Rustic chic, contemporary mix, call it what you will but renovations in the Dordogne region, combining classic stone and architecture with a modern interior design has become extremely popular.

The writer Henry Miller once wrote “The trip to the Dordogne was of major importance…I retain a hope for the future of the species and even our planet...the Dordogne will survive, just like the dreams that nourish the human soul.” Today this hope is still realized as the timeless Dordogne epitomizes classic style and architecture in its most natural form. For a long time the Périgord Poupre was very popular with international buyers due to the opening and expansion of Bergerac airport. Now investors and buyers are becoming fascinated and attracted to the green valley countryside with towns such as Ribérac and Brantôme, close to the international airport of Bordeaux, Limoges and the TGV connections to Paris from Angoulême.

The majority of farmhouses with towers and turrets started to develop in the 12th and 13th centuries. In the 14th century walls, courtyards and intricate entrances were added when the friction between the Kings of France and England was at an all-time high. This area has a long, turbulent historical past and was repeatedly invaded right up until the 20th century. A more peaceful way of life nowadays has been preserved and so too has the stone and architectural masterpieces displayed in many properties. The region is scattered with many buildings listed on the UNESCO Heritage trail of the 1000 year old pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, known in English as the Way of St. James. Many authentically restored properties have retained special features such as spirals, patterns and the pilgrim's shell which was a personal motif used by the alchemist Jacques Coeur.

A particularly outstanding example of this fine Périgord stone can be found in “La Cimes des Arbres” (Treetops), a 16th century farmhouse that took over four years to renovate. Meticulously recreated and extended by over 70 local artisans, the project was supervised under the careful watch of architect Eric Borgers, also a Périgord resident and expert. The owners John Colmey and Anne-Marie Gordon bought a nearby ruin in order to utilise the local stones in the renovation and features such as the roof tiles, handcrafted windows and doors, traditional oak terraces and staircases are all individual masterpieces. Set on the top of a hillside, the farmhouse is surrounded from the east to west daily sunlight and the dominant position commands breathtaking views of the rolling green valleys.

John, a passionate environmentalist and journalist, made sure that the house is as efficient as it is authentic. A high-tech German ecological exchange heat pump system provides a constant room temperature throughout the year and also heats the 12 x 4 metre pool at 30 degrees from Spring to Autumn. The rooms are voluminous and the intelligent use of space and interior design means that every seating area in the house has a purpose. The finish is faultless and the 300m2 of accommodation comprises, two original fireplaces, four ensuite bedrooms, a dining room, living room, TV/playroom and a library. Underfloor heating compliments the traditional oak floors in the bedrooms and the whole property manages with luxurious style to blend old and new design. Outside the oak terrace overlooks the perfectly manicured landscape garden and fruit trees. La Cime des Arbres is a 45 minute drive from Begerac airport and just 6 kms from the town of Riberac. This normally sedate, peaceful town comes alive on Fridays when locals flock to sniff, smell and trade the best of the regions’ produce and it has a reputation for being the best market in the Périgord.

Properties such as La Cimes des Arbres are always the most in demand with European and international buyers, who come from all corners of the world to acquire them. From a design sense, a perfect contemporary renovation allows the stone and original features to breathe again. In the past, incredulously, it was “de rigueur” to actually cover up features such as open fireplaces and stone walls.

Architect Eric Borgers, opened his company in Perigord in 2002 and takes great care in preserving the architecture and features of the properties he renovates. Using where he can only recuperated stones from local ruins; Borgers uses the cut stones to surround doorframes, windows and sills. His love of the stone is infectious, “Imagine the most beautiful light as the sun changes through the day” he enthuses. “This cream coloured stone is so special, so warm looking. As the sun turns a warm orange, so does the stone.” His pride in his work is paramount and he sources a softer stone from a village called Paussac and another much harder quality of stone from Limeyrat.

At Sarlat, in the heart of the Dordogne, lies a vast stone quarry, Carrieres Veze, which has been sourcing the regions’ stone since it opened in 1970. It began with an open quarry and then went underground and each boulder is now digitally cut. Sarlat stone is a prestige material which for centuries has been used to embellish the buildings in Périgord and the quarry undertakes all types of renovation, buildings, fountains, staircases and new buildings created from this exquisite material.

Périgord is actually the ancient name of the area that is now the department of the Dordogne in the Aquitaine region. Most French people refer to the area as the Périgord; most outsiders call it the Dordogne. Whichever name you choose, one thing that is set in stone is the sheer beauty and timeless elegance which the properties throughout the region portray.

“La Cimes des Arbres” is for sale at 625,000 euros through HOMEHUNTS the Luxury property specialists. For more information please contact Kirsten Pollard – kirsten@home-hunts.com www.home-hunts.com