Réactions
Jenny and Phil, Thornton-Cleveleys (UK)
June 2024
We said we would be back after our stay in the gite last year, so we have just returned from a lovely two week stay with other members of our family.
Neil and David welcomed us to the property with drinks and a superb welcome basket.
Neil and David have maintained the gite and grounds to a very high standard. Everything is so clean and well thought out.
We love the peace and quiet and this time we even saw the deer and a hoopoe!
Congratulations to Neil and David for providing such a wonderful place for us to stay.
We hope to be back again soon.
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Uta, Berlin (DE)
October 2023
Already on arrival in the late evening we drove up to a cozy lighted house on a hill, which immediately welcomed us friendly. The equipment was more than complete, of high quality and above all selected and designed with a lot of taste and love. We missed absolutely nothing. The kitchen was equipped not only with the bare necessities but with all the appliances that we use at home. In the bedroom and bathroom we found linen for any season. The space is so sufficient that four people do not have to jostle. The pool area also has an outdoor kitchen and covered seating area, which we enjoyed using in the late summer temperatures. The grounds are expansive and offer an unforgettable stargazing experience when the sky is cloudless. The many helpful little things cannot be enumerated at all. And this cleanliness is rarely found. We felt comfortable all around. Above all, I do not want to forget to mention the friendliness of the hosts: courteous, cordial, always a kind word and never intrusive. To say it in one sentence: a perfect place for a really great holiday. And you can easily reach a lot the sights in Perigord. If we rate this beautiful place with 10 points, we run the risk that others may block us times when we ourselves would like to come back. But it is indeed such a perfect place there.
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Marian, Doncaster (UK)
June 2023
Our family has been staying in properties in France for nineteen years, so we recognise when somewhere is special, and Domaine de la Banne is very special for a number of reasons.
The gite is perfect. It is extremely well equipped in every area, especially the kitchen. Everything is provided including unlimited dishwasher tablets, detergent, soap, etc, etc. The beds are super comfy and the bed linen and towels are very high quality.
The pool is lovely, with a wonderful additional covered dining area, with sink and extra crockery. The garden is beautiful, and seating areas are also well situated.
But what makes Domaine de la Banne so special is Neil and David. Their attention to detail is incredible and they will do everything they can to make sure you enjoy your holiday. This could mean a light touch approach if you are happy looking after yourselves or lots of advice and interesting conversation. I have never felt so at ease when the owners have been on site.
Having been home for a day, we are already planning when we can return.
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Jenny and Phil, Thornton-Cleveleys (UK)
May 2023
This place was a real gem. The countryside location was stunning and could be appreciated from the luxury of your own private pool and outside eating area. The entire accommodation was finished to a very high standard and we had everything we needed. Neil and David looked after us very well and were so helpful and friendly. The kitchen was very well equipped and everywhere was spotlessly clean. We very much appreciated the attention to detail and the thought that went into making our stay superb. 10/10, we will be back!
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Jane, Uttoxeter (UK)
October 2022
This was our first visit to the area and it’s always challenging to find the perfect place to stay. However, we couldn’t believe our luck with La Banne - it’s a rare gem!
The location is just perfect. We loved that it was always just a short drive to the sights and local towns. The gite is in a beautiful and quiet setting but without feeling isolated and without having to travel down long narrow country lanes to reach. There are also many nice walks from the Gite, including the local town of Belves, if you fancy a car free day.
The accommodation has a real luxury feel to it and was spotlessly clean. Everything was thought of and catered for. The bouquet of local fresh flowers were beautiful and a really lovely touch. The outdoor areas are also wonderful and we were incredibly lucky with the October weather.
Neil and David are great hosts, very knowledgeable and helpful and were fantastic at answering my many questions (before and during the holiday). This was one of our favourite ever holidays and we’d love to go back -10/10!
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Volker and Frank, Mannheim (DE)
September 2022
What a joy to come back to La Banne! After our 2 days appetizer in September 2021 we decided to rent the gite again and we have spent there two wonderful weeks this year in September.
