Characterful stone property

in Lavardens

The cathedral of Sainte Marie d’Auch refers to the existence of a Chateau in the village as far back as 1140, with the oldest part of the property itself built just over a century later in 1272.

The house feels inherently part of the village, sharing its history with one of the most impressive landmarks in Gascony.

The original front door opens onto an expansive hallway. The walls are hewn from the same buttery yellow stone as the Cathedral, which lend the house an intemporal feel, akin to that of the Chateau itself.

First impressions are always intriguing, and as soon as the old door (with its original heavy knocker) swings open, there is a profound sense of mystery to these walls. There is a glimpse of grand doorways, and flights of stone steps – a sense of intrigue as to what lies beyond, and a curiosity as to which stories have played out in these rooms.

One is as torn between the temptation to mount the impressive staircase to explore the upper floors and the mezzanine above, crowned with its ancient beamed ceiling, or to open a set of double doors on the ground floor, to the main reception room and the bright and cheery sun-room beyond.

The characterful nature of the property, with its sense of solidity, is inherent in much of the internal fittings, such as the original grand double doors which open onto a spacious and modern kitchen, which houses a large kitchen table, and overlooks the medieval street.

A further set of double doors lead to the main reception room and beyond the sun-room (with its old black water-pump), and balcony, which offers a bird’s eye view over the surrounding countryside.

The property has a ground floor bedroom with an en-suite shower-room and private balcony.

Climbing the magnificent stone steps to the upper floor, there is pause for rest, on the upper mezzanine area. From here, there is access to the first master bedroom, which opens onto a second double bedroom, with a spacious walk-in linen cupboard. Both rooms have beautiful views to the South.

From the mezzanine, a small corridor leads to a bathroom with a shower, and to a third upstairs bedroom, equally as characterful, and with views of the Chateau de Lavardens.

The property has a large underground cellar, where there is ample space for storage of wood, a boiler room, a laundry room and a well. From here, there is also access to the quiet street at the rear of the cellar area.

Outside there is a separate garden, with a swimming pool area, a pond populated with a healthy stock of fish, a covered terrace, a barbecue, and – for that most ubiquitous of all French games – a petanque area. The garden with its gated entrance is utterly private from passers-by, offering much outdoors space for a village house, whilst enjoying the countryside views.

A trip to Lavardens is a must for lovers of history and patrimoine. This architecturally pleasing village, is located between the capital city of the Gers – Auch, and Fleurance, with easy access to Lectoure and other popular Gascon villages.