luxury real estate for sale La Romieu, France

This property is situated in one of the most attractive areas of the Gers. it has views of rolling hills from the covered terrace and no close neighbours, even though it is only a few minutes from a lively village. Once you pass through the gates, you are in your own little world, totally private and peaceful. There is a charming little pond, attractive flowerbeds and many mature trees. The covered terrace at the front of the house is the ideal place to spend time listening to birdsong or reading a good book. The house is quite spacious and in very good overall condition, so you can move in immediately and begin to enjoy life in the area. On the ground floor there is a spacious kitchen that has been recently modernised; it opens onto a large living room with glass doors to a side patio. On the other side of the kitchen is a charming sitting room with beautiful tiled flooring and a woodburning stove. Further on, on the other side of the front hall, there is a large bedroom. At the back of the house, and accessed through the sitting room, a wide passageway leads to a bathroom, a separate WC, and a small laundry room. A door leads to the stables, which could offer more living space if desired. The traditional staircase leads up to a half landing with access to a large, full-height attic. This is the perfect space to expand the house – it would be relatively easy to create a large bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing room here. On the first floor, there is a first bedroom opening off the landing on the right, and on the left is the master bedroom. This is a large room which has a private bathroom that has been created in the attic space by a previous owner. You pass through a low door into a surprisingly large space with a modern shower, handbasin and WC. It is quite quirky and unexpected, but also very practical! The large (18.5 x 12.5 m) swimming pool is covered with a very useful dome which keeps the pool free of debris and also substantially extends the swimming season. It can be pushed back in the hottest summer months. In addition to the stables and attic space, there is a large barn attached to the house on the pool side. This is accessed by big double doors, but there is also access from the back hall of the house. Here we find the pool pump and there is plenty of room to park several cars. Here is where the original owners made their wine, and there is still a small wine cellar with the metal racks ready to receive new vintages. This could also be a great place to create a studio or creative space. Behind the house there is a tiny pigeonnier with a door – too small to do much with, but if renovated it could be a charming little refuge in summer months. The entire property of 3000 m² is fenced and there is an electric gate which accesses a private road which is used only by the owners and the local farmer. There are many mature trees in the grounds, some of which could be pruned back to provide a view towards the hills at the back of the house. A small pond is surrounded by flowering plants but does tend to dry up in the hottest part of the summer. We think this is a great opportunity to buy your very own piece of Gascony at a very reasonable price. While we would be tempted to do some work and would definitely consider expanding into the attic, this house already has all the important elements – charm, privacy, views, and even a pool!

This impressive 20th century chateau surrounded by its vineyards and parkland offers many opportunities to a discerning buyer. The crop is currently maintained and sold to a nearby cooperative. The wide range of outbuildings show that it was once an independent concern. With some fenced paddocks, a small lunge pen and 4 stables it is suitable for equestrian pursuits. There is an in ground swimming pool for relaxation and terraces around the chateau for entertaining or lounging. A converted dovecote could be used as a gîte and with some renovation other outbuildings could provide additional accommodation. History This renaissance style chateau was rebuilt at the start of the 20th century on the site of a 16th century Gascon chateau. It boasts an hexagonal tower at one end and a round tower at the other. Internally there are numerous features of note from this period including fireplaces, flooring, staircases and traditional oak woodwork and tiles. Key Points Private location not far from facilities The chateau is in need of major renovation internally to provide comfortable and modern accommodation A wide range of outbuildings offering a range of possibilities for development Well set out and maintained gardens and parkland with mature trees The Chateau The chateau is on 3 levels with large windows providing large bright rooms with views over the land. The structure was reroofed less than 10 years ago but only a small part of the ground floor has been lived in since then. There is some central heating provided by an oil fired boiler. The layout flows reasonably well and could be a large family home with living spaces on the ground floor, bedrooms on the first floor and an independent flat on the top floor. Other buildings The dovecot (75m2) has recently been upgraded to form a 1 bedroomed gîte over 3 levels. It has a purpose built wooden staircase between the floors. Of note is the detail of the woodwork on the top floor bedroom. The middle floor has a sitting room and shower room and the ground floor a kitchen diner. Gardens. A gravel driveway leads up to and surrounds the chateau. An above ground swimming pool Land In total there are approximately 74 hectares surrounding the chateau and outbuildings. It comprises of meadows and land of 26 hectares, 7 hectares of woodland and 40 hectares of vines. The parkland has numerous trees over 100 years old. Currently grapes of these varieties are grown - Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Colombard, Gros Manseng, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Ugri Blanc. Location The estate is set back off a departmental road and is about 3 kilometres from a town with a wide range of shops and leisure pursuits. The motorway network The TGV The major international airports of Bordeaux and Toulouse are 1hr 30 mins drive. . Full details can be obtained by contacting [email protected]

