Maison Toscane

Description

In one of the prettiest regions of south-western France, there's no wonder this area is sometimes called the ‘Tuscany of France' with its rolling landscapes of hills and woodland alongside idyllic bastide villages and historic towns.

Maison Toscane is perfectly positioned close to the border between Lot and Tarn-et-Garonne, enjoying incredible views from its vast and glorious grounds. As you arrive you'll immediately appreciate the beauty around you – drive through the gates, passing wonderful woodland and as you reach Maison Toscane be amazed by the surrounding scenery. Look out towards rolling hills, meadows and maybe even summer fields of sunflowers, depending on what the local farmers may be harvesting that year.

You will be equally impressed by this beautiful home – the former owner created this maison from scratch using only original antique building materials to create an authentic French house that harmoniously blends into its environment. There's an air of romance with the pretty roses climbing the stone walls and picture-perfect shutters framing the windows, all magnificently set in three hectares of superb land.
The interiors are just as exquisite with an inviting living and dining room featuring a grand fireplace and doors leading to the swimming pool terrace. A brilliantly equipped kitchen will delight the chef of your travelling party or you may prefer to hire a cook to prepare you a feast to enjoy on the covered al-fresco terrace. Six inviting bedrooms, most with en suite bathrooms, have been decorated with calming tones and quality furnishings allowing you to rest well in this tranquil abode.

Sip a glass of Malbec from the Cahors vineyards whilst watching on as the kids splash around in the swimming pool or wander down for a game of boules as the evening air cools down. This is a place to rest, unwind and spend relaxing time with family or friends. Indeed, if you wish to bring extra guests along, there's a characterful one-bedroom Pigeonnier that you can also rent.

Those who seek adventures won't be disappointed with a wealth of enchanting villages and historic towns to explore. Just 5km away, the local village has a boulangerie for your morning croissants, as well as a supermarket and some lovely restaurants – there's a Sunday morning market too. Visit the idyllic villages of Montcuq and Lauzerte, take a boat trip along the River Lot from pretty Puy-l'Eveque, discover the historic monuments of Cahors or appreciate the beauty that has inspired artists for years in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.

Further afield, you can drive to Rocamadour and even some of the Dordogne's well-known riverside villages or stay closer to home, playing golf a few minutes away, hiring canoes along the River Tarn or horse-riding through the hills. With so many beautiful places, it's no wonder this region appeals to those seeking true authenticity in this alluring part of southern France.

#### Features
Villa Interiors (two floors)

Upper Ground-Floor

- Living-dining room with large fireplace. Doors lead to swimming pool
- Kitchen, well-equipped with doors leading to covered terrace
- Bedroom with double bed, air-conditioning and en suite shower room with shower cubicle and WC
- Bedroom with double bed and air-conditioning
- Family bathroom with bath, shower and WC
- Bedroom with double bed, air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with bath, shower and WC

Lower Ground Floor

- Bedroom with double bed, ceiling fan and en suite bathroom with WC. Doors lead outside
- Bedroom with twin beds, ceiling fan and en suite shower room with WC. Doors lead outside
- Bedroom with double bed, ceiling fan and en suite shower room with WC. Doors lead outside
- Laundry room (access from outside)
- Extra kitchen area (fridge and stove)

Outside Grounds

- Heated swimming pool (12x6m, depth: 0.8-2.8m) with safety alarm. Open approximately May to September
- Al-fresco covered terrace
- Kamado-grill BBQ
- Wood-fired pizza oven
- Bikes
- Boules
- Water feature
- Grounds (30,000m2) of woodland, lawn and fields (sloping/terraced in parts)
- Gated entry

Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Air-conditioning (ground floor)
- Ceiling fans (lower ground floor)
- TV and DVD player
- Table tennis
- Children's games
- Bikes
- Boules
- Washing machine and dryer

#### Location
With views of the rolling hills and neighbouring farmland around you, Maison Toscane enjoys a private and rural setting in a small hamlet near the border of Lot and Tarn-et-Garonne, only half an hour from the historic wine-town of Cahors.

A five-minute drive away is a village with all the essentials you should need such a boulangerie, butchers, pharmacy, a couple of lovely small restaurants, a handy petrol station and even a weekly market on a Sunday morning. You'll find a supermarket just outside the village or head to the larger towns of Cahors and Montauban for even greater amenities.

This region is known as ‘French Tuscany' for good reason with its landscapes of undulating hills, fine regional food and welcoming ambience; visitors come here to discover the real France and a relaxed pace of life. Take in the scenery by cycling or walking, canoe along the Tarn to the south, admire the wildlife by the River Lot to the north or ride horses in the beautiful countryside between. Very close to Maison Toscane you will find a charming nine-hole golf course with a tennis court where you will be warmly welcomed by the hospitable owner.

There are also so many delightful villages to explore, perfect for a spot of lunch and sight-seeing and look out for those hosting farmers markets or vide greniers (flea markets). Medieval Montcuq has a lovely Sunday morning market whilst Moissac on the River Tarn features an impressive 12th century abbey and also has a great weekend market.

The bastide town Lauzerte, classified as one of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages' is also close by – make sure you also visit Lauzerte's beautiful gardens where you can admire the views around you and keen walkers can follow extensive trails in the area.

A visit to Cahors is also a must, especially for wine-lovers with the town's surrounding vineyards producing some of the world's best Syrah and Malbec varieties. The historic town is a delight to explore with its charming lanes, old buildings and summer boat trips along the River Lot. The 14th century Pont Valentre bridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the traditional twice-weekly market selling all sorts of regional delights also shouldn't be missed.

Another one of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages' is Saint-Cirq-Lapopie with its listed historic monuments and idyllic setting which has inspired writers and artists over the years. Further west along the River Lot, Puy-l'Eveque is also a special place where you can enjoy river boat trips in the summer.

Montauban is a pretty town for another day trip, as is Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, close to the gateway to the incredible Gorges de l'Aveyron. If you feel like travelling even further afield then head north to the exquisitely preserved town of Rocamadour or cross the border into the Dordogne department with Monpazier, Domme and La Roque-Gageac, ideally placed for wonderful day trips.