REVIEWS
Nothing short of a fairytale come true. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the beauty of the property and the warm welcome we received from the gracious owners. Our party of 19, including adults, teenagers, and babies, found this stunning estate to be the perfect setting for a memorable and relaxing holiday. The welcome pack was gratefully received – and the chocolate milk didn’t last long đ and the communication prior to our arrival was amazing
The manoir and gite were both beautifully appointed, combining rustic charm with modern amenities. The rooms were spacious, elegantly decorated, and immaculately clean, ensuring that every member of our diverse group felt comfortable and at ease. From the picturesque views of the surrounding countryside to the luxurious bedding and well-equipped kitchens, we couldn’t have asked for more comfortable and enjoyable lodging.
The Manoir’s and Gites amenities were nothing short of fantastic. The swimming pool was a big hit with both the teenagers and adults, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat. For the little ones, the owners had thoughtfully arranged a safe and fun play area with table tennis and swing set, keeping them happily entertained throughout our stay. The extensive gardens provided a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls and are kept to perfection, and we even had a chance to enjoy a barbecue in the outdoor dining area. This is an excellent space for group gatherings and activities. We loved spending time together in the spacious living areas, playing games, and sharing stories and dining on the terrace, The fully equipped kitchen in the made it easy for us to prepare meals for our large party, and the dining area was perfect for family-style dinners and celebrations.
Safety is obviously top of mind with an alarm fitted in the pools â which gave us so much ease with the toddlers running around.The highlight of our experience was undoubtedly the exceptional hospitality of the owners. From the moment we booked our stay, they went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic holiday. They were attentive to our needs, providing helpful local recommendations and arranging extras (helping us book hair appointments and restaurant bookings) which was incredibly thoughtful. The owners’ warmth and genuine care for their guests made us feel like we were we were visiting dear friends rather than staying at a holiday rental, and then there is the dog, a huge hit with the kids, a real playful little puppy.
Castelmoron-sur-Lot itself was a delightful town to explore. We enjoyed leisurely walks along the riverbanks, visited charming local markets, and indulged in the region’s delectable cuisine. The area offered a perfect blend of tranquility and exciting activities, making it an ideal destination for guests of all ages.
Our vacation at the Manoir Des Cedres was undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had as a large group. The exquisite property, combined with the exceptional care and attention from the owners, made it a holiday we will cherish for years to come. If you’re looking for a magical retreat with a mix of relaxation and adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend this stunning manoir and gite to everyone. We really hope to be able to return to this hidden gem in the heart of France. Sarah D, Ireland, June 2023
“Lâaccueille Ă©tait chaleureux”par Liz & Martyn et ils nous ont montrĂ© la maison avec les explications nĂ©cessaires. En plus de lâaccueille personnel Liz nous avait fait un gĂąteau Ă carotte, il y avait des bonnes biĂšres au frigo , un panier de fruit en du vin. La cuisine est bien Ă©quipĂ© et tous est prĂ©sent pour faire de la bonne cuisine. La vue de la Terrace et de la piscine est splendide et repausant . Nous recommandons chaleureusement lâendroit. Nous revenons certainement. Famille Simons de Belgique Aout 2021
“Een echte aanrader” We kregen een warm onthaal door Liz en Martyn. Het zijn heel vriendelijke mensen, die altijd klaar staan voor hun gasten. De gite is charmant ingericht en voorzien van comfortabele bedden. Er is een zwembad en een terras met een prachtig uitzicht. Kortom, een echte aanrader voor een onvergetelijke vakantie. Davy,BelgiĂ«,2021.
“Highly Recommended” We received a warm welcome from Liz and Martyn. They are very friendly people, always ready to serve their guests. The gite is charmingly decorated and has comfortable beds. There is a swimming pool and a terrace with a beautiful view. In short, a real must for an unforgettable holiday.Davy,Belgium,2021.
