The Gatehouse is located in the small hamlet of Le Bas Vignaud, a collection of 4 stone buildings and barns that housed the employees of a country estate. The property is only a 500 meter stroll to the local restaurant, Chloebelles. They serve excellent food and have a welcoming atmosphere. 

The local medieval town of Le Dorat is just 6km away and here you will find nearest supermarket, as well as restaurants, cafe bars, a local hospital and medical centre. The town dates back to 950AD when the local chapel of Saint Pierre was founded by monks. The town still has plenty of impressive buildings dating back to the 12th and 13th Centuries. The central square holds a bustling market every Wednesday featuring local produce, cheese, high-quality meat (from the Limousin cattle breed), fruit & veg and household goods. The town holds a number of events and festivals throughout the year, as well as a popular Christmas market.

The town has a famous race course (Le Dorat Hippodrome) which first started holding races in 1900. The racecourse holds races in June, July and August; a national horse show in September. The local area has a long standing equestrian tradition and there is an annual Horse festival held in the town every August.

The surrounding area features many activities to try out including various cycle routes; hiking through the lush forests and hills of the Monts de Blond; canoeing & kayaking on the River Gartempe; Mountain Biking in the St Pardoux Forest, Climbing on the rocky outcrops of Pierre-Buffière.

The nearby city of Limoges is a very pretty place, with a lovely historical centre, a stunning medieval Cathedral and a beautiful art-deco train station (often regarded as the most beautiful train station in France). Limoges was recently voted the 4th best place to live in France and was nominated as the best French city to retire to.