Under the Thatch

We came across this remarkable late medieval townhouse through the British SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings). Owner Michael Chapman retired from a career in stone conservation on Britain's greatest cathedrals and castles (Windsor, Wells, Tintern Abbey etc), and decided to buy and restore a medieval townhouse in Bellac - a 'cite de caractere' in the beautiful Limousin region of central France. We're glad he did as he has created a fantastic place to stay.

After a visit to check on the conservation credentials and location, we're delighted to take Bellac onto our books - it has all the charm and character of our rustic early cottages like Troedrhiwfallen and Ffynnon-Oer. If you like Landmark Trust properties, then this one will be for you.

This unique house dates back to the 15th Century and has been carefully conserved, retaining original features including floorboards, tiles and wattle and daub walls. Modifications in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries (a wonderful staircase and panelling) have left the house with a great depth of history and with original features in every room. The house is part of the original fortification of medieval Bellac and now sits as one of a pair of semi-detached houses (the Chapmans owning both).

The house commands wonderful open views over the Vincou valley, and has prime position on the pedestrianised (and peaceful) 'Place D'Eglise' square in front of the similarly ancient Notre Dame Church.

A couple of minutes walk brings you into the modern town with restaurants, boulangeries, charcuteries, and several small artisan food producers that you'd expect in France, but which seem to be disappearing in Britain.

Just 8 minutes walk to the local pool with slides, 10 minutes walk to the railway station, 8 minutes to the cinema, 5 minutes to the theatre or 3 minutes down to the river that you can hear from the bedrooms to the rear.

The furniture is mostly antique with contemporary pictures on the walls, including pop-art designed by Michael that provides such a strong contrast that it simply adds to the character.

This property is in the heart of the Limousin, itself in the heart of France. Known as both the 'garden of France' and the 'French Lake District', it is a beautiful area to visit; full of winding deserted lanes, lakes both large and small, and a lush green landscape of trees and woodlands. Very quiet, and not at all 'touristey'.

Whether exploring the area by car (and it is quite possible to have a very good time without a car!), or on foot, there is much to enjoy. It is essentially the lakeland area between the Loire and the Dordogne.

The area is one of great historic interest spanning many centuries. There are a variety of places to visit in the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart ranging from Coussac Bonneval and the Chateau de Bonneval to Arnac-Pompadour, which boasts a fine chateau.

Bellac is also very close to the Blond Mountains, which have marvellous walks, and the ancient village of Mortemart, where an art or antique show is often in progress.

The nearest large city - 25 minutes drive - is Limoges, 'The Red City', famed for its porcelain and enamel work. It is a wonderful mixture of the old and the new. The dinner service at the house is naturally Limoges porcelain.

Poitiers is a one-hour journey away - home of Eleanor of Aquitaine, site of many beautiful Romanesque churches, and, by way of complete contrast, site of Futuroscope (great for kids). The young ones will love the Parc Animalier de la Colline Enchantee (30 km, 45 mins) or drive a bit further for La Vallee Des Singes - a monkey sanctuary.

A 30 min drive takes you to Oradour, a whole village that has been left completely untouched since WWII as a memorial to the Nazi atrocities in the area.

There are many excellent restaurants in the locality, in fact, being rural France, there are few places that are actually bad to eat in! The Limousin is famed for its beef, and also has a reputation in France having the finest lamb in Europe. The Welsh might disagree.

This property has a small patio front and back. Sit at the front to watch life on the church square, or at the back to enjoy views across the valley to the viaduct.

Click here to see extra and larger photos on Greg's Facebook profile.

How to Arrive?

Click here to see the exact location.

By air:

Click here to see all international airports that have Limoges as a destination. Alternatively look for flights via Bergerac airport (2 hour drive, flights from Bristol etc).

Ryanair departs from Stansted, Liverpool or East Midlands (Nottingham). Flybe departs from Southampton. Air France flies in from Edinburgh, Dublin, Birmingham and Manchester. Just 40 minutes drive from Limoges airport to Bellac. Car hire available at Limoges airport and Poitiers and Limoges railway stations.

By road:

Approximately 6 hours from Caen and 8 hours from Calais. Excellent access from A20 or N147

By train:

Eurostar Paddington London > Lille or Paris with TGV rail to Poitiers, then a small local train to Bellac station which is a ten minutes walk from the house. You could even have a car-free holiday!

THE PROPERTY COMPRISES:

The property is heated via a large, modern and efficient 'Godin' woodburning stove in the lounge, which has a newly-installed heat-transfer flue system to the rooms above. There are also newly installed electric storage radiators in these and other rooms. Wood for the stove is supplied in the holiday price at this property.

Small gravelled patio to the front, facing the square.

Small walled terrace to rear with views over the valley and viaduct, patio set for 8.

GROUND FLOOR:

Entrance Hall : Down two steps from entrance. Further (steep) steps (behind door) down to cellar and out to rear terrace.

Cloakroom toilet

Shower Room: Quality 'wet room' with contemporary shower head. Medieval sink (not in use).

Kitchen/ Dining: A large room with antique country furniture and also a 'modern' end with all the conveniences you'd expect (fridge freezer, microwave, gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher. Washing machine. Overall the kitchen has a simple, rustic feel. Great views to the viaduct.

FIRST FLOOR:

Salon: Spacious and comfortable sitting room with fine views to the viaduct and down the valley. Wood-burning stove, more country furnishings (e.g. lovely longcase clock and Armoire).

Note there is no TV. A portable TV and DVD player is in kitchen, but the house has no TV reception.

Double Bedroom with views over to the Place d'Eglise. Antique French country bed.

SECOND FLOOR:

Master Bedroom : A lovely, panelled room with antique tester (four-poster) bed in original niche. Lie in bed and enjoy the views down the valley to the viaduct. All the character of a true 'cabinet' room.

Twin bedroom: Twin bedroom with views to the front, over the square. Both beds are antique 3/4 beds (so could sleep a couple), but probably best used as singles.

Family bathroom: with shower over bath and heated towel rail.

THIRD FLOOR:

(note the low banister rail is between the 2nd and 3rd floors)

Attic bedroom: Large twin bedroom with restricted headroom in parts, so best suited to kids.

There is plenty of parking (no charge) in the public square in front of the house.

Please note that there are many steep and uneven stairs in this property and low handrails - hence we do not recommend this property for children under age 5. Children of any age can stay so long as adult guests take responsibility for the children.

Cot available in the house - bring own bedding for the cot.

Like all Under the Thatch properties, Bellace is entirely non-smoking inside.