Art Reviews

  • Came to this countryside haven for a week’s art course. I was on my own but joined a group of lovely friendly people who all became friends. This week of art and laughter was perfect. The area is so beautiful and stunning views, walks and plenty to inspire art of all genres. The hosts, Bruce and Claire-Louise, went above and beyond to make our stay perfect from transport not just to and from the airport, but driving us to villages and the market near by so we could experience the whole region. They provided the most delicious meals which were so fresh mostly from their own garden, including a bbq, a paella night and even a film night! They were alway on hand, and made our stay most memorable. I was sorry to leave and I will certainly be looking out for more of their stays for next year.

    Katie A - September 2024

  • Our hosts Claire -Louise & Bruce were very welcoming and such a lovely couple. The place is wonderfully peaceful surrounded by trees & birds. The little hamlet in which it is situated is charming. My stay was part of an all-inclusive watercolour painting course which was very well arranged & I felt very pampered with delicious meals & fantastic tuition & great friendliness amongst all participating. I would certainly like to return again.

    Susan R - September 2024

  • .....: I was in a felting group 10-17th September and although the weather was a tad cold for the time of year we had a ball. Surroundings beautiful; hospitality wonderful ; Gites great. The food was absolutely delicious. The felting week was just so lovely with great new friends. Claire-Louise & Bruce were exceptional hosts. What more can I say but ‘a magical time!’

    Sarah O - September 2024

  • Very attractive area and property. Everything provided, with 2 heated pools. Set in an attractive sandstone hamlet with many walks from the doorstep and local villages. Excellent hosts - nothing too much trouble.

    Trixie C - September 2024

  • We found L’Enclos was a wonderful home in a quiet village with friendly locals. Bruce and Claire-Louise were very welcoming and determined to ensure we had a good time.. They worked hard to organise special events and amazing food and drinks. The ambiance was relaxing and we had a lot of fun.. The textile art course (from Hampshire, UK) we attended during our stay was interesting and inspiring.

    Ann A - September 2024

  • My weeklong art venture staying in L’Enclos in Sergeac was absolutely magical. The surrounding areas, including the village are idyllic, quiet, and beautiful, with breathtaking views within the surrounding countryside. The villagers were welcoming and friendly, stopping by the ‘studio’ in the village hall where our classes were held. There is so much to see in local area from the caves at Lascaux, local markets, the Buddhist retreat centre, canoeing on the river, and many walks through the woodland and orchards. Our hosts Bruce and Claire-Louise were outstanding! They have thought of everything to make your stay relaxing and memorable. Bruce was so amiable with a a wealth of local knowledge and happy to drive us wherever we wished to go and was able to accommodate our group or just a few individuals. He was funny and cheerful at all times, serving up meals and drinks, barbecuing, and putting everyone at ease in his home. We all felt like part of his family. Claire-Louise, his wife, is very knowledgeable about the history of the house and France. She cooks the most amazing meals made with fruit, nuts and vegetables from their garden and local produce from the neighbouring markets. Every meal, including breakfast, was a culinary adventure! There was variety and surprises each time we sat down for a meal whether it was in her beautiful kitchen or outdoors on the patio, under the stars or sheltered enclosure. Claire-Louise prepared dishes of the local cuisine with regional delicacies in every meal: walnuts, cheeses, pâtés, and the most delicious fresh breads every day. We were also treated to jams, chutneys and liqueurs that were also homemade. One evening was booked at the local auberge for a five course set meal that was equally delicious and we were able to walk there in just a few minutes time. The house and gîtes were lovely and our hosts have thought of everything to make you feel comfortable and cozy- from the toiletries to the lounge chairs by not one, but two, swimming pools! My room was en-suite with plenty of light and hot water. Every room is themed and well decorated with comfortable beds, mirrors, and hairdryers. (Bruce has a supply of adaptors, if needed or forgotten.) Lastly, I need to add that I booked this trip on my own and met the most wonderful people on the course, The art lessons were provided by a wonderful tutor in the studio each day and had us out sketching on walks or painting en plein air with so many views and sights to draw and paint. At the end of the week a wonderful fizzy exhibition was held in the hall. The people I met on the course all got on well and really bonded as a group over the week. We are now planning to meet up with each other again next year if the course is available, if not sooner to stay in touch. I’m so pleased that I went and can’t wait to stay again.

    Judith S - September 2024

  • Thank you for your wonderful hospitality for our sketching /felting retreat. We really felt like a part of your family, and nothing was too much trouble for you. The local visits were inspirational, and you gave us a real insight into the region. I only wish the food at home was as good!

    Georgina H - September 2023

  • I was lucky enough to attend the first art course held at Gites L'Enclos. Our hosts Claire-Louise and Bruce were so welcoming and obliging. Their gites are beautiful, comfortable and with all the facilities of home. I loved the way that you could be private yet you were in a little hamlet. I do hope that others will have the opportunity to create art in such an inspiring place and the chance to try to capture the view from the terrace!

    Madeline C September - 2023

  • We all had a wonderful time on our felting and sketching retreat at l'Enclos, and would never have known that it was Claire Louise and Bruce's first time hosting a fully-catered group for a themed holiday on-site. I was allocated the Garden Room, which was very spacious and extremely comfortable, with all the facilities one could wish for, and a lovely French window on to the lawn/outdoor cinema area, which was very handy. Our meals were delicious, full of local specialties and home-grown produce, and with all personal tastes and quirks catered for. The generous bar with free-flowing beer and excellent local wine was just as promised. The most striking memory I have taken from the hospitality at l'Enclos is the boundless energy, enthusiasm, friendliness and care shown by Claire Louise and Bruce to all of us. They are a talented and charming couple, and genuinely enjoy their roles. That is infectious, and makes for a great holiday. Thank you so much again - I really hope to be back.

    Jill L - September 2023