The Dordogne is a department charged with history, architectural beauty and rural tranquillity, and brim full of beautiful properties that still offer great value.

In Southwest France, east of Bordeaux, is one the largest departments in France, which the French call by its historic name Perigord.

Dordogne is a place of 1000 castles, and the deep historical past of the area means that it remains an area of France still steeped in authenticity and tradition.

It is only exceeded by Paris in the number of historical monuments, and is similarly second only to Paris in the number of visitors who come to enjoy it each year.

Dordogne is rightly the epitome of the French idyll, and so it is little wonder that it is the destination of choice for a majority of British buyers, whether to live or to have a holiday home.

That said, although the department is frequently referred to as 'Dordogneshire' due to the number of British nationals who have property there, in fact, the latest figures show it is actually only home to around 6,500 British inhabitants, with a slightly lower number who own a second home in the department.

For a department that is so popular with British buyers, it is surprising that property prices are the cheapest in the Aquitaine region, which may also explain some of its continuing popularity.

According to the latest figures from the Notaires de France, the average price paid for a house in Dordogne was €120,000. That compares to an average price of €184,000 for the region.

The most expensive part of the department is around Sarlet, where prices average €142,500, but nearer Nontron in the North of the department they fall to an average of €84,000.

Of course, these prices do not necessarily reflect those properties sought by most British buyers, who tend to prefer more commodious properties with character than those purchased by the average French buyer.

Julie Savill of Beaux Villages Immobilier says that for most of them the dream property is an edge of village stone house under €250,000. ‘Good quality properties, nicely renovated and well-presented in this price range have an eternal appeal. We are always looking for more', she says.

We asked her for a selection of her properties up to this price range. Click on the image to obtain more information and contact details.

For €120,000 how about this pretty 3 bed riverside property of 180sqm, situated in the centre of a village with bar and basic shopping facilities. In need of some renovation and updating. Located near the historic village of Villebois Lavalette with its 15th Century chateau. Angouleme 20 mins and Brantome 30 mins.

For €140,000 another pretty stone house in very good condition, with views of the local chateau. The property comprises 3 bedrooms, lounge, fitted kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Small garden and private parking. Located near a small village with shops and restaurants.

Situated at the limits of a quiet hamlet, a recently renovated 2 bedroom property that has a large grounds of 7000sqm and views of the surrounding countryside. On the ground floor is a fully fitted and modern kitchen, sitting room with fireplace and woodburning stove and a good sized family bathroom. The first floor comprises of two large bedrooms and wc. A short drive from a charming village with a character packed bar, the house is also situated equal distance between Verteillac and Riberac. Price €170,000

A small stone farmhouse in need of total renovation. The property comprises a kitchen, living room, bedroom and shower room plus wc. Upstairs there is a large attic which could easily be turned into more rooms. Outside you will find large stone barns, a tobacco drying barn, and an old pig sty. All situated in 2 acres of land on the edge of a village. Nearest shops and services are in Lalinde 7kms away. Bergerac airport is 25 mins away. Price €180,000

Finally, at the top of the price range, a character 3 bedroom detached cottage of considerable age having a range of excellent outbuildings all within a generous plot of just over 1 hectare. The property has many retained features together with central heating and majority double glazing. Attached and detached barns offer further potential to either extend or develop, subject to the required permissions. This is a very popular location being approx 3.5km from the large village of Verteillac, which offers a good range of amenities. Price €250,000.

You can find more properties for sale in Dordogne at Dordogne Properties.