December 2011
A fantastic gite in an awesome part of France, run by lovely people. The Martins are a great family and helped make our stay brilliant. I have to say that photos really can't pay the gite, woodland and lakes justice - they really are something else. We had great fun wildlife-spotting and learning how Greg meticulously manages the three lakes. We'll all miss the view from the gite down onto one of the lakes - and of course, walking back with full stomachs after the menu de jour at the Barthome in the village.
Top notch - thanks for a great time!

What a find! Chris just came across this when googling 'fishing in the Dordogne'. We came to see it on our way to meet up with family, fell in love with it and booked there and then to spend our second week here. It has been everything we hoped for & more.
We spent two nights sleeping down by the Specimen Lake where Chris caught his PB - 32lbs and to have the gite to come back to for comfort has been amazing.
Love the pool too - what a bonus!
Greg & Nikki are fabulous hosts, nothing is too much trouble.
Thanks for a great week - see you next year
Chris & Jacinta

An amazing holiday!
A BIG thank you to Nikki & Greg for rescuing us from (holiday) homeless-ness.
Our week has been much better than we could have possibly hoped for!
The gite is perfect. Great view and a very comfortable bed.
The fishing was fun; John beat his PB with three monsters - topping 33lbs.
Nikki & Greg are great, very kind, lovely & fun people. Nikki's food is delicious - don't miss out!
We will definitely be back next year
Kate & John

Thank you Nikki & Greg for a great week, a mixture of fishing, smiles and wine.
Andrew took the honours with a 35lb carp whilst Alan & Simon lost loadsa bigger, much bigger fish! Well done Andrew - we will be back next year to try again!
Don't tell too many people about Martins' Lakes otherwise they will all want to come,
Maddie, Jane, Monica.....oh, and the carpers - Alan, Simon & Andrew

As always, Nikki, Greg, Sam & Emily (& Max) proved great hosts and good friends. Some top class fish and a spectacular storm all thrown in!
We continue to look forward to our week with you all and are all and are already looking at 2012,
Dave, Harry & Mike

A huge thank you to Greg & Nikki - we have had an amazing week here and will certainly be back.
Perfect for the boys to go fishing and the ladies to relax by the pool. It has been great knowing our 5 yr old can run free and be safe whilst having a great time
Thank you for your recommendations for Lou's restaurant - 7 courses + wine for 12euros each! We visited Bordeaux which just ook over an hour and was well worth a visit, and St Emilion on the way back which was beautiful. Libourne also great for shops and lunch.
The boys caught carp, bream, cat fish and tench - best to go when the sun isn't too hot.
The gite is so very well stocked, we haven't needed a thing.
Once again, a big thank you
Toria, Graham, Hayley, Lee and Kiera

This has been an extraordinary vacation, the gite facilities are fantastic. Exploring the land has been relaly enjoyable; the wildlife here is exquisite, the wildflower garden in absolutely gorgeous and blackberry picking has been fun. Thank you for such an amazing two weeks, full of excitement.
Debbie, Chris, Max and Kate

WOW - Having never been much of a fisherman I can now see what all the fuss is about. What a wonderful introduction into the joy of carp fishing. Thanks Greg - you're a credit to your profession.

We have had a wonderful week here, relaxing and unwinding surrounded by this amazing countryside.
Games of table tennis in the evening have been enlivened by the bat trying to take part!
Greg, Nikki & their family are wonderful hosts,
Thank you for our time here,

Steve, Debbie, Sam, Jack & Katherine

MAGNIFIQUE!
Merci bien
Tim Knight & Marion
Editor of Anglers Mail

Thanks once again for such a lovely holiday. You really have become good friends to us all.
Fishing was unreal! Fantastic week - 30+ fish, largest: mirrors 41lbs 14oz & 31lbs 6oz and common 29lbs 8oz.
Home from home, see you again in September,
Love
The Prouts

Thanks for making our stay a joy, lovely gite and great fishing
Geoff, Hazel & John

not long been home from 18 days with greg and nicky at martins lake, we had a fantastic time both fishing and relaxing. fishing first was so so good 81 fish in 9and half days what more can you ask for had a blinding time the best was a 39.10 mirror with loads more to add to the list. we had time to relax by the pool which was heaven looking down on the small lake enjoying the deer and sheep and all the other wildlife around you no one overlooking you just PERFECT. the food was to good to be true nicky did us so proud , all i can say if any one is thinking of a top fishing holiday this is just the place you couldnt ask for a nicer couple than greg and nicky whom we thank very much for making not just our hols a good one but our honeymoon which we had one to rember and we will defo returne plus we made such good friends with (MAX) the cat who we are missing to . well love to you both and thank you both so very much love tash and bob. xxxxxxxx

Just come home from a week at a little venue called Martins Lakes down in the Southish part of France near Limoges.

I always think credit where its due so this is to let you guys know about it. Its not an advert, just feedback.

