The appartment lies to the rear of my house with separate access from a side road which makes it very private and quiet. Previous visitors have commented on this and on the warmth of their reception afforded. The appartment is self-contained; The main house was built in 1882 and was formerly the residence of a wine negotiant and at one time there were no fewer than 7 other negotiants in this avenue. The separate entrance to the flat is via a small courtyard which is suitable for parking and with a pretty garden alongside which guests are welcome to use for relaxing and outdoor eating. There is an abri at the end of the garden for quiet moments and/or pre-dinner aperitives. A big advantage is the easy access to Castillon station (200 metres) with frequent trains to Bordeaux ( 45 minutes) and Bergerac ( 45 minutes) In the other direction from the house, lies the attractive town of Castillon itself with all facilities in easy walking distance. Shops, Chemists, Bakeries, restaurants, lovely views of the River Dordogne

I have lived in France for nearly 21 years in this same district. For 17 years this was in a small village called St. Jean de Blaignac, but In 2014 we found this lovely house in Castillon with the advantage of a self-contained flat at the rear. Many people with a scant knowledge of the effects of Brexit have asked if I want to return to the UK. I strenuously deny this because I love this part of France, so much less populated than the S.E. England from whence I came. I love the patrimoine, the wine for sure and on the whole the people. Local produce is in abundance at very reasonable prices, particularly at the Monday market in Castillon and even in the supermarkets. On the whole the weather is good and I reckon on average about 5°C higher than in the UK all the year round, but even in winter there are occasions when it is possible to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. For the last 13 years I have been treasurer of an annual Festival of classical music held in a nearby village. I also sing in a choir based here in Castillon and during the year we have several concerts in the area. I also belong to a walking group and often we do a local ramble, so I am well established here.

The Gironde situated in the midst of a important wine industry and is a great departement with Bordeaux at its heart commercially and culturally. It is a beautiful city blessed with a great tramway net work which renders journeys there by car unnecessary. There is an important Opera House there, loads of restaurants, museums, parks and gardens. Also St. Emilion is only 10 minutes away by car or train as well as many opportunities to taste and buy direct from the producer in the vicinity. I am familiar with several of these and I could organise a personal visit with tastings there at short notice on request. There are opportunities to hire canoes for trips on the Dordogne and a leisure centre where all sorts of water sports are on offer. The coast is not far away with the resort of Arcachon within easy reach, with a bird sanctuary and oysters, mussels and other shellfish for sale.