Medieval Farmhouse in Rural Gascony
- Garden
- Swimming Pool
- Baby Equipment
- Internet Access
- Log Fire
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Golf nearby
- Horse Riding
- Skiing
- Tennis
- Therapies
- Walking
- Watersports
- Child Friendly
- Ideal for honeymoons
- Pet Friendly
- Wheelchair Friendly
Las Chapas is an enchanting medieval farmhouse, full of colombage (half-timbering), tardis-like in its space and romantic in its setting on the crest of a hill in deep rural Gascony with wonderful views of the Pyrenees.
500 years old and accessed by a single track lane, the farmhouse is full of rustic character. The front of the house is covered with rampant wisteria and vines which frame the balcony and its view from there over the private swimming pool and garden where there are mature trees for shade and secluded corners for either sociable or tranquil pursuits. This is an idyllic haven.
The nearby woods are teeming with wildlife, and there are plenty of cycling and walking routes direct from the doorstep. There is an 18 hole golf course just moments away, the nearby village of Tillac has a communal tennis court, and there are numerous lakes in the area where you can fish and take part in water sports. The Gers is an unspoilt rural region characterised by rolling hills, honey coloured houses and friendly people. Delicious produce from the colourful local markets is top quality, benefiting from the wonderful climate, and the region is famous for its network of Bastides, medieval fortified towns and villages. The house is also just 10 minutes from Marciac, renowned for its international jazz festival in August. In July, Mirande hosts a popular Country and Western Music festival.
Getting There:
You can fly from Stansted to Lourdes.
Nearest Airport:
Lourdes (Ossun) 45 minutes
Nearest Train Station:
Tarbes or Auch 45 minutes
Nearest Bus Stop:
Mirande 20 minutes
Nearest Ferry:
Bilbao 4.5 hours
Nearest Restaurant:
Tillac, 1km
Nearest Beach:
Biarritz, 1 hour 45 minutes
Nearest Shop:
Tillac
Nearest Market:
Mirande
Car Hire:
Essential
Interior Details
The house sleeps 12 in 2 double rooms, 2 twin rooms and a spacious family room in the integral barn. The master bedroom has spectacular half-timbered walls and views towards the garden and pool, one of the other rooms has views across the valley over the golf course and the house is equipped with 2 shower rooms (no baths). The large barn has views over a lake and can also be used as a games room (complete with snooker table and darts board) or as a studio or dining room. The well-equipped kitchen retains original features and opens out onto a veranda, and an archway from the kitchen leads through to the salon which has satellite TV and a DVD player. A log burning stove will keep you cosy.
Exterior Details
The veranda under the balcony catches the morning sun and is perfect for an al fresco breakfast. This then leads onto a small terraced area and a large lawn, beyond which, on a raised site, is the private swimming pool. The pool has its own terrace with an outdoor shower and from the water you can enjoy spectacular views of the undulating hills and valleys. There is plenty of garden furniture to relax on, the lawn and terrace are ideal for badminton, boules and table tennis, and the garden and orchard are yours to explore. There is space to park 4 cars.
Further Details
The nearest village, Tillac, has a bar/restaurant, a church and an épicerie (corner shop). Marciac, a 10 minute drive away, has a supermarket, restaurants, a petrol station, a bank, a doctors' surgery, a pharmacy and a post office. There is also a multi-sport lake with a swimming pool. Mirande, a 20 minute drive, is a bigger town and has a wider range of facilities including a large market every Monday. Further afield, the cities of Tarbes, Auch and Pau have major transport links and plenty of shops, services and entertainments.
Conditions of Rental
In high season the rental runs weekly from Saturday to Saturday. At other times we can be more flexible and offer ten day holidays or weekday starts. Rates vary according to the availability of the swimming pool (usually open from May to the end of September). A deposit of 25% of the total rent is required at the time of booking, with the balance due 8 weeks before occupancy. A refundable breakages/damage deposit of 400GBP is also required at this time.
