Maison Malbec

Set in the famous vineyards of Cahors, Maison Malbec is a beautifully renovated home owned by the former president of one of the world's most famous jewellery brands.

Being more than accustomed to things of beauty, it is not surprising that he has a long history with this stunning region, since falling in love with the nearby medieval Chateau, which he brought back to its former glory and ensured its wines achieve international accolades. His latest project, Maison Malbec, is a luxurious holiday home set amongst the wonderful vineyards of this area where you can experience ultimate comfort in characterful and peaceful surroundings.

This home is divided into two parts, the main house featuring an elegant living room with a grand open fire and extensive library, a charming country kitchen and an ornate dining room alongside four en suite bedrooms and a games room with an impressive home cinema. In the second part of the home there is a delightful summer kitchen by the swimming pool alongside two further en suite bedrooms.
Across the six en suite bedrooms there's an air of simple decadence, featuring sumptuous beds and antique furnishings. Exquisite pieces of art and sculpture fill the house, chosen by the owner who is also the president of a famous Art Foundation in Paris.

Outside you can relax by the swimming pool or dine with family and friends by the Weber barbecue, all the time surrounded by the relaxing landscapes of vines and gentle hills beyond.

The vineyards of Cahors surrounding the Lot river are some of the oldest in Europe. The main grape variety produced here is Malbec and there are many opportunities to visit estates to sample some of these excellent wines. Indeed, guests are invited to take a VIP tour of the famous winery at the owners Chateau, just a ten-minute drive away, where one of the most prestigious Malbec wines in the world is produced.

Food-lovers should visit the wonderful market in Cahors on a Wednesday or Saturday morning where they can buy delicious local produce such as cheese from Rocamadour, melons from Quercy or local foie gras and truffles. The historic town is a delightful place where you can explore the medieval cobbled lanes discovering pretty squares and secret gardens. Cross over the UNESCO World Heritage listed bridge, Pont Valentre, before taking a river cruise along the Lot. In the height of the summer the boats even travel as far as the enchanting village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, known to be one of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages'.

Other wonders of the region include Puy-l'Eveque, Gourdon and Rocamadour or head further north to the valley of the Dordogne with idyllic places such as Domme, Monpazier and Sarlat all just over an hours drive.

Features

Main House Interiors

Ground Floor Wing I

• Living room with fireplace, TV and large library
• Dining room
• Kitchen, well equipped including dishwasher, two gas ovens, fridge, freezer, microwave, table and two benches
• WC

Ground Floor Wing II (accessed via steps and walkway)

• Cinema room with chairs, sofa with home cinema system
• Games room with pong-pong table

First Floor Wing I (via open-tread stairs from lounge)

The stairs can be closed off upstairs using ceiling/access panels – see the Video Tour

• Bedroom (17m2) with double bed (180x200cm) and air-conditioning/heating. En suite bathroom with bath and two sinks
• Separate WC

First Floor Wing II (reached via first-floor covered walkway near above bedroom)

• Bedroom (18m2) with double bed (160x200cm) and air-conditioning. Bathroom with shower and two sinks. Separate WC
• Bedroom (22m2) with double bed (180x200cm) and air-conditioning. Bathroom with bath and two sinks. Separate WC

Top Floor Wing I (via narrow, spiral staircase from the first-floor landing)

• Bedroom (24m2) with double bed (180x200cm) and air-conditioning. Bathroom with shower and bath plus private WC

Poolside House Interiors (one-floor)

• Open-plan lounge and dining area with kitchenette. Doors slide open to the swimming pool
• Children's bedroom 4 (10m2) with twin beds (90x190cm each), air-conditioning and bathroom with shower and sink
• WC
• Master bedroom (20m2) with double bed (180x200cm), air-conditioning and bathroom with bath, shower, two sinks and separate WC

Outside Grounds

• Heated swimming pool (16mx6m), open approximately May to October. Pool safety alarm
• Weber BBQ
• Bikes (rental fee applies)
• Pond

Facilities

• Wi-Fi
• Heating
• Air-conditioning (in the bedrooms, see above)
• TVs
• Table tennis
• Bikes (rental fee applies)
• Library
• Washing machine (x2) and dryer

Location

Maison Malbec is set in a rural location in the heart of a beautiful vineyard, in the Lot region of southern France.

The nearest village (8km) is a 10-minute drive away where there is a very good restaurant as well as a lovely grocery store and bakery.

The River Lot is also only a ten-minute drive away – ideal for fishing, river swimming as well as boat hire. River cruises take you out to explore Cahors (May to Sept) or there are day trips in July/August all the way from Cahors to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. The wildlife along the river is beautiful, spot otters or rare birds in the wonderful landscapes along the river's banks.

Wine-lovers are invited to the owner's prestigious winery, just 10km away, where they can have a VIP private tour and enjoy discounts on the wine, one of the most famous Malbec vineyards in the world. There are of course many other wineries you may wish to visit across this region – this area is well known for its estates producing Malbec wines.

Cahors (9km) is a beautiful historic town with the River Lot running through it. Just a fifteen-minute drive away, there is a good choice of supermarkets on the outskirts and a great variety of charming restaurants in the town. On a Wednesday and Saturday morning experience the open farmers market with many local delights to buy from Quercy melons to truffles and foie gras. The famous bridge, Pont Valentre, is UNESCO World Heritage listed and there are other wonderful sightseeing opportunities including the Resistance Museum and the Cathedral. Or simply wander through the medieval lanes, discovering one of the many little squares and secret gardens across the town.

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (33km) is an enchanting hilltop town and classified as one of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages'. Discover the pretty shops, many selling their crafts or explore the art galleries in the flower-filled lanes. Many artists have been inspired to come here over the years due to its remarkable beauty and charm.

Heading north, the beautifully preserved town of Rocamadour (66km) is another amazing place to visit, built on the edge of a cliff with the river at the bottom of the gorge. Puy-l'Eveque (30km) and Gourdon (52km) are also stunning places worthy of a visit, as are the Grotte du Pech Merle caves (35km) with its prehistoric paintings.

Further north, enter the valley of the Dordogne and famous villages such as Domme (55km), La Roque-Gageac (58km) and Monpazier (65km) can each be reached in just over an hour. Sarlat-la-Caneda (66km) is one of the area's most famous towns with its maze of medieval narrow streets, lovely squares and amazing restaurants plus a famous market on a Saturday morning.