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Sweet Chestnut Lake in Perigord-Limousin
Location: We are positioned midway between the large towns of Limoges, Perigueux and Angouleme, approximately a 50 minute drive from each. We are just over the Limousin border in the Dordogne region.
Website: http://www.sweetchestnutlake.co.uk
Description:A beautiful stream and spring fed mature lake of just under 4 acres, 200 metres long and 70 metres wide. Depths vary from 1 metre, where the stream enters, to up to 5 metres at the dam end.
Levels are always maintained in the lake by the incoming streams and also by springs that can be seen bubbling from the lake bed. In the severe drought in France, in summer 2006, when many lakes actually dried up, sweet chestnut lake retained it’s full height
The lake bed has a combination of hard areas and silt, and there is no significant weed or snags.
Half of the lake has lovely flat grassed banks, level with the waters edge. The remaining half is left undisturbed as a wild life haven.
The lake is surrounded by native woodland . The predominant tree species being Sweet Chestnut and Oak with Birch, Alder, Poplar and Willow also in abundance. Beneath the tree canopy is a profusion of other native vegetation, including Gorse and Broom. Orchids have been seen growing in the shade of the trees.
Stock:In November 2006 and early January 2007 the lake was stocked with half a ton of 'Royale' strain Carp, from 20lbs to over 40lb's, supplied by premier french fish dealer Simon Horton. These immaculate fish have not seen a hook and have never been fished for, they are gorgeous specimens, mostly mirrors, and are just waiting to be caught.
Sweet Chestnut Lake has not been emptied for over 20 years and currently supports a healthy range of fish species. These include original Carp, Tench, Pike, Zander, Chub, Perch, Roach, Pumpkinseed and wild Trout. The lake is free of Poisson Chat and problem Crayfish.
We know from the previous owner that the lake contains 50 original carp and a further 50 have been introduced by him over the last 6 years. These are predominately commons and the original fish may be over 35 years old. The biggest carp recorded from the original stock is a 30lb 13 oz mirror. Last summer we spotted a group of over 80 of these carp basking on the surface, these included some 20 lb plus fish.
We are very much a ‘Runs Water’with plenty of carp of all sizes.
Facilities:The apartment itself is contained within the main house and has recently been refurbished and decorated to a high standard. It is a small self-contained, first floor open-plan apartment with a a small well equipped kitchen, separate bedroom and en-suite bathroom with English toilet and shower.
The accommodation is situated on the lake side, less that 10 metres from the water’s edge. Access is by way of an external stairway with a small viewing balcony and french doors to the living/dining area.
Outside the apartment exclusive to our guests, there is a lovely area with a table, chairs and parasol, ideal for sitting out and relaxing. Below this, accessed by natural steps, on the lake’s edge, is a hardstanding which can also be used and you can even fish from here if you like.
Booking information:Booking Info - http://www.sweetchestnutlake.co.uk/calendar.htm
