Reviews

Wonderful week at Castanet. Will miss the peace and quiet. Mr and Mrs B (Aberdeenshire)

September 2022

We definitely want to visit again – it’s a magical place, and we fell in love with it!    It was lovely to see the picture on the side of it how it was when you bought it.   We loved the privacy of the place and having a pool just to ourselves was a wonderful experience.  I wanted to get a silk tree, but my sister told me it won’t survive Birmingham – it was in its full glory during our visit.  We’ll be booking again as soon as we can😊  Please thank everyone for their help.   Mr and Mrs P (West Midlands) July 2022

I just wanted to say that Stuart and I had a wonderful relaxing week at Castanet.

Though the weather was cool and a wet for the first few days it did not detract from our enjoyment………we just relaxed!  However the last few days were beautiful – we did a bit of exploring and also managed to fit in a swim on our last day.  Lovely!

The whole trip was a total surprise to me, and a brilliant one at that.  Thank you so much for the bottle of champagne, which we thoroughly enjoyed!! Mrs P (Wales) June 2022

The amount of space at Castanet is amazing. We have 2 young energetic boys who had the best holiday.  There were plenty of things to keep us all busy from table tennis, rounders, boules and badminton.  The pool is a great size and a nice temperature in the hot weather.  The house was well equipped and spacious.  The beams and character throughout are lovely and the high ceilings meant rooms didn't get too hot. 

The house is a good location being close to Bergerac Airport and we had a number of nice trips out to Issigeac market, Marmande, Duras and a bike ride (hiring for us all) along the canal from Pont des Sables which was beautiful. 

Christine was helpful through the booking process and Vicky was really helpful and responded quickly while we were there.  Our recommendations for staying are to take plenty of bug spray and to make the most of local restaurants for lunch which were delicious and great value (approx €15 for 3 courses) The Shore Family (Cheshire) June 2022

We had a really great time.  We really appreciated staying at Castanet for the full time we were in France and will certainly consider staying again Mr C (Northern Ireland) September 2020

The house itself was lovely and the setting was great.  Just what we wanted. Change of scene with peace and quiet but not too far from local amenities. It was great to have the selection of outdoor games and the room in which to use them.
We enjoyed our first time in France, although it is a strange time.  So much so, that we are looking at doing a road trip again next year.  We will definitely keep your property on the list if we decide to go to that area again.  Mr & Mrs M (Suffolk) August 2020

We had a lovely stay at Castanet even though weather wasn’t that good there was still plenty to do.  Castanet is exactly as described, welcoming, clean and comfortable.  The outside seating arrangements are lovely and you can see all of the wildlife.  Thank you for the welcome hamper, a very nice thought.   Mr and Mrs D (Lincolnshire) May/June 2019

This was our third visit to Castanet (this time for 2 weeks) and, as usual, it was a very relaxing holiday – completely chilled!  Weather was superb – bit too hot at times – but the pool was perfect for cooling down.  Mr and Mrs C (Cheshire) June 2019

Great house in great location.  Pool fantastic and a very welcome relief given the very hot weather (40 deg)” Mr and Mrs C & Family (Cambridgeshire) July 2019

What a lovely start to our retirement!  Very relaxed and peaceful.  Just what we needed.  Pool was amazing, perfect to cool down.  Thank you for a lovely holiday.  Mr and Mrs H (West Midlands) July/August 2019

We had a smashing holiday the only problem was that it all went far too quickly. The area is stunningly beautiful in so many ways." Mr and Mrs F (Wiltshire) September 2019.
 

Wonderful weather, pool, house and setting.  Mr and Mrs L (Wiltshire) June/July 2018.

This has been our fourth visit to Castanet since we visited 10 years ago.  Over the years nothing has changed.  SW France is stunning at this time of year and the weather has been superb.  Mr and Mrs P (Oxfordshire) July 2018

A lovely relaxing holiday!  The boys loved the pool and the wildlife kept them entertained for hours!  Mr and Mrs C. (Kent) August 2018

I loved the pool.  It was very warm and cool.  I also liked the lizards.  (from young visitor)
Loved our stay.  Definitely going back.  Mr and Mrs N & Family (Kent) August 2018

The weather has been very kind to us again so pool has been well used.  Another enjoyable stay at Castanet.  We can recommend Andine, a Peruvian restaurant in Eymet, for something different.  Food very fresh and tasty.  Staff very friendly.  Mr and Mrs W (Buckinghamshire) September 2018.