The lake was mint, the owner, Greg Martin was ultra laid back and welcoming and the fish were lovely. Had em to just under 40 and in mint condition. The lake was easy fishing, the bottom was hard sand and silt and the features were big snags and reed islands which were ideal. It was hot, clean, there was even a bait kitchen for cooking our own particle up and overall we had about 40 fish in a week. As we went with the girls and spent the evenings in the gite (which was again excellent) we could have probably / possibly had the bigger fish out but it wasnt hardcore angling, more of a few beers and put em out there style.

Anyway Id recommend it. Nice positive feedback and a good place to go especially for a family or couples. Cheap too.

Tight lines,

Jack.

Thanks as always for a wonderful holiday - our second holiday here this year!
Two PBs for Keith this time 24lb 4oz mirror carp from the Specimen Lake and 14oz rudd from the Gite Lake.
Already booked for next year just in case the secret gets out in the UK!
Keith, Lorna & Kayleigh

Thank you Greg & Nikki for a memorable weeks holiday in a super setting. Andrew landed a PB of 41lbs - I hooked 3 x 30lbs+ fish in three casts. Monica got very brown and Maddie had a deserved rest.
We will be back next year,
Alan, Maddie, Andrew & Monica
PS thank you for the birthday cake

Thanks Nikki & Greg for the weather, warm welcome, we have enjoyed our break from the UK. It was nice to go out and try the local food and drink and we hope to see you again in the near future,
Ken, Sue, Josh, Caitlin & Vicky

Had a memorable week. Many thanks to Greg for helping Rob with his first fishing outing.
All the family enjoyed fishing and everyone had a catch or two.
Very comfortable and lovely gite in wonderful setting,
Hope to return
Sue, Brian, Rob & Anna

Nikki & Greg, thank you for making us so welcome. Lovely gite and wonderful location, scenery fantastic.
We will be back, maybe sooner that you think,
Jennie & Nina

Brilliant. Greg & Nikki - thank you for making us so welcome. The gite was excellent, the location ideal and the fishing was fun. Carp to 38lbs and a good few 20's to boot. Mornings were the best time.
The local restaurant is well worth a bash, and the market was a nice morning out.
All in all a terrific week and its made for fond memories.
Jack & Lisa, Andy & Amanda

Our third visit here and most definitely not our last! We have all really enjoyed ourselves once again. Roy had a PB of 40lbs 3oz mirror carp and Keith a PB of 28lbs 14oz and were both made up! Roy even had a 10lbs 3oz carp from the gite lake on our last day.
Thanks to Nikki, Greg, Sam and Emily for making us feel so welcome and for all the fishing advice. You have all become real friends,
See you again, hopefully quite soon
Keith, Lorna & Kayleigh
Rob & Brenda

Lovely gite, enjoyed every moment from the wildlife to the sunsets. Lovely jogging in the area. Greg & Nikki had lots of information on French life and were considerate to our privacy.
Cats came round for a friendly pat. Very peaceful and quiet place to stay.
Lorraine & Gerry

Our third time here and it just keeps getting better.

Thanks for a great holiday. We found the gite to be charming and very comfortable with everything you could ever need for your stay. The fishing at Specimen Lake was fantastic and hectic to say the least. We caught big (29lbs) and small (2lbs) alike, and enjoyed every one!
My son also enjoyed catching his first fish at the gite lake. Overall, we found the area absolutely breathtaking and hope to be back soon maybe even to live.
Congratulations on making your life in France, and our holiday experience a success.
Many thanks
Keith Judd & Party

Pleasure to meet Greg & Nikki, accommodation excellent with everything we needed.
Fishing in the Specimen Lake excellent (will be back). visited St Emilion for the day - lovely place, ate on the market square.
Have spent a lot of time over the years in and aroung Montpon and always seem to be drawn back,
See you again soon
Mike & Carol

Great gite in a great location. Good fishing, wonderful home cooking which Nikki & Greg were always willing to provide at a time and place of our choosing!
Lovely people who made us feel very welcome and we are certain to return
Dave, Harry & Mike

A wonderful 2 weeks spent relaxing on the terrace, reading, talking, strolling round the lake, meeting good and dear friends and visiting familiar places. We leave with batteries recharged!
A bientot,
Andrea & Terry

Fantastic place, fantastic hosts. A little piece of heaven on earth.
Excellent pleasure fishing on small lake - had carp to 7lbs. As Arnie says 'wait here, I'll be back'.
Just one thing, Greg could you please get some saddles for those carp in the Specimen Lake!
Thanks
Keith, Lorna & Kayleigh

The gite was beautiful, pool great fun and views fantastic.
Josh (11) caught the biggest fish I have ever seen - 34.5lbs!! Matt, on his birthday, caught a 24lbs carp.
Greg & Nikki were so helpful - thanks. A special thanks to Greg for giving the boys so much of his time and knowledge.
Sue, Ken, Matt, Vicky, Josh & Caitlin

