hat seine Ruhe und ist für sich allein. Der Garten und der Pool sind total gepflegt. Es gibt ausreichend Sitzgelegenheiten draußen, an unterschiedlichen Stellen. Sue und Tod sind sehr fürsorgliche Gastgeber, immer um das Wohl der Gäste bemüht. Sie haben uns sehr geholfen, als unser Auto kaputt war und in die Werkstatt mußte. Sie haben uns bei der Kommunikation mit der Werkstatt geholfen und uns hin und her gefahren. Nochmals ein großes Danke. Und die beiden süßen Hunde Vita und Bertie....., Bertie der kleine Herzensbrecher.
Wir kommen nächstes Jahr wieder!
Andrea D.
Response from VrboOwner on 23 October 2020
Vielen Dank für Ihre schöne Bewertung. Es war eine wahre Freude, Sie bei uns zu haben und mit dem Auto helfen zu können. Bertie vermisst dich schon! Und es wird super sein, Sie nächstes Jahr wieder bei uns zu haben.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Marilyn J.
20 September 2018
A beautifully retored cottage a peaceful setting
This cottage has been fully and professionally restored and is set in beautiful, peaceful countryside. It is equipped with absolutely everything that could possibly be needed for a comfortable stay. All the furnishings, fittings and appliances are of a very high standard and the owners provided a very impressive welcome pack which was far beyond our expectations. The private pool was a wonderful place to relax, read and cool down in the heat of the day. There is no shortage of restaurants and places of interest to visit when not sunbathing , with plenty of stunning scenery, rivers, countryside and pretty bastide towns to visit, all within easy reach of the cottage. The creperie in nearby Clairac is not to be missed.The owners, Tod and Sue, were always on hand to provide information or assistance when we needed it and made sure we had everything we required for a comfortable stay. This is a fantastic place to spend a holiday and we will certainly be returning.
Marilyn J.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you Marilyn so much for your lovely review and so glad that you had a good time with us. We (and Bertie and Vita of course!) look forward to having you stay here again in the future.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mark J.
7 August 2018
What an amazing holiday!
This is our second year at L'Arrival and it certainly won't be our last. Sue and Todd are the most accommodating and welcoming owners, as are Bertie and Vita, their lovely dogs. The property is always clean and well stocked and it is found within a lovely French countryside. The pool is an added attraction and is welcome on a hot day. The cottage has everything you would need for a holiday - all you need to do is bring yourself and some suncream. Next time we may fly over instead of driving as we didn't need half the things we brought with us! Thank you Sue and Todd for yet again making our holiday a memorable one. Pam, Mark, Jasmine and Freya Jones.
Mark J.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you Pam, Mark, Jasmine and Freya for your lovely review. Yet again, it was a real pleasure to have you stay with us. Thank you so much for being so appreciative. And we do hope you are able to stay again in the future. We look forward to it. With best wishes Sue, Tod and of course Vita and Bertie.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Vivienne B.
11 July 2018
Great cottage. Great location
We are just back from a 2 week stay in this fantastic cottage. We have stayed in Gites all over France for the past 13 years and this is truly the best cottage we have stayed in. The cottage has been thoughtfully restored to a very high standard and is extremely comfortable with everything (and more) that you might need. The pool area was kept immaculate with plenty of loungers both in the sun and shade. The pool was a joy to use. Our hosts Sue and Tod were extremely helpful and hospitable giving advice about the area when asked but at the same time keeping a low profile. Sue even supplied a cold box filled with all the necessary table wear for the night market at a Laparade, which was well worth a visit. We were visited daily by the lovely Vita and Bertie which we loved and they made a great contribution to our holiday. We were blessed with very good weather so were able to sit in the many areas around the cottage and admire the views across he countryside. If we could give more than 5 we would. The Gite and owners come highly recommended .
Vivienne B.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for your super review. It was a real pleasure having you stay here. All of us (including Vita and Bertie) are so glad that you had a good time.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Mark J.
