Under skies that arch from field to forest

Welcome to L'Ours et Son Petit Oiseau (The Bear and his Little Bird), set in 8 acres with views over a wild valley run with deer and sanglier. Cool off in the saltwater pool, relax in a hammock, unwind in the wood-fired hot tub, or get to know the many animals who also call this place home. Cicadas and birds sing to the setting sun, and there's not a human soul for miles. Fields and vineyards lead to the winding streets of medieval Issigeac, a boulangerie, a café and the perfect afternoon. A traditional longére farm house and barn of the South West, now lovingly renovated, complete with its original French charm. We don't know exactly how old it is. The elegant lounge is a good social space with a comfortable sofa and dining table. Windows in both directions make it bright by day, and a big wood stove brings cosy winter nights. Stairs lead to the master bedroom with a luxury en-suite bathroom and Romeo and Juliet balcony overlooking the gardens. Upstairs, a writer’s lounge with vaulted ceiling can double as a bedroom with en-suite. This leads through to the final bedroom with its own roll-top bath. A well-equipped kitchen includes a dishwasher and large fridge freezer. The dogs will ask you politely to throw their ball and you can get to know the dwarf goats, sheep and pigs. Chickens wander round all day supervising, and you can help yourself to eggs. The back door leads to your own terrace for alfresco dining, hot tub, comfortable chairs, hammocks and of course, the view. The property stretches to the bottom of the valley and you are free to explore beyond. All around, there are walks through woods and meadows and past fields of sunflowers. There is no light pollution here. The nights are dark and the stars clear and dramatic. Guests are welcome to enjoy the whole property. We like to take care of our guests and are easy-going and happy to help. Feel free to message or knock the door. We can help you choose your place to eat, tell you where the party is tonight, how to find the finest chateaux and the place to taste wine... we might even book it for you! The house is in a peaceful, rural setting, 4km from the nearest village of Issigeac. This is a 2 minute drive a 40 minute walk through fields, or a 15 minute cycle ride. Bigger supermarkets are 20 minutes away by car. Our favourite is Grand Frais in Bergerac. Bergerac airport is 14 minutes drive with car hire available. The area is popular with cyclists. There are many km of chemins rural (grass or gravel 'green lanes') through forests and fields. They're perfect for walking, cycling, motorcycling or 4x4. You can share our journey and see more of the house and projects on Channel 4's ‘A New Life in the Sun’, Series 5, Episodes 11-15. We offer two 3-bed holiday homes each with their own private entrance and terrace. Other guests may be staying next door. These can be combined to a 6 bedroom home : www.www.airbnb.com/h/bearsnbirds ANIMALS You will be staying on a working farm and animal sanctuary. As our guest, you are our priority. We ask that you to let us know about anything that is not the way you want it to be - so that we can put it right. Animals don't get eaten, by the way. The dogs run free. They can be boisterous. Please tell us if you need them to be put away or if you are at all nervous. Children with the dogs must be supervised by an adult. Please, please, please, please, CHECK WITH US BEFORE FEEDING ANY ANIMAL. They all have individual, managed diets. The dogs will tell you otherwise, but please don't listen to them. HEATING If you are visiting in colder months, the house is heated by a wood stove in the lounge, warming radiators in the bedrooms. You'll need to carry logs from just outside to tend the fire regularly. If you are out for the day, it can be turned down low to be warm on your return. You can find out more about running the stove in the house manual. We will explain fully. HOT TUB/NORWEGIAN BATH The perfect place to lie and explore the milky way - or enjoy your breakfast! The Norwegian bath is available April to October and possibly in other months with a small charge for the extra wood. Depending on the season, it can take half a day and 40kg of logs to heat up! The FREE option We light it with you and show you how to tend, to get to the right temperature. It needs tending every 20 minutes at first, and then every hour. The Posh option: By special request, we'll prepare the hot tub for you. Just tell is when you want to lie back and enjoy, and we'll serve an ice-cold bottle of fizz. Prices vary according to the time of year. Enjoy your holiday! It is the most important thing after all...