La Banne is a very special place, a combination of rural charm and modern living. The equipment in the bathrooms and the kitchen is on a top level and the furnishings of the living room tasteful and comfortable. It was so relaxing to sit on the terrasse in front of the gite or in the area next to the pool. The wonderful view into the huge garden and the surrounding scenery, lovely.
One sees the towers of the picturesque village Belves on a hill near by. You reach it in 30 min. on foot or 5 min. by car. That means you can enjoy your dinner "downtown" with one or two glasses of wine and you don't have to drive.
Or- you can attend one of the many incredible markets in the region, buy the wonderful products and conjure up a fantastic lunch or dinner.
The region is rich in old medieval villages, castles and enchanting landscapes, there is something to discover for everyone every day.
And if you are tired of all these great things, lie down at the pool and relax, bliss!
We are looking forward to come back agin.
At the end a word to our hosts: grand!!
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Susanne and Arne, Wiesbaden (DE)
September 2022
Thanks again for the wonderful days at La Banne !
We liked the tasteful furnishings and the kitchen equipment very much, enjoyed the space we had and loved the pool with its own dining area and magnificent views over the typical Dordogne landscape. The cows in some distance completed the peaceful soothing mood.
We also found it pleasant that Belvès is just a medium walk away so that we could have a drink, some food in the evening and meet other people - without using the car.
Last but not least: you were very attentive and friendly hosts - we enjoyed the interesting merry evening with you.
"We will be back" !
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Kathryn and Garry, Mossley, Greater Manchester (UK)
September 2022
From the moment we arrived it was clear that Domaine de la Banne is a very special place, then it just got better!
Neil and David are amazing and so knowledgable. We chatted by the beautiful pool with a welcome drink, this gave us time to relax before unpacking our luggage and getting to know the gite. It is equipped to a high standard with everything you could ever need.
The interior was immaculate and tastefully appointed.
The pool and shaded outside eating area makes for a really sociable space.
The place is just perfect, only enhanced by the guys approach. They became friends not just hosts. We would highly recommend staying at Domaine de la Banne.
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Angela and David, Bournemouth (UK)
August 2022
La Banne is perfect in every way - the gite is very stylish, spotlessly clean and extremely well equipped with everything you could possibly need during your stay. The location is stunning with beautiful views in all directions including from the private pool and outside kitchen. Neil and David are very friendly hosts with lots of information about the surrounding area but also respect your privacy. We had a fabulous 2 weeks here and will definitely return!
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Tilly and David, Biddenden, Kent (UK)
June 2022
La Banne, Belves is ideally situated with everything you’ll need. Our thanks to Neil and David who were the perfect hosts and were so friendly and helpful. Great recommendations for places to eat and to visit. The gite was spotlessly clean and has all the mod cons we needed. The gardens and pool were lovely and very peaceful. There are two patisseries nearby which have the most amazing selections. Belves itself is definitely worth a visit especially on the food night, about a 25 min walk on quiet lanes but it does have a steep hill. We have visited the Dordogne several times and La Banne is the nicest place we have stayed at. It’s situated only forty minutes from Bergerac airport and if going from London City airport it’s probably the most stress free way of travelling to the Region. We have already booked up to go back next year to La Banne. There’s plenty to do and see in this part of the Dordogne. You won’t be disappointed.
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Doug, Witham, Essex (UK)
May 2022
As a group of four friends we have just returned from the most relaxing 10 day holiday at Domaine de la Banne. Neil and David were the perfect hosts and the accommodation should have 5 stars as it was so well equipped and to such a high standard. We loved the salt water swimming pool, and outdoor dining/barbecue area along with the very spacious garden.
It was a perfect location for exploring the Dordogne and only a short distance from the beautiful village of Belves with shops, bars and restaurants. Our only complaint is that we didn’t book two weeks, but will do next time. Thank you Neil and David for being such great hosts, nothing was too much trouble.