8 August 2017
Simply Wonderful !!
Just back from a wonderful 2 week stay at L'arrival Cottage - phew, where do I start?
First off, Sue & Tod are great owners - their communication leading up to our stay was brilliant from asking what we would like in our welcome pack to providing detail instructions on how to find the cottage once we left the main roads. Very helpful.
The cottage itself is amazing - so lovingly restored by Sue and Tod. I recommend reading Sue's blog on her website (or the hardback book in the cottage itself if you stay there) on the journey to restore it from a derelict barn - such an amazing transformation and something they are rightly proud of.
Inside it is spacious and has everything you could ever need for your holiday (and more) - we took as number of 'bits' with us as we do when we stay in cottages but all we kept saying was "oh, they've provided that already".
The outside dining area provides great views across the countryside - we enjoyed some great warm evening bbq's here with the odd glass of wine!. Perfect for relaxing at the end of the day.
The pool is great to be around on sunny days with plenty of sun loungers - for those who struggle in the sun there's a nice shaded area by the pool also.
Sue and Tod are brilliant hosts - they went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable and the help they provided on numerous occasions will always be appreciated (especially the bike hire and the hamper things for the night market at Laparade).
So the Cottage is great and Sue & Tod are great but the stars of the show are Vita and Bertie, their 2 dogs. They were great to have around, so friendly and it was lovely when all of a sudden Bertie would appear out of nowhere and just roll over for his tummy to be tickled.
I've rated this 5 out of 5 but somehow it doesn't seem enough so I'm going to use the Chris Evans Radio 2 show feature "I did this for the first time today" scoring system and give it a million out of 5.
Thank you Sue and Tod - we can't wait to come back.
Mark J.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Wow! What a wonderful review. Thank you so much. It was just lovely having you all to stay and we (especially Vita and Bertie) really look forward to you all being here again.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Christina B.
1 August 2017
Ten stars - five isn't really enough!
For me this is amazing place is perfection. Just everything is just right. The kindest, best, most thoughtful hosts. Beautifully clean. Comfy beds in spacious rooms. Brilliantly equipped with far more than you might think you would ever need. Lovely pool and gardens, with various locations to eat, seat and be, so you can follow the sun or the shade as you prefer - my own favourite place for breakfast meant enjoying the gentler morning sun with gorgeous views of the countryside, surrounded by pots of flowers. The owners have created a very comprehensive, excellent & interesting guide filled with things to do, places to visit, plus all the practicalities (shops, restaurants, markets) and much much more. They go above and beyond to ensure you'll enjoy your visit and/or make the most of relaxing. Bliss.
Christina B.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Lovely to have you stay here again.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
5 June 2017
What a find! Perfect holiday experience!
My husband, two teenage children and I have just returned from a fabulous week in Sue and Tod's holiday cottage, "Larrival". We were blessed with very good weather so were able to enjoy the pool and relax in the sunshine, surrounded by gorgeous views amidst a haven of un-disturbed peace and lulled to sleep each night by the comforting and hypnotic chirrup of the cicadas. We were able to completely re-charge our batteries from the busy lives we all seem to lead these days.
The Cottage was faultless in every way. Sue and Tod had very kindly left us a generous welcome pack including bread, milk, butter, coffee, beer, fruit juice and marmalade so we didn't need to go shopping straight away, which was greatly appreciated. Every room was spacious and comfortable. A great deal of thought and attention had evidently been put into a holidaymaker's needs, with mosquito repellants, electric fans, a wealth of DVDs (for one very large television). books, games and puzzles, lilos and balls for the pool, boules...to name but a few.
This is a beautiful part of France with easy access to large supermarkets and all necessities. We would love to come back and spend longer next time, the Saturday market at Tonneins beckons!
A huge thank you to Sue and Tod for their commitment to ensuring that we wanted for nothing during our stay. This was a wonderful week and I cannot rate this holiday experience highly enough.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We really enjoyed having you stay and hope that you will be able to come back and stay longer next time. Sue & Tod
Archival
10/10 Excellent
John K.
