Guestbook

We had a lovely stay at Domaine de la Banne! It was an absolute pleasure for us to be in such lovely surroundings both in Domaine de la Banne itself and in the beautiful countryside surrounding it. Neil and David made us feel very welcome and we felt we could ask if we needed advice about restaurants or any other information. A lovely varied breakfast was served in our room because the mornings were a bit chilly but then sunshine all day. We could walk into Belvès in about 25 minutes which was a delight! Our room was spacious,clean & welcoming.

We have just spent 10 days at the wonderful Domaine de la Banne. The property is extremely well equipped and comfortable, with a fantastic pool and summer kitchen set in a lovely garden surrounded by peaceful countryside. Our hosts, Neil and David, were most welcoming and very good company. Their attention to detail is second to none and this is the best property we have ever rented in France. We cannot recommend Domaine de la Banne highly enough and hope to return very soon.

Our family got together at Domaine de la Banne to celebrate a special birthday, taking both floors. From the point of booking, Neil and David went out of their way to make our stay special and memorable, which it was. They are welcoming and attentive hosts, but always discreet. The gîte is well-situated and is set in beautiful countryside. It provides a peaceful, quiet retreat. We were were amazed by the night skies when conditions were clear. The gîte is comfortable and well-equipped and Neil and David's attention to detail is exceptional. We loved the pool, garden, and useful outdoor kitchen.

We had an idyllic ten day stay at La Banne. Neil and David, warm, friendly, but never intrusive, have created something very special on this quiet hillside near to Belves. An old tobacco barn hiding a modern, very well equipped gite on the upper floor, and a more traditional, but still lovely room on the ground floor which was perfect for our extended family group of 6. A beautiful pool, and summer kitchen are a few paces away. A great spot to see local wildlife and the cows coming and going in the distance. You are peaceful, but not isolated. Plenty to see and do in the area - 10/10!

We stayed at Domaine de la Banne for the first 2 weeks in August this year. What an amazing find - just perfect! From the wonderful hosts, luxurious accommodation, beautiful grounds with a fabulous outdoor kitchen and pool. Hosts, Neil & David have thought of everything. Perfect place to unwind! The best holiday property that we have stayed in and we will be back. 

Domaine de la Banne is a dream! The surroundings are stunning, the garden is beautiful, the rooms and facilities are perfect, the cooking areas are very well equipped, the surrounding villages are lovely, the pool is amazing and let’s not forget the absolutely lovely owners Neil and David who did their utmost best to make sure our stay was amazing. We had the best time with our group and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a tranquil getaway in the beautiful dordogne.

We have just spent a wonderful 2 weeks at this delightful place. The situation is perfect, the extensive gardens merging with beautiful countryside. The fabulous Gite and its lovely large pool way exceeded our expectations. Everything has been so well thought out and of such high quality, with great attention to detail. The great hosts Neil and David were on hand to offer help if needed and made us feel very welcome. An ideal holiday destination in this beautiful part of the Dordogne, and we will certainly be back. 

We have just finished a wonderful holiday at Domaine de La Banne. We stayed here for 10 days with our 2 adult children and their partners and everyone really loved it. The Gite is really nicely furnished and has everything you could possibly want. We loved having our own swimming pool and made good use of it during our stay. We also really enjoyed the covered BBQ area and “outside kitchen”, eating most of our meals here as it offered plenty of shade from the hot sun. Neil and David are great hosts and make a huge effort to make sure everyone has a great time. It was lovely to get to know them over a welcome drink when we first arrived. They have obviously put a huge amount of thought and effort into converting and furnishing the property and then continue to make sure everything remains in a great condition. The gite is set in a huge garden which is well away from any other properties so is really peaceful. There are 2 boulangeries within walking distance and the beautiful town of Belves, which has plenty of restaurants and a weekly market, is a 5 minute drive away. What more could you possibly want…..Domaine de La Banne really is a brilliant place for a holiday, we will definitely be back. 

 

We said we would be back after our stay in the gite last year, so we have just returned from a lovely two week stay with other members of our family.

Neil and David welcomed us to the property with drinks and a superb welcome basket.

Neil and David have maintained the gite and grounds to a very high standard. Everything is so clean and well thought out. 

We love the peace and quiet and this time we even saw the deer and a hoopoe! 

Congratulations to Neil and David for providing such a wonderful place for us to stay. 

We hope to be back again soon.

