Set in the beautiful countryside on the border of Charente and Dordogne, considered by some the most beautiful countryside in France, the House of Villeboisien is an exquisitely-restored 18th Century mansion. Its position at the top of the hill, with the chateau to one side and the church to the other, gives it magnificent views over the surrounding valleys and the small village of Villebois Lavalette (population about 750). The chateau was rebuilt after a fire at the beginning of the 19th century on the 12th century foundations. The site earlier had a Gallic fort, then a Roman castle.

The town is clustered around the slopes of the hill giving easy access from the house to the delights of all the facilities the town has to offer. There are two boulangeries, a patisserie, butchers, a small hotel with restaurant, a bar, a grand town hall, and the crowning glory of the town: the 17th century covered market that still hosts vendors of local produce just 200 metres from the house. There's even a Super U supermarket less than 1/2 mile away if you want a wide selection of goods.

Villebois is easily reached by road (the N10 is only about 15 minutes away) or train (the TGV from Paris takes about 2.5 hours from Montparnasse or 3 hours from CDG airport). The regional capital of Angouleme is 22km to the north.