La Libellule Gites, Saint Vincent Jalmoutiers, 24410, Dordogne
La Foret de La Double
The Foret de la Double covers about 50,000 hectares to the south-west of Perigueux. It's in the northern part of the Dordogne, between the Dronne river and the Isle River. The forest is only sparsely inhabited, by smallholdings and houses scattered far and wide.
Safe haven
For a very long time, from the Hundred Years War to the Second World War, Foret de la Double has provided a safe haven for people in hiding. And our next Hot Tub business owners have also set up a beautiful safe haven for visitors to the area. When we delivered Carole and Georges Guillier's tub in July this year, we were completely overwhelmed by the location. They have put a lot of effort into creating two beautiful family size gites, and have plans to expand the business further next year, organising yoga and meditation retreats.
Lush green landscape
Carole and her French husband had lived in the UK for 20 years. But this year, they decided to move back to France permanently. They enjoyed lots of holidays in the Dordogne, and loved the lush green landscape, and the peace and tranquillity. And we can't argue with that. La Libellule Gites is set amongst the trees, so it's wonderfully private, peaceful and tranquil. It's the perfect setting for the 'aesthetically pleasing' Burford Deluxe hot tub. And yet La Libellule is only 10 minutes drive from summer lakes and river beaches, and 20 minutes from beautiful, lively villages, such as Aubeterre-sur-Dronne and Riberac.
Family attractions
There is plenty to do here for the whole family. There is a swimming pool, and of course the hot tub, plus there are plenty of games, and BBQ facilities that all make for a wonderful stay. When we delivered the hot tub we chatted for ages with Carole and Georges as they were so excited to be adding the hot tub to their range of onsite facilities. It will also enhance the yoga and meditation retreat plans. Considering they bought the property at the end of 2018, and only started renovating the barn last summer they have done amazingly well to open this year. Carole admits their first season has been a short one, but it's still been a success.
Getting feedback
We think this is down to good planning and allowing friends and family to 'test' their facilities at the La Libelulle gite last summer. They took on board the feedback and the largest of the gites was opened. The second, smaller gite 'La Petite Maison Papillon' is almost complete, with some minor renovations to be done over the winter.
Accommodation
So from next year, La Libellule will be able to offer two properties to their guests. The small cottage 'La Petite Maison Papillon', which has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. As well as the larger barn conversion 'La Libellule' with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The plan is to rent them out individually, or both together which means they can accommodate groups of up to 14 people, who will then have exclusive use of all the facilities. There is still some outside landscaping to finish as well, so it's going to be even more beautiful next year.
Exploring the area
When they aren't busy working, they have taken time out to explore the area so that they can give their guests honest recommendations. This is what Carole said "I've really got to know the area well, and can't believe how much there is to do. My favourite is Grand Etang Jemaye, a beautiful swimming lake and beach in the middle of the forest. It's so beautiful and relaxing, and they also offer free canoes and paddle boards. There are lots of bars and restaurants nearby, and we have an open-air concert venue where they have bands on two nights a week'.
Getting here
Bordeaux, Bergerac and Perigueux are all about an hour away, and great for a day out. There are regular flights all summer long into the airports at Bordeaux and Bergerac. Or if you prefer to drive, it's about 8 hours from at Calais. After a long drive south, you will definitely feel the benefits from a long soak in the hot tub.
Eco-friendly
"We received our hot tub just in time for our first guests here at the end of July. All of our guests absolutely loved the tub. A big plus for me is that it is very eco-friendly, not too big that the water bills shoot up, and it has very little impact on the electricity. It is also very aesthetically pleasing, and blends well with the forest and countryside views we are surrounded by at La Libellule. The guests only seemed to use it during the evening, but commented how wonderful it was to smell the wood burning, and a fantastic way to gaze at the stars, which are magnificent here.
I have used it myself several times as a hot tub, and once as a cool tub. In the summer evening when we used the tub it was fab. We were going between the pool and the hot tub to cool off as it was so hot. Great for the skin - and I think that was one of my favourite evenings here this year!" Carole Guillier.
Find out more
Believe me, when Carole and Georges get the retreat up and running next year it is going to be very, very popular. If you are on Facebook then you can 'Like' their business page and that way you won't miss out on news and events. In the meantime, we wish them every success in their new venture and in their beautiful Dordogne home.
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If you're interested in owning your own, wonderfully relaxing, hot tub heaven, or want to find out how it could boost your business, contact Nicola at Hot Tubs In France. Call direct on 0749 19 46 84 or email hottubsinfrance@gmail.com
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