Maison Occitane

A peaceful oasis set in the rolling meadows of the Lot countryside, this beautiful home has been exquisitely styled by its loving owners, both internationally renowned interior designers.

With an air of romance, the interiors are splendid with eclectic and handsome furnishings set against a historical backdrop of exposed stone walls, wood-beamed ceilings and an overall classic style. Fascinating objets d'art fill the incredibly designed rooms yet there is a constant feeling of warmth, grace and comfort throughout this unique home.

All on the ground level, there are two charming bedrooms, each with their own elegant shower room and behind one of sumptuous beds you can luxuriate in a clawfoot bathtub. The living area is perfect for cosy evenings by the wood-burning fire and opens out to an impressive and brilliantly equipped kitchen where you can create feasts using the finest ingredients from local traditional markets. In the summer open the double doors out to the south-west facing terrace where you can barbecue, dine al-fresco and enjoy good wine from nearby wineries in peaceful surroundings.

Set on the estate of a 350-year old Manoir, where the owners are occasionally in residence, the views from the thirty acres of private grounds are incredible. There's a great sense of privacy from the inviting swimming pool, surrounded by a stylish decked terrace where you can bathe in the sun or you may prefer to simply enjoy the tranquillity of the pretty garden, relaxing under an ancient olive tree by the pretty rose-covered arch.

This is true France profonde with undulating countryside, idyllic rivers and ancient villages and towns. One of the region's prettiest villages is Puy-l'Eveque, only 10km away, perched high above the River Lot with narrow medieval lanes, lovely restaurants and charming shops to explore. Visit on a Tuesday morning for the traditional market where you can pick up seasonal produce and local delicacies, then head to the river for the perfect picnic.

This area is also renowned for some of the finest wine appellations of the world and there are many excellent wineries nearby and beyond to discover. The famous town of Cahors on the River Lot is just over half and hour away whilst other highlights of the region include Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Rocamadour as well as the famous villages of the Dordogne.

Whether a romantic break, a peaceful holiday with friends or a small family getaway, Maison Occitane is an exceptional home in an incredible part of rural southern France.

Features

Maison Interiors (150m2, all ground floor)

• Open-plan living room with wood burning stove and TV
• Open-plan kitchen-diner, well-equipped including 6-hob range, dishwasher, microwave and fridge-freezer. Doors leading to al-fresco dining terrace
• Double bedroom (25m2, 180cm bed) with open-plan bath in the bedroom and shower room with WC (7m2) next door. Additional lounge connects to this bedroom
• Double/twin bedroom (14m2, 160cm bed) with ensuite shower room with WC (5m2)
• Laundry room (accessed via shower room)

Outside Grounds

• Private swimming pool (5mx11m) with safety alarm and gated
• Decked pool terrace
• Al-fresco dining terrace
• BBQ
• Garden
• 30 acres of grounds across the Manoir's estate
• Ample parking

Facilities

• Wi-Fi
• Heating
• TV
• Washing machine and dryer

Location

Set on the estate of a 350-year old Manoir, Maison Occitane is surrounded by beautiful countryside and rolling meadows.

It's about a 15-minute drive to the nearest town, Puy-l'Eveque (10km) perched above the River Lot, where you will find several restaurants and shops as well as a Tuesday morning market. Explore its narrow lanes and steps and admire the ochre-coloured medieval houses and buildings. In the summer, pick up a boat tour from the port to take in the beautiful scenery.

Just a little further is Prayssac (12km) with restaurants, delightful boulangeries and a supermarket as well as a twice-weekly market. To the south, the Sunday morning market at Montcuq (17km) is also a must, which could be combined with a visit to the Lac de Montcuq with its sandy beach, fishing, children's play area and supervised swimming on summer afternoons.

You are of course in a region known for its magnificent wines with the Cahors vineyards so close. There are wineries within a short drive and beyond; whether you wish to sample Syrah or Malbec, some of the world's finest wines are made in vineyards nearby.

The beautiful and historic town of Cahors (38km) on the River Lot is just over half an hour away. 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.

In July and August you can take the boat from Cahors to Cirq-Lapopie (63km), an enchanting hilltop town just over an hours drive away from Maison Occitane. 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; it has been classified as one of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages'.

Heading north, the beautifully preserved town of Rocamadour (80km) is another amazing place to visit in the Lot department, built on the edge of a cliff with the river at the bottom of the gorge. The honey-coloured houses of stunning Gourdon (50km) are another highlight of this region.

The Dordogne is also reached in just over an hour with famous villages such as La Roque-Gageac (59km), Domme (56km) and Monpazier (49km) making perfect day trips.