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Discover the
DOMAINE D'ESSENDIÉRAS
in Dordogne

Domaine d'Essendiéras
at the top of the Dordogne

At the top of one of the highest hills of the Dordogne, with magnificent views over the valley of the Isle, you will find The Domaine d’Essendiéras.

The Domain is graced with two castles, the newest castle, dating from the 19th century, offers a view on the gardens and the swimming pool in front. The other castle, built in the 16th century, has entirely been renovated where you can know find the suites, reception rooms and a spa.

The two castles, with annexes, form a closed inner courtyard: a fantastic setting from the Middle Ages. The panoramic views and magnificent colors in every season… wherever you look, you acquire a lasting impression of the Domaine d’Essendiéras.

The renovation has preserved the original function of the buildings as much as possible. For example, you can find the original stables, the forge, the carpentry workshop, and the tobacco loft.

Next to the spacious apple orchard, you will see various types of trees that adorn the drive. They provide striking color variation in every season. Those who venture deeper into the woods will enjoy total tranquility, except for a few small wild animals!

You will find endless landscapes on the grounds of Essendiéras. Magnificent views and closed forest trails that offer everything a hiker needs.

History
of the domain

Our Domain d’Essendiéras is situated on one of the highest hills of the Dordogne with a magnificent view over the valley of the Isle, bordered by the river de Loue and the Haut-Loue.

After taking over the dilapidated buildings in 1999, our history starts with the renovation of this charming French cultural heritage.

The total country estate has a surface area of 350 ha and consists of 7 farms with barns and ten labourers’ cottages. The centre is dominated by XVIth and XIXth century castles with annexes such as stables, barns, administrator’s residences, a large park and an orangerie.

From time immemorial it has always been an agrarian domain where highly prominent French families, often with a cultural or political background, resided.

Essendiéras
Solar Energy

The Domaine d’Essendiéras covering 360 hectares in the town of Saint Médard d’Excideuil has been owned by the Bakker family since 1999. In almost 20 years, this former agricultural property has been transformed into a tourist, golf and event sector.

The capacity of rooms and lodges now exceeds 300 beds. With camping, weddings and business seminars, the Domaine receives more than 450 people a day in summer.

Functioning as a small town, the layout has been conceived in a sustainable and ecological way. The property has two boreholes more than 140 meters deep for its drinking water. Golf and gardens are irrigated from the ponds that collect water during the winter. And three sewage treatment plants treat all the wastewater on site. The desire to have a renewable energy source has existed for years and has seen the day in 2019.