Beynac-et-Cazenac · Périgord Noir
A house built in 1607 against the cliff of Beynac castle, with terraced gardens and a 27-metre pool that seems to float above the Dordogne valley.
La Maison des Sarrasins — the House of the Saracens — takes its name from the land it stands on, at the foot of the cliff of Beynac castle, whose oldest tower, long since gone, was called the Saracens’ Tower. The grounds still hold a large medieval cistern, from which water was drawn up to the top of the cliff, thirty-five metres above.
Built in 1607 under Henri IV, in the prosperous years that followed the Wars of Religion, the house was enlarged in the mid-18th century under Louis XV, when the terraced gardens were laid out. In the early 2000s it was meticulously restored by the owner of the nearby Château de Castelnaud and Gardens of Marqueyssac.
Thirty metres long, with its ochre render, it seems from afar to extend the cliff itself. Its 80-centimetre stone walls keep it cool in summer and warm in winter. It welcomes up to 15 guests — families, friends, weddings or exceptional events.
The 67 m² drawing room, paved in marble and home to a piano, opens to the west onto a balcony: beyond its wrought-iron scrolls and the stone-slab roofs of the village, the view reaches the wild islands of Beynac, wrapped by the river for more than a kilometre.
The drawing room and dining room both have large walnut fireplaces in the Henri IV style. The 54 m² dining room, lit by the stained glass of a mullioned window, has recovered its original lime finish in two shades of grey.
The kitchen is fitted throughout with professional equipment and has its own dining corner. Cook with produce from local markets and farms — or, on request, have a chef come and cook for you.
The house and its gardens form a true belvedere over the Dordogne valley: the view stretches to the castles of Castelnaud, Marqueyssac, Fayrac and, in the distance, Lacoste.
At the foot of the cliff, the 27-metre infinity pool seems to hang above the valley.
Behind the house, a flower garden has a large barbecue and a shaded seating area under a pergola, for long evenings with friends. The terraced gardens date from the 18th century; the yews at the western entrance are said to have been planted around 1725.
Designated parking is available for our guests. The car park is 650 metres from La Maison des Sarrasins, a 10 to 15-minute walk. You can charge your electric vehicle at a rate of €20 per charge (€10 for a hybrid vehicle).
The house stands in the heart of the historic village, whose narrow lanes are not suited to cars: please study the access before you arrive. If you cannot carry your luggage through the lanes, a paid valet service, to be booked in advance, will meet you at the car park.
Seven bedrooms and suites, each with its own name and character. Depending on the room, beds are made up as a double or as twins.
On the ground floor, reached directly from the house or the terrace and ideal for guests with reduced mobility: a large bedroom with a fireplace, a small sitting room and a winter garden opening onto the valley and the garden.
A superb “chapel” bedroom beneath a vaulted arch, with its own sitting area. Its simple limewashed walls stay cool in summer.
A suite under the eaves, with a sitting area, a bathtub and a view over the terrace.
A bright bedroom facing the Dordogne.
An attic bedroom under sloping ceilings, with a superb view of the Dordogne.
A triple bedroom under the eaves, looking out over the valley, which forms a family suite with the Marius room.
A small bedroom next to the Lazare room, with a view over the valley.
The Lazare and Marius rooms together form a family suite for 5, with a shared shower room.
The heart of the Périgord Noir, on foot or a few minutes’ drive away.
The medieval fortress towering over the village and the valley.
Museum of medieval warfare, across the river.
Hanging gardens with a belvedere over the Dordogne.
A cliff-side village on the water’s edge.
Medieval town and its Saturday market.
Canoeing, swimming and gabarre boat trips from Beynac.
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The Beynac Rentals team, based in Beynac, will be happy to answer your questions.