Au Pied du Château looks out on the village square and the Chateau de Bourdeilles, a medieval castle with a renaissance addition. Au Pied du Château is a little townhouse nestled into the center of a lively village in the Dordogne department in the Aquitaine region of the south of France, in an area known as Périgord. With two bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, and living room, Au Pied du Château accommodates six guests. Fully furnished and equipped, it can be rented for a week, a weekend, or a few days.

Kathi and Jim Lengel own Au Pied du Chåteau. Kathi is a recovering school principal. Jim is a retired college professor. They live in Vermont at Crossett Hill Lodge for most of the winter. In the summer, they sail their wooden sloop and paddle their kayaks from Camp L-More on Lake Elmore in Vermont. The live at Au Pied du Chåteau during the months of February, May, and October.

Facing the 12th-century castle, just down from the church, Au Pied du Château is a small town house on a cobblestone pedestrian street, with three bedrooms, fitted kitchen, bath and living room on two floors. The master bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bath comprise the ground floor. The second floor houses the dortoir, a large open space with beds for six, plus a toilet and sink. An outdoor balcony and courtyard complete the property. In its 400-plus years, Au Pied du Château has witnessed quite a bit of history. In addition to its patch of grass by the front door, the house faces the chateau’s park and gardens across the street, with benches, trees, and pretty views across the Dronne River. A few steps down Rue de l’Église takes you to the village square, where you may enjoy a drink under the trees at one of the cafés.