Exclusive to Maxwell Baynes - Christies International Real Estate Situated amongst the unspoilt rolling hills of the Gers, and thought to have 13th Century 'Templar' origins, the limestone rural house and chapel is situated close to the historic Pilgrimage route 'The Camino de Santiago -Le Chemin de Compostelle'. The house is described by locals as a 'Bourgeoisie Maison' and has breath-taking views of the French countryside. On clear days from the house terrace the snow topped Pyrenees Mountain range can be seen and the nearby town of Condom is less than a ten-minute drive away. The house has generous sized rooms culminating in a very large high-ceilinged kitchen with large, glazed doors and windows leading onto a generous stone terrace for entertaining and for the best views possible of the surround countryside and distant mountains. There are five bedrooms all ensuite. The stunning entrance hall with historic stone staircase leads to a reception room currently used as a library/sitting room plus a further sitting room with large log burning stove. The house oozes character and style. In the grounds stands the fascinating 13th Century stone chapel. A year-long renovation in 2018 by specialist artisan craftsmen brought the building back to life, resulting in a truly inspirational setting currently beautifully restored and providing a large comfortable space that is adaptable for a variety of uses. Through the two stunning arched entrances and the deep arched window, light streams into the mellow stone interior, the building is very tranquil and unique. The house provides privacy amongst its peaceful setting, a perfect place to wander through the grounds of just under 5 hectares of well stocked garden, meadows, and orchard that surround the house and chapel. There is also a generous swimming pool with a newly installed heat pump. Historic medieval bastide villages, château, and picturesque riverside towns are all in easy reach along with a variety of restaurants and events. Particulars- Exterior Private drive no through traffic and busy road generous car parking Two stone terraces and rear and side of property for entertaining. Separate store and location of oil-fired boiler. Separate tractor and tool store. 13th Century Templar Chapel. House Grand entrance hall with stone staircase. Sitting room with double aspect windows and large recently installed log burner. Additional reception room with door leading onto side patio. Currently used as a secondary sitting room and library. Hallway leading to downstairs cloakroom and separate utility room with sink and plumbing for white goods. Very large kitchen with high open ceilings, two sides of big picture windows and patio doors that fold back to create an ‘inside outside kitchen’ in the summer months. Two sinks, plumbing for large fridge, storage cupboards. Large range cooker. Five bedrooms. All ensuite with bath or shower. Four are large doubles and one is smaller used as a child’s bedroom for small guest room. Patios Two large stone patios, rear of house and side. Metal garden gazebo with vines. Large stone pots with shrubs and flowers. Historic well with safety cover and internal water tap for garden watering. External Electric power points Wooden framed gazebo over patio area for shade.

WHERE ARE WE? In Lot-et-Garonne, 20 kilometers from Nérac, but very close to Gers and its rolling landscapes since we are only 13 kilometers from Condom. It is a countryside dotted with quaint villages, vineyards, and varied crops. A small road climbs through fields and leads us to a sleepy village. Here, in this peaceful countryside, not far from a lake, emerge the ruins of a 13th-century castle, preserved in a glass case. These ruins, part of the old village castle, were restored by an architect who fell in love with the place over 10 years ago. Today, it is a loft and one of the most unusual properties we offer. Past the gate, we find ourselves in the garden, a completely enclosed 837m2 plot. To our left, the impressive façade majestically blending stone and glass, and to our right, the guest house. A terrace, lawn, and a cooling pool with a view to the west and its wooded horizon separate these two buildings. Inside the Loft Castle The ground floor, like the entire space, is bathed in light. The Italian stone flooring reflects the modern elements surrounding us. A spacious entrance with a wooden door on the right opens to the former dungeon of the castle, now a much more welcoming place as it serves as the wine cellar. Your Côtes de Gascogne (the regional appellation) or other prestigious bottles will find an ideal and chic storage place here. On our left, a white lacquered designer cabinet contains technical elements. Taking a few steps, we pass through a stone curtain and find ourselves in the heart of the loft. An open space 8 meters high, the first floor overlooks us. Small stone niches and mullioned windows let light flood the entire loft. A white spiral staircase with a light and elegant metal structure leads us upstairs, revealing an office space and a beautiful stone vault behind it. Immediately to the left, a door conceals wall-mounted toilets with indirect lighting, giving this often banal place a very elegant look. Returning to the center, an incredible living space welcomes us. We could sit on one of the black leather sofas, as if in a museum, and contemplate our surroundings: red, black, and white furniture transports us to a universe that could be Mondrian's. A large red lacquered five-door cabinet separates the living area from the kitchen. Made to measure by a local craftsman, it houses practical and aesthetic storage on both sides. Behind it, the black and white equipped kitchen also offers plenty of storage. The refrigerator: two large built-in stainless steel doors, steam oven, and stainless steel hood, all pure and sleek lines. Nothing disrupts our visual field; we remain in an artistic ambiance. You can cook under the light of a high stone window facing south. Don't fear the summer heat; the thick walls act as natural air conditioning, and the property is equipped with a heat pump providing both air conditioning and central and underfloor heating. The TV lounge is located opposite the kitchen. The architect and owner took care to structure this space by placing a large white lacquered cube, thus separating the two zones. This trick shelters a laundry room equipped with a washing machine, dryer, sink, and shelves. One of the electrical panels is also found here. At the center, hidden in the white cube, an Italian shower, practical for those who wish to set up a bedroom on the ground floor instead of the existing TV lounge. The First Floor, a U-shaped Mezzanine, Also Bathed in Light After taking the stairs, immediately to the right, a space currently used as a studio by the current owner, who, as you guessed, also has artistic talents. Then, access to a small stone terrace where the air/water heat pump is hidden. In front of us, protected by glass, the old medieval latrines. Turning left, we admire along the entire length, this 13th-century stone wall with the old castle's watchtower on its right. Today, it houses a modern white and red bathroom illuminated by three openings. We walk along this stone wall, wide enough to accommodate a huge red lacquered buffet, to arrive at what is now the sleeping area. In harmony with the ground floor, white lacquered cubes structure and delimit the spaces: the bedroom is open-plan, with a large Italian shower. The sinks naturally found their place in stone niches. THE GUEST HOUSE – ABOUT 114 m² Ideal for hosting friends or family. It can also serve as a guesthouse for those considering a small tourist activity. It has retained its exposed beams and stones, giving it the charm of the typical country houses one imagines and hopes to find in the southwest of France. On the ground floor, an equipped kitchen, a shower room, and the dining room, living room with a beautiful fireplace inviting relaxation and reading by the fire. All rooms benefit from double exposure and therefore beautiful brightness. French doors from the living room provide direct access to the garden. Upstairs, we arrive at a large landing with a transparent floor, overlooking the living room. Three bedrooms and an L-shaped balcony to enjoy the sun, the garden view, and the village square. The Garden and Terrace Of ideal size for low maintenance but allowing enjoyment of the outdoors. One can easily imagine having a cocktail with feet in the cooling pool and continuing with a Gascon meal on the beautiful terrace. A barbecue area to prepare duck skewers. A lean-to attached to the guest house to shelter tools and all the necessary gardening equipment. There is a well dating from 1673 equipped with a pump to water the entire garden.

