Atelier Shambhala
Come for dreamy river views, a lovely garden and this bolthole for two,
beautifully renovated inside and out and with a private hot tub.
The Experience.
Atelier Shambhala is an artistic and cosy home close to the banks of the Dordogne River. This is a perfect base for a break surrounded by apple orchards, pretty hamlets, historic villages and vineyards.
Atelier Shambhala is an artistic and cosy home close to the banks of the Dordogne River. This is a perfect base for a break surrounded by apple orchards, pretty hamlets, historic villages and vineyards.
This 2-person romantic apartment has been lovingly decorated and furnished to a high standard throughout. Downstairs you will walk in to an open-plan space with a living area alongside a modern fully-fitted kitchen and dining table. The airy home has wooden and tiled floors and is painted in neutral tones whilst there is artwork throughout which is fitting as this building is known as the art studio!
You can find the gallery bedroom and en suite shower room upstairs via the feature staircase, the perfect place to recharge after a busy day exploring.
Walk out into the walled garden to enjoy a long soak in the jacuzzi, dine al-fresco or just unwind on the sun loungers. Head out of the gate and stroll down to the banks of the Dordogne where there is river access for swimming or fishing and a little garden with a stone table and benches.
It's only 2km to the local village with a handful of restaurants with outdoor terraces, a tabac shop with useful amenities as well as the possibility of hiring canoes or kayaks for sailing along the Dordogne. The river itself is a wonderful attraction to have so close, why not pack a picnic and a good book for a quiet afternoon lying on the grassy banks. Alternatively, take a long walk or hire bikes and look out for local flora and wildlife.
The river acts as a boundary for two stunning areas of south-west France - the Dordogne and Gironde. While staying at the Atelier you can experience the landscapes, cultures and cuisines of both of these regions. The owners can help organise art courses or wine tastings at local vineyards which are great ways to enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings.
Charming Gensac is only 4km away, a picture-perfect medieval village with historic buildings, ruins and a church which hosts summer concerts. As well as a small weekly fruit and vegetable market, the village is also home to a shop, restaurant and bakery.
Slightly further afield, visit historic Castillon-la-Bataille with its famous battle re-enactments in the height of the summer or experience one of the region's largest and most beautiful markets in medieval Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, again on the banks of the Dordogne.
For a wonderful day out, sample wine in the vineyards close to Bergerac or you could even spend time in the magnificent city of Bordeaux, well worth the drive of just over an hour.
Property highlights
Property highlights
Sleeps 2
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
Sorry, no children
Wi-Fi/Internet
Air-Con
Hot Tub
BBQ
All Bedrooms En-Suite
Heating
Caretaker/Owner lives close by
Not for little ones
Decorated for Christmast
Walk to Village
1hr to Airport
Watersports
Canoeing/Kayaking
Rural Location
Walking/Hiking Paths
Wine Tasting
Golf Nearby
Cycling
Horse Riding
Local points of interest from Kit Bentley
Explore all the wonderful activities to do and see at the Shambhala Estate, and surrounding area.
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Daily bustling markets brimming with local produce, foie gras, truffles, duck and local cheeses. Visit the markets at Castillon La Bataille. Eymet night market, Issigeac, Santa Foy La Grande, one of the largest in France.
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Wine lovers paradise. St Seurin de prats is close to Bergerac, Montbazillac and St Emilion, the world UNESCO heritage site amid the land of 1001 castles and fairy-tale flower meadows are a bevy of medieval towns and villages. Private wine tours available.
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Famed for its gastronomy, you can feast like a king without leaving the property. Gastronomic delights await you. There are 3 local restaurants in Pessac, 1 km. Michelin star restaurant in St Emilion and Bordeaux.
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Famous international artist lives next door. Private art courses available. Visit his studio and on-site gallery for that rare art experience. Art historian Elie Faure lived next door. The house is filled with original artwork.
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Captivate life on the river. Glowing sunrises and sunsets. Fishing and wild swimming available from the foot of the private steps leading to the Dordogne. Kayaks and canoes available for hire in Pessac 1km.
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Wildlife takes central stage with swans cutting through the river and fish pirouetting from its tranquil waters. Lone fishermen drift silently past. This is a wonderful place to just be. Now that’s hard to find!
The local area
Located in a rural hamlet on the banks of the beautiful Dordogne, Atelier Shambhala is an idyllic spot for a getaway in the south of France. Nearby you can discover the charms of historic villages, visit vineyards or drive to the lively cities of Bordeaux and Bergerac.
This area really lends itself to getting outdoors and spending time in nature. Within 2km of the villa you can try kayaking or canoeing on the river, walk through apple orchards or hire bikes for a day of cycling. If you would prefer to take in the scenery while sipping on a glass of local wine then why not visit a vineyard for a tour and wine tasting, this can be arranged locally with the owners.
If you need to pick up some groceries or want to dine out in the evening then the the local village is a lazy 2km walk along the Dordogne, while the village of Gensac is 2km by car. In Gensac there is a small selection of restaurants which offer outdoor dining with a view, there is also a grocery shop, bakery and historic sites such as castle ruins. In summer the village comes alive and you will discover a programme of concerts held in the local church.
The town of Castillon-la-Bataille (11km) has a wider range of restaurants and shops. People also flock here due to its history as the famous Battle of Castillon, the last battle in the Hundred Years War was fought here in 1453. There is lots to see and do in the town and some of the key attractions include the impressive town hall, the 18th-century Saint-Symphorien church and the museum. There is even a riverside lawn beach in Castillon-la-Bataille where you can sunbathe and try out summer watersports.
If you are a history lover then you may enjoy watching the large-scale re-enactment of the battle of Castillon which is held twice a week throughout July and August. Why not grab dinner in a little family run restaurant before settling down to watch the show. With 400 actors and staggering sets involved it is said to be an amazing performance.
Another lovely place to visit is famous Saint-Émilion, a picturesque medieval village surrounded by vineyards which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This village is the oldest wine-producing area in the Bordeaux wine region and wine has been produced here since Roman times. You can find out more about the history of wine production and see more of the town by booking on to a tour with a knowledgeable guide. If you would prefer to wander around yourself then you will find countless squares lined with incredible architecture dotted around the maze-like cobbled streets. Make sure to visit the vast 12th century Monolithic Church which was carved from one piece of stone, the bell tower of the church also offers panoramic views of the valley. Saint-Émilion is also a great place to visit for dinner as it is packed with amazing restaurants. Be aware that many of the best restaurants such as the Michelin starred Logis de la Cadene are often booked up in advance so this should be arranged before you visit to avoid disappointment. If you would rather try some simple local cuisine then grab some fresh bread and cheese from the brilliant markets and have a macaroon for dessert, they have been made here since 1620!
What People Are Saying
“We completely enjoyed our week stay in this well appointed house and thoroughly enjoyed the care and concern of the hosts to assure our stay was perfect. The house book and all the advices were greatly appreciated. The local area and ease of travel was perfect.”
— Barbara
“Atelier Shambhala is a delightful and tasteful retreat in the heart of rural France. We had a very peaceful week there enjoying the owls hoot each night as the blanket of stars slowly appeared. Recommended.”
— James
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