 

Neil's place featured a beautiful landscape and was very relaxing. He was incredibly kind, meeting us upon arrival with a drink to hear about our travels. Always accommodating, Neil even helped secure a charcuterie board from a local shop while we were driving—highly recommend!

 

Our time at David and Neil's Gite was the perfect stay being a home away from home feel. David and Neil were supportive throughout our booking and throughout our stay. 

 

The Gite itself was very welcoming and warm on arrival. We had everything we needed and the welcome drink on arrival  was an excellent touch. We had changes to the accommodation which was supported and resolved for us seamlessly. Their home is beautifully laid out with all amenities, it was clean, tidy and well thought out for a seamless stay. Our only negative we had was that we weren't able to stay longer! 

 

If you're looking for a get away in rural France we would recommend staying here. We hope to get back soon and stay for longer to explore the beautiful area. 

 

Another fantastic holiday at La Banne, Belves. It really is our favourite place to stay. Perfect hosts (Neil and David) were so helpful and can recommend the best places to eat. Perfect location for a quiet relaxing holiday. Your own pool and lovely surroundings. We took our two sons and their partners and all had a brilliant time. The gite and room below are all well equipped and spotlessly clean. There’s plenty to do and see in this part of the Dordogne. You’ll have a lovely time with lots of happy memories.

 

Already on arrival in the late evening we drove up to a cozy lighted house on a hill, which immediately welcomed us friendly. The equipment was more than complete, of high quality and above all selected and designed with a lot of taste and love. We missed absolutely nothing. The kitchen was equipped not only with the bare necessities but with all the appliances that we use at home. In the bedroom and bathroom we found linen for any season. The pool area also has an outdoor kitchen and covered seating area, which we enjoyed using in the late summer temperatures. The grounds are expansive and offer an unforgettable stargazing experience when the sky is cloudless. The many helpful little things cannot be enumerated at all. And this cleanliness is rarely found. We felt comfortable all around. Above all, I do not want to forget to mention the friendliness of the hosts: courteous, cordial, always a kind word and never intrusive. To say it in one sentence: a perfect place for a really great holiday. And you can easily reach a lot the sights in Perigord. If we rate this beautiful place with 10 points, we run the risk that others may block us times when we ourselves would like to come back. But it is indeed such a perfect place there.

 

 

We had a wonderful three days at La Banne. From the time we arrived right up to our departure Neil and David were excellent hosts, very friendly and helpful, ensuring we had all we needed. The location, whilst giving us wonderful views and tranquility, was close enough to Belves to enable us to enjoy pleasant walks there and back. A recommended restaurant a short drive away was superb. A mixture of peace without isolation was just what we were seeking. The room was spacious with a seating area, fridge and TV should we have required it.  Breakfasts were generous, tasty and varied. Overall we had  a most relaxing and peaceful experience. We would not hesitate to return to La Banne.

 

Amazing B&B set in stunningly beautiful countryside. Comfortable room and lovely breakfasts by pool. The area is fantastic for exploring. So much to do and see. Wish we could have stayed longer. Neil and David are absolutely wonderful hosts - real attention to detail, great recommendations, and great conversations. A lovely place to stay in the Dordogne.

A Delightful Retreat: Neil and David's Idyllic Holiday Home

We recently had the pleasure of staying at Neil and David's charming holiday home, and it was an absolute dream! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality by our hosts, Neil and David.

It was evident that Neil and David had put in a lot of effort to create a welcoming space., with even fresh flowers! 

The holiday home was exceptionally well-equipped. The kitchen boasted all the modern appliances one could desire, making meal preparations a breeze. Additionally, the veranda, overlooking a stunning landscape, was the ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely meal or sip a refreshing drink as the sun dipped below the horizon.

The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the beautiful swimming pool.

There were so many games (sports) to play with that we organized our own Dordogne games afternoon. 

In conclusion, we wholeheartedly recommend Neil and David's holiday home to anyone seeking a comfortable and delightful retreat.

La Banne is a lovely place to stay and we would thoroughly recommend it. The accommodation was spotlessly clean and very well equipped. The kitchen and living area was perfect with everything you need to cook for yourselves and relax in. The outdoor areas were also fantastic with a great pool, well thought out seating, also lots of games-archery, table tennis and croquet kept us entertained. Neil and David were perfect hosts offering perfect balance of hospitality and privacy. The local village is lovely for a meal and a mooch - lots of day trips nearby.