This exceptional Gascony Chateau is set in over 5.5 hectares of meadow and woodland. It is ideally located in the calm of the countryside yet only 4 km from a village with all amenities. Set in an elevated position with striking views, this beautiful property has been sympathetically restored by the current owner, who has retained many original features. High ceilings and well proportioned rooms make this a light and welcoming property. Composition: The Château, of 550 square metres is composed of: Grand entrance hall with elegant stone staircase and access to a private courtyard, a spacious study, a vast living room with central stone fireplace, dining room, and a kitchen. There is also a ground floor bedroom with en-suite bathroom and WC, and a beautiful sitting room with direct access to the large sunny terrace. On the first floor: A large landing, 2 light and spacious bedrooms and a family suite (2 en-suite), a dressing room and a family bathroom. There is a large wine cellar which also houses the boiler and fuel tank for the central heating system. The Courtyard: Enchanting and private with a chapel and various outbuildings for renovation to include: The wine chai, a chapel, stables, a workmans cottage and a games room. This property benefits from lovely views over the surrounding countryside, mature landscaped gardens and swimming pool (12 x 5 metres). Tax Foncieres: 2520 Euros per year. New insulation, windows, central heating system and septic tank. Fees to be paid by the seller. Energy class D, Climate class D Estimated average amount of annual energy expenditure for standard use, based on the year's energy prices 2021: between 5420.00 and 7380.00 €. Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Geohazards website: georisques.gouv.fr.

This magnificent Gascon-style country house, located about ten minutes from the vibrant market town of Condom, offers 289 m² of living space, a beautiful 6800 m² wooded garden with a pool and pool house as well as a 78 m² garage. The entrance, with terracotta flooring, opens onto a cozy living room with a fireplace and wood stove, as well as a dining room also equipped with a fireplace and wood stove. A spacious and recently renovated kitchen has direct access to the garden from two sides. Still on the ground floor, the master bedroom features a nursery or dressing room, as well as a bathroom. There is also a family bathroom and a laundry room. At the mezzanine level, two bedrooms and an office are accessible, while upstairs, a charming landing leads to two bedrooms, one with a dressing room and the other with a bathroom. In total the property has five bedrooms, a large office, and three bathrooms. Outside, the fenced garden is dotted with beautiful trees and includes a secure area for animals. A magnificent pool, installed in 2021, is accompanied by a lovely pool house equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom, and a technical area. This property is an ideal family home and could also be used to run a small BB activity. Feel free to contact us for more information or for a viewing, we would be delighted to show you around. Fees to be paid by the seller. Energy class E, Climate class E Estimated average amount of annual energy expenditure for standard use, based on the year's energy prices 2021: between 4590.00 and 6290.00 €. Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Geohazards website: georisques.gouv.fr.

The advertiser did not provide an english description for this listing.

This old stone property sits at the heart of a vibrant Gascon village and occupies an enviable position with stunning views over the surrounding countryside to the south towards the Pyrénées. It is possible to walk to the shops and local restaurants whilst enjoying an enviably private spot in the village. The property is located in a very quiet street, which sees little if any passing traffic. The property has a pretty stone façade and a lovely well-stocked garden which sits on the other side of the lane, behind a pretty stone wall, with a wrought-iron gate. The main front door overlooks the garden which is only metres away from the house. The ground floor entrance hall The original front door opens onto a spacious entrance hall. At the far end of the hall there is a downstairs lavatory with a sink. The original staircase to the first floor. The property has elegant high ceilings throughout with exposed ceiling beams which have been painted white, and a neutral beige coloured tiled floor. The kitchen On the left of the hallway a door leads to a spacious kitchen, which is a lovely room. Here, the original fireplace houses a new wood-pellet burner, which keeps the ground floor cosy and warm in the winter months. There is a window to the south overlooking the garden. The kitchen is fitted with a range of useful cupboards and a free-standing fridge. In the middle of the room there is a large breakfast table. This room also has high ceilings and exposed beams which have been painted white. The reception room From the entrance hall we enter a spacious reception room with a fireplace. This room overlooks the street and also a rear courtyard which is filled with flowers and provides a nice sheltered and cosy place to sit or eat outdoors. The first floor The stairs leads to an upstairs landing. From here we access three good-sized double bedrooms and a bathroom. From the bedrooms there is a lovely sweeping view over the countryside and over the village. To whom will this property appeal? If you are looking to become part of a vibrant and aesthetically pleasing Gascon village, where you can saunter down to the bar or restaurant on a warm evening, sit on the terrace and enjoy an evening aperitif, then this property could work for you. The property is in good overall condition and has a light and cosy cottage feel. Love to garden or dine outdoors? Both are possible! The garden sits on the village ramparts, and surveys the world from up on high. The garden is protected by a stone wall, and is a haven for many roses, shrubs and bushes. It is a lovely spot to sit, and indeed there is a strategically placed wooden bench from which to enjoy the views. In summary! This property provides a characterful retreat for anyone who visits Gascony for the summer. Equally the property could also be used as a main place of résidence. It is in good decorative order throughout, having retained much of its period charm. It has a new pellet-burner and is connected to mains drains

The advertiser did not provide an english description for this listing.

