La Croix - Romantic, tranquil hillside farmhouse with stunning views

We have just returned from a week in the Farmhouse at La Croix and wanted to let others know that if they are thinking of booking this house, then they should most certainly go ahead!

The property itself is idyllic. It sits in a wild, romantic garden and has a terrace/balcony out the back with a view of the rolling countryside that looks almost like a painting. The interior is rustic, peaceful and quintessentially 'country' - the kitchen is large and has all the necessary equipment to rustle up meals (if you fancy cooking for yourself) but it's the upstairs bedroom which is the real show-stopper. With beautiful wooden beams and a free-standing bath, it's like something from a interior design magazine. From a practical point of view, the house was very clean and tidy and, although joined to the owner's own house, quiet and private. The swimming pool is small and only suitable for a dip rather than doing lengths - keen swimmers should head for one of the local lakes.

Sara was an excellent, friendly host, meeting us upon arrival with a complimentary bottle of wine. She gave us plenty of ideas about what to do and see in the local area - there were also stacks of brochures and flyers which we found very useful when planning days out. We took our iPad and made use of the wifi - this proved a very helpful addition to old-fashioned leaflets, as we could plan our routes thoroughly using Google maps and book restaurants/check opening times/buy tickets online (by the way, a car is essential for this region of France).

Places that we visited and would recommend include the village Aubeterre, with a subterranean church; Brantôme with its magnificent Abbey, prettily located next to the river Dronne; the steam train at Martel; caves and underground river at Padirac; lake at La Jemaye; Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire at Terrasson; the two contrasting chateaux at Bourdeilles; and St Emilion with its endless wine boutiques. We also had a delicious meal at La Vieille Maison round the corner in St Paul Lizonne.

5 stars!