âBlown away!â Having had the pleasure of a month with Liz and Martyn, we were blown away by the warmth of the welcome, the cleanliness of the entire estate, and the overwhelming views that greet you each morning. The gite has everything you could possibly want, plus a lot more and we were fortunate enough to experience the Manoir too, a sumptuous experience whether eating or sleeping over, in the plethora of stunning bedrooms. As an event venue, it would tick every box, and we could not recommend it highly enough! It is serenity, tranquillity and luxury combining superbly for any visitor…. if we werenât married, weâd be booking up and can assure any prospective couple that they wonât be disappointed if you choose Biraud Bas…For us, lifelong memories, wonderful location and to top everything else, we arrived as warmly greeted guests, and left, albeit reluctantly, as friends!!! Highly recommended!! F&L December 2020
“Ten out of ten for comfort, staff and value for money” We particularly liked the wonderful welcome, the size of the accommodation, views from the dining room and terrace, the beautiful, large bed and the bath tub area. Thierry Huau, Architecte-Paysagiste, Giverny, France Dec 2020
“Dix sur dix pour le confort, le personnel et le rapport qualitĂ©-prix” Nous avons particuliĂšrement apprĂ©ciĂ© le merveilleux accueil, la taille des logements, la vue depuis la salle Ă manger et la terrasse, le beau et grand lit et la baignoire. Thierry Huau, Architecte-Paysagiste, Giverny, France Dec 2020
“Just perfect!” Finding a property for a party of 14 (students and adults) isnât easy. Manoir de Biraud Bas fitted the bill perfectly. This luxurious 17th century recently renovated property with extensive grounds ticked all the boxes. The house oozes taste and style and is immaculately clean. Itâs difficult to say what we enjoyed most! Each bedroom is beautifully decorated, with a mixture of contemporary and antique furniture and comes with en-suite bathroom/ shower room which meant that there were no arguments around who took showers when and keeping them tidy! The vast âchildrenâs bedroomâ with full size single/ double beds and table soccer was met with approval from the younger generation! We also appreciated the mattresses and fine bed linen (we chose not to have duvets given the heat in August), which is rare in rental accommodation. Fred was in his element in the very spacious, fully equipped kitchen, which has everything you could possibly need. There are stacks of cutlery/ glassware/ crockery.The focal point of the house, it has to be said, is the terrace bathed in sunlight from morning to evening, with its comfy lounge furniture and swimming pool area. Sipping wine watching the sun set over the rolling fields of plum orchards was a must for everyone; likewise was being able to dine outside 100% of the time even when it rained! The pool is sufficiently long to do lengths. Whatâs more, the temperature is maintained at a steady 28°C thanks to a heating/ cooling system, so we didnât get that initial temperature shock even with early morning swims! Liz and Martyn did everything to make our stay pleasurable. They were very attentive to our needs, kept the garden immaculate and extremely helpful in providing information on what to see and do in the area while remaining discrete. Lizâs homemade carrot cake and local cheese platter in the welcome package went down a treat! We would definitely recommend Liz and Martynâs beautiful Manor house to others wishing to visit the region or, for that matter, for family get-togethers/ celebrations. A huge âThank youâ to you both for making this a great holiday! Sarah, Paris, France, August 2020
“Tout simplement parfait !” Trouver une propriĂ©tĂ© pour un groupe de 14 personnes (Ă©tudiants, adultes et enfants en bas Ăąge) n’est pas facile. Le Manoir de Biraud Bas a Ă©tĂ© au delĂ de nos espĂ©rances. Cette luxueuse propriĂ©tĂ© du XVIIe siĂšcle rĂ©cemment rĂ©novĂ©e et dotĂ©e d’un vaste terrain a cochĂ© toutes les cases. La maison respire le bon goĂ»t avec beaucoup de style et est d’une propretĂ© irrĂ©prochable. Il est difficile de dire ce que nous avons le plus apprĂ©ciĂ© ! Chaque chambre est magnifiquement dĂ©corĂ©e, avec un mĂ©lange de meubles contemporains et anciens, et est dotĂ©e d’une salle de bain/douche attenante, Ă©vitant toute dispute pour savoir qui prenait les douches et qui les gardait propres ! La vaste “chambre d’enfants” avec des lits simples et doubles et un baby-foot a reçu l’approbation de la jeune gĂ©nĂ©ration ! Nous avons Ă©galement apprĂ©ciĂ© la grande qualitĂ© de la