Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Dordogne self catering accommodation, independent reviews
 Reviewed 1 Sep 2008 by Isabel Villena |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything! The fairy-tale cabin, forest and very own lake, the walks and bike rides on a crystal clear, lake (and cow) dotted hilly landscape and charming little villages, feeding our lake tame carps (cuter than Nemo!)... but, very specially, Di and Bob's astounding warmth and attentions (we still can't believe they handmade us a wooden set of Spanish scrabble keys so we could play without being acutely short on vowels... in a day!)
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book it! And book it really early (we booked in November for next August and they only had one available week)!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We certainly did: Environmentally, it's a veritable showcase of sustainable living; and it's on a mainly farming area where the limited amount of tourism gives a financial hand with very little negative impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic!!!
| Reviewed 3 Dec 2006 by Jamie Shailes | |
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The local wildlife in the local area particularly the bird life was superb, with sightings of Red Kites, Buzzards (everywhere), Hen Harriers, Black Woodpeckers, Firecrest and much much more. There was also time for a relaxing day sat fishing by the lake outside the cabin, with the local Buzzards circling overhead. I am left with only one question... when can I return to this place of peace and beauty? I hope others who read this will get the chance to enjoy the accommodation as much as I did.
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of it! Cycling around the local area is amazing, it is so very beautiful and the birdlife is fantastic. Just waking up every morning in the cabin by the lake was fab.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you get around to visit all the villages in the local area, it is so very beautiful.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, tourism helps the local economy and the cabin leaves a very low ecological footprint.
4. Any other comments?
Finally I would just say if anyone is wishing to get away from it all and enjoy a fantastic countryside break, choose this accommodation in the Dordogne, you won't be disappointed.
| Reviewed 2 Jun 2009 by sarah smith | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We loved the whole package basically the remote setting the wild woods and the lake.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Although we loved the wildlife the frogs were pretty vocal so you may wish to take some earplugs if you are a light sleeper like me! Hire the bikes and go and explore the little surrounding villages. Go to the market in Piguet but make sure you go early as it closes at 1pm ish.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely from buying local and eating local. The cabin was very eco friendly so we had a very environmentally friendly holiday.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a wonderful experience we loved the setting and the lodge the owners were very helpful on arrival and we felt comfortable knowing if we needed anything we could just call them.
| Reviewed 4 Jan 2009 by Nina Allen | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the stars over the cabin late at night ... the quiet ... really getting away from everything!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If it's winter, bring lots of layers! Everything else is there...
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Due to the time of year, we missed most of the markets and had to resort to the supermarket so perhaps we didn't benefit local people so much... In terms of minimizing impacts on the environment, apart from the car rental (too cold for bikes!) the cabin was wonderfully eco-friendly - recycling, no mains electricity (lights worked off a water mill), wood burning etc.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really great and original!
| Reviewed 31 Aug 2008 by Brenda McClure | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Arriving and seeing the cabin for the first time. It is an amazing little house in the most beautiful surroundings. It really wasn't a quiet place but the noises were nature at her best and a delight to listen to. We made a point of returning from a day out to listen to the frogs chorus and watch the kingfisher eyeing up his evening meal in the lake.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
For novice cyclists remember to make use of the gel seats! and the area is not completely flat. Shop at the Ecomarche in Piegut and watch out for the cheese man at the Wednesday market... lovely cheese... lovely price!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes indeed.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Never quite had a holiday like this before. Within a few days we realised living without 'mod cons' was a very satisfying feeling and oh so easy.
| Reviewed 5 Oct 2007 by Nita Myers | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Floating about on the raft in the lake, reading and sunbathing. Eating, drinking and reading by the light of the oil lamp in the evenings. Enjoying Diane's fabulous meals. Cycling to the nearby villages for freshly baked bread.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is a real get-away-from-it-all holiday. If you're hesitating, don't - this for me was like camping in luxury and despite having stayed in some of the best hotels and most exotic locations in the world this is up there with one of my very favourite holidays!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, it's very eco-friendly.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent! We loved waking up in the cabin and having breakfast by the lake, pottering around all day doing nothing much and eating like kings in the evenings.
| Reviewed 25 Jun 2007 by Sally Foxell | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This perfect little cabin is set in a woodland overlooking its very own lake, with a boat and raft. It’s teeming with wildlife and you really feel part of it, but with the bonus of comfortable accommodation. My best moment was huddling in the candle lit cabin during an amazing thunderstorm.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We embarked on this holiday without a car. We took Eurostar to Paris and then TGV to Angouleme. We recommend this, as it’s so fast and hassle free. We hired the cabin's bikes for the week. The only words of warning would be that the cabin is in quite a hilly area, so be prepared for some hard work. Definitely go to the Wednesday market in Piegut.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
As well as the cabin being eco friendly, it left us with an awareness of our impact on the environment in our daily lives. The cabin was off grid. Di and Bob made it easy for us to come without our car. There is compost and recycling facilities. All the products in the cabin were biodegradable and eco friendly. When staying in the cabin, you feel connected with the environment and the weather. We enjoyed shopping at the famous local market, and had a couple of meals at a restaurant. We spoke French with the locals, very limited but we tried our best and it was fun.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This holiday was fantastic. I heartily recommend it, especially to anyone that loves camping and the outdoors, but fancies a bit more comfort.