 

Beautiful, quiet and peaceful location near Belves (3km walk). The room was perfectly prepared and had everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Neil and David were superb hosts; friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and great company. They are rightfully proud of La Banne and enjoy sharing their lovely space with their guests. Breakfast was epic with variety each day. The area is a fantastic location for cycling with excellent roads and light traffic. Although not tested, off-road looks good for gravel and mountain bikes too All in all, a great holiday made special by Neil and David's great Chambre d'Hote and hosting.

 

Our family has been staying in properties in France for nineteen years, so we recognise when somewhere is special, and Domaine de la Banne is very special for a number of reasons.

The gite is perfect. It is extremely well equipped in every area, especially the kitchen. Everything is provided including unlimited dishwasher tablets, detergent, soap, etc, etc. The beds are super comfy and the bed linen and towels are very high quality.

The pool is lovely, with a wonderful additional covered dining area, with sink and extra crockery. The garden is beautiful, and seating areas are also well situated.

But what makes Domaine de la Banne so special is Neil and David. Their attention to detail is incredible and they will do everything they can to make sure you enjoy your holiday. This could mean a light touch approach if you are happy looking after yourselves or lots of advice and interesting conversation. I have never felt so at ease when the owners have been on site.

Having been home for a day, we are already planning when we can return. 

We had a fantastic stay at Neil and David’s place. The room was perfect, the garden was beautiful and it was only a short walk into the local village. Can’t recommend highly enough! 

My husband and I and two friends spent two wonderful weeks in May at La Banne.

We received the warmest of welcomes from Neil and David on our arrival. Everything was immaculate and spotlessly clean. I think the nicest touch were the beautiful vases of fresh flowers in the Gite which were just superb. The accommodation was superb, modern, with all the conveniences you could ask for with an abundance of crockery, cutlery, dishes, saucepans etc enabling me to make and cook meals whilst we were there.  The bedrooms and bathrooms were again, modern and very well appointed, with lovely linens and towels.  There was also wine in the ‘wine rack’ on an honour system, which was very handy if you were after something to drink and had not had the chance to buy anything.

The outdoor summer kitchen and BBQ were great as was the pool. The gite is located in the nicest of settings and the grounds are amazing, such beautiful gardens and flower beds everywhere, picture postcard.  You can tell that Neil and David love their property and take the best care of it.

The nearby town of Belves was gorgeous, with many options to dine, and a weekly market which was great. 

Nothing was too much trouble for Neil and David who also recommended places of interest which were not on our list.

Cannot speak highly enough about La Banne, Neil and David and the Dordogne which is breathtaking.

We would all love to return one day.

 

We stayed at Domaine de la Banne for 3 nights in May of this year, it should have been 4 but French air traffic controllers had other plans. David couldn’t have been more helpful when our booking had to be changed at the last minute. When we finally arrived thanks to the precise instructions, we were greeted by our hosts and shown around the lovely grounds which has a view between the trees of nearby Belvès. Domaine de la Banne is well situated in a tranquil setting, but close enough to Belvès for a nice stroll and convenient for Monpazier and other bastides in the locality.

 

When Neil, our other host, learned that we were on a property seeking trip he shared with us many useful contacts and tips which was much appreciated. Throughout our stay we enjoyed the lovely breakfasts provided and used the immaculate heated pool on a daily basis.

 

We will be returning to the area shortly and would wholeheartedly recommend Domaine de la Banne to anyone.

 

 

This place was a real gem. The countryside location was stunning and could be appreciated from the luxury of your own private pool and outside eating area. The entire accommodation was finished to a very high standard and we had everything we needed. Neil and David looked after us very well and were so helpful and friendly. The kitchen was very well equipped and everywhere was spotlessly clean. We very much appreciated the attention to detail and the thought that went into making our stay superb. 10/10, we will be back!

 

This was our first visit to the area and it’s always challenging to find the perfect place to stay. However, we couldn’t believe our luck with La Banne - it’s a rare gem! 
The location is just perfect.  We loved that it was always just a short drive to the sights and local towns. The gite is in a beautiful and quiet setting but without feeling isolated and without having to travel down long narrow country lanes to reach. There are also many nice walks from the Gite, including the local town of Belves, if you fancy a car free day. 
The accommodation has a real luxury feel to it and was spotlessly clean. Everything was thought of and catered for. The bouquet of local fresh flowers were beautiful and a really lovely touch. The outdoor areas are also wonderful and we were incredibly lucky with the October weather.  
Neil and David are great hosts, very knowledgeable and helpful and were fantastic at answering my many questions (before and during the holiday).  This was one of our favourite ever holidays and we’d love to go back -10/10!