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Jean-Charles et Audrey, Blagnac (FR)
May 2022
Les parfaits équilibres: Neil et David vous accueillent dans leur magnifique propriété dans une nature immense, bucolique, calme et très bien entretenue. La campagne environnante très vallonnée et à perte de vue, offre un décor à ce joli parc arboré et fleuri. La maison au charme d'un ancien séchoir a toute son intimité, y compris une piscine réservée aux visiteurs. Neil et David ont aménagé cette jolie maison avec goût et discrétion, on se sent d'emblée chez soi. De nombreuses suggestions accompagnent les cadeaux de bienvenue. Deux ou trois suites parentales, c'est au choix, très confortables et vastes. Les deux acteurs sont heureux d'échanger avec leurs hôtes, mais avec une retenue et simplicité. Autant dire, nous avons adoré.
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Stéphanie et Jérémie, Paris (FR)
April 2022
En arrivant à La Banne, on se sent aussitôt à l’aise comme à la maison. Tout est parfait, l’accueil et la disponibilité de Neil et David, l’intérieur magnifiquement agencé et décoré, la literie impeccable, les bouquets de fleurs sur chaque table et la Dordogne verdoyante à travers les grandes baies vitrées. Pour un passage de quelques jours ou quelques semaines en Dordogne, il semble difficile de trouver meilleur gîte, la barre est haute!
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Laurent, Calonges (FR)
December 2021
Excellent séjour sur cette magnifique propriété, nous la recommandons! L’accueil était parfait, Neil et David ont été adorables et attentionnés tout au long de notre séjour. Le gîte était très propre, il ne manquait rien. Encore merci à eux!
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Volker, Mannheim (DE)
October 2021
The stay in your gite was a great pleasure.
It started with your warm welcome and a glass of wine in the sun near the pool.
It went on with a basket of food in the gite, wine, milk, juice, butter etc. in the fridge and two wonderful bouquets of flowers on the dining and lounge table.
The spacious living and dining room with the great modern kitchen island is furnished clear and modern. The bedrooms and bathrooms have the same high standard. We found such a thing very rarely on our regular trips to France and Ireland.
The site is so wonderfully quiet and there so many beautiful views into the environment, especially to Belves. At night we were able to see the milky way, very unusual and impressive for an urbanite.
We will come back.
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Claire, West Malling (UK)
September 2021
We stayed at Gite La Banne for 7 nights. We were warmly welcomed by Neil and David with drinks in the tranquil and beautiful surroundings of La Banne.
The gite was clean, beautiful decorated, comfortable and with every amenity you can think of. The garden and salt water pool were immaculately maintained, it was private, very peaceful and relaxing.
Neil and David were perfect hosts who advised us on places to visit, restaurants to eat at, markets to visit, nothing was ever too much trouble.
I would highly recommend staying at La Banne, it exceeded all our expectations and will be visiting again in the near future.
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Bertrand et Françoise, Morbihan (FR)
January 2021
Quelle riche idée nous avons eue de venir nous pelotonner au Domaine de la Banne.
La nature se repose et nous aussi.
Les arbres étincellent de givre.
La brume légère et cotonneuse nimbe les matins d'hiver.
Les sentiers nous délivrent leurs secrets.
A coeur de paysages époustouflants, nous marchons longtemps, dans un silence quasi monacal.
Le bruissement d'un milan ; le pépiement des oiseaux ; les sons de la nature nous accompagnent.
Le soir fourbus, nous rentrons dans ce "chez nous" accueillant, bien au chaud.
Cet endroit est magique.... alors chut....gardons-le secret, un peu.
Cet endroit ne serait rien sans la gentillesse et les attentions de nos hôtes, David et Neil.
Nous reviendrons, c'est sûr.
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Véronique, Bruxelles (BE)
August 2020
J'ai passé dix jours cet été en compagnie de ma soeur au domaine de La Banne. Les lieux sont impeccables et extrêmement bien équipés. Tout ce que nous pouvions avoir besoin était à notre disposition. Nous avons pu beaucoup profiter de la piscine privée bien située et impeccable. Le gîte implanté dans un grand jardin entièrement à notre disposition, entouré de champs et loin de toute circulation automobile, nous a permis de jouir du calme et seulement des petits bruits offerts par la nature . La proximité de deux boulangeries (à 20 minutes de marche à pied) permet de se préparer de bons petits déjeuners accompagné de pain frais. La charmante petite ville médiévale qui se trouve à 2,5 km peut aussi être ralliée à pied (nonobstant une rude montée) et comprend tous les commerces indispensables ainsi que de bonnes tables de cuisine régionale.
