Welcome to L'Ours et Son Petit Oiseau (The Bear and his Little Bird), an ancient farmhouse set in 5 acres, with views of a wild valley, run with deer and other wildlife. Cicadas and birds sing to the setting sun and there's not a soul for miles.
You could unwind in a hammock, soak in the wood-fired hot tub, or get to know the many animals who also call this place home.
Or wander through the fields to the medieval village of Issigeac, in search of the boulangerie and a café for the afternoon..
The space
Once a farmhouse, pigioniére and barns, this home is set in its own grounds. In the old days, the animals would have slept downstairs as central heating for the people upstairs.
The sheep, pigs, goats, dogs, cats and chickens have all been rescued.
This home has 2 kitchens and 2 lounges and a choice of terraces and lawns, to catch the morning sun, daytime shade and of course, the sunset.
Besides holidays, we offer learning retreats, dedicated to plant-based cookery, personal development and sustainable living. If you would like to add a unique life-changing experience to your holiday, just ask.
Guest access
Guests are welcome to enjoy the whole property.
Other things to note
You can share our journey and see more of the house and projects on Channel 4's ‘A New Life in the Sun’, Series 5, Episodes 11-15.
This 6-bed home can be separated into two independent 3 bedroom homes if you prefer, each with its own kitchen, facilities, entrance and terrace.
ANIMALS
You will be staying on a working farm and animal sanctuary. As our guest, you are our priority. We ask that you to let us know about anything that is not the way you want it to be - so that we can put it right. Animals don't get eaten, by the way.
The dogs run free. They can be boisterous. Please tell us if you need them to be put away or if you are at all nervous. Children with the dogs must be supervised by an adult.
Please, please, please, please, CHECK WITH US BEFORE FEEDING ANY ANIMAL. They all have individual, managed diets. The dogs will tell you otherwise, but please don't listen to them.
HEATING
If you are visiting in colder months, the house is heated by a wood stove in the lounge, warming radiators in the bedrooms. You'll need to carry logs from just outside and tend the fire regularly. If you are out for the day, it can be turned down low to be warm on your return. You can find out more about running the stove in the house manual. We will explain fully on arrival - tell us if you are familiar with a wood stove.
HOT TUB/NORWEGIAN BATH
The perfect place to lie and experience the milky way, or enjoy your breakfast! The tub is available April to October and sometimes in other months by special arrangement. Depending on the season, it can take half a day and 40kg of logs to heat.
We will light it with you and show you how to tend it, so it gets to the right temperature. It will need tending every 20 minutes for the first hour, and then every hour after that. This is free.
Alternatively, by special request, we can prepare it for you. Just climb in, lay back and enjoy the bottle of fizz that we'll serve. Prices vary according to the time of year and work involved.
Enjoy your holiday! It is the most important thing of all...