We certainly enjoyed our time at Castanet, which fully met our expectations. The swimming-pool was particularly welcome, especially as the weather was so hot.
We had a day in Bordeaux, but apart from that we spent most of our time in the locality - visiting markets, cycling - especially along the canal, going for short walks and exploring some of the villages and small towns around.  A favourite destination by bike was the boulangerie in Gontaud - along the top road via Birac.  La Canaule Gourmande restaurant by the canal in Gontaud is excellent in every respect.   Le Vieux Faitout restaurant in Puymiclan, although charming, is only open for meals at lunchtime.
Many thanks again for allowing us to use your delightful property.  Mr S and Family (Monmouthshire) July 2018 

We will be telling people about "Castanet" as we loved the whole experience.  Mr and Mrs G (Wiltshire) September 2017

We had a lovely relaxing time at Castanet with good weather too.  The house is beautiful and we loved the pool.  We both liked the wine in the welcome pack and brought some back too.  Looking forward to returning next year.  Mr and Mrs N (Suffolk) August 2017

Castanet is amazing. We feel relaxed after ten minutes!!  Mr and Mrs H (Sussex) August 2017

We much enjoyed our stay at Castanet and experienced the hottest temperatures ever on our journey down – 39.5 degrees on one day!  It was about 38 degrees when we arrived at Castanet and we would like, through you, to thank the cleaning team who had been working in those temperatures and had left everything clean and shiny on our arrival just before 4 o’clock on the Thursday.  Mr and Mrs P (Kent) June 2017

We had a great time at Castanet. It was all as wonderful as we remember.  Thank you immensely for another fabulous holiday at Castanet.  Mr and Mrs W (Buckinghamshire) June 2017

We had a fabulous 2 weeks at Castanet. Complete privacy, peace & quiet.  The house was very clean and well equipped.  The weather was marvellous and, with the excellent choice of tables & chairs, we soon developed a pattern of breakfast on the patio, lunch under a parasol, games and reading in the shady pool house in the afternoon and back in the evening sun for dinner – all interspersed with plenty of swimming in the lovely pool and lizard watching.
Visited a few great markets (notably Duras, Eymet & Issigeac), and there is a boulangerie 5 mins away for the early-morning croissant collection!
Victoria phoned a couple of times to check all was OK; it was a great comfort to know she was there should any problems arise. We arrived on a bank holiday and had asked for a few provisions for our arrival.  Victoria kindly got these in for us, along with a very welcome first-night wine selection!!  Many thanks to all.  We had a really wonderful time and found it hard to leave.  Mr and Mrs C (Shropshire) July 2016

We had a lovely holiday in Castanet.  It was so well equipped and couldn't fault it.  Victoria was also very helpful.  We have stayed in quite a few nice gites but yours is by far the best and do hope to visit again.  We would certainly recommend you to our friends and family.  Mr and Mrs C (Kent) September 2015

We so enjoyed your property. You have created something really special. Enjoyed your cat personal touches and your sharing attitude. The atmosphere can't help but relax you. If anything your website undersells. There can't be many places that are so private in such a beautiful location. The wildlife also added such pleasure. We had a young hare in the garden morning and evenings and the golden orioles were just exquisite.
As you can tell, we had a lovely holiday. Thank you so much for sharing your bit of French paradise.  Mr and Mrs G (Scotland) July 2015

Just returned from what can only be described as a sanctuary of peace and relaxation at Castanet in the idyllic Lot-et-Garonne region of France. Castanet sounded good on the website and it more than lived up to our expectations with its spacious comfortable accommodation, excellent amenities surrounded by colourful bursts of flowers and trees.
The swimming pool was a godsend as we basked in the glorious temperatures and the pool house ideal for keeping our drinks cold and close by.
We even managed a few games of ping-pong in the evening thanks to the full size table tennis table at our disposal.
Locally we visited some charming places: Bergerac; Périgueux; Issigeac (excellent Sunday Market) but relaxation was the order of the day and we certainly achieved that. We have already booked for 2016!!!’  Mr and Mrs C (Cheshire) June/July 2015

Castanet was very comfortable, with everything anyone could ever want on holiday.  Exceptional position and facilities.  Good birding, nice walks, lovely pool.  Would definitely come again.  Thanks for making the arrangements very straightforward and smooth for us, a lovely holiday, lovely management lady, stay is highly recommended.  Mr and Mrs B (Lancashire) June 2015

We had a great time at Castanet - loved the quiet, the privacy, the space, the level of comfort, and the wheelchair accessibility.  It was good to meet Victoria on her mid-fortnight visit and appreciate the care she takes of the property, and to enjoy a musical evening at the church in Gontaud, and after a visit to Issigeac market a memorable Sunday lunch at les Pieds dans le Plat in Villereal with live entertainment of high quality.  Mr and Mrs C (Gloucestershire) June 2015

Yet another brilliant visit - we are loving being here. Such peace and tranquility, just wonderful! We have just submitted our form to come back next year in July which speaks volumes.  Thank you for sharing your lovely holiday home."  Mr and Mrs P (Bucks) September 2014