25 September 2016
A real jem
We have stayed at a number of holiday rentals in this region of France and are delighted to say that this one is the best by far. If you are a couple and looking to get away from it all, if you value peace and quiet, if you value the freedom to do your own thing, this is the ideal choice. Sue and Todd are attentive hosts and the property is outstanding. Excellent value and great facilities make for a relaxed stay whether you want to sit by the pool all day or you are returning from a day out exploring the local area, this is just such a nice place to be.
John K.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for your lovely review. So glad you enjoyed your stay here.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Rosemary C.
6 September 2016
The best cottage we have stayed in
This cottage was the most comfortable and best equipped cottage we have ever holidayed in and we have stayed in a lot of French gites and cottages over the years. Sue and Tod were extremely kind and helpful from the very start and we fell in love with their 2 dogs.
The weather was amazing, if occasionally a bit hot for this fair flower, but the cottage was beautifully cool and fully equipped with fans. The pool was delightful and a godsend, and sitting out eating our French breakfast with the smell of basil and marjoram wafting around was a memory to treasure.
We thoroughly enjoyed visiting the beautiful villages in the neighbourhood and the markets were a pleasure. We highly recommend this cottage although we would love to keep it a secret only we can enjoy, but that would be hugely unfair to Sue and Tod!
Rosemary C.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We (and the dogs) thoroughly enjoyed having you stay with us.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Veronica H.
4 August 2016
Lovely cottage in beautiful setting
Turning off the road onto a quiet driveway you arrive at a beautiful stone cottage with stunning, tranquil views, your own little home from home for the duration of your stay. The cottage is spacious and very private, set in the extensive grounds of a big house. It is light and airy and superbly presented. Upstairs there is a modern bathroom, with a large shower that has good pressure and plenty of hot water, and two big bedrooms with good sized wardrobes and chests of drawers for your belongings, lovely sofas and chairs for relaxing and most importantly comfortable beds for a good night's sleep. Downstairs there is a large living/kitchen diner, a roomy sitting room and a second bathroom with disabled access. The cottage is simply and stylishly decorated in that inimitable French style, and is well equipped with all mod cons, including WiFi, so while we were there we could keep up with the Euro cup football and the tennis at Wimbledon if we wanted to. The outside space is equally delightful. There is a beautiful terrace with great views all around and a swimming pool to cool down in on hot days or just splash about. We loved sitting out on the terrace for lunch or dinner or just relaxing in the sun or under a parasol enjoying the view with a nice cool drink.
The owners Sue and Tod are warm and welcoming and very helpful, advising about places to eat and visit. I am a keen gardener and loved walking around the garden and was delighted to discover on Tod and Sue's recommendation the water lily garden and nursery, Latour-Marliac, where Monet bought the water lilies for his garden at Giverny that became the subject of over 200 of his paintings.
A great find, the sort of place you discover and want to return to again and again. We had a wonderful holiday and I highly recommend this fantastic cottage.
Veronica H.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We really enjoyed having you to stay and do hope you will be visiting us again.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Robert K.
11 July 2016
A Special Place....
For those wishing to be slightly off the beaten track in an area of South West France known for its rolling countryside between 2 great rivers (the Lot and Garonne) I fully recommend Tod and Sue's extra roomy cottage...Set on a gentle slope, shaded by mature trees facing south, in naturalistic gardens tended with loving care ..with 360 views of sunrises and sunsets, where I sincerely feel at peace with the world....or maybe it's a combination of the excellent local wines (at prices which do not bring tears to your eyes), which inevitably swirl in my glass to the gentle humming of bees gathering for their queen...Time usually passes quickly...but here a week feels like a month especially if you choose to love small things...but then I'm a towny, often forgiven for missing the bigger picture...