Overview This beautiful stone property enjoys a quiet location, gorgeous south-facing views to the mountains; a guest cottage and a fabulous pool. With over 500m² living space in the main house and 83m² in the separate guest house with 2 bedrooms and ensuite shower-rooms, this property has been renovated completely throughout. This comfortable home with its contemporary interior, couples a wealth of period features with all the comforts of modern day living. There is the additional bonus of a tennis court nestling in the beautiful landscaped gardens, to wile away those sunny afternoons with the pleasant sound of balls hitting the court. Did anyone say gin and tonic? Where is this property located? In the heart of Gascony, the Tuscany of France, on the edge of Condom, within easy access to the town for its shops and schools. The property is also half an hour from the much-loved market town of Lectoure, and within easy reach of Agen and the fast TGV train line to Paris, Bordeaux and Toulouse. Blagnac international airport is 1hour15 minutes away. The property sits in a non-isolated yet utterly private location with stunning views of the countryside and on certain days a clear view of the snow-capped Pyrenees mountains.

This lovely stone property, with its elegant facade, sits in the heart of Condom, a couple of minutes walk from the many local restaurants, shops, schools and weekly market. With 4 bedrooms, 2 reception-rooms, a dining-room and a study, this property is an ideal family home. The property is located in the heart of historical Condom, in an elevated position, from which a good number of lengthly walks around the glorious park, the river, or the 33 KM converted railway line « le chemin vert » are easily accessible, making the property the perfect balance between town and country. The property is representative of the grand 18th century homes found in Gascony, with high ceilings and tall windows. The property has been fully restored over the last ten years and has good double-glazing. The roof has undergone work in the last couple of years, and there is gas central-heating throughout, all of which combine to provide a comfortable, spacious and extremely elegant home. Let’s take a look in more detail: The main front door opens directly from the street. On the other side, a long entrance hallway divides the property into two sections. The first section has hooks on the wall for coats and a glass door into the front reception where there is a downstairs cloakroom (WC and sink) and a view onto the fabulous original turning staircase, one of the most impressive features of this property. The stair case is spacious and grand, rising elegantly to the first and second floor. To the left of the entrance hallway, there is a spacious study overlooking the street, with a decorative fireplace, no-longer in use and a wooden floor. On the other side of the hallway, also overlooking the street, there is an elegant dining-room, with a large cupboard for the crockery, and a terra-cotta style floor. This room has plenty of space for a large dining-room table. At the far end of the hallway, beyond the central lobby and staircase, there is a cosy downstairs sitting-room with both a window and French doors to the rear courtyard. Approximate measurements Ground floor Entrance: 6.25 m² Clearance: 10 m² Office: 18.25 m² WC: 2 m² Living room: 19.40 m² Kitchen: 21.95 m² Laundry room: 8.70 m² Corridor: 1.50 m² Dining room: 16.15 m² 1st floor Landing: 4.50 m² Bedroom 1: 20.25 m² Clearance: 1.75 m² Bedroom 2: 23.60 m² Bathroom: 8.05 m² WC: 2.15 m² Corridor: 2.95 m² Living room: 38.95 m² Dressing room: 6.85 m² Second floor Landing: 4.20 m² Bathroom: 10.35 m² Bedroom 3: 22.35 m² Bedroom 4: 26.75 m² --- Attic: 27.30 m² Garage

Provence in Gascony: far-reaching & uninterrupted views of fields & vines A brief overview : This beautifully restored stone property sits in a peaceful and tranquil location in the heart of the Gascon countryside on 1.8 hectares of landscaped and enclosed gardens with many varieties of fruit and indigenous trees. The Pyrenées can be seen on fine days. With works to the property still under guaratee, the property has a new roof, full electrical re-wiring, plumbing, new kitchen and 3 new bathrooms and new zinc guttering. With an EPC rating of 'A' this property is both cost effective and aesthetic, restored tastefully throughout. With 7 main rooms, including 3 bedrooms (4 bedrooms possible), 3 shower-rooms, a vast kitchen/breakfast room, dining-room, library, sitting-room, laundry-room, stone terraces and 1.8 hectares of landscaped gardens with a wooden stable/tractor storage area. FULL DETAILS AND MORE PHOTOGRAPHS ON OUR BLISS IMMOBILIER WEBSITE. The question we sometimes ask ourselves, is how anyone can find the courage to throw themselves into a complete restoration project; knowing it takes time endless resources, and nerves of steel. The answer is sometimes as simple as “the views” and the “feel of these old stone walls when we first visited and fell in love with this place,” which is what the owners of this beautifully restored property told us on our first visit. The guidelines for energy efficient property in stone (Is this possible? ) Take a simple stone farm-house, of sizeable volume, forgotten by time, uninhabited for many years, and take it back to its barest bones and reconstruct it from top to bottom; the new roof, windows, electrics and plumbing. Allow in the light, and views, to create a space which flows from the entrance hall to the top floor, and as a reward receive an almost impossible to achieve “A” rating on your diagnostics report. The surveyor sat down to double check his figures, called for a drink and did much head-scratching. The sums were correct. This old stone property is now as easy to heat and to run as a modern ecological home. The story behind this property This is the story of this old stone farmhouse, transformed beyond recognition into a sumptuous and home of the absolute highest possible standards. This property is unexpected, unlike any seen by BLISS in Gascony so far. It is a polished gemstone in a sea of green fields and vines. The inside is bursting with joy and life and colour. There is something inside this property which is reminiscent of a shiny box of gems; there are pinks and greens and splashes of colour all against the beautiful muted tones of creamy stone walls and floor. The wallpapers are decadent and add colour, depth and character. You need a vision to create a home like this, and to be bold and daring in your colour choice. We have come to expect exposed walls in the period properties of the area, and yet to move away from the traditional and yet encompass it so beautifully; marrying both ancient stone and modern materials, you need not just vision but guts, and the result is both surprising and sumptuous. In this house you can peel back the windows (the huge glass window in the kitchen slides seamlessly into the kitchen wall) so when the sun beats down relentlessly, the owner tell us how she can sit by the open window and observe the garden, tangibly close, knit or read, and enjoy a summer’s day from the cool and comfort of the kitchen. There is not a single corner of darkness in this property, it turns outwards to the views and has been designed so that each room flows into the next.

