Domaine de La Buissière — Duravel, Lot

Book the entire domain and bring the whole family: two characterful gîtes set in a magnificent 18th-century Quercy stone estate, surrounded by a private 8,468 m² park of mature trees, in the heart of the Lot valley between Puy-l’Évêque and Cahors.

The estate combines La Maison and Le Gîte — up to 24 guests across the two houses, each with its own bedrooms, living space and full kitchen, so every family keeps its privacy while sharing meals and celebrations together. A 60 m² function room hosts long festive tables, birthday dinners or reunion banquets whatever the weather.

There are 11 bedrooms across La Maison and Le Gîte, and nine bathrooms in all: seven shower rooms and two bathrooms with a shower and a bathtub, plus ten separate WCs. La Maison, a house of character dating from 1765, sleeps six to ten. Le Gîte sleeps four to fourteen in air-conditioned parental suites (Aux Papillons, Aux Chats, Savane, Aux Oiseaux and Forêt), with quality 160 cm or 180 cm beds and, in some suites, sofa-beds for extra flexibility. The kitchens are comprehensively equipped, with American-style fridge-freezers, dishwashers and, in Le Gîte, a range cooker and a professional pizza oven.

Comfort is 4-star throughout: fully equipped high-end kitchens, spacious lounges with wood-burning stoves, and central heating for off-season stays. The estate is rated 4 stars and listed with Gîtes de France. There is air conditioning in the main living areas, the suites of Le Gîte, the kitchen of La Maison and two of its bedrooms. Private parking for up to ten cars is on site, and motorhomes are welcome. The park has a pétanque court and room for a reception marquee.

Two swimming pools — including one covered pool, a rare luxury that extends the swimming season — sit within the park. Covered pool is open from 1 May to 30 September, the second pool is open from 15 June to 15 September and both are reserved for your group when the whole domain is let. The covered pool measures 12 × 8 m, with a sloping depth of 80 cm to 2.40 m. Access is secured by lockable doors; children remain the responsibility of the adults in the party.

The location is the authentic south-west of France: 25 minutes from Cahors and its medieval Pont Valentré, 45 minutes from the clifftop village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, surrounded by the vineyards of Cahors (Malbec country). From December to March, the Lalbenque truffle market, 20 minutes away, adds a gourmet touch to winter stays. The Périgord is about 25 minutes away, and the GR652 walking trail is around 4 km from the house. Jean-Luc, a former owner of three campsites, and Flavien welcome English-speaking as well as French-speaking guests.

The domain is well suited to multi-generational family holidays, milestone birthday celebrations, family reunions and holidays with friends. On request, the owners can put you in touch with local caterers and service providers.