I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself to everyone and put a face behind the business. Originally from Germany, I am a goldsmith and was running my own gallery/workshop in Marylebone, London for 9 years. After 15 years in the UK and the birth of my daughter, the decision was made in 2011 to move to the French countryside. When first viewing the property back in 2010, I immediatel
y saw the further potential of Domaine de la Dolce for a wonderful family friendly holiday destination where parents can relax as their children enjoy the company of new found friends. Set among rolling hills and farmland, where the vineyards of the Cahors AOC wine region mingle with the tranquil oak and chestnut forests of the Périgord, Domaine de la Dolce is a peaceful family friendly holiday destination in the heart of South West France. All you will hear during the day are the birds in the many trees surrounding the gites, the laughter of happy children…..and in the evening maybe the hooting owl. The three gites/self-catering cottages are single-level accommodations configured specifically with babies, small children and toddlers in mind. My aim has been to create a small, beautiful, very baby, child and toddler friendly gite holiday haven and my many returning guests tell me that I have succeeded, as I believe happy children means happy, relaxed parents. In 2013 I was awarded three stars by “Atout France”, the official French body for hotel, gîte and chambre d’hôte classification. Being a parent myself I know how important it is to offer “child-friendly” holidays and I do my best to provide parents of babies, small children and toddlers with all the essentials (and the little extras), so that children and mums and dads alike have a wonderful, relaxing and stress-free time. Guests find a welcome basket on arrival and some basic essentials to get them started, while my little guests receive a special present, appropriate to their age. Pre-arrival shopping can be arranged and if parents do not wish to cook on the evening of arrival, they can also order a quiche freshly made by Charlène, the owner of a beautiful "Salon de thé" nearby. Most importantly the children feel happy and safe here and make instant playmates. With a huge range of toys and games and being located in an area where there is so much to do and see, I welcome returning guests year after year. Guests describe my holiday retreat as “Home from Home”. The indoor playroom is a kid’s heaven, with a fantastic collection of toys for all ages, plus books, games, DVD’s, dressing up clothes, a huge blackboard for lots of creativity (not only by the children), Playmobil and table football. Outside the children’s paradise continues with a huge meadow in front of the gites. While the children run around to let off steam, play in the tipi or Hide and Seek, they are in full view of their parents who in the meantime can relax on their private patio with a cup of tea or coffee or, later in the day, a glass of wine or beer. In addition, my little guests have the shady playground in the woodlands to discover, and can enjoy a splash and a swim in the fenced and heated salt-filtered pool or maybe try a game of table tennis. I love sharing this beautiful place with "my families" and seeing everybody laughing and smiling! My motto......"Happy children mean happy parents".....and that makes me happy. Why not come and see for yourself!!