Where is the property located? This property is located a short drive from the market town of Condom, in a tranquil spot. There are a couple of neighbouring houses. Our property is free from any overview of neighbours and there is a lovely sense of privacy from the enclosed gardens and stone walls which run around the garden. Agen is less than an hour away with its fast train to Paris, Bordeaux and Toulouse. Toulouse is an hour fifteen by car, with Blagnac international airport. The Gardens, Guest Cottage & pool The courtyard garden is beautifully paved for easy maintenance. There is a spacious covered terrace/ barbecue area next to the guest cottage, and a raised balcony/ terrasse off the kitchen. The impression one has, is of a peaceful sunlit place to relax, in sunlight or shade in the hottest months. The oval pool is raised and sits to the front of the property with a terrasse area all around. This is a fantastic property for entertaining, with the separate guest house, or for dinner guests in summer the covered terrace and barbecue area which provides a fantastic ambiance for parties. The main house The ground floor : We enter the main house via a central hallway from the courtyard garden. The property has a cosy period feel, with pretty exposed stone walls, stone floors, which are in perfect keeping with the age and style of the property. On the ground floor there is a galley- style kitchen which is spacious and well organised. The kitchen opens onto a covered terrasse area at the far end, with plenty of place for a long table, perfect for outdoor dining and an additional living-space in the summer months. Next to the kitchen, we find a formal dining-room for evening meals or indoor winter dining, a cosy study/ television room and a larger reception room at the far end. Each of these rooms is brimming with character : stone walls, floors, beams and period features. The ground floor benefits from a shower room/ laundry room as well as a separate downstairs guest cloakroom/WC and sink. A vintage wooden staircase leads to the first floor. The first floor At the top of the staircase there is a generous landing area with a window which leads to two generously sizes double bedrooms. Each of these bedrooms has a private ensuite shower-room, WC and sink. The first bedroom has a large closet. Both rooms overlook the pool. The second floor The second and top floor of the property is delightful! With gorgeous views from the main bedroom, there is a bathroom on the other side, with a bathtub, shower and WC. The top floor has the feel of a private appartment.

On the edge of the small but charming village of Cassaigne, close to Condom, you will find this remarkable Chateau with its origins dating back to the 13th century and modified over many centuries. Now reluctantly for sale first time since it has been in the same family for nearly 350 years. On the ground floor it is now run as the main regional Armagnac chateau, where the main living area is on the large and light first floor with spacious bedrooms and the handsome ‘salle de garde’ served as the watch tower in the Middle Ages. From this level also access to the private terrace overlooking the whole village and its grounds with a total of X hectares. A beautiful number of centenarian trees of different varieties offering shade and protection. Extensive pasture and a small vineyard are the cherry on the cake. A very comfortable and recently renovated guest dwelling is on the edge of the property. Completely private with its own garden and pool. A rare find and well-known chateau that could continue as a partly commercial estate as well as only residential.

We leave the lively town of Condom, and head for the countryside. The drive to the property is peaceful, and we soon leave the main roads behind, traversing farmland, fields of wheat, sunflower and corn. On arrival, we pull into a smart driveway beside a neat looking garden, where from the outset everything appears to be in immaculate order. The property has recently been rendered, and has a smart and attractive appeal from the outside. The windows have all been recently changed to aluminium their frames contrasting nicely with the stone façade. The land slopes down to a row of vines in neat rows, lending a feel of Provence to the landscape which is lush and emerald green. This is a peaceful location, the one neigbouring property turned to face the other way and at a discreet distance. The house looks towards the views and over its own garden. There is nothing to spoil the landscape for miles around. On the far side of the property, there is a fabulous covered terrace which has been designed as an outdoor reception room, with a summer kitchen, an ideal spot for a large dining-table, and views both to the pool and orchard. This sheltered spot provides a perfect place for alfresco dining both in summer rain or scorching hot days when it is impossible to sit outside without shade. We enter a light-filled open-plan kitchen/reception-room with large bay windows on two sides, one opening directly onto the recently fitted pool and the other to the terrace where the owners like to sit in the evenings for a drink. The view of the poolside, when the windows are pulled open, is particularly inviting; lending the impression that one could step from the living room directly to the waters edge. Our impression that this is one continuous space is accentuated by the stone terrace which flows nicely from the house to the pool in one continuous stretch. In the living room there is a fireplace which houses a log-burning glass insert, for snug winter evenings by the fire. The walls and floors are all in neutral tones, with a clean white ceiling, which gives the impression the property has only just been built, despite the old stone walls. The kitchen is immaculate, with a number of useful contemporary white storage units, a central island, and a view directly onto the reception room, and to the pool. There is a walk in cupboard for additional storage. The splash-back is tiles with white ceramic tiles, the oven inserted into a wall unit and the extractor fan in slick black : all of white contribute to the kitchen’s crisp, smart appeal. To the rear of the kitchen a small inner corridor leads to an additional pantry area, where the freezer and fridge are kept, with additional storage cupboards. At the end of the corridor there is a downstairs cloakroom, with WC and wash basin and next to it, a lovely clean white laundry room with a downstairs shower. At the end of the hallway, there is a downstairs double bedroom, which in turn has its own private entrance/exit, opening onto a covered porch area with a concrete floor, where the family car is parked, and where a door leads to a spacious barn with a new wooden doors, an ideal space to house the logs for the fire, or the garden tools. This workshop area has a concrete floor and a new pine ceiling with electricity, water and a sink. The ground floor double bedroom is ideal for guests or older children having a private door to the garden, and with the downstairs bathroom and shower room next door this enables perfect guest accommodation. This completes our tour of the ground floor. Now let’s take a look upstairs. We ascend to the first floor via a contemporary black metal staircase which leads to a spacious landing area, which is more than just a landing but an upstairs reception room, with lovely windows running the length of the room, and overlooking the front garden. There is a bookshelf, a guitar, the perfect area to relax, and take in the views. This central landing/upstairs living space has a hallway at each end, leading to the upstairs bedrooms. On one side there is a bedroom currently set up with twin beds, which has a skylight, and next to it a double bedroom with pleasant garden views from a tilting window, and exposed beams painted in white. On the other side of the landing there is a white marble bathroom with a bathtub, beautiful long sink, and shower, also with marble tiles. The bathroom has direct access to a fabulous long dressing room, with a row of cupboards on each side, with glass doors, with lots of space to keep all the family laundry hidden from view. In the hallway there is an upstairs cloakroom/WC, with red and white decorative tiles, and a washbasin, and at the far end of the hallway, a double bedroom with fantastic views both over the poolside and the surrounding countryside. The upstairs bedrooms share the aforementioned family bathroom, with shower and bathtub. The property has one final surprise for us. A separate guest cottage, which is has a downstairs bedroom, kitchen, and shower room/WC, and a first floor loft area, which is currently used as a music room for guitar sessions. The guest annexe is perfect for friends and family having its own kitchen, for complete independence.

