Surrounded by dreamy landscapes of Tarn countryside, this luxuriously appointed French Manoir is a stunning holiday home for 12-20 guests with the most glorious swimming pool alongside a wood-fired jacuzzi, sauna and professionally sized tennis court.
In a private setting, relax in the 32-hectare estate of meadows and woodland, stroll through the formal gardens which are beautifully lit up at night and drink Gaillac wine in the romantic stone courtyard. Follow the steps up to the superb swimming pool with its decked terrace, decadent 6-person jacuzzi and splendid pool house with its summer kitchen, bar and barbecue.
After an extensive renovation, the interiors of this 19th-century manor house are just as inspiring. The elegant lounge features a Smart TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime whilst the charming dining room has French windows leading to the formal gardens. There are six bedrooms across the manoir and adjoining courtyard apartment including the most wonderful king-size double with a roll-top bath gracefully positioned in the bedroom.
If staying with more than twelve guests, the inviting 4-bedroom Guest House is also made available. It’s a delightful home with a warm and welcoming kitchen-diner and lounge with billiard table as well as sliding doors opening up to the terrace and verdant gardens.
Beyond the gardens and vast grounds, there is so much beauty to discover across the Pays de Cocagne, a region of rolling hills, idyllic villages, windmills, dovecotes and historic homes, known for its production of “pastel blue” dye which brought great wealth in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Lavaur and Lautrec are two such beautiful places to visit – look out for bustling morning markets selling pink garlic, saffron, local cheeses and wine or head to summer night markets in villages and towns such as Saint-Sulpices, Castres and Burlats.
Then there’s the Golden Triangle of the Tarn with Albi, Gaillac and Cordes-sur-Ciel or drive to the Canal du Midi for boat trips, long walks and cycle rides near Castelnaudary or Toulouse.
Closer to home, enjoy golf within a short drive, canoeing along the Agoût river, vineyard tours and horse-riding, all surrounded by the spectacular scenery of this enchanting part of southern France.
In the Pays de Cocagne, 55km east of Toulouse, Manoir Des Prairies is set in a 32-hectare estate surrounded by meadows and woodland.
The nearest village, around 6km by car, has a small supermarket, boulangerie and weekly market whilst medieval Graulhet and Lavaur, both around a 15 to 20-minute drive away, have larger supermarkets and a wider range of amenities.
The Pays de Cocagne features landscapes of rolling hills dotted with medieval villages and historic houses and dovecotes. It’s most famous for its production of “pastel blue” dye, often referred to as ‘blue gold’ as it brought so much wealth to this region in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Beautiful places to visit include Lavaur (15km), in a pretty riverside setting with its fascinating Cathar heritage and atmospheric Saturday morning market. Take time to explore its picturesque centre and admire the Monastère Sainte Claire. A little further afield, Lautrec (19km) is known for its pink garlic (look out for the garlic festival in early August) and is also home to one of France’s oldest working windmills, dating back to the late 17th century.
The much-loved towns of the Golden Triangle of Tarn are also within easy reach. Start off in Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the banks of the Tarn river, with its historic quarter, magnificent cathedral and charming shops and restaurants. Gaillac is well-known for its historic wine production dating back to Roman times – visit its vineyards or soak up the ambience of the bustling Friday morning market. Furthest away is idyllic Cordes-sur-Ciel, around an hour by car, a 12th century village which enjoys a stunning perched setting.
Castelnaudary (51km) is another attractive town to visit, especially if you are keen to see the Canal du Midi – there are some wonderful walks, cycle rides and boat excursions. If staying for lunch, try cassoulet, a regional speciality that originates from here.
A little closer to home is 14th century Revel (25km) with its fantastic Saturday morning market and close to the scenic Bassin de Saint-Ferréol where you will find summer swimming and watersports. Further afield, Bassin de Lampy is another superb spot in the foothills of the Black Mountains, an alluring region of lakes, forests, vineyards, historic castles and little villages.
Captivating Carcassonne is around a 90-minute drive away whilst the city of Toulouse, also called ‘La Ville Rose’, is yet another fascinating place to spend the day with its shops, restaurants, bars and beautiful architecture.
1) Manoir Only (12-person price)
2) Manoir and Guest House ground floor (14-person price)
3) Manoir and entire Guest House (20-person price) Manoir Interiors Manoir Ground Floor
- Living room
- Dining room
- Kitchen
Manoir First Floor
- Bedroom with king-size double bed, sink and free-standing bath in the room
- Bedroom with king-size double bed and chaise longue. Bathroom with bath, walk-in shower and sink
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed
- Bedroom with twin beds
- Bathroom with bath and shower
Courtyard Apartment (opposite main part of the house, own entrance)
- 2 x ground-floor bedrooms with queen-size double bed
- Bathroom with shower
Guest House Interiors
Ground Floor
- Open-plan living-dining room and kitchen with doors leading to garden
- Open-plan billiard room
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed and bathroom with bath and shower
First Floor
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed and bathroom with shower
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed and bathroom with shower
- Bedroom with twin beds and bathroom with shower
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (6x12m, depth: 0.8-2.5m) with pool safety alarm
- Wood-fired 6-person jacuzzi
- Pool house with bar and al-fresco dining and lounge terraces
- Barbecue
- Sauna
- Landscaped gardens with water features and lighting (some steps)
- Courtyard garden
- Al-fresco dining and lounge areas
- Tennis court
- Covered parking (3 cars)
- Large grounds (32 hectares including different levels/steps)
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Smart TV
- Jacuzzi
- Sauna (2x2x2m)
- Tennis court
- Table tennis
- Billiard table (annexe only)
- Board games
- Games console
- Children’s games and books
