Property filed under: 7 - 8 persons, Midi-Pyrénées
A stunning restored farmhouse sleeping 8, with panoramic views and private pool in the Gers, Gascony, South-West France
Translation
Au Chicot nestles between Biarritz, Bordeaux and Toulouse, in south-west France. It’s situated in Gascony, in the lovely department of the Gers, stamping ground of the Three Musketeers but more famed now as the centre of Armagnac production and of a rapidly growing wine industry.
Formerly a simple farmhouse with adjoining barns and stable, Au Chicot was the subject of a sympathetic conversion by US architects and is now light, spacious, well-planned and extremely comfortable. The views, which are really quite exceptional, can be appreciated from many of Au Chicot’s windows too – and even when you’re swimming!
The property’s rustic charm includes wonderful beams, exposed stone, fireplaces and wood floors. Sleeping 8 + baby in four bedrooms, (three of which have private bathroom with shower, and there’s a separate bathoom offering bath with shower over) the house has been carefully furnished with a mix of French country antiques and quality contemporary pieces; a place to relax and truly call home.
The area historically known as Gascony, of which the Gers forms the centre, has a gently rolling landscape laying claim to the highest concentration of bastide (fortified) villages in France: a tiny Tuscany minus the crowds! From the house you’re only 20 minutes from three of France’s officially listed “most beautiful villages”, delightful Fourcès, Montréal and tiny, moated Larressingle.
This seriously unspoilt area offers an exciting heritage, and enjoys a great climate, super regional food (with duck, foie gras and prunes featuring prominently on local menus) and wine: best appellations of the area Madiran, Jurancon, Côtes de Gascogne. Let’s not also forget Armagnac, the delicious brandy exclusive to this area. And there’s heaps to see and do – for sportsmen, nature lovers, artists, those keen on architecture and Roman remains, sun-worshippers, cyclists, walkers (the main St Jacques de Compostela pilgrim route passes nearby,) it’s all here, and easily accessible!
Au Chicot sits neatly at the head of a plateau, on three acres of land, surrounded by fields of sunflowers, maize and vineyards. Just a short amble along the road is the beautiful Château de Busca-Maniban, a prominent Armagnac producer and the finest example of 17th Century architecture in Gascony, where you’ll be welcomed for a tour and tastings. Passing cars are infrequent, so the only sounds you’ll hear will be those of crickets, bees, the faint whurr of a tractor or closer to home, happy splashes, pages turning or corks being popped! Sunsets are spectacular at Au Chicot, and later, mellow after a good meal, and with the Château de Cassaigne, another renowned Armagnac producer, illuminated in the distance, indulge in a litte stargazing … sunrise is equally special if you’re up that early!
Though tucked away, don’t be misled: the house is only a short drive from commerce – 5 minutes to crusty bread and croissants, and just 10 minutes to our pretty local town of Condom. All the banks and shops you need are there plus a great choice of restaurants, ranging from Michelin starred to those offering hearty Gascon fare – €15 or less for a rustic three-course meal and the local tipple.
Toulouse and Bordeaux international airports are a 1.5 and 2 hr drive away, plus the smaller airports of Pau, Biarritz and Bergerac. The drive from St Malo is around 7 hours so our visitors with children often break their journey. A third option is to relax in the high speed TGV (Train Grande Vitesse) to Agen (4 hrs from Paris,) pick up a hire car and from there it’s just an easy, very pretty run of 40 minutes.
In Gascony you’ll find a warm welcome and be infected quickly by the slow pace of life. Try it and see! We have detailed information and many, many more pictures available on our website (including an interactive floorplan.)
Additional Photos (click to enlarge & for slideshow)
Contact Name: Jane Bennett
Contact Telephone Number: 00 44 (0)1799 540813
Please mention to the owner that you saw the property on Rent Gite France if you decide to book it!
Property added on: November 26th, 2009