Our second visit, had a fantastic time. Gite & setting even better that we remembered
Bar/restaurant in the village is worth a visit, take a torch if you intend walking back!
Specimen Lake fished well & everyone managed a 20lb+ fish - the best was 36lbs.
Greg & Nikki superb hosts, you must try their fresh eggs.
The boys had a brilliant time, so much space to roam,
Wayne, Debs, Tom & Ben
Stuart & Emma

Our second stay here in this beautiful gite and once again we have all had an amazing time. We have loved the quiet, the star-filled skies, the beautiful views and watching the wild deer.
The children have loved swimming in the pool, running around in the huge, open space, lizard watching and of course Max and Toby cats.
We couldn't have felt more welcome - this is truely a special place.
Thank you
Emma, Jay, Jude, Zebedee & Anouk

We have enjoyed a short but very sweet stay at Martins' Lakes. A beautiful gite in tranquil surrounding. We look forward to visiting again
Thank you for your hospitality
Linda, Samuel, Hayley & Eva

Six weeks of great weather, fantastic fishing and excellent hospitality. The gite has everything you could ask for - a real home from home.
Poppy, our dog, had the time of her life and even made friends with Max (the cat). I had the best fishing of my life and will come back to get the 'Mobys' I couldn't catch. Greg & Nicola really went the extra mile to make our stay as enjoyable as possible - their love for this part of the world is contagious, we will definitely be back.
Graeme, Elizabeth & Poppy

A brillian holiday, Barthome is an excellent restaurant and they speak English. It was very relaxing to sit in the pool and watch the deer whilst trying out the local wine.
Lovely walks and George discovered the joy of angling with great success and is now hooked on fishing!
Claire, Gary, George & Amy

We all had a fantastic time. Superb fishing in wonderful surroundings. 3 in-experienced fishermen, thanks to Greg's expert coaching, caught 209lbs of big carp.
St Emilion was a brilliant day out.
Velda, Nick, Alex, Matt & Sam

A delightful stay. Great fishing, great gite, great host.....we will be back!
Tony & Phyllis

Lovely gite, photos on the website don't do it justice. Perfect positioning for a glass or two of local wine, sitting on the patio watching the sun go down. Neither of us have fished before but when an enthusiastic friend joined us for a few days, Philip caught a huge bream in the coarse lake! It is a beautiful walk round the Specimen Lake, watching fish jumping!
Vineyards - wow! Perfect time now - just before the harvest. Spent a fabulous afternoon at the Chateau Masburel in Fougueyrolles (near St Foy La Grande). St Emilion just beautiful, best lunch ever at Le Clos du Roy there.
Nicola & Greg really great hosts, really genuine people, mildly envious of their life! Max the cat is the icing on the cake.
Fabulous time - we will be back!
Jessica & Philip

Lovely gite, comfortable and stunning view that you would never tire of.
Whole area is lovely and relaxing. Spent a few days fishing mornings and evenings on the Specimen Lake - caught loads, including some very large ones......all in a scenic setting.
One of the most relaxing holidays we can remember and Nicola & Greg were great hosts....as was Max the cat.
Restaurant in village is excellent. As for touring, St Emilion is really nice but Brantome is stunning. Everlasting memory is having BBQ with friends, in sunshine, overlooking lovely countryside.......couldn't be better.
Jane & John
Rob & Mary

The gite is superb and well furnished even down to the selection of books1
The lake at La Jemaye is a must and for olde worlde archtecture Bergerac is worth a visit, we also went on the river boat ride there.
Nicola & Greg are great hosts, very helpful and considerate to privacy.
Specimen Lake for large carp fantastic and in a magical setting
Sallyanne, Mark & Toni

What a fantastic place. The gite is superb, comfortable, very clean and stylish - we all loved it.
Greg & Nikki are superb hosts and we wish them every success.
The small lake is great - but once you've tried the Specimen Lake there is no going back! Night fishing is brilliant - Greg is so knowledgeable & helpful. Our 14 year old pulled out a 31lb carp! This is the perfect holiday for outdoor children.
Lac de la Jemaye is worth a visit, beach, lake, forest walks and a small bar!
Local baker and butcher also worth a visit to sample local produce.
Thank you for a fantastic holiday!
Wayne, Deb, Tom & Ben
Stu & Emma

Beautiful gite, clean, stylish and a welcome relief after our journey - thank you!
Fishing was better in the late afternoons and early evenings. The kids loved catching things and even the daytime fishing kept them busy and happy.
Touring - St Emilion is lovely, an up-market tourist town. But if you want the road train tour, then book upon arrival as they are busy.
Lac de la Jemaye - lake for swimming is clean, parking is free, food is decent and the woodland walk is lovely. Worth spending a day or two here.
Thanks again
Janet