Scarpat

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Bienvenue à Scarpat!

Scarpat is available to rent all year round. Click on the headers above for the basics and on the list of links and photos in the left-hand column for more details, or simply scroll down to view it all in one hit.

We are now taking bookings for Summer 2012

Click here for Availability and Pricing

The Barn sleeps a maximum of 6 and The Gite sleeps 4. A cot and travel cot are also available and the Gite is fully equipped for babies / toddlers.
The two properties are available exclusively as one unit during the summer season. It's an ideal chance to have an extended family holiday or share with friends.
The Gite is available to rent seperately during low season and is fully central heated plus large open fires.

A romantic hideaway all to yourselves or a big get-together in the heart of the French countryside. Scarpat is the perfect find.

The Gite

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Situated between the barn and covered terrace, the Gite is a spacious house on three levels. The entrance takes you straight into the kitchen, followed by the lounge looking out onto stunning views over the Dordogne valley.

Newly rebuilt house, finished 2008
Sleeps 4 plus babies / toddlers
Spacious kitchen with all modern amenities - electric cooker and hob, microwave, large fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. large kitchen table and open fireplace
Relaxing lounge - 2 and 3 seater leather sofas plus 2 chairs. Open fireplace
Basement shower room and toilet, small kitchen area with sink and fridge
2 bedrooms on first floor - twin room and double room
First floor bathroom has toilet, bath and overhead shower
baby/child friendly
Basement room leads out to 12x6m salt water pool with security fence
Kitchen leads out to covered terrace, with barbecue, outdoor seating and table tennis
Free broadband wireless connection - laptop required
TV, DVD and CD player
Telephone for local calls and emergency
Central heating

Ample parking space

The Gite Interior

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The Kitchen
The gite opens into a large spacious kitchen fully equipped with washing machine, dishwasher, fridge freezer electric cooker, hob and microwave.

The table sits 6 people comfortably. Highchairs provided and Handysitt for toddlers.

A central opening leads into the lounge area and a side door opens directly into the covered terrace area.

Beautiful large open fireplace with working chimney.

Luxury Lounge Living
The original fireplace, fully restored with a working chimney is the main focus to this lovely room.

Comfortable soft leather sofas. A large two and three-seater and two big single chairs.

The huge window opens onto stunning views over the Dordogne countryside.

The Master Bedroom
A lovely, light and airy bedroom with a king-size double bed. Peaceful views to the front and adjacent fields. Cot and travel cot provided.

The Cute Twin with a Gorgeous View
The single beds can be pushed together to make a large double and a cot can be placed in here if required.

This is the view from the window in late spring....

The Bathroom
Situated at the top of the stairs between the two bedrooms. It has a bath and overhead shower.

Click here for Availability and Pricing

The Barn

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A beautiful, big, open plan barn in true Perigordian style. This was the first of the three buildings to be completed and has lovingly been restored over the years, retaining its original character and grandeur.

Open plan restoration
Sleeps 4-6
Kitchen area with electric cooker and gas hob, fridge freezer and washing machine
Large dining table, seats 10
Relaxing lounge area with 2 x 3 seater sofas plus 2 lounge chairs
Wood burning stove and portable gas heater
Ground floor bathroom with bath, shower and toilet
Rear doors leading to breakfast terrace, views over the valley and steps down to the swimming pool area.
2 bedrooms double on first floor
Additional first floor open mezzanine level has double bed, single bed and child's single bed. A large screen can be used in this area for privacy
Travel cot available

The Barn Interior

The double barn doors open into the vast ground floor which has warm terracotta tiles throughout and is furnished with an eclectic mix of antique and modern furniture. The kitchen area leads you to the centre of the room where the grand dining table is suitably placed to offer views up to the roof beams, exposed to their full glory. The lounge area completes the space with comfortable seating and a wood burning stove. Patio doors at the rear, open onto a pretty breakfast terrace with views overlooking the walnut orchard and the Dordogne valley.
Take the steps down from the terrace and the swimming pool is only a few metres away.

A beautiful, oak staircase follows up to the sleeping area. There are two double rooms and a large mezzanine area. For flexible sleeping options, this area offers an additional double bed and two singles.

The Open Mezzanine can be screened off for complete privacy.

The two doubles. All set in the original roof beams.

Although the barn is a wonderfully large space and there are enough beds to sleep up to six adults and two children, due to its open plan nature and the single bathroom being located on the ground floor, we only recommend this property for up to four adults or a single family.