We just wanted to say the peace and tranquillity was just as you described and we had a lovely undisturbed time, …well apart from the lizards which we adored and the toads we chatted to – unsuccessfully.
The welcome pack was a great addition thank you! We hired bikes from the company you suggested and that worked out well.
Your open plan design has made a great success of the building. It has confirmed to us our thoughts on buying a second home in France.  If we revisit the area we will certainly contact you about the availability of Castanet.  Mr & Dr T (Northants) August 2014

We look forward to a return visit to Castanet, which will be our 4th!  We always have such a lovely time there.  Thanks for everything.  Mr and Mrs W (Bucks) June 2014

We are having such a lovely time we have already decided to re book for next year!  Form just submitted.  We stayed here for a weekend in May 2008 and the house is even nicer now.  Love the more open outlook over the pool & garden area, it's the perfect retreat for a holiday.  Thank you for making it so fab.  Our son and girlfriend have come to join us for the weekend and we are all agreed we want to come again.  Mr and Mrs P (Bucks) September 2013

Thank you for a lovely stay in Castanet, it certainly is everything plus more you say on your website, the house is lovely and very well equipped and the garden and pool were just lovely, the weather was very hot for the first 8 days, and the little bit of rain was welcome.  We just loved everything, our friends came and stayed for 2 days and equally were impressed, we ate in the pool house. Thank you for the best holiday we have ever had in France. The sunflowers were going over a bit but I can imagine the beauty a few weeks ago.  Victoria was very helpful and obviously does a wonderful job looking after your house, and the starter pack of food and wine were much appreciated.  Once again thank you so much and we may be back next year.  Mr and Mrs T (Suffolk) September 2013

We had a wonderful time at Castanet; weather couldn't have been better and the peace and quiet were unbeatable. The pool was essential for cooling off and perfect for splashing about.  We both agreed that we'd love to come back next year.  Mr & Mrs R (York) July 2013

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Castanet.  Wonderful gite in a perfect setting, with ideal weather (if rather hot!).  Extremely well equipped property with best-ever Starter Pack, thank you.  Victoria looked after us very well.  Pleasant girl and very efficient.  Mrs M and Mr B (West Sussex) July 2013

We thought your gite was excellent ~ one of the best we have stayed in, and the pool was a great boon - we used it daily and swam great numbers of lengths.  We thought the main room had been very well designed and constructed ~ loads of light and space and a lovely room to be in. Good cooking area - good TV system.  The lime tree by where one parks was in full bloom and a treat to see and hear all the bees in it. It really was buzzing!  We had a great time and it is a great house. "  Mr S (Dorset) June 2013

We had a lovely 2 weeks at Castanet lazing around and star gazing at night, the weather was fabulous."  Mr and Mrs D (Bucks) August 2012

We had a lovely holiday at Castanet, it lived up to all our expectations The house is superb and together with the pool/poolhouse it made the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. We have stayed in a number of gites in France but this was the best by far, We would certainly like to return.  Mr and Mrs B. (Wales) August 2012

I had a very relaxing week, thank you, but wish I could have booked for two weeks.  Your house is in a lovely location and is well equipped and presented.  I am seriously considering booking again for a week or two next year.  Had you not been fully booked, I may well have requested another week towards the end of August this year.   Mr P. (Haute-Garonne) May 2011

Lovely first foreign holiday with baby son.  Relaxing and peaceful.  Ten month old loved the flowers and the stones around the parasols.”  Mr & Mrs C. (Wilts) July 2011

What a beautiful place!!  We have had such a brilliant week.  Great facilities.  We loved the pool.  Mr & Mrs T. (Essex) August 2011

Second visit.  Not long enough.  So peaceful and quiet.  Heaven.  Thank you.  Mr & Mrs W. (Bucks) September 2011

A lovely house and a very relaxing and enjoyable first visit.  I am sure we will be back again.  Mr & Mrs D. (Glamorgan) August 2010

Very nice house set in a lovely area of France.  Loads to do although much time was spent by the pool.  Very relaxing holiday.  Many thanks.  The W Family (Shropshire) August 2009

Our second time here.  Just as lovely as before.  Very relaxing holiday.  Most stressful event was saving the odd suicidal frog from the pool.  Many thanks again.  The J Family. (East Sussex)  June 2008

We’ve just broken an unwritten rule and returned to the same place twice and even after three weeks we are reluctant to leave.  It has been a lovely lazy holiday;  only thoughts of family draw us home.  The B Family (Hampshire) June 2007

4 in a row.  Love it here.  Just one cool evening and storm;  the remainder lovely and warm.  Mr & Mrs B (West Sussex) September 2007

After many years holidaying in France Castanet is simply the best.  The B Family (Hampshire) June 2006

Another fantastic family holiday with the best weather yet.  Going home relaxed and mellow.  Already looking forward to coming back again.  The H Family (Worcs) July 2005

A well-appointed gite.  Much thought has been put into the contents to ensure a happy stay.   Mr & Mrs M (Scotland) September 2004