We opted for a two week stay so that various family members could fly in and out for differing periods of time. Should have made it three, or four, or..........
As each new person arrived their reaction was identical to that of ours when we arrived early Saturday evening having driven all day from the UK : "stunning, pretty, tranquil and identical to the photographs (which doesn't always prove to be true)"
Everything one needs to survive a fortnight in this part of France - corkscrew, glass, and bottles of red (two of which along with two white were awaiting our arrival) were all there. The property is finished to a high standard and equipped fully throughout, there never being an occasion when we needed a utensil or piece of equipment which wasn't provided. The kitchen was fantastic for such a large group and there's plenty of space and seating to eat and relax.
Any questions, queries, assistance or information can be readily gleaned from the very useful house book (copy at the property as well as one being sent out prior to arrival) or from Victoria the housekeeper, a very nice lady who can't do enough to help.
Taking advice from the owner's house book, we can highly recommend the boulangerie in nearby Taillecavat only a twenty minute walk along the edges of the vineyard from Le Bonheur for breakfast croissants and daily bread - whilst the local Carrefour Contact in Duras (ten minutes by car) has everything one might need nothing beats freshly made local bread and pastries.
Further afield Bordeaux (an hour and ten minutes in the car), and Bergerac (three quarters of an hour) provide bigger places to visit. The 'Cité du Vin' in Bordeaux is a must for wine lovers along with the plentiful number of local Chateaus which offer tours and dégustations - Chateau de Montbazillac just outside Bergerac and St Emillion are both close by.
Our party had a marvellous Sunday morning in Duras visiting the Chateau - experience the 'Whispering Room' - followed by lunch in the sun in the town square.
Most French towns have some form of market and the seasonal evening markets are another must see, combined with dinner before or after. The Bastide town of Eymet is always popular but is very pretty and worth the visit.
Would we stay at Le Bonheur again? Yes.
Is it good value for money? Yes.
Thank you to Shirley and Bill for all of your help, patience and advice in answering my correspondence in the build up to and during the stay.
Mark - June 23rd to July 7th