Travel

Item Description

This package is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! 

Maison Rose is a 400-year-old rowhouse in St-Jean-de-Cole, a village of 150 inhabitants in the Dordogne region of southwest France. The three-bedroom home is furnished with French country antiques. There are three working fireplaces (including one in the master bedroom), a rose-covered terrace, and a garden of yew and box bushes with an oval reflecting pool. Each of the three bedrooms has an ensuite bathroom. The master bedroom has a queen-sized bed, and the other two have twins, for a sleeping capacity of six.

The owners, Mary and Jim Oppel, residents of France since 1994, live five minutes away. They provide gratis concierge services--everything from arranging vineyard and cave tours to suggesting good-but-little-known restaurants.  Guests will enjoy arrival night cocktails with the Oppels. 

Previous renters and/or guests have included Sen. Sam Nunn and his family, the president of Relais & Chateaux International, a managing editor of The New York Times, the president of the Library of America, and Cokie and Steve Roberts. In addition, the house has been featured in Conde Nast Traveler's "Guide to Affordable Villas" and in The Washington Post.

Amenities include fresh garden flowers, stereo with a selection of classical, jazz and popular CDs; an extensive library of books including many on the region; four 21-speed touring bikes; a fully-equipped kitchen with marble counters, picnic basket, Ipod portal, TV/DVD and WIFI.

St-Jean-de-Cole is designated one of the 144 Most Beautiful Villages in France. It sits in a wooded valley with the Cole River running through its center and is architecturally distinguished by four Historic Monuments—a 12th-century abbey, 13th-century chateau, and medieval bridge and market hall. Commerce includes a small grocery, pharmacy, and three restaurants. There are also tennis courts and a 20-mile-long rails-to-trails path for biking and hiking.

The Dordogne has been named by Harpers Hideaway Report (the bible for travel professionals) as one of the 15 best travel destinations in the world, along with the Cotswolds, Tuscany and Provence.

This trip also includes two exciting and unique experiences.  Winning bidders will enjoy a full day of visiting three of the regions caves with prehistoric art in the company of Christine Desdemaines-Hugon. Her book on the subject, Stepping-Stones: A Journey through the Ice Age Caves of the Dordogne, was published by Yale University, and she regularly leads groups from the National Trust, Chicago Art Institute, and other prestigious organizations and universities. (Lunch not included). 

In addition, guests will enjoy a guided morning canoe trip on the breathtakingly beautiful and pristine Dordogne river led by the knowledgeable owners of the home. 

Item Special Note

One week stay begins and ends on Saturdays, subject to availability in 2020.  Dates to be arranged with the owners of the home.  Winner is encouraged to contact owners within a week of the event. Weeks are currently open in April, May, June, July, August and October of 2020.