 

What a joy to come back to La Banne! After our 2 days appetizer in September 2021 we decided to rent the gite again and we have spent there two wonderful weeks this year in September.

La Banne is a very special place, a combination of rural charm and modern living. The equipment in the bathrooms and the kitchen is on a top level and the furnishings of the living room tasteful and comfortable. It was so relaxing to sit on the terrasse in front of the gite or in the area next to the pool. The wonderful view into the huge garden and the surrounding scenery, lovely.

One sees the towers of the picturesque village Belves on a hill near by. You reach it in 30 min. on foot or 5 min. by car. That means you can enjoy your dinner "downtown" with one or two glasses of wine and you don't have to drive.

Or- you can attend one of the many incredible markets in the region, buy the wonderful products and conjure up a fantastic lunch or dinner.

The region is rich in old medieval villages, castles and enchanting landscapes, there is something to discover for everyone every day.

And if you are tired of all these great things, lie down at the pool and relax, bliss!

We are looking forward to come back agin.

 

At the end a word to our hosts: grand!!

 

 

Thanks again for the wonderful days at La Banne !

 

We liked the tasteful furnishings and the kitchen equipment very much, enjoyed the space we had and loved the pool with its own dining area and magnificent views over the typical Dordogne landscape. The cows in some distance completed the peaceful soothing mood.

 

We also found it pleasant that Belvès is just a medium walk away so that we could have a drink, some food in the evening and meet other people - without using the car.

 

Last but not least: you were very attentive and friendly hosts - we enjoyed the interesting merry evening with you.

 

"We will be back" !

 

A lovely relaxing stay in a very comfortable room in a fabulous location. We had a wonderful time relaxing by the pool having eaten a great breakfast prepared for us by our hosts. Many thanks to our hosts for their welcoming hospitality. We would thoroughly recommend a visit!

 

On arrival, we were greeted with a hamper of fruit, beer, wine, jam, teabags, milk, fresh juice - everything we needed to settle in nicely. With so many places to see and time spent at the gîte, a week didn’t feel enough. The place is beautiful. The whole region is stunning. We kayaked down the Dordogne from Castelnaud and at the gîte there was a lovely saltwater swimming pool with umbrellas for ample shade. The outside kitchen was perfect for an evening barbecue, with the inside kitchen being roomy and having good quality kitchenware. The rooms were lovely and the bathrooms with quality toiletries were gorgeous. David and Neil were terrific hosts. We can’t thank them enough and will be back again as soon as possible!

 

I’m writing this review begrudgingly truth be told because, selfishly, I want this absolute gem of a place to always have availability as it’s quite frankly superb. From the moment we arrived we felt immediately at home. The gite was just beautiful and utterly spotless clean - the pictures don’t do it justice. We were welcomed with a hamper of bread / wine / snacks etc. In fact everything had been thought of throughout, with real added touches of luxury. 
The salt water pool outside was just glorious and the kids had a great time making full use of the inflatables provided whilst we prepared lunch in the outside kitchen area - bliss! 
The gardens are beautifully maintained. I spent many an hour reading / sleeping in the huge hammock which hung between two lush trees. The field beyond the gardens had a little herd of very polite cows who kept themselves to themselves but it was really lovely just to have them there in the distance. 
The owners, Neil and David, are simply fabulous. From the day we booked and throughout our stay they could not have been more generous (buying the most beautiful chocolate cake as a surprise for our son’s birthday) and so helpful and hospitable (what they don’t know about the area isn’t worth knowing). 
It’s fair to say that we are very private so did not expect to make friends and actually want to hang out with these two beauties but that is indeed what happened but at our choosing I might add. If you want total privacy, you’ll get it. 
I could go on and on but, instead, I suggest you find out for yourselves - whether it’s for a long stay or long weekend, you won’t be disappointed!  

 

From the moment we arrived it was clear that Domaine de la Banne is a very special place, then it just got better!

Neil and David are amazing and so knowledgable. We chatted by the beautiful pool with a welcome drink, this gave us time to relax before unpacking our luggage and getting to know the gite. It is equipped to a high standard with everything you could ever need.

The interior was immaculate and tastefully appointed. 