literie (matelas hyper confortables et linge de lit trĂšs agrĂ©able), ce qui est assez rare dans les logements de location. Fred, dont le plus grand plaisir (et le nĂŽtre dâailleurs) est de nous prĂ©parer de bons petits plats pendant les vacances, Ă©tait aux anges dans la cuisine trĂšs spacieuse et entiĂšrement Ă©quipĂ©e, qui a tout ce dont vous pourriez avoir besoin. De plus, la vaisselle ne manque pas. Mais le point central de la maison, est bien la terrasse, baignĂ©e de soleil du matin au soir, avec ses meubles de salon confortables et son espace piscine. Siroter un verre de vin en regardant le soleil se coucher sur les champs vallonnĂ©s des vergers de pruniers Ă©tait un must pour tout le monde ; de mĂȘme, pouvoir dĂźner dehors 100% du temps mĂȘme si une giboulĂ©e vient rafraichir lâatmosphĂšre, est trĂšs apprĂ©ciable !  La piscine est suffisamment longue pour faire des longueurs, et donc parfaite pour jouer ou nager selon son grĂ©. De plus, la tempĂ©rature est maintenue Ă 28°C grĂące Ă un systĂšme de chauffage/refroidissement, ce qui rend trĂšs agrĂ©able la baignade Ă toute heure du matin comme du soir. Liz et Martyn ont tout fait pour rendre notre sĂ©jour agrĂ©able. Ils ont Ă©tĂ© trĂšs attentifs Ă nos besoins, ont gardĂ© le jardin immaculĂ© et ont Ă©tĂ© extrĂȘmement utiles en nous donnant des informations sur ce qu’il y avait Ă voir et Ă faire dans la rĂ©gion tout en restant discrets. Le gĂąteau aux carottes fait maison de Liz et le plateau de fromage local dans le paquet de bienvenue ont Ă©tĂ© un rĂ©gal! Nous recommandons vivement le magnifique manoir de Liz et Martyn Ă tous ceux qui souhaitent visiter la rĂ©gion ou, d’ailleurs, pour des rĂ©unions ou des cĂ©lĂ©brations familiales. Un grand “merci” Ă vous deux pour avoir fait de ces vacances une vraie rĂ©ussite ! PostĂ© par Sarah et Gilles, Ă Paris le 2/09/2020
“We were thrilled with this booking!” It was a beautiful Manoir, impeccably restored with the decor and all fittings luxurious and very tasteful, the kitchen fully equipped with everything one would need. The physical environment was breath-taking and the back verandah area a highlight especially those plum trees! We used the pool and enjoyed the property taking many long walks eating many fruits in a private and stunning area we also saw wildlife. The hosts Martin and Liz were very warm welcoming and generous people. We arrived late on a Monday night and Liz had baked a cake and had stocked up the fridge with a charcuterie board and had wine for us! They were very helpful very pleasant people and also discreet and left us to our own devices. They offered great referrals to areas that we could visit and a local restaurant on the river. The village was fantastic and we really enjoyed walking through a number of times and using the local shops. Peter, Australia, September 2019
“We spent eight absolutely fantastic days at the Manoir de Cedres in the Aquitaine Region and cannot recommend it strongly enough.” The hosts Martyn and Liz are extraordinary and wonderful people who ensures our stay was memorable- and it was! The Manoir is 5 star all the way so luxurious and full of character and the property majestic with wildlife, fruit trees and a view to die for. Itâs a beautiful area and so much to do! We will certainly go back! Violet, Australia, September 2019
“A truly wonderful week” Martyn and Liz have thought of everything to make your holiday a relaxing break. Every comfort is there – from the quality bedding to the welcome pack with Lizâs homemade jam and cake. We canât wait to go back next year. Alison G September 2019
“Already looking forward to our next stay” Just spent two weeks in the Biraud Bas Gite and the short review is that we enjoyed it so much we have already booked for next year! The longer, more informative review is that the Gite is very comfortable and well-equipped and looks just as it does in the photographs. It is a peaceful place with an amazing view from the terrace – we spotted the occasional deer, a hare, buzzards and, my personal favourites, eagles. I thought I spotted an elusive wild boar early one morning but couldn’t be sure….The property is very close to a pretty village with a couple of cafes plus shops for provisions and there is a selection of large supermarkets within close driving distance. We sampled a few of the decent restaurants in the area as well as enjoying some of the evening food markets in other villages. Liz and Martyn are generous and thoughtful hosts, with nothing being too much trouble for them – their information folder was quite the best we have come across.
We were fortunate to be able to have a tour of the Manoir during the changeover day. Much bigger property and also very well appointed – there were two multi-generational family groups in residence for both of the weeks we were there and I can certainly see the attraction for large groups to rent both the Manoir and the Gite for large gatherings.
Can I recommend it – absolutely…….. and we’re already looking forward to our next stay. Sandra B, August 2019
âDefinitely recommend for a holiday or celebrationâ We had a fantastic family holiday at Manoir De Biraud Bas. The Manoir is excellent, it is comfortable, spacious, full of character and charm. It was spotlessly clean and well equipped. The pool and terraces area are wonderful with lovely views. The owners Liz and Martyn were helpful and friendly without being intrusive. They helped with restaurant and taxi bookings, we had a great night out with them at one of the night markets. It is well placed for visiting many of the beautiful bastide towns in the area. It is within walking distance of the local town and the River Lot where you can go canoeing and paddle boarding, it also has a small cafe by the river beach. We would definitely recommend the Manoir for a holiday or celebration. John, Karen and family July 2019
“All round 5 Star stunning place to stay” We stayed in the Manoir and Gite for a week in June 2019 as a group of 16 adults, a 3-yr old, and dog, to celebrate my 60th Birthday. The attention to detail and luxury accommodation in both properties was stunning. Fabulous Welcome Packs, fully stocked kitchens, gorgeous en-suite bathrooms (in the Manoir) and the most comfortable bed I have every slept in. We used the Manoir as our socialising and entertaining property. Happily catering for and seating the whole group every evening. The location is gorgeous, a short walk through orchards to the local village for croissants, lunch at the Solar CafĂ©, water sports and local music festivals in the square. There is so much to do in the area, from day trips to the beautiful towns of Agen, afternoons at La Ferme du Chaudron Magique (playing with the goats), and visiting Latour-Marliac (stunningly beautiful waterlilies and a wonderful place to have lunch). A very special mention has to be made of the lovely hosts, Martyn and Liz (and their gorgeous dog, Burtie). They arranged my 60th birthday party, providing a 4-course meal and beverages, and sourced the birthday cake (a tower of 60 profiteroles) and arranged a fabulous band, Caber Country who had us dancing on the lawns until midnight. Nothing was too much trouble for them and they really made the week very special. Thank you both so much and we will definitely recommend to all our friends and look forward to returning. Carole N, London, 4th July 2019
“Beautiful, Peaceful, Elegant and Relaxing” Manoir de Biraud Bas is a beautiful property, with charm in abundance. The house has all the character and size of an old manor with all the comforts and luxuries of a modern property. It is located in the middle of rolling hills and orchards, where you are able to walk freely and a lit up pool that is well-kept and wonderfully refreshing to jump into on a warm day. The rooms have lots of character, particularly the master bedroom which originates from 1666 but has been refurbished with all the modern luxuries. The kitchen and living room are enormous and also well equipped (we were a group of 13 and never ran out of cutlery!) The owners, Liz and Martyn, were incredibly organised in the lead up to our trip, very quick to respond, and gave us a warm welcome upon arrival. They provided us with advice on local bakeries in the area, where to go for walks and the best wines in the region. They made it feel like it was our home for our (too) short stay there and genuinely made it a really lovely place to stay. I highly recommend this beautiful property and hope I can return there again soon. Megan D on 24/05/2019
“Truly special, peaceful, with great views” We spent 2 fabulous weeks at Biraud Bas. The location is truly special, peaceful, with great views but close to the village’s amenities and the river’s activities!
Liz & Martyn are very generous hosts, from the welcome pack, quality kitchen items, nice French wines and top-end bed linen. They could not be more helpful but also very discrete. The Cottage is charming, the surroundings beautiful and the hosts are such nice people. I can’t recommend enough to anyone booking for a holiday in French Countryside. Forget Dordogne, and come to the Lot et Garonne! It’s the new place to be! Encore 1000 fois mercis! Paul, Virginia, Pierre & Betty (the dog) August 2018
“Lovely visit in July 2018” We had a lovely visit in July 2018, helped by excellent weather. The owners are a lovely couple recently moved to France from the Channel Islands. They live on the property (quite separate so no privacy issues!) and are truly friendly, kind and helpful, doing all they could to ensure we had a good holiday. The property is very well equipped and spacious but extra touches such as a welcome pack of local produce and a folder of local information and recommendations were signs that they are keen to go the extra distance to help keep visitors happy. There is a delightful walk through plum and kiwi orchards to the local village, which has 2 excellent bakeries (we did a croissant run every morning!), a well stocked village store and some banks with cash points. There is one very traditional French cafe with delicious food for lunch but outings for evening meals required a car journey. With a pretty garden, secluded barbecue deck, sparkling pool and gorgeous views of the valley with its orchards and sunflower fields, we didn’t feel the need to venture away too often, but we did enjoy some day trips to castles, Bastide villages and other sections of the river Lot. We also loved the local village markets, and we especially enjoyed the evening markets for al fresco dining at La Parade and overlooking the river at Fongrave. Iain & Fiona McF, Cheshire, July 2019
âA Peaceful & Relaxed Stayâ This lovely accommodation has recently changed hands and we were the very first guests. The converted barn at Biraud Bas is very spacious and private with a lovely outside pool and a great view onto the plum trees and the surrounding landscape.
The room we stayed in had a very comfortable bed with nice quality linen. The kitchen is well equipped and has an extra fridge stocked with drinks for the guests. The welcome basket and the few essentials to start with (milk, water, butter, marmalade..) were also a very nice touch.
The new owners Liz and Martin are marvellous hosts who made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. We enjoyed their table ‘HĂŽtes in a most relaxing atmosphere and were amazed at the generous size of the plates and the drinks. Liz and Martin were always on hand to help or advise without intruding in any way on our privacy. This property has everything you need. Would highly recommend! Inge D, Kempen, Germany, April 2018
 âBeautiful Accommodation with Splendid Viewsâ March 2018 Shaun L, Guernsey The location of Manoir Biraud Bas is superb, being close to the village of Castlemoron-sur-Lot but with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. One can often see the local wildlife such as deer and falcons in the vicinity. The Gite accommodation is finished to a very high standard with ample accommodation for a family with children, with its own separate swimming pool and garden/patio area. Great for privacy. The living area and kitchen are very well appointed with all modern appliances plus a wood burning stove. There are lots of small villages and historical towns to visit in the area or if you just want to laze by the pool the owners will be sure to look after very well.
âBeautiful 3 bedroom gite on the edge of a village. Absolutely stunning views.â June 2018 Mark & Nicky B The hosts Martyn and Liz were amazing, nothing was too much trouble, but then everything you need was there. They offer a Table DâHote service which we sampled one evening, delicious, restaurant quality, would definitely recommend. We had a fantastic holiday which was made easy for us by the stunning setting and the great hosts. Will definitely be back.
Just perfect!
Finding a property for a party of 14 (students and adults) isnât easy. Manoir de Biraud Bas fitted the bill perfectly. This luxurious 17th century recently renovated property with extensive grounds ticked all the boxes. The house oozes taste and style and is immaculately clean.
Itâs difficult to say what we enjoyed most! Each bedroom is beautifully decorated, with a mixture of contemporary and antique furniture and comes with en-suite bathroom/ shower room which meant that there were no arguments around who took showers when and keeping them tidy! The vast âchildrenâs bedroomâ with full size single/ double beds and table soccer was met with approval from the younger generation! We also appreciated the mattresses and fine bed linen (we chose not to have duvets given the heat in August), which is rare in rental accommodation.
Fred was in his element in the very spacious, fully equipped kitchen, which has everything you could possibly need. There are stacks of cutlery/ glassware/ crockery.
The focal point of the house, it has to be said, is the terrace bathed in sunlight from morning to evening, with its comfy lounge furniture and swimming pool area. Sipping wine watching the sun set over the rolling fields of plum orchards was a must for everyone; likewise was being able to dine outside 100% of the time even when it rained! The pool is sufficiently long to do lengths. Whatâs more, the temperature is maintained at a steady 28°C thanks to a heating/ cooling system, so we didnât get that initial temperature shock even with early morning swims!
Liz and Martyn did everything to make our stay pleasurable. They were very attentive to our needs, kept the garden immaculate and extremely helpful in providing information on what to see and do in the area while remaining discrete. Lizâs homemade carrot cake and local cheese platter in the welcome package went down a treat!
We would definitely recommend Liz and Martynâs beautiful Manor house to others wishing to visit the region or, for that matter, for family get-togethers/ celebrations.
A huge âThank youâ to you both for making this a great holiday!
Posted by Sarah, Paris 2/09/2020
“We had the most wonderful week at the manoir.” We had the pleasure of staying at the Manoir for a week in May with a group of 13 family members for the occasion of my father’s 80th birthday. It is a beautiful house with spacious rooms and an extremely well equipped kitchen. My parents stayed in the Pigeonier and enjoyed being able to take themselves away for some peace and quiet in the evenings. Although we did go our for day trips we could have simply spent all day at the manoir enjoying the pool, hot tub and the table tennis. The hosts were helpful and friendly. They live on the grounds but were mindful of our privacy and never intrusive. Our whole family had a wonderful time and spoke highly of the week away. My father described it as a holiday of a lifetime. We would highly recommend to it to anyone. Sophie, UK May 2022
“We have just returned from a wonderful family holiday” at Manoir de Biraud Bas and enjoyed Liz and Martyn’s beautifully appointed House and Gite and their generous and warm hospitality. When we arrived we had a pleasant surprise to find two freshly baked cakes, homemade jam and wine chilling in the fridge. Both the Manoir and the Gite were well stocked with everything that you needed to ensure that all your daily necessities were to hand. The bedrooms were generous in size and the beds were very comfortable with nice crisp linen. Everyone slept well in the tranquil night air. The heated pool was superb where the majority of our time was spent. It was big enough to get a decent swim, as well as providing the children with an ideal place to improve their swimming techniques and have fun. The covered loggia along the back of the house, which provided the venue for outdoor dining, was a haven from any intense heat and its lounging area was very comfortable with lovely views over the valley and hills. With easy access to Castelmoron-sur-Lot for its two boulangeries, epicerie, weekly market and river beach, plus the beautiful surrounding countryside of the Lot et Garonne region, the Manoir is superbly located. Penny C, UK, August 2021
“At our arrival we were warmly welcomed” by Liz & Martyn and got a full explanation of the whole house accommodations. On top we had nice beers in the fridge and a very nice house made carrot cake, a nice fruit box and couple of nice wines. The house is fully and well equipped with a nice and well stuffed kitchen, everything you need and can imagine is available. The area is very quiet and the view from the garden and swimming pool is gorgeous. The terrace is wonderful and well oriented. We enjoyed very much our stay and will certainly return. Family Simons from Belgium August 2021
“Words canât describe how much we enjoyed our time at the Manoir” We were 3 generations of family and some guests travelling from as far as Kenya, and no one was disappointed. The house was beautiful and the grounds just perfect. The hosts went above and beyond to ensure the most magical stay, from arranging welcome treats to putting on two spectacular meals for us. The surrounding villages were idyllic to explore and the food and wine a very high standard. We canât wait to return! Hannah and family, April 2022, UK & Kenya
“Bij onze aankomst werden we warm en hartelijk verwelkomt” door de gastvrouw en gastheer Liz & Martyn en kregen een volledige rondleiding met de nodige uitleg over de accommodatie van het huis. Daarenboven was er een mooi welkom pakket aanwezig met zelfgemaakte wortelcake, een fruitkorf enkel wijntjes en lekkere biertjes in de frigo. De keuken is volledig uitgerust en al wat nodig is om lekker te koeken is aanwezig, je hoeft alleen voor de ingrediĂ«nten te zorgen. Het huis is rustig gelegen en het zicht vanaf het terras en de zwemkom is enig mooi en rustgevend. We hebben ervan genoten en het is een grote aanrader. We komen zeker nog eens terug.Familie Simons uit BelgiĂ« Augustus 2021