Chartreuse with south facing viewsclose to Lectoure
Secluded location
This old stone property, known locally as a Chartreuse, is a much sought after style of property in Gascony, as elegant in style and comparatively rare compared to the square shaped maison de maitre.
The property is remarkable for its exceptional location, nestled amongst gently sweeping hills with far-reaching views over neighbouring fields to the South and vineyards to the East. In a convenient location for the market towns of Condom and Lectoure, considered by many to be the most verdant and pleasant part of Gascony, this stone property dates to Medieval times. Evidence of this can be found in the thick stone walls in the entrance hall, and the medieval curve of the walls.
All measurements are approximate
- Lectoure
The current owners occupy the main part of the house, but there is vast scope for extension into the adjacent barns which are in excellent condition and offer scope for extra bedrooms, a large reception room, or a triple sized kitchen.
The property is accessed down a long track and is entirely private, with land to each side, without being remote and just a couple of minutes’ drive from a lively village, well-known for yearly events (the famous Mussel and Chips! – the Petanque competitions, Rugby club and hunters’ feast). The village is a fine example of one which is inhabited for most part by permanent residents and is an easy fifteen-minute drive to the bigger market towns of Condom, and Lectoure, where markets are held on a Friday and Wednesday. Junior and Secondary schools can be found in both these towns, and where many children from international families are schooled.
With its main façade facing South towards the Pyrenees, the mountains can be seen dramatically sketched on the horizon on a clear day. Not that this is necessarily good news – as Gascons will tell you, the sight of the mountains signals rain in three days’ times. None the less, the view is impressive. The South facing aspect of the property ensure that the rooms are bathed in light, which is another advantage, as many local houses with their traditionally smaller windows, can appear sombre in comparison.
The house is comfortable, and has been enjoyed for many years by its current owners, who also found that during their absence, the property was easy to let during the summer months, and generated a healthy additional income.
For the property to achieve its fullest potential, the original floor would benefit from tiling or covering, while the upstairs en-suite bedroom requires completion. An extension into the barns would further increase the value of the property, and the task would be relatively easy as the main body of the house is fully habitable. The smallest of the downstairs bedrooms could convert into a downstairs en-suite bathroom to bedroom number 2, while extra bedrooms can be created both on the ground and first floor in the barn areas.
Any improvement to the layout of the property would be an asset, since the location and views of this property, in the preserved farmland and countryside around it, are undeniable, and an undeniable asset most other properties would envy.
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