Medieval Gem in Picturesque Villageclose to Lectoure
Light Contemporary Restoration of Period Property
This gorgeous half-timbered property dates back hundreds of years and is one of the buildings I first noticed and fell in love with touring around the department in 2005.
All measurements are approximate
- Lectoure
Sitting at the heart of a small village square in Gascony with the charm of a fairy tale cottage, leaning in quirky fashion into the tiny lane, it has stood the test of time. One can but guess at the stories this property could tell, a living testament to hundreds of years of village activity.
If it were in England Shakespeare would live here – if it were in Germany, Hansel and Gretel would make it their home. It is a house to admire from the street, a house to sketch or paint. It is a charming gem of a home, unpretentious in size, but big in heart and soul, with its picturesque windows draped with Jasmin tendrils.
The current owner has restored the property internally, injecting into its rustic style into a brighter more contemporary feel.
Entrance to the property is through a small room, which is currently used as a vestibule but could equally well be dressed as a small drawing-room or study. The room is filled with light and overlooks the central square.
From here the room opens onto a spacious and recently refurbished kitchen, which is a joyous room. Perfectly decorated, with gorgeous fittings throughout, the room is spacious enough to encompass a large round dining-room table in-front of the ancient fireplace, which has been revisited with a sleek contemporary feel. A side door leads out to the street, along with a small inner hallway that leads to a wine cellar, and a vast downstairs shower-room with a vast walk-in Italian-style shower. The room has a pleasant feel with a pebbled floor and muted stone-coloured tiles.
The main reception room is the heart of the house, and in keeping with the quirky spirit of the property, this fantastic light-filled room sits on the first floor and is accessible via the original wooden staircase.
The room overlooks the street and is filled with light. The massive ancient beams above have been revealed and painted white, the ceiling is high, removing any last trace of rusticity from the property. The feel of the property here is more of a contemporary “loft-style” appartment. There is a wood-burning stove in the grand central fireplace, and shelves that fill the length of one wall filled with books.
To each side of the central reception room is a bedroom, both of which are beautifully restored and full of original features: old fireplace, stone and brick walls, wooden floors. Although there is not currently a bathroom on this level (the property’s only bathroom is on the ground floor) there is a separate WC tucked away in a corner by the staircase.
The reception room offers a view of the upper floor with its mezzanine study, and small corner space which has been used as an occasional bedroom.
The immediate property does not have a garden, though there is a space outside the front door which is used as a terrace by both neighbours and filled with pots and flowers.
A short walk from the house there is a vegetable plot with views to the south and a large expanse of grass, which though not currently used to its advantage could become a charming garden.
To whom will this property appeal?
This property has a youthful and contemporary feel in the heart of an ancient building. It will appeal to anyone who loves the romantic feel of an ancient medieval cottage bathed in exceptional light, and with a loft-style feel.
The property feels far more spacious on the inside than one might imagine from outside, and completely different in style, with a sense of the house opening upwards to the grand and spacious loft appartment above.
The property is a perfect home for a first purchase for a couple or couple with child. It is also idea as a holiday rental, situated in the heart of one of Gascony’s most flower-filled villages, and within easy driving distance of Lectoure, Fleurance and Saint Clar.
It should be noted that the main bathroom is on the ground floor, and unless modifications are made to incorporate an en-suite bathroom in the first bedroom.
Here at Bliss
The façade of the house – with its ancient beams. This is a property with personality!
The kitchen – a fantastic and spacious entertaining are for the most dedicated of chefs.
The upper reception room – a magical light-filled space with the ambiance of an artist’s loft.
More images…
Click images to enlarge