The barn is available to rent in mid to peak season and only as an addition to the gite rental.

Click here for Availability and Pricing

The Swimming Pool

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This is the 12 x 6 metre saltwater pool, with roman steps leading into the shallow end. Floodlit at night for those evening drinks under the stars. A security fence, circles the entire pool area.

View from the covered terrace.

The living room of the gite leads directly down to the basement pool house and straight out to the swimming pool!

Acres of Land

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Views of the rear and swimming pool.

The amazing view from the Gite bedroom window. You can often see cows grazing in the far field.

Your own private hideaway! Scarpat hidden amongst the trees, as seen from Fontenille.

Panoramic views, orchard and woodland all to enjoy!

Evening view from the Barn terrace.

The walnut orchard to the rear of the Barn, and below in Springtime.

The Terraces

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The Covered Terrace

Amazing views and alfresco dining . Direct access from the kitchen and large barbecue, set under the original chimney stack.

A spot of ping pong..

The Open Terrace

Rear view of the open terrace, covered terrace and farmhouse.

Child friendly

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The Gite is well equipped for babies, toddlers and children:

cot and travel cot
2 x highchairs, portable highchair and handysitt for toddlers
baby change mat
potty and toilet seat
toddler step
plastic plates / bowls / cutlery / cups
microwave and cold water steriliser
hand held blender
large cupboard full of toys and games
DVD player
shaded play area with swing, slide, sand / water pit
the pool has a large roman step for shallow paddling
swim aids including arm bands, swim floats and jackets
tree swing for older children (and adults!)
ball games including table tennis, badminton set, boules and tennis rackets (courts in Le Buisson)

Notes for Parents
Having small children ourselves, we are fully aware of the challenges faced with holiday accommodation. Although we have made Scarpat as child friendly as possible we would like to point out the following:
The area surrounding Scarpat is open to fields and woodland and a quiet, country road runs past the front of the property. It is therefore the parents' responsibility to keep an eye on children at all times when playing outdoors.
The Barn has an open staircase (gated at the top) and the Gite has a basement staircase which is open access. We have provided a Babydan playpen to frame either of these areas if necessary. Two stair gates are also available.
The stairs on the open terrace are gated and the pool has a security fence covering the entire pool area.

Swimming Pool Safety
The pool has a security fence all around it and can be accessed by adults at various sections. The area between the Gite and the covered terrace is also fenced off so your children have access to the play area only, whilst remaining in constant view from the pool area. The steps leading up to the covered terrace can be blocked with a stair gate if necessary. Our aim is to make you feel as relaxed as possible whilst on holiday with small children and they get to have a great time too!

Comments - Guest Book

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July 2011
'We all loved Scarpat! It was perfect for our needs in terms of layout/ size/ location etc and we really loved exploring the area.
You should all be very proud of the beautiful house you have created. The pool was a particular highlight as was the beautiful outdoor area where we dined every evening.

Thanks again and we will be sure to stay at Scarpat if we holiday in the area again.'

The Timson family, UK

June 2010
'I just wanted to drop you an email to say thank you so much for allowing us to stay at Scarpat last week .
We had such a wonderful stay for the 6 days that we were there. It was ideally equipped for my 2 year old nephew, he was in heaven when he saw all the pool toys, the footballs and the swing.

The swimming pool was beautiful and the upstairs decking with the hammock was like heaven.

The accommodation were both stunning and again wonderfully equipped, you have thought of absolutely everything that a person could need on a self catering holiday.

You and your family have restored Scarpat in the most wonderful way, it is truly gorgeous and we are really hopeful that we will be able to visit again next year.
Thank you once again,'

Tory Browne, UK

May 2010
'We've had a great time here this week discovering all the local food, wine and sights and hope you do too!'

The O'Connell and Gibb families, UK

May 2010
'We had a wonderful week in SCARPAT.

The house was indeed beautiful. We enjoyed it very much.'

Van Weezel family

September 2009
'What wonderful way to end a first summer!'

The Hobkinson family London/Berlin

August 2009
'We've just returned from our stay in Scarpat - it was so beautiful - you're so lucky to have it there - how can you resist being there all the time?!
Thank you for all your help beforehand. The properties are so lovely - I hope one day we'll return!'

Bridget and family, UK

August 2009
'Your place is absolutely beautiful and fantastic for a quiet vacation. It is perfect for group vacations and will be glad and happy to recommend it to friends and family. The walk to Le Buisson every morning from Scarpat and back was a great exercise, we love the swimming pool especially during the two days that the
temperature hit 46 degrees celsius. The region is such a magnificent place and there is so much to do in nearby villages.'

