La Tour Romantique

Description

In the heart of the Gironde, this enchanting 18th century windmill stands amongst the vineyards and enjoys endless countryside views, near some of south-west France's most charming medieval villages and market towns.

The sails of the windmill may be gone but the sense of history and character certainly hasn't. The moulin has been beautifully restored into a unique and romantic bolthole where couples can appreciate the tranquillity of this special setting. On the ground floor you'll step into a bespoke oak kitchen with an old stone sink alongside modern appliances, ideal for preparing breakfast and simple meals to enjoy al-fresco in the picturesque grounds.

The windmill's original steep stairs lead up to a charming little bedroom, where there's a true air of romance. Open the bedroom windows and be greeted by views of magical vineyards. At the very top of the home, in the original sail room, you have 360 degree vistas of the Gironde countryside as you laze on the circular settee, perhaps with a glass of local wine, playing board games and spending cosy evenings with your loved one.

That said, in the warmer months it's all about appreciating the outdoors whether dipping into the pretty swimming pool, lounging on the sun-beds or preparing relaxing meals by the barbecue. Listen out for the chirping of the birds or the sounds of the farmers in the vineyards, as you revel in this countryside setting. Spend time in the rather luxurious hot tub before huddling by the fire-pit as the night falls and the bright stars come out.

This is a true beauty spot in a privileged position, yet despite its feeling of seclusion, you're not far from a pretty bastide village with a wonderful patisserie and boulangerie as well as cafes and a great weekly market. Indeed, this region is filled with market towns, wine-villages and beautiful landscapes, perfect for keen cyclists and walkers.

You can canoe on the nearby Garonne or the Dordogne, explore the amazing towns of Saint-Emilion or Bergerac, visit the famous wineries around the grand city of Bordeaux or even travel as far as the stunning beaches of the Atlantic coast.

Whether a honeymoon or a couple's escape, La Tour Romantique offers character and charm in a beautiful setting in this mesmerising part of southern France.

#### Features
Windmill Interiors
Each floor is reached via winding, steep, open-sided stone steps and working trap doors

Ground Floor

- Kitchen including a fridge with ice-maker, two gas hobs, small oven, microwave and toaster

First Floor

- Double bedroom with sink built into the wall

Second Floor

- Living room with round sofa

Basement

- Shower room (with small above ground window)

Outside Grounds

- Swimming pool (10mx5m, kidney shape with jacuzzi feature by steps) with safety alarm. Open May to September
- BBQ
- Small table and two chairs
- Fire-pit
- Hot tub

Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Satellite TV
- DVD player
- Books
- Board games
- Hot tub
- Washing machine (in a converted outbuilding)

#### Location
La Tour Romantique is set in a pretty vineyard which enjoys beautiful countryside views all around. It's only a short drive from a local village and is located in the Gironde department, south-western France, just over an hour from Bordeaux.

There's a very picturesque bastide town less than a ten-minute drive away where you will find a good variety of cafes and shops. It's particularly atmospheric on a Friday morning when the weekly market takes place and you can buy all sorts of wonderful local produce to cook in your windmill kitchen. Keen cyclists could ride there, if they don't mind the hills.

On the Garonne river, the larger town of La Reole (16km), is around a twenty-minute drive away. The town dates back to the 12th century and you can admire its history through the half-timbered houses and beautiful historic architecture as you explore its narrow lanes. If you are visiting during July and August, be sure to look out for one of the town's night markets where you will find amazing local food stalls, good wine and live music – a great evening out.

Duras (14km), in the Lot-et-Garonne region, is another great place to sample local wine from the Cotes de Duras or just spend time in the cafes, restaurants and twice-weekly Farmer's market in this pretty town. Duras also hosts great night markets in the height of the summer.

The Dordogne region can be reached in around thirty minutes where there are many more idyllic towns and villages to discover. Canoe on the river Dordogne near Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (25km) or explore the pretty towns of Eymet (35km) and Issigeac (56km). The wine-town of Bergerac (50km) is also under an hour away, with its famous Maisons des Vins and beautiful buildings.

Heading west, a trip to the hilltop town of Saint-Emilion (38km) is a must for any wine-lovers whilst Bordeaux (90km) and its vineyards can also be reached for a superb day out. Carry on further and you could be dining with family or friends, savouring fresh oysters and white wine looking out towards the bay of Arcachon (125km) or running down the huge dunes on the coast.