The pool and shaded outside eating area makes for a really sociable space.

The place is just perfect, only enhanced by the guys approach. They became friends not just hosts. We would highly recommend staying at Domaine de la Banne.

 

La Banne is perfect in every way - the gite is very stylish, spotlessly clean and extremely well equipped with everything you could possibly need during your stay. The location is stunning with beautiful views in all directions including from the private pool and outside kitchen.  Neil and David are very friendly hosts with lots of information about the surrounding area but also respect your privacy.  We had a fabulous 2 weeks here and will definitely return! 

La Banne, Belves is ideally situated with everything you’ll need. Our thanks to Neil and David who were the perfect hosts and were so friendly and helpful. Great recommendations for places to eat and to visit. The gite was spotlessly clean and has all the mod cons we needed. The gardens and pool were lovely and very peaceful. There are two patisseries nearby which have the most amazing selections. Belves itself is definitely worth a visit especially on the food night, about a 25 min walk on quiet lanes but it does have a steep hill. We have visited the Dordogne several times and La Banne is the nicest place we have stayed at. It’s situated only forty minutes from Bergerac airport and if going from London City airport it’s probably the most stress free way of travelling to the Region. We have already booked up to go back next year to La Banne. There’s plenty to do and see in this part of the Dordogne. You won’t be disappointed. 

 

We have to commend Neil & David as the most delightful hosts. Nothing was too much trouble, from ensuring we had reservations booked beforehand at the excellent local ‘foodie’ dineries, to making sure we were able to bring home the lifesize ‘goose’ bought on a whim in Belvès. Highly recommend and we will return!

 

This is first class accommodation with perfect hosts. The rooms are excellent and the grounds are stunning. You need to visit to really appreciate it. Nothing was too much trouble for the hosts who helped us with places to visit and eat. If you want the ideal place to relax by the pool with stunning views and within striking distance of tourist attractions in the Dordogne, then this is the place for you. We cannot recommend it enough. We will return!

 

As a group of four friends we have just returned from the most relaxing 10 day holiday at Domaine de la Banne. Neil and David were the perfect hosts and the accommodation should have 5 stars as it was so well equipped and to such a high standard.  We loved the salt water swimming pool, and outdoor dining/barbecue area along with the very spacious garden.

 

It was a perfect location for exploring the Dordogne and only a short distance from the beautiful village of Belves with shops, bars and restaurants. Our only complaint is that we didn’t book two weeks, but will do next time. Thank you Neil and David for being such great hosts, nothing was too much trouble.

 

 

We stayed at the b&b for 2 nights & we really enjoyed our stay, the room is large & very clean it has everything you need. We loved the breakfast served outside with beautiful views into the garden. You have seating outside in the garden with views over to Belvès. Neil & David are very friendly & helpful hosts. 

 

The stay in your gite was a great pleasure.

It started with your warm welcome and a glass of wine in the sun near the pool.

It went on with a basket of food in the gite, wine, milk, juice, butter etc. in the fridge and two wonderful bouquets of flowers on the dining and lounge table.

The spacious living and dining room with the great modern kitchen island is furnished clear and modern. The bedrooms and bathrooms have the same high standard. We found such a thing very rarely on our regular trips to France and Ireland.

The site is so wonderfully quiet and there so many beautiful views into the environment, especially to Belves. At night we were able to see the milky way, very unusual and impressive for an urbanite.

We will come back.

We stayed in the Gîte in September 2021. Its even prettier than the video suggests. We had the most wonderful stay here in the Dordogne. Neil and Dave were the perfect attentive hosts. And the private, heated pool was a real luxury. Its the most amazing and calming place, beautiful valleys and restaurants to explore along the Dordogne.

Just returned from a wonderful stay. The property and setting are both beautiful. We had the warmest of welcomes from Neil and David who introduced us to some of the charming villages in the area. Will definitely be back.

Very friendly, hospitable and helpful owners. It is a very calm and quiet place. Everything is very neat and very well maintained. Very comfortable and clean house, fully equipped. Especially the kitchen is amazing. Beautiful and huge garden, suitable for playing all outdoor games. Great private pool with a view over the surroundings. In the garden is a separate place to sit and eat, also fully equipped. A boulangerie and a cute epicerie at walking distance.

We stayed at Gite La Banne for 7 nights. We were warmly welcomed by Neil and David with drinks in the tranquil and beautiful surroundings of La Banne.

