Our Story Through Time
15th Century
First records of the Delbru family in
Périgord
1800s
Construction of the estate's current
buildings
1950s
Our grandparents acquired the estate and
established the walnut orchards. These
working walnut groves still frame the
cottages today, offering a magnificent view
from the terraces
Today
Eco-responsible holiday cottages welcoming
families from around the world
The Estate and Its Buildings
The estate centers around carefully preserved 19th-century traditional buildings: the master house (now La Grande Paponie), the valet's house (La Haute Paponie), historic barns, the former pigsty, and our recently restored dovecote that speaks to the estate's historic prestige. At the entrance, a natural spring feeds the public washing house, the hamlet's traditional gathering place.
The walnut fields surrounding the buildings maintain the estate's original agricultural purpose, while our preserved forests offer shaded walks and shelter remarkable biodiversity. We manage these 13 hectares sustainably, protecting natural habitats while sharing this beautiful landscape with our guests.
Our Local Commitment
Beyond welcoming guests, our family actively works to preserve and promote local heritage and sustainable practices in the Dordogne region.
Régis Delbru
Régis serves as Co-President of Mémoire et Patrimoine du Pays de Fénelon (Heritage and Memory of Fénelon Country). For many years, he's contributed to researching and promoting local history. He helped create 50 heritage interpretation panels installed across six villages in the region, enabling visitors and residents to rediscover their history. Organizing the annual Rallye du Pays de Fénelon, he brings together over 100 participants each year for this cultural discovery day. His research focuses on the region's Visigothic history and the evolution of Périgord's rural heritage.
Audrey Delbru
Audrey actively contributes to the Périgord Pierre Sèches association, working to preserve traditional dry stone construction techniques. This ancestral method, recognized by UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, has shaped Périgord's landscapes for centuries. She helps pass this knowledge to new generations through participatory building projects and awareness initiatives.
Our Philosophy: A Caring Family
We see ourselves as stewards - caring for the estate entrusted to us, for the guests who honor us with their visit, and for the environment we want to pass on to future generations. This philosophy of care shapes everything we do.
We take environmental responsibility seriously. Our solar panels complement our 100% renewable energy supplier to power the cottages sustainably. Our organic orchard of over 100 fruit trees provides chemical-free fruit for guests in season. Our saltwater pool eliminates the need for harsh chemicals. We protect biodiversity across our 13 hectares by maintaining natural habitats and managing the land with care.
What some call "eco-innovation," we simply see as continuing what our grandparents practiced naturally - respecting the land that sustains us. It's not about following trends; it's about genuine commitment to the place we call home and the guests who share it with us.