We spoke with Sarah , who moved to the Dordogne in 2020  after leaving the UK in search of a slower, more balanced way of life. Like many people considering a move to France, she weighed up several regions before settling on the Dordogne, a decision shaped by lifestyle, affordability, and a desire to feel part of a real, working community rather than a tourist hotspot. Below, Sarah shares why she decided to make the move, what drew her specifically to the Dordogne, and what e

These costs vary depending on  property size, condition, insulation, heating type and occupancy , but the ranges below reflect what most buyers experience after settling in. Property Type Typical Annual Costs Village house €1,500–€2,500 Country home €2,500–€4,000 Large stone house €4,000–€7,000 Manor / estate €7,000+ Let's delve deeper: 1. Village House Typical annual cost: €1,500 – €2,500 What this usually includes: Taxe foncière:  €400 – €800 Heating & electricity:  €600 –

These are  realistic, lifestyle-focused ranges , assuming standard resale property (not forced sales or exceptional bargains). Up to €200,000 – Entry Level & Renovation Focus Typical properties Village houses requiring updating Rural homes needing renovation Smaller stone houses Basic countryside cottages What to expect: ☐ Older electrics and plumbing ☐ Little or no insulation ☐ Possible septic tank upgrade ☐ Cosmetic and functional work needed Best suited for Buyers happy to

A practical, on-the-ground checklist for buyers viewing homes in the  Dordogne Use this checklist during viewings to compare properties objectively, avoid costly surprises, and stay focused on  long-term livability , not just first impressions. 1. Location & Setting ☐ Village, hamlet or isolated countryside ☐ Year-round access (roads, lanes, winter conditions) ☐ Distance to nearest- Bakery / shop: Market town: GP / pharmacy: Hospital: ☐ Noise levels (roads, farms, tourism) ☐

Ideal for:  permanent movers, retirees, renovation buyers, income projects Day 1 – Orientation & Sarlat Area Area drive around Sarlat 2–3 property viewings (move-in ready) Market visit, café stops, parking checks Evening meal locally Day 2 – Dordogne Valley Villages Focus on river villages and hillside homes View: Character stone houses Properties with terraces and views Gîte-friendly layouts Lifestyle emphasis: summer crowds vs winter calm Day 3 – Bergerac & Transport Links

Ideal for:  first-time buyers, second-home owners, or a focused short trip Day 1 – Sarlat & the Dordogne Valley (Périgord Noir) Morning Base yourself near  Sarlat-la-Canéda View 2–3 properties: Stone village houses Renovated farmhouses Homes with gîte potential Focus on proximity to shops, markets and year-round amenities Lunch Lunch in Sarlat’s old town to gauge year-round atmosphere (not just tourism) Afternoon Drive along the Dordogne River toward  Beynac-et-Cazenac  and 

The  Dordogne  has long been one of France’s most sought-after property destinations, particularly for international buyers looking for character, space and a genuine rural lifestyle. Unlike trend-driven hotspots, the Dordogne’s appeal has remained remarkably consistent over decades — rooted in its landscape, architecture and enduring sense of place. For many buyers , the Dordogne represents a return to something more grounded: stone houses, mature gardens, village cafés, wee