 

The gite was clean, beautifully decorated, comfortable and with every amenity you can think of. The garden and salt water pool were immaculately maintained, it was private, very peaceful and relaxing.

 

Neil and David were perfect hosts who advised us on places to visit, restaurants to eat at, markets to visit, nothing was ever too much trouble.

 

I would highly recommend staying at La Banne, it exceeded all our expectations and will be visiting again in the near future.

 

Wij hebben een geweldige tijd gehad in dit mooie en grote huis in de Dordogne. Is echt een super huis met alles erop en eraan, modern ingericht, ruime slaapkamers met eigen badkamer, schoon, heel veel tuinruimte, mooi en ruim zwembad (schitterend uitzicht) met volledig ingerichte buitenkeuken in een geweldige omgeving. De hosts Neil en David waren enorm vriendelijk en zeer behulpzaam. Niets was hun teveel. Kortom een echte aanrader!

(Translation: We had a great time in this beautiful and large house in the Dordogne. Is really a super house with all the trimmings, modern, spacious bedrooms with private bathrooms, clean, lots of garden space, beautiful and spacious pool (great view) with fully equipped outdoor kitchen in a great environment. The hosts Neil and David were very friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much for them. In short, a real winner!).

We spent a little bit more than two weeks in Neil & David's lovely guests house. We spent (literally) perfect holidays: the house was super clean and everyone had his own private space, the different equipment available is all new and very practical (you will find everything you need), the pool is just amazing with the coolest view on a classical Perigord valley, and last but not least Neil & David were really sweet, welcoming and helping us for anything that we would have need.

The region is great with a lot of great places to discover and to eat local (and delicious!) food. You will find the sweetest old french villages to visit as well as a lot of sport activities.

In a nutshell, we couldn't recommend enough this place: you will spend great and restful holidays in a very lovely place!

Huge thanks again to Neil & David for making this vacation as perfect as they were :) We will be back !

My partner and I stayed at David and Neil’s home in May this year. It is a truly delightful place to stay – a lovely setting, peaceful and very beautiful indeed. David and Neil are extremely friendly, warm, helpful, and very welcoming and were happy to answer all our questions about their life and the delights of the surrounding area. We only stayed one night as we were walking the nearby GR36, but we are certainly coming back to spend more time at Domaine de La Banne relaxing, exploring, and enjoying the charm of Belves and the Dordogne region. 

We stayed in the B&B room, which was super modern, very clean and huge! We also got a peek inside the gite which is, quite frankly, an amazing space, set off from the main house and with its own private swimming pool surrounded by nature – what more can you ask for?”

I 100% recommend staying over at Domaine de La Banne! On top of the very spacious and comfortable rooms, the stunning countryside location, and Belvès winking at you in the background, we were treated with wine from the region as well as a superb breakfast the next morning. The hosts went above and beyond to make this the most enjoyable stay and we were quite sad that we had to leave so soon. We will for sure be visiting again!!

After a long car journey we were welcomed by Neil and David with drinks under a beautiful old tree in the charming garden of La Banne. Chairs were set up in a circle and we got acquainted while carefully maintaining social distancing. 

Our fear of travelling in the first week of the post-confinement era was quickly dissipated when we were shown our accommodation.  Neil and David keep everything spotless and make following the covid-protocol sound easy.  

This was our first time in the Dordogne region and we had put together a rather packed schedule for ourselves - from visiting cities with names that take you straight back to the Middle Ages like Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Sarlat-la-Canéda, Monpazier, Beynac and La Roque-Gageac to kayaking down the Dordogne river, hot air ballooning and hiking. We quickly found ourselves having to fight the urge to just stay in and enjoy the garden and the pool. On a few occasions we indulged ourselves and lost pre-ordered tickets just for the pleasure of 'doing absolutely nothing' at La Banne.

Time goes by slowly and peacefully at La Banne and yet when it was time to leave (after 7 full days) we felt it had all gone by too quickly and could not resolve ourselves to leave the magic behind. We would have certainly stayed longer just to continue to enjoy a cup on tea on the balcony which overlooks the garden and the pool and from which, if we rose early, we could sometimes see a wandering deer and a few rabbits. La Banne means birds chirping, starry nights that simply don’t exist in cities, siestas in the shade of a tree, drinks by the pool, meals with fresh local produce, time to dream and re-connect, amazingly caring hosts and much more. And if after a day of ‘dolce far niente’ we fancied a nice meal out, there were plenty of simple and more upscale restaurants within a 5 to 30-minute driving range. 