In a part of Gascony renowned for its rolling hills and valleys and its rows of neat vines, this property sits in a superb position far from the main road, along a quiet country lane, with views commanding the surrounding countryside. The property sits in over four hectares of land, comprising beautiful and mature gardens, as well as a wilder parcel of woodland. Far from the road and with no nearby neighbours, this is a glorious position for a property, and one within easy driving distance of some of the most spectacular and historical villages in the Gers, allowing easy access to the shops and schools in both Condom and Lectoure. To say this is a single property, or a property fortunate to come with a “guest house” is misleading. This is a large domain which comprises two complete “main” houses; the choice of which to occupy being purely a question of taste and desire. One is classical, with the tropes of any fine Gascon country manor house. The second is a burst of creativity, space, colour and light, certain to appeal to those who seek originality in a property guaranteed to be quite unlike any other in the area. The old and the new sit side by side with these two buildings, stitched together timelessly and seamlessly by a garden bursting with life. Each corner hosts a tangle of flowers and roses, bushes and trees. The walls are softened by the long trails of jasmine and other scented flowers which climb over the arched pergolas. For home-seekers who shy away from houses that are replicas of properties which might be found a thousand times over, then this is a property which is certain to strike a chord of pure originality. This is the perfect house for anyone in search of space in which to create. There is a large atelier perfect for a writer, an artist or a potter, currently waiting to be used to its full potential. Apart from these occasional flashes of individualism, the properties are painted throughout in colours in-keeping with the style of the area, with a choice of colours from a palette of muted colours which blend tastefully with the old stone walls and rural setting. The property is accessed via a beautiful, winding, tree-lined, drive which brings us to a walled entrance with wrought iron gates between two stone pillars. Let us first take a look at the more traditional of the two houses on the plot: Originally home to one of the local wealthy wine-growing families, the 18th century “maison de maitre” sits at the far end of the park and is built in a traditional symmetrical “square” shape. It is a classical looking property with its own spacious private garden overlooking the lawns and woodland, and a smaller rear garden which boasts fig trees, wisteria and climbing roses. The small circular fishpond and fountain, along with a well, are a constant source of water for the garden, even throughout the hot summer months. Entrance to this house is through a central hallway, with a large kitchen-dining room, filled with light, on the left, two reception-rooms on the right and a downstairs toilet at the end of the hallway. Upstairs are three good sized bedrooms (one of which is “ensuite”) and a family bathroom. The wooden staircase continues up to the loft area where there is potential to create additional bedrooms and storage. The house is light and bright throughout, with stunning views over the beautiful gardens, and has a classically simple style, redolent of any 18th century country home. The property is in good structural condition and benefits from oil-central heating, along with a wood-burning stove in the main reception room. Now for the second property – a contemporary conversion from a large Armagnac chai and barn: When the current owners moved here, the main structural works and design had already been completed by previous occupants. With a demonstration of good taste and imagination, they have kept the artistic feel of the renovation whilst using muted paints to make the house feel inviting to everyone. In summary the property provides: a kitchen/dining-room, 2 separate salons and four bedrooms all with en-suite facilities, along with a TV room, a laundry/utility and boot room. This is a house with an “urban” feel, a perfect representation of which is the long metal windows which run symmetrically along the façade. We enter the property via a classic entrance hall which leads to the atelier and pump room on one side and, on the other, in to a triple-sized reception room, with a central and contemporary wood-burner and wooden flooring. The room has enough space to include two “salons” or reception areas, on two different levels. The perfect place for soirées. The urban atelier-style window-frames run the length of the wall, offering “tableaux” style garden-views. Through into the open kitchen/dining-room, with its contemporary polished-cement floor, the warm and inviting feel of the property continues. Large glass panelled doors on both sides invite the outside in, giving the kitchen almost a bistro aspect. From the kitchen there is access to: On the same level as the kitchen and the main reception-room, there is a second salon; smaller and cosier, with an open fireplace. Beyond the salon there is a downstairs bedroom with a Moresque feel benefiting from its own en-suite bathroom. There are two staircases to the upper floor in this property. The first leads to what may be considered to be the private apartments of the owners. This is a fabulous space. If intact and transportable, with the addition of a small corner kitchen, it would make the most delicious appartment in Paris or Bordeaux. It has everything a couple could need to live a life of comfort, denoted by the luxurious, at times playful, aspect of the rooms, where one might easily be forgiven for imagining one has stepped onto a stage-set in a theatre-house. The plateau consists of a large triple-sized bedroom with ensuite, and, carefully dissimulated behind original street-doors, which have been distressed with chalk paint, are two dressing-rooms. French doors open to allow wider views over the pigeonnier and the gardens. Beyond the master suite, hides a cosy TV room which can also be accessed directly from the entrance hall. Beside the bedroom there is an erstwhile ‘gentlemen’s smoking room’, currently used as a study with a bureau for Monsieur, a bureau for Madame, walls lined with bookshelves, and a salon/sitting area for their beautiful labrador to relax while her owners toil! Beyond the study, on a half-landing, there is access to a second bedroom which has been painted in chalky cream, offering a light and peaceful room with a charming French styled, enclosed, wash basin, a bath and WC. The second staircase, accessible via the small downstairs salon, leads to a spacious bedroom which has a unique feel with its contemporary wall murals, and which also provides en-suite facilities. The property comes with a multitude of space for further development, with barns, the downstairs atelier and old remaining wine chai to name but a few. The swimming pool is to the rear of the property in an elevated position surrounded by lavender and other beautifully scented plants, giving it a feeling of privacy but not enclosed. There is also a pigeonnier of which much could still be made, which adds to the general sense one has of owning a considerable “domaine” or part of Gascony’s rural wine-making history. This is a super home, which offers tranquility, comfort, space and originality in equal measure. The perfect spot to escape the world and create your very own piece of paradise, far from the madding crowds! To whom might this property appeal: Original souls, artists, writers, potters, lovers of nature or anyone requiring space in which to create, express themselves and to exhibit their works. Home-seekers who wish to find a second considerably comfortable and spacious property on the same plot – possibly for parents, children, or lettings. It is the perfect place for weddings and retreats. Lovers of theatre – there is an air of playful theatricality to some of the rooms. This would also be the perfect property for anyone wishing to organise writers’ or artists’ retreats. Lovers of privacy, peace, quiet, nature and gardens. (NB : This garden it should be noted was considered by the local mayor to be worthy or recognition as an area of outstanding natural beauty in the area). Lovers of both traditional and loft-style contemporary homes. The new owners should not be : Afraid of space! (There is much of it). Allergic to rambling homes which will require upkeep both inside and out. This is not the traditional two up, two down property -albeit there is one of these thrown into the mix Technical note: Starlink satellite WiFi with Mesh systems have been installed in both properties to ensure high speed internet access which work both inside and out.