Aimant beaucoup la marche, j'ai également apprécié et arpenté les sentiers de randonnées qui sont accessibles dès la sortie du domaine.
Notre séjour a cependant été trop court pour épuiser toutes les ressources touristiques (sites préhistoriques et médiévaux : châteaux et villages troglodytiques) de la région.
C'est pourquoi il faudra absolument y revenir et retrouver deux hôtes particulièrement attentionnés.
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Valérie, Mesanger (FR)
August 2020
« The place to be! »
Nous avons passé un magnifique séjour au Domaine de la Banne. Tout est réuni pour passer des vacances idylliques! Le gîte est parfait, équipement incroyable et confort assuré! Nous avons largement profité de l’espace, de la piscine et de la cuisine d’été du domaine. Le fait de pouvoir stocker également nos 4 vélos dans le poulailler était également très appréciable. Neil et David nous ont accueilli très chaleureusement et ont été de très bons conseils.
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Jackie, Leeds (UK)
March 2020
We stayed in the Gite at Domaine LaBanne for 3 months from March to June, and had a wonderful time. The Gite is extremely comfortable and has everything you need for a longer stay. The kitchen has every type of implement you might need. There are also some good board games which we often used.
During the chiller weeks in March, it was always warm enough with plenty of radiators, and in the hotter spells it was great to sit out on the terrace. We also made good use of the pool, and the grounds with lots of places to sit, or just wander around.
Neil and David are there when you need them, and always ready to chat or have a drink with, but they are not obtrusive and will leave you alone if that is what you prefer.
There are lots of pleasant walks you can do from the Gite, through the woods and along the country lanes. Belves is a 25 minute uphill walk and has some nice restaurants, shops and a market. The main tourist sites of the Dordogne are all within an easy drive.
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Kate, London (UK)
August 2019
La Banne is a delightful gite. The rooms are beautifully decorated, very comfortable and look out over beautiful countryside. There is ample room in the large living space and on the terrace and the heated salt water pool is wonderful for swimming and relaxing. Lots of scenic walks in the vicinity and the nearby medieval village of Belves is fantastic for enjoying a coffee, meals and local festivals.
Neil and Dave are fantastic hosts, warm, friendly and always there to help. La Banne is lovely and a brilliant base to discover the Dordogne from, can't recommend it highly enough.
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Rhys, Cardiff (UK)
August 2019
You can expect a very high standard of accommodation in this very new first floor apartment in a barn conversion. No detail is spared and great thought has been put into making the stay very comfortable. Before we arrived, we had extremely detailed and helpful email communication giving us all the information we needed to help plan our stay in this beautiful part of the Dordogne. The warm welcome we received from the owners was outstanding and they remained really helpful throughout our stay. We were a family of four staying in "la Banne", including two older teenage boys. We all appreciated use of the amazing swimming pool.
An added feature is the outside bbq and eating area that has beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The place is a short drive to the medieval town of Belves (and about 25 minutes to walk) where there are some lovely places to eat. A most delightful addition was eating out in the Night food market and sampling some tasty local produce. It really isn't far to drive to other popular areas of the Dordogne e.g. Sarlat, Beynac and Castelnaud (where we set off with our canoeing). We really do not have any negative comments to make about our holiday other than we wished we could have stayed longer as it was so restful and relaxing!
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Christian, Bruxelles (BE)
August 2019
A super stay in a wonderful setting, with nice touches like a welcoming basket making us feel immediately at home. Better than a 5 star hotel suite!. The vast quiet grounds and the beautiful salt water pool (no chlorine ; so comfortable) gave a very positive 10 day vacation. Again, many thanks!
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