Superb country property

close to Lectoure

There are no near neighbours, and from a privileged position beneath the chestnut tree, the eye wanders lazily over the distant driveways of local farms, the white stone carving a sinuous pathway through the hillside; or beyond to the local village, where there is a glimpse of ancient ramparts and the old stone walls of the Chateau.

The neighbouring farms on the horizon appear small enough to pick up and move, like children’s toys. The view is stunning yet active. The village and other stone properties a reminder that civilization is close at hand and that there is a busy village of which one can become an active part; not to mention the local bar only a few minutes’ drive away and run by volunteers; and where the all-important village bowling match taken takes place on a Sunday afternoon.

This is a lively village, with an eclectic mix of nationalities; all year residences and holiday homes. Renowned for its basket-ball, its famous mussel and chips night, it’s annual hunters’ feast, there is little doubt that for clients wishing to participate in local Gascon life, that there’s plenty on offer. And on returning home there is the promise of total peace and seclusion at the house.

The property is located in the area local agents and home-buyers sometimes refer to as “The Golden Triangle,” that area which runs between Lectoure, Condom and St Clar, and in which some of the area’s most stunning countryside can be found. Countryside redolent of Tuscany, with its gentle fields of sunflower and corn. The property is an easy drive both to Condom and to Lectoure, with local markets on Wednesdays and Fridays respectively. There are both popular schools and amenities in both towns.

The property is an hour’s drive from the train station in Agen, and just over an hour from Blagnac, Toulouse’s international airport.

On a clear day, the tip of the snow-capped Pyrenees can be seen from the front of the property, etched across the skyline. The countryside is a constantly moving tableau, that can be glimpsed from every room, bathing the house in light, and bringing in the summer sunshine.

The walls of the property are thick hewn stone, cool in the heat of August, and warm in winter-time, when the logs burn in the stove. The floors have also been laid in stone so that there is a harmony throughout the property, as each room flows seamlessly into the next.

Reputed to have housed Napoleonic stables, the property has a pleasing shape with its central pigeon tower and white Lectoure stone façade.

The central hallway sits beneath the rise of the pigeonnier and is a large and spacious room, from which it is possible to appreciate the curve of the beautiful stone staircase commissioned by the current owners and hewn from local stone.

Other rooms include:

A ground-floor room, with a southerly aspect, currently used as a study (or snug), a second reception room with an open fire-place, and a spacious downstairs bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, and views to the south over the valley.

On the first floor there is a large study with feature oeil de boeuf windows and views to the south and the mountains beyond.

From this upper landing/reception room, there are two separate wings to the property leading to three spacious bedrooms, each with its own private en-suite bathroom and dressing room.

The bedrooms have been beautifully renovated and are crisp and fresh, with carefully conserved oak beams.

Bathroom fixture and fittings are of the highest quality, with a free-standing bathtub, and walk-in Italian showers.

Adjacent to the barn, and accessible both from the ground floor and the first floor, is a large stone barn, currently used as a workshop, offering the possibility of developing further bedrooms on the first floor, or a further reception room on the ground floor.

Other buildings include an old agricultural hanger and a large shed, vestiges from the days when the property was a working farm.

If the view to the front is uninterrupted, the parkland around the rest of the property offers shade and a wealth of trees. The parkland is mature, with an impressive range of oak, lime, apple, nut, pear, fig, cherry, plum and ash trees, to name but a few.

The property has over four hectares of land, where it is a joy to wander in the private meadowland, and to admire the two-hundred-year-old trees, and wildflowers.

This is a very special property. In immaculate condition, its restoration has involved many years of love and passion. In pristine condition future owners can move in, pour a glass of Champagne, and admire the view.

Here at Bliss we particularly love: the view! The vast reception room on the ground-floor – and the wonderful parkland surrounding the property. The rural location, and the village itself; picturesque and much-loved by all who frequent her.