There are not enough superlatives to honour this immaculately presented property. Truly the best example of “country in the village”! Well balanced classic design goes hand in hand with modern comfort, creating most delightful spacious and light rooms. All the original features are kept in place to preserve the authenticity. The current owners have done a massive amount of work to the property with an excellent team of craftsmen and architect still leaving some areas with minor work to create further accommodation. A new high tech central heating system on wood pellets will assure an ambient temperature in the winter so it is perfectly suitable for year-round living. Adjoining the property is a delightful terraced garden with lots of different mature trees, pond, large orchard and arable land offering you the real ‘countryside’ feel and being completely private from the small village. A beautiful 4-bedroom guest house, built of the same local limestone offers you another xxx m² of habitable space that looks out to the cosy courtyard surrounded by the old wine barn and large workshop. Further outbuildings complete this lovely property if you want to safely store your precious vehicles. Situated at only 10 minutes from Condom where you’ll find all commodities with the best schools, doctors and dentists.

Romanticists, aspiring Gothic heroes & heroines apply within…. Overview If your heart is stirred by visions of a Chateau with ochre-coloured walls in the setting sun; of high ceilings, and period charm without the need for perfection; or if you are someone for whom beauty outweighs all sense of the practical… then “read” on Macduff: this paragraph could be the first stepping-stone on the road to a great adventure. This is a property for those who are grand of heart, for souls imbued with a touch of gentle folly and for whom the reward is something quite beautiful: A cinematic backdrop, a theatrical pastiche of every castle-based movie you have ever viewed; a home of character with all the grandeur of the Italian Renaissance. The entrance & gardens The arrival to any Chateau must by necessity be somewhat majestic and here the avenue does not disappoint, being suitably mysterious with vegetation high on each side. The long stone driveway opens out onto a forecourt with a circular driveway which circles around a central island of Cyprus trees. The chateau rises before us, amber and gold in the sunlight, its flaking façade perfect in its imperfection. Its windows are guarded by tall French Grey shutters, its central doorway is grand and majestic in its welcome. The property rises high above a stone terrace and decorative fishpond. The façade to the North reveals a series of stone arcades, open to the elements. To each side of the Chateau there are woods and gardens, with hundred-year-old trees, all of which lend a sense of mystery to the lieu. To the front of the property there is a stone fishpond beyond which is a flight of stone steps up to the terrace and the grand front door. The stone barn to the right of the Château is the perfect backdrop to the grand hydrangea bushes which have grown tall in its shade. The barn to the rear is partially inaccessible and now more or less in a ruined state. Once a stable block, this building might yet be salvaged. A second outbuilding to the front of the driveway is in a similar condition. Sitting to the right of the main terrace, in a recess beyond, is a stone building or orangery, with a sink and an array of pots, to harbour the lemon and orange trees over winter. The Entrance The grand front door opens onto a majestic hallway, from which a turning wooden staircase rises to the first floor, with a sweep of wrought iron balcony, and walls which look as if one has fallen headfirst into the pages of an Italian Gothic novel. The walls are remarkable, in the pastiche of a pastiche setting sun, their gentle ochre and yellow tones catching the sunlight from the west in a theatrical manner. The kitchen & Pantry area To the right of the entrance hall door, there is a large double kitchen, with a fireplace and windows over the front forecourt and to the gardens at the side of the property. The ceilings are high, and the room spacious enough to incorporate a large dining room table, and a rear section with a sink, for food preparation. Beyond the kitchen is a small vestibule, which serves as a pantry, and an inner corridor with a large cupboard, which houses the washing machine and dryer, and overlooking the gardens to the rear, a room currently used as a study, and a downstairs 1930’s style bathroom. The Drawing Room From the main entrance hall, it is pleasing to access the grand drawing room via the original eighteenth century doors. The drawing room offers a view onto the rear garden via a set of characterful French windows that open onto the rear terrace. The room has a central fireplace which is not currently in use and as in many of the rooms here at the Chateau, we invite guests to look upwards at the ornate ceilings. The drawing room opens internally onto two other rooms, one on each side. Firstly, a grand dining room, conveniently placed between the drawing room, and (via the internal hallway) back to the rear pantry and kitchen. The second room is smaller in size and used as a snug, or living room, where the family