A beautiful old hunting lodge in southwest France, once owned by the Duc of Toulouse, which has been beautifully refurbished. The house sleeps 14+ and is set in 100 acres of mature parkland which incorporate graveled drives, mature trees, shrubs and characterful old plum orchards. At the front, an old style external, symmetrical staircase flanks the front entrance and leads up to the first floor salon. At the back, the sky-blue shutters are reflected in a canal, which passes right below the house.
The house is a fabulous holiday venue for families, particularly in May, June, September and October. There is an outdoor, solar-heated pool with an alarm, and a park play area for children with swings, slides, a zip wire and a trampoline, as well as a games room with kids’ snooker, ping pong, table football and loads of bikes. Please bear in mind that the canal comes up to the house. It is fenced, but guests with small children should still be very aware.
When it comes to eating together, a big holiday group has a choice of places to dine - under the stars on one of two delightful terraces, under the magnolia tree near the pool where there’s a refreshing breeze on hot evenings, or inside in the dining room.
Inside, the Domaine has an air of quiet sophistication. The general impression is one of cool tiled floors, big rugs, comfortable white sofas and rattan chairs, white walls and beamed ceilings. The dining room has a large oval table and upholstered chairs.
The house has eight bedrooms altogether - two doubles, five twins, and one single which has an additional truckle bed. Several rooms have ensuite bathrooms (there are six bathrooms altogether). One double and one twin room share a bathroom in a separate annexe. One of the twins has an extra dressing room. The downstairs bedroom is perfectly suitable for wheelchairs.
The kitchen is well set up for 14 sharing, with two fridges, two dishwashers, a double oven, a five plate gas hob, microwave and icemaker.
Bedrooms are spacious, light and airy, with large windows and shutters to keep them cool in summer. The general style is traditional country, with comfortable beds notable for their interesting upholstered headboards.
The tennis court, swimming pool and badminton make this a great place to hire during the long hot summers in southern France. The pool area is hugely inviting, with an orangery pool house with bar, table and chairs, large umbrellas and a selection of water toys.
A cleaner comes in for around 45 minutes each day (or more if needed). Cooks can be found if required. A guardien couple maintain the pool and garden.
There is Sky TV, two DVD & video players (one in the children’s area) and a separate reading area with a writing desk. There is no Broadband access, but Blackberries work.
On the edge of a delightful hamlet (Vigueron), five miles from the market town of Beaumont de Lomagne, which has two large supermarkets. 45 minutes from Toulouse airport, and 30 minutes from Montauban.
Airport: Toulouse, Blagnac
Station: Toulouse
This is the heart of rural France, what the locals call ‘Proper France’, with lots of local markets to visit, ancient villages, towns, golf courses and water parks. There are various historic hilltop villages which make wonderful days out. There are two Michelin-starred restaurants within an hour of the house. Foodies will be pleased to know this is Foie Gras country, and the centre of Armagnac production too.
Approximate prices per week:
High season (July & August): £5,500
Mid high season (June & September): £4,500
Low mid (April, May, October): £3,750
Low (November to February): £3,250
Weekends £650 per night for house only £850 per night to include annexe. Christmas, Easter Spring bank holidays weekly bookings only. Price on application.
Please note we act as advertising agents for above listing and therefore any contract of booking will be between you and the advertiser. If you have any specific requirements in relation to the above, they should be raised with the advertiser or booking agent, prior to booking. We shall not be liable for any loss or damage, or any sum or claim of any nature whatsoever which arises, directly or indirectly from any act, omission or misstatement relating to the above information provided.