South of the Dordogne, in the Lot, is a country rich in castles, fortified hill towns, caves, gorges and rolling agricultural land. Although becoming better appreciated, this is a less well-known area of tiny roads, farm hamlets and sun - lots of sun. The countryside has sunflowers, corn, lavender, vines, good wines and local delicacies. There are many restaurants. Montcuq has a 12th century tower, Sunday market, small shops, cafes, tennis courts, an open air swimming pool and a man made sandy beach and big swimming lake. The oldest dwellings were in the cliff behind the village, but Lebreil is now a south facing hamlet of 14 houses (& a mayor) about two miles from Montcuq.

Le Sabotier is in the middle of a tiny steep mediaeval street, opposite the church. The house is on three levels with a terrace on the south-east, shaded by a fig tree and mature vine, with barbecue, among the variegated russet coloured pantile roofs. Inside, the shape of the building reflects its age and chaotic building history. The walls are bare stone, the ceiling high; there is space, sense of calm and a wood-burning stove. The layout is eccentric. The ground floor, once perhaps for animals and most recently the cobbler's workshop, is now a large second family room. The main rooms are extraordinary and a puzzle of steps and angles. There is another tiny balcony to the west to watch the sun go down over the church. There is a swimming pool across the lane. The English owner lives next door and can help with where to eat, buy wine, swim, shop or visit. Lots of visitors have written unasked to praise their French holidays.

Le Sabotier was renovated some years ago for its English owner. The main floor has sitting room with dining area & the kitchen beyond. Upstairs the gallery bedroom has four-poster bed and its own bathroom. A staircase (2005) goes down to the lower floor which has a double bed and two singles in one room and then a shower room (2006) with basin &WC.

The sitting room is entered off steep steps from the tiny street, opposite the church. It has a wood-burning stove which will take the chill off the evenings in spring and autumn and provide a good central heat all day in the winter. There is DVD and TV. (French channels only). Logs for the woodburner are extra. Central heating added for 2007. The kitchen, designed in Provencal fashion with wood shelves and cupboards in blue and yellow and fabrics to match, is equipped with a gas cooker, microwave, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, food processor and cafetiere. The kitchen door leads onto the terrace and barbecue area with table and chairs partly shaded by a fig tree and vine.

Les Volets Rouges, next door to Le Sabotier, sleeps 8 to 10, and may be available. Together, the two houses sleep 14. Plans, photos & details are available. Across the lane is a larger garden ideal for sun lounging with its SW aspect, and next to it the private pool shared with La Maison Volets Rouges. The pool is 10 metres x 5.5 metres with a depth of between 1.0 and 1.5 metres. There are terrific views across the valley.