We found La Banne to be the perfect type of accommodation for a family of 4 with two young adults. My husband and I stayed in the very comfortable and independent en-suite room on the ground floor. Each of our sons had their own en-suite bedroom in the top-floor apartment and could also enjoy the spacious and extremely well-equipped kitchen/living/dining room area. The balcony of the top floor apartment is wonderful. From top to bottom, left and right, everything was sparkling clean and very well-organized with an eye for detail! Bravo!!!

Thank you Neil and David for a fantastic week which was definitely too brief! We hope to return again next year!

We stayed in the Gite at Domaine LaBanne for 3 months from March to June, and had a wonderful time. The Gite is extremely comfortable and has everything you need for a longer stay. The kitchen has every type of implement you might need. There are also some good board games which we often used.

During the chiller weeks in March, it was always warm enough with plenty of radiators, and in the hotter spells it was great to sit out on the terrace. We also made good use of the pool, and the grounds with lots of places to sit, or just wander around.

Neil and David are there when you need them, and always ready to chat or have a drink with, but they are not obtrusive and will leave you alone if that is what you prefer.

There are lots of pleasant walks you can do from the Gite, through the woods and along the country lanes. Belves is a 25 minute uphill walk and has some nice restaurants, shops and a market. The main tourist sites of the Dordogne are all within an easy drive.

Great place to stay, in a beautiful region for walking or biking. From the house you can see the beatiful mediëval village of Belves. Large spacious and clean room, with a good bed and a private seating area. The breakfast was excellent. Neil and David are very friendly hostst that made us feel at very welcome and at home. I would definitely recommand this accomodation!

I stayed at the beautiful La Banne with my daughter and we had a fantastic and varied few days. A quiet, private, comfortable, well appointed and spacious room which was immaculately clean. A delicious high quality breakfast served al fresco on a private patio with views in all directions led to a calm and relaxed start to the day. The salt water pool with views in every direction allowed us to soak up the sunshine and relax with our books. The pool is wonderful to swim in and the exclusive use of it at perfect times of the day is a really huge bonus to this property. We did the short (20 minute) walk up into the beautiful Bastide village of Belves on both evenings - firstly for the local gourmand evening which was buzzing - fantastic local food and lots of friendly chatter and then the next night to go to an open air Shakespeare production (in English) which was a high quality production and excellent fun. It was another massive bonus having such an attractive town with such high quality entertainment just a short walk away. The walk whilst hilly is very pretty, safe and easy. We also had a long canoe on the Dordogne. All of these recommendations came from our hosts when they invited us to join them for a glass of wine. Neil & David struck the perfect balance as ideal hosts, thoroughly helpful through the booking process, very welcoming and generous and yet otherwise respectful and unobtrusive.

We cannot overstate how much we enjoyed our stay in this beautiful place! Neil and David's home is set in the most beautiful countryside and from the moment we arrived we felt relaxed, comfortable and well taken care of. Neil and David are excellent hosts, warm and welcoming but always respectful and keen to give you the space and privacy to fully relax. It seems that nothing is too much trouble for these two charming chaps and we gratefully received several recommendations for things to do in the area, places to eat etc as well as various unexpected and thoughtful extras, such as a lift in to town and a little delivery of fresh milk each day for our coffee. It is clear how much they love their home and the surrounding area and their enthusiasm is contagious! Belvés, whilst seemingly quite a little town, has lots to offer and is a lovely (if rather uphill!) twenty minute stroll away. There's plenty to keep you busy further afield, too (wandering around Sarlat is a must as is a visit to nearby Monpazier on market day) and you'll be full of energy to explore after starting the day with a delicious and generous breakfast which offered us something new to look forward to each day. Finally, don't forget to leave yourself at least a little time to simply sit and breathe in the views over a glass of wine in this little piece of paradise - you won't regret it!

I stayed for one night at La Banne and found it to be a very pleasant and comfortable place to stay. Neil and Dave the hosts were very welcoming and had a great knowledge of the surrounding areas which I found extremely helpful as I've never been to this part of France before. The local village of Belves is a 20 minute walk away and is lovely. La Banne had everything that I could expect to have including tea & coffee making facilities, a fridge, hairdryer, toilet rolls, clean towels which were lovely a soft, a TV and wifi. There was even a travel plug with USB ports which I found very useful. The room was very clean and extremely comfortable. The continental breakfast was amazing with croissants and a selection of jams, yoghurts, fruit, a choice of tea/coffee and fruit juices which set me up for the day. I would definitely recommend La Banne to my friends and family for either a few days stay or longer. I will certainly be returning.