gather to watch television or play games. From the door of the snug, we return to the main hallway, passing a doorway with steps leading down to the cellar below. Central Turning Staircase The staircase in the central hallway is a delight, and climbing to the first floor, we experience its generous proportions, and the majestic tall ceilings which lead the eye upwards to the first-floor landing. The first floor The first floor has all the elegance one would expect, with tall windows to the front forecourt of the property. A half landing, with a secret door leads up a tiny internal staircase to one of the ante chambers above, serving no logical purpose other than to evacuate servants (or lovers?) from the bedroom in haste. A delight for amateurs of Hide and Seek, whatever one’s age. The bedrooms On the first floor via a second internal hallway, there are four double bedrooms and at each end of the property a vestibule or oval room and a family bathroom at each end of the property (or a total of two bathroom on the first floor and one on the ground floor). The second-floor vestibules, which are oval, might well be used as antechambers, dressing rooms, or children’s bedroom. Each of the rooms is similar in style and period feature: tall ceilings, lovely wooden floors, fireplaces and views over the parkland. A doorway opens onto a second stairway, in brut form and far less grandiose than the first, leading to the impressive attic space above. This huge space has at one end the tremendous open archways. At the opposite end these have been bricked in but beg to be opened. The Attic The space sets the imagination on fire. Whatever architectural plans are born here, they must of course be validated by the local planning authorities that be, but this is a space which in sheer volume at least (with the romantic idea of an arched view over the gardens at one end, if not two ends of the property) offers endless possibilities. Technical Talk Total habitable surface area: approximately 368m2 4 bedrooms 2 ante chambers (or children’s bedrooms) 3 family bathrooms (2 on the first floor one on the ground floor) Grand drawing room Dining room Snug/television room Spacious kitchen and rear kitchen Study Immense third floor attic space Outside: Orangery Various outbuildings requiring restoration Parkland of over three hectares with mature trees Plot size: 37690m2 Property Tax: 2285 Septic tank Mains water 2 water wells Double Glazing: No (original wooden windows). Shutters in fair condition except on the top floor Roof: Original roof (to be verified Oil fired central heating (De Dietrich boiler) 2 plastic tanks house the oil in the basement Kitchen fireplace working order (others may have been capped off and are not used) Smart metre: no 1 hot water tank Internet: by OZONE – satellite Who might want to live here? – and what needs doing? This is not a modest property by any stretch of the imagination. It has a grandeur which requires a generous budget and a grain of delightful folly. Beyond the purchase price, unless one is content to live here throughout the warmer months of the year, there will be by necessity the need to be some thought and finances given to insulating the property to minimize running costs. The top floor, whether it obtains planning permissions in the future or not, whatever the project might be, is currently open to the elements at one end (via a series of Romanic “in the summer” archways) and not currently insulated either on the floor or the ceiling. The property was decorated some years ago by an interior designer and the walls are in their own delightful way a work of Art, which add much charm to the building. If the style and colours please, then there is nothing that needs doing other than choosing furniture for each room. The windows however require some attention. The lovely old window frames are single glazed, and the choice here will be one of heart or head. But if the current window frames are to be kept some repair work will be necessary. The bathrooms have a period charm but are completely unmodernized (one of these has a quaint 1930 air to it), and the decision to change these or not will be one of aesthetics. All this said, the property will appeal to anyone who loves the architecture of an old French Chateau. This is the perfect home for a large family or a business project. This is a house to fill with family, friends and furniture. The elegant rooms beg to be decorated and the tall ceilings offer a fantastic opportunity to hang great chandeliers, or pieces of Art on the walls. The home of a Collector, an Artist, a Designer? A small bijou hotel… the possibilities are endless. This will be a property which will tug on the heart strings of many, for it is so easy to imagine the Chateau illuminated in the evening, the backdrop to any number of wonderful soirées. A property which requires full evening dress, full glasses, a full imagination, and a not immodest purse. But oh! ……Quelle Joie!!! A Little Bit of Fun Recommended Books to take on the trip: Enchanted April - Elizabeth Von Arnim (try the 1993 movie if not the book) Recommended movies : Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) or A Good Year ( 2006) Recommended drinks: The very best pink champagne to reflect the golden pink and amber tones of these lovely old walls.