Maison Des Amis

Description

On a hilltop with enchanting views of the Gers countryside, only 15km from the historic town of Auch, Maison Des Amis is set in the heart of rural Gascony, a region known for summer landscapes of sunflowers, sleepy bastide villages and some of the most wonderful food and wine in France.

In this secluded setting, you can appreciate the tranquillity from the delightful gardens which open up to organic farmland, giving the impression of endless landscapes around you. Spend warm days by the glorious swimming pool, long lunches in the shade of the summer kitchen, watch kids play games on the lawn and sip Armagnac from a local vineyard as you watch the sun set from one of the many corners of the garden. The peace and privacy will amaze you as you take in the undulating views; you can even see as far as the Pyrenees.

Inside you will appreciate the charm and character of this traditional Gascon farmhouse, dating back to the mid-19th century and renovated with love and care. Feel at home in the large and airy living space with high oak-beamed ceilings, a sunken fireplace, library corner and French windows. The well-equipped kitchen, featuring many new appliances, offers ample space to create Gascon feasts and doors lead straight to the summer kitchen and terrace with its plancha-style barbecue.
Three bright and spacious bedrooms are full of light and enjoy lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Just a few steps away from the farmhouse, a delightful cottage offers a pretty fourth bedroom and wonderful living space, a lovely second home for guests to enjoy, perhaps grandparents or teens seeking a little independence.

The Gers region is waiting to be explored, an area of outstanding beauty yet relatively undiscovered, meaning quiet lanes ideal for cycling and stunning walks as well as wonderful bastide villages and historic towns to visit. Experience some of the region's gastronomic highlights in small local restaurants where you can enjoy foie-gras, goose or duck and soak up the vibrant atmosphere at local Farmer's markets in towns such as Vic-Fezensac, Fleurance and Lectoure. Look out for local fetes, street parties and events taking place in nearby villages in the spring, summer and autumn, including in Maison Des Amis' local commune, just a few minutes away.

The beautiful hilltop town of Auch is only 15km away with its narrow winding lanes, magical medieval architecture and magnificent cathedral, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other past-times including bird watching (even from your garden), fishing, canoeing along the River Baise, sampling Armagnac in nearby vineyards or even travelling as far as the Pyrenees mountains for some amazing hikes. Not to mention the incredible chateaux, abbeys, rolling hills and idyllic villages that make up the mesmerising and welcoming Gers region.

#### Features
Main House Interiors
(approximately 300m2, two levels inc. split-level ground floor)

- Open-plan split-level living-dining room (90m2) with sofas, fireplace, dining table (up to 10 guests) and library area. Doors lead to sun terrace
- TV/reading room
- Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, fridge-freezer, cooking range with 5 x gas hobs, double electric oven, coffee maker, soda stream. Doors lead to terrace and summer kitchen
- Guest WC
- Bedroom 1 with super-king bed (twin on request) with en suite bathroom with bath, sink and WC
- Bedroom 2 with super-king bed (twin on request) with en suite shower room with shower and sink
- Bedroom 3 with super-king bed (twin on request) with en suite shower room with shower and sink
- WC (shared between bedrooms 2 and 3)

Cottage Interiors (approximately 60m2)

- Open-plan living area (26m2) with small sofa-bed
- Open-plan breakfast kitchen corner, equipped with fridge, 2 x electric hobs, kettle, toaster, tea and coffee making facilities. Door leads to covered terrace (30m2)
- Bedroom (17m2) with super-king size bed (twin on request)
- Shower room with WC

Outside Grounds

- Swimming pool (11x5m, depth: 1-2.25m) with remote controlled safety alarm. Low chlorine system
- Al-fresco dining area with summer kitchen and plancha-grill
- 2 x bikes
- Boules
- Grass area (ideal for games)
- Tree swing
- Hammocks
- Grounds (5000m2, unenclosed leading to organic farmland)
- Stone outbuildings
- Parking (shaded area for 3 cars)

Facilities

- Wi-Fi (with two portable boosters)
- Heating (main house only)
- Satellite TV (inc. English news channels and German Eurosport)
- DVD player
- Board games
- Books
- Washing machine

#### Location
Maison Des Amis is in a countryside location in the captivating Gers department of southern France, only 15km from Auch. This is the traditional region of Gascony which is known for landscapes of sunflowers and some of the most wonderful food and wine in France.

The local village/commune, a few minutes by car, is typical of this region with a post office and a bread depot, as well as a village cafe that only opens on a Saturday morning. In the summer look out for a number of events taking place in the village square from musical evenings to food events; visitors are always made to feel very welcome.

There is a lovely grocery store around 5km away in the village of Barran whilst restaurants and larger supermarkets can be found in Auch (15km), around a 20