An exceptional experience in every respect from the warm welcome, impeccable cleanliness and attention to detail. The converted farmhouse is lovely. It is calm and secluded but also conveniently located near the medieval town of Belves. It was a real pleasure to use the pool after a long day’s drive and we also appreciated the personalised breakfast and Neil and David’s suggestions for things to do in the region. We hope we’ll have the opportunity to return someday.

My husband and I stayed at La Banne. We were made so comfortable by Neil and David who were superb hosts. The B and B room is very spacious and is extremely private with its own entrance. Small but perfectly formed bathroom, a seating area with coffee etc. A number of lovely windows from which you have perfect uninterrupted views across the countryside. You have a lot of your own private space. Belves is very walkable (uphill on the way there) and it had some great bars and restaurants and proper French market. Hugely recommend it for a tranquil break with the choice for utter peace or a walk to the village for lunch with wine and a easy 15 walk back.

What a beautiful spot for a week - or weekend - away. A beautiful room and charming hosts in gorgeous countryside with charismatic villages and wonderful restaurants nestling in the hills nearby. Thank you Neil and Dave for being such great hosts. Nothing was too much trouble.

This is the perfect place to come for a peaceful, relaxing getaway. The setting is just beautiful - gorgeous old farm house in the middle of the countryside, huge garden and a very inviting pool - and the room itself is lovely. The room is set aside from the main house so you have complete privacy, and I can’t fault it for the ‘little touches’ and cleanliness. My husband and I stayed here as part of our “baby-moon” and two things were particularly welcome as a pregnant woman: 1. the huge bed, and 2. the fact that the room stayed lovely and cool in the summer heat! The hosts were really welcoming, very responsive and happy to help with local tips. Lots of lovely local towns and countryside to explore on the doorstep. Oh, and the breakfast! What a treat to start the day, especially when eating it at a secluded table overlooking the rolling fields, bliss! I wish we’d booked to stay more nights!! Will definitely be back.

My husband and I stayed at this farmhouse and found it to be excellent in all aspects. It is in a very good location, handy for sight seeing the area but is also situated in quiet and relaxing surroundings. Neil and David are very helpful and attentive respecting your privacy at the same time.

The use of their pool is certainly a bonus. Everything is exceptionally clean and breakfasts are always fresh. Also having a private place to sit in the evening with a glass of wine after a hard days sightseeing, is great.

La Banne is a delightful gite. The rooms are beautifully decorated, very comfortable and look out over beautiful countryside. There is ample room in the large living space and on the terrace and the heated salt water pool is wonderful for swimming and relaxing. Lots of scenic walks in the vicinity and the nearby medieval village of Belves is fantastic for enjoying a coffee, meals and local festivals.

Neil and Dave are fantastic hosts, warm, friendly and always there to help. La Banne is lovely and a brilliant base to discover the Dordogne from, can't recommend it highly enough.

You can expect a very high standard of accommodation in this very new first floor apartment in a barn conversion. No detail is spared and great thought has been put into making the stay very comfortable. Before we arrived, we had extremely detailed and helpful email communication giving us all the information we needed to help plan our stay in this beautiful part of the Dordogne. The warm welcome we received from the owners was outstanding and they remained really helpful throughout our stay. We were a family of four staying in "la Banne", including two older teenage boys. We all appreciated use of the amazing swimming pool.

An added feature is the outside bbq and eating area that has beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The place is a short drive to the medieval town of Belves (and about 25 minutes to walk) where there are some lovely places to eat. A most delightful addition was eating out in the Night food market and sampling some tasty local produce. It really isn't far to drive to other popular areas of the Dordogne e.g. Sarlat, Beynac and Castelnaud (where we set off with our canoeing). We really do not have any negative comments to make about our holiday other than we wished we could have stayed longer as it was so restful and relaxing!

A super stay in a wonderful setting, with nice touches like a welcoming basket making us feel immediately at home. Better than a 5 star hotel suite!. The vast quiet grounds and the beautiful salt water pool (no chlorine ; so comfortable) gave a very positive 10 day vacation. Again, many thanks!