guestbook

"I have had such a great break. This has been everything I wanted and expected - and more. The Pilates was excellent and challenging, the food and wine gorgeous and plentiful and Melanie is a perfect host. Heaven!"

Jane, London E
Head of Marketing

"A fantastic discovery - a beautiful place to stay and relax - and Melanie is an excellent teacher. Thank you!"

Gillian, London W
Editor

"Warm, welcoming 'Les Tilleuls' and Melanie. Kind, patient teaching for a Pilates beginner. Wonderful hospitality. Thank you."

Elena, London W

"Everything has been perfect! Enjoyed every minute - fab Pilates, the walks, the food, the weather and the wine. Thank you Melanie!"

Wendy & Chris, Sussex
Pilates teacher / Garage Proprietor

"A wonderful holiday - beautiful house and location, charming hostess and delightful company. And the Pilates was fantastic! I'm going home a different person. Thank you so much. I'll be back next year."

Jo, London N
Housewife

"Marvellous venue; fantastic Pilates; perfect host; delicious food and wine. Thank you. See you again!"

Carol & Dennis, Sussex
Farm owners

"Les Tilleuls wrapped its welcome around me from the first minute I crossed its threshold. What an oasis of calm, of fun and laughter, of great Pilates. Melanie's care and thoughtfulness is evident in every aspect of this holiday. Successful beyond my imagining."

Ciara, Dublin
Investment Manager

"I don't want to go back! Have had the most relaxing, enjoyable time, with lots of laughter, great food and many glasses of wine. This place is fantastic to get away from the everyday stresses of London life. Thank you for a memorable few days."

Emma, London SW
Website Designer

"What an absolutely wonderful retreat - the fabulous company of Melanie, gorgeous rural setting and beautifully decorated, airy rooms - wow!! I have had such a special, chilled-out and happy time - thanks!"

Lucy, London SW
Office Manager

"I've fallen in love with the house, the dog, the local people, the food, the wine and the studio. I'm not sure there is anywhere more beautiful to do Pilates than here - and then it snowed and the sun came out..........dreams are made of this. I shall go back to my own Pilates practice renewed and revitalised."

Carolyn, Germany
Pilates Teacher

"I've had a wonderful few days in what is undoubtedly a very special place. Beautiful house, stunning location, brilliant Pilates and the warmest of welcomes. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!"

Pat, London NW
Personal Assistant

"Pilates-en-France is a completely different holiday concept, the sort I predict to be the future for vacationing professionals seeking rest and relaxation, and physical and spiritual nourishment. I spend almost as many nights in luxury hotel rooms in my working life than in my home and rarely have the time to prepare or enjoy home comforts. Luxury hotels hold decreasing appeal as places for me to recharge my batteries. At Les Tilleuls, Melanie offers home from home; from the welcome hug and help unloading your hire car, to the constant supply of France's highest quality culinary delights, informal family-style chats around the kitchen table, daily Pilates sessions (not compulsory but they add some daily structure for those reluctant to let that go, and come highly recommended from this novice!), to the feeling at the end when you know you're probably going to come back again. The all-inclusive arrangement (including an open fridge and wine rack policy) means that not one Euro is exchanged during the whole stay. Well you wouldn't expect to settle up at home would you?

Les Tilleuls is in the middle of nowhere nestled between working farms and walnut groves with fantastic views across what seems like hidden France, despite being so closely located to some of the Dordogne's famous towns and tourist areas. As I rested by the pool with fois gras and baguette in one hand and a glass of the delicious 'house' white in the other, I imagined how good the terrain would be for mountain-biking, horse-riding and hiking - with no intention of doing any of them. It is Melanie's style as hostess which really makes this Pilates-lovers' luxury house-share work. Pilates-en-France delivers exactly what Melanie's website promises."

Claire, Oxfordshire
External Relations Manager

"A holiday that really does offer it all! Our October weekend at 'Les Tilleuls' was truly memorable. Picturesque countryside, accommodations that are comfortable and charming and, most importantly, an incredibly warm hostess who makes it impossible not to relax and enjoy yourself to the fullest. No other Pilates studio will ever compare to the bright, sunlit studio, where Melanie expertly worked through a program with me that left me feeling refreshed, balanced and motivated to make Pilates a part of my weekly routine. I'm looking forward to making this an annual event!"

Dawn, Surrey
Garden Designer

"If you like good food, good wine, good company, in beautiful surroundings with first class tuition in Pilates, then 'Pilates en France' is a must. I spent seven superb days, re-charging my batteries and picking up the basics in Pilates.

Melanie is not only an excellent instructor but a perfect hostess. Attention to detail is evident in all aspects on offer; from the Pilates sessions in the sunlit studio to the recently renovated bedrooms and main house with its spacious, homely kitchen that makes you feel that you are staying in a home from home. What I loved about 'Pilates en France' is that my time in this luxurious country retreat revolved around what I wanted to get out of my holiday. It was tailor-make to suit my needs. In my case, rest, relaxation, a little sunshine, mixed together with regional cuisine and Pilates. Bliss."

Amanda, London N
Head of Communications

"'Les Tilleuls' is a truly wonderful place to stay. Melanie has created somewhere that is welcoming, extremely well set up and beautiful. The Pilates was pitched exactly right so that it stretched and enthused me. While easy-going and tranquil, it was also great fun!"

Jessica, London SE
Civil Servant

Spending 4 nights at 'Les Tilleuls' in mid October was one of the best things I have ever done. From the stress and strains of City life, I hopped on the train at Waterloo, had lunch in Paris and was warmly welcomed by Melanie and Lottie on arrival at Gourdon. 'Les Tilleuls' is a magical, peaceful place which is comfortable to relax in, whether indoors or under the Linden tree or by the pool. The pilates studio is a delight and, with the outdoor pool and local walks, offers the gentlest and healthiest of exercise. All this is accompanied by Melanie's warm and relaxed hospitality and company. I am already spreading the word about this gem in the Dordogne/Lot and planning my next peaceful getaway.....

Jocelyn, Switzerland
Lawyer