I have been here in high and low seasons ..both have their virtues... In low season the every day life of bustling small towns comes to the fore..and 2 hour lunchtimes become the magnet for drawing people together far, far away from centralised bureaucratic rules and regs of government...while in the holiday high season the focus turns to the 'Marches Nocturnes' night markets and the accompanying festive events surrounding them ....local produce, good food, music and dancing shared mutually with the old and the young every night at local townships, rotating weekly their staging, all in close proximity and familial harmony and of course sometimes disharmony.....for people watching, it's brilliant....but then, it is a national sport here.
Robert K.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for your super review. We love having you to stay and this year's visit has been very special. We look forward to seeing you again, soon.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Christa B.
20 June 2016
Always a treat
Thank you to Sue and Tod for a fantastic stay in their property in this beautiful, quiet location. This was not our first visit and we shall continue to return as we love the area and especially this 'cottage'... It is very spacious. It is so well equipped and comfortable with everything needed to have a good time, whatever the weather. Sue and Tod try to anticipate your every need and are very kind, friendly and helpful. We also love meeting their 2 friendly dogs which are now also part of our holiday enjoyment, however for people who don't like dogs they are kept away from the cottage. I just loved the poppies all around the grounds, on previous stays the surrounding fields have been full of sunflowers. I love the sounds of the birds and it is a great place to relax and be private .... You can only just see Sue and Tods house from the cottage and the views from the cottage are just lovely. The terrace is fantastic and a dip and n the pool helps you to cool down on hot days. We look forward to returning next year 2017.
Christa B.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for your super review. We love having you to stay and very much look forward to having you again with us in 2017.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
michael w.
5 October 2015
quiet and comfortable
Beautifully restored cottage, completely private and peaceful. Owners' house about 100 yards away, so easily accessible if help is needed. Owners are extremely gracious and welcoming without getting in the way. The cottage is spectacularly clean and everything works. No hesitation in recommending to visitors looking for comfortable peace and quiet in the French countryside,
michael w.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for your super review. Lovely to be able to have you stay again this summer.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Barrie P.
20 September 2015
Peace and Quiet in the countryside
For people seeking a quiet rural retreat I would highly recommend this property. It is very well kept and comfortable surrounded by lovely countryside. It is quiet and Sue, our host was most welcoming and gracious. A thoroughly enjoyable break in a beautiful spot. The property is off the country road and separate from the owners house and therefore we had privacy. It was a lovely restful holiday with easy access to restaurants and things to do.
Barrie P.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for your lovely review. We really enjoyed having you stay in our cottage.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
7 May 2015
Lovely Cottage in Unspoilt Area of France
We have stayed at Sue and Tod’s comfortable cottage a few times and are planning to return. It is ideal for us (a married couple, our disabled daughter and a carer). We enjoy the peace and tranquillity of its sunny position, nestling at the end of the track below the owner’s property. We have found plenty to do in the surrounding area – Clairac and its crêperie are always on the “to do” list, as is the Saturday market in Tonneins. We enjoy walking in the immediate vicinity and with the wheelchair along the towpath. You do need a car, though we do occasionally walk to the shop in Varès, but you don’t have to travel far to find interesting places to visit. We find this a very quiet and unspoilt area of France and we have become very fond of it.
About the host
Hosted by Sue Hedinger
After a lifetime of living and working in and around London, we decided to retire with our two dogs to France – a country we had come to love through many years of summer holidays. We started looking in early 2007 and within weeks had found and fallen in love with an old farmhouse and a tumble-down cottage that we transformed into our comfortable, secluded gîte.
Why they chose this property
We chose South West France and specifically Lot-et-Garonne because of its climate, tranquility and beautiful countryside.
What makes this property unique
Our guests tell us that staying at Larrival Cottage is like "home from home". This, in part, is because our spacious property is constructed, furnished and kitted out to the highest standard of comfort. The cottage sits within its own land and is totally secluded, so you have your own private space. However, if you need help or want suggestions for what to do whilst here on holiday, we can be on hand. And not least, for our guests who are dog lovers, Vita (our Airedale) and Bertie (a rescue mongrel) will take you to their hearts and contribute to the enjoyment of your holiday.