"Untouched, unspoiled"

"Eating seemed to occupy a great deal of our time...."

"The magic of Cantou absorbs you as it peacefully eases out the stresses of everyday life."

"There is so much history to see in this area that 2 weeks is not enough."

"...we were not prepared for how breathtaking the view would be...."

"This was our second visit this year, each a 2-week stay; winter was wonderful."

"Truly a bit of nirvana."

"Our future planned stays here keep getting longer and longer in our minds."

"I at long last heard a cuckoo."

"Thanks, Richard, for having the inspiration that has become Cantou, so that our family could share in its peacefulness, its sunsets, its charms and its history."

"Being landlords ourselves, we know how tricky it is to anticipate renters' needs; Richard, you've equipped the house nicely, and the explicit directions are so helpful...."

"What did we appreciate most? The view from the terrace, looking down the valley...; the warmth of Cantou's walk-in fireplace on a chilly autumn morning; relaxing in the evening with a martini, listening to your extraordinary library of classical tapes; going to the market in Bretenoux, the delightful dining experiences....[and] the courtesies extended to us by the local French people."

"What a wonderful house! View! What a wonderful vacation!"

"We had a great time, canoeing, hiking, biking and seeing all the castles.... The house was a big surprise—so much nicer and more comfortable than we'd imagined. Thanks for a great week. You were right—one week is too short."

"Love at first sight of Cantou.... Back to Paris tomorrow, sad to leave the peace and tranquillity.... It has been glorious! Love the big living room and outside deck."

"Our children have even become connoisseurs of multiple cheeses."

"We never had a mediocre meal [in local restaurants]."

"It is easy to see why one would wax poetic.... We loved sitting on the patio with both our morning and evening coffee, listening to the birds or watching the lights in the village across the valley. Last night we saw an owl fly across the road. It has been one of those times where and when everything "clicked" and the world seemed magical—a week to remember."

"How clever you are to have bought a piece of paradise!"

"Although our French is limited, everyone was gracious, friendly and patient."

"Being a vegetarian was a challenge—I received strange looks but fared quite well with all the wonderful cheeses, omlets, crusty bread, wine, walnuts, delicious salade verte, grapes, etc., etc., etc.

"While I left a long note for [your manager] as well as another in the log book, I wanted to also contact you directly and say how much we enjoyed our stay in your home. It is rare to find something 'exactly as advertised,' yet we found Cantou to be just that! We would happily serve as references to anyone contemplating a visit. Our thanks."

"This 2-week stay at Cantou has been our 10th straight summer visit to France (different region each year), and we've concluded that the Dordogne region has been perhaps the most versatile.  Richard, Mr. Dewey's decimal system has nothing on you! We enjoyed the charm of your home and were certainly never in the dark as to where something was and how to use it. Your supreme eye for order and information allowed us to not only enjoy Cantou, but your tips on the region surpassed most of the brochures. Your house and you exude a reverence for the culture and for nature."

"Hot water—great machine—best we've encountered in France to date."

"What a joy it has been to return once more after a year's absence. We savored with lingering delight last year's stay for many months after returning home, and it did not take long to decide to come back. (Incidentally, this is the first time we ever have returned to enjoy the same holiday for two years running.) Thanks again, Richard, for enabling us to enjoy this beautiful place, and for your detailed and comprehensive notes and tips....We are just about to leave and [the 6-year-old] has just asked if we can come again next year."

"29 September – 6 October [2002] ... too short! Cantou has been a piece of heaven. I ask all of you who read this [guest book]: Hasn't Richard added a significant element of joy to our lives?"

"Can't wait till next year!"

"Short but beautiful stay—our first (of 6!) without parents or friends.... We head for Paris, then back to San Francisco ... till next time."

"Excellent service you provide and we have been telling all our friends about your cottage (and excellent support services!).... We've had a lovely stay here—everything has been thought of. Thanks for a great time, Richard." (July 2003)

"Three work-weary chaps drove down from southern England to escape the smoke of the city and find paradise. Well, we found it.... Food terrific as ever [2nd visit] perhaps up to an even higher standard than before. Wished we could stay longer and look forward to returning soon."

"Very many thanks for a fantastic stay in your lovely house. ... We were touched by the warm welcome we received in travelling with a little baby not yet 2 months old. ... We shall always treasure our memories of this house."

"It's all about numbers ... seven perfect days ... seven perfect sunsets, and 21 wine corks.... You surely have a treasure here — thanks for sharing it with us."

"I loved being here. The complete quiet of the days and the blackness of the nights were a joy.... The house is "just right."

"Cantou: un endroit magique!"

"It would be hard to find a more tranquil place than Cantou—I shall miss the morning mists in the valley and afternoon tea in the sunshine!"