Tess,
Boston, Massachussets USA

July 2009
'What an amazing home. Fully enjoyed all that Scarpat had to offer. Home and Barn full of character and charm, not to mention the view.'

Kim Ellery, Australia

August 2008
'We had a wonderful holiday! I am so pleased that I found your website, what a fantastic place Scarpat is. You and your brothers have done such a good job with the renovations and we love your taste.
We spent the first week relaxing by the pool (which was amazing). We went to the markets, walked a lot, horse riding and canoed which was fun. My brother and his family popped in and also fell in love with the house. The second week we ventured into Bergerac and Rocamadour which was beautiful. There is so much to do there and so child friendly that we would love to book Scarpat again next year.
Thank you for making it possible for us to have the best holiday in years.'

The Hedleys, UK

If you would like to leave a comment about your stay at Scarpat - please email Helen at: helen_rawlinson@yahoo.co.uk

Getting There

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Eurostar / TGV to Libourne - car hire and approx. 90 minute drive or local train connection to Le Buisson then take a (pre-booked) taxi to Scarpat - not recommended unless you want a complete break away from it all.
Le Buisson station has trains running to many of the local towns and villages for day trips.
Flights to Bergerac - Car hire and approx. 40 minute drive.
Motorail to Brive and approx. 2 hour drive.

Location

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Terrace view of the morning mist over the Dordogne river.

Scarpat is situated in 2.5 acres of meadows and mature orchards. This peaceful setting boasts spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and Dordogne valley. Only 1km away is Le Buisson. A quiet village which springs to life on regular market days selling fresh cheeses, fruit and vegetables and wine from the region's many vineyards. The village itself has a selection of cafes / bars and restaurants, a small supermarket, other local shopping facilities, doctors, cashpoint and bank. There is also a cinema and an excellent tourist information office. Larger supermarkets can be found at Siorac and Le Bugue - 7 / 10km away.

Le Buisson - 1km

Weekly Friday Market

Riverside beach - 3 km

The picturesque Dordogne river, which passes close by to Le Buisson, allows for lazy afternoons sunbathing, swimming, fishing and canoeing. An area of the river is cordonned off for children and has a stationed lifeguard during the summer season.
Other activities within easy reach are horse-riding, tennis, golf and cycle hire. Sightseeing opportunities are endless with many surrounding medieval towns and villages, chateaux and prehistoric caves to explore.
3 km away from Scarpat is the village of Cadouin, with its stunning 12th century cloistered abbey and pretty market square.
During the summer season, Le Buisson and Cadouin host a weekly night market. This is a great opportunity to meet the locals, practice your French and for everyone to enjoy an evening of food, wine, music and dancing.

http://www.pays-de-bergerac.com/english/town-halls/buisson-cadouin/index.asp
http://www.dordogne-perigord.com/fr/decouvertes/cites/villesetvillages/Buisson-de-Cadouin/Buisson04.asp
Google Map of Le Buisson

Our History

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Scarpat was purchased over 25 years ago by our parents, John and Pat Rawlinson. Most of the buildings were in a very bad state of repair having suffered a fire and left to ruin. Brambles completely covered the area. There was no electricity or water and camping was the only option. Once we had the basics up and running, the renovation of the barn was the first major project and we have gradually restored the rest of the complex over the years. Many a summer holiday has been spent strimming, digging, building and plastering, eating lots, drinking lots and getting to know the locals! The swimming pool was built in 2005. Work on the middle house (the gite) began in 2006 and is now complete. The farmhouse is the final project, but we're taking a break for now.
A massive thanks to many of our friends and family who have put the effort in to Scarpat over the years. An extra special thanks to mum and dad for giving us the vision and the madness to want to continue with our great, big place in France!
Pete, Matt and Helen

John Rawlinson, the day he found Scarpat, 1987. This is the back of the barn and gite.

Patricia Rawlinson, that same day, and just where the swimming pool now sits.

Front view of the barn, 1987

The gite, hidden under brambles, 1987

The farmhouse with new cross ties holding it all together, 1988

Contact Us

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For the most up to date information on availabiltiy and to enquire about a booking please email our agents directly at: contact@en-toutes-saisons.com
Alternatively contact us at: helen_rawlinson@yahoo.co.uk

The Weather

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Beautiful, blue skies / amazing thunder storms? Click here for the latest weather report in the Dordogne.

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Bergerac, France Weather Forecast