Terrific French Chateau for sale

A newly renovated 14th century country mansion set in 60-acres of unspoilt grounds and woodlands, part of which is believed to be the last natural truffle estate in the Dordogne, is for sale at £2.103 million.

Eight-bedroom Château Lagut located in the north-east of the Dordogne comes with a guest suite and separate two-bedroom cottage, ideal for staff, overflow visitors or to rent out for extra income.

Foodies will also be pleased to know that only four kilometres away is Sorges, famous for rare fungi and home to the annual truffle market held in January.

These ‘black diamonds’, superb local food - such as foie gras, confit de canard, veal and prunes - delightful wines and rolling countryside have been attracting property-seeking Britons for many years, according to Peter Boumans, sales manager at La Perla International Living.

‘The Dordogne is the ideal place to buy property abroad. The slower pace of life, wonderful local cuisine, charming culture and ease of access make the region a perfect place to own a home. Prices in the Dordogne are holding steady, mainly due to the area’s longstanding popularity,’ he says. Renovated property is becoming more attractive to second-home buyers, saving them the hassle of carrying out the work themselves, Mr Boumans adds. More than 20,000 Brits immigrated to the Dordogne in 2006 alone, lured by the area’s charms. Over three million people visited the Dordogne last year, representing 31% of the local economy, which means a healthy demand for holiday rental property.

With two airports in Bordeaux and Bergerac, the Dordogne is within easy reach. Bordeaux has direct services from Bristol and Luton; Bergerac from Stansted, Liverpool and London Gatwick. Nearby Limoges Airport provides connections to the East Midlands, Liverpool, Stansted and Southampton.

For more information, contact La Perla International Living 00 31 20 589 40 70, www.laperlainternationalliving.com .