An easy day’s drive from the Channel ports, the cottage is at the edge of the small hamlet of Chateaurenon, 30km (20 miles) south west of Limoges. There are lovely views over rolling countryside of meadows and chestnut woodland. The river Dronne rises a few kilometres away and flows through the valley behind the cottage.

The Limousin region is one of the least densely populated of mainland France, with agriculture and forestry the main occupations. Driving around the quiet country lanes past scattered farms and hamlets, you will probably meet more tractors than cars, and more wildlife than traffic. Birdwatchers are particularly well catered for, as we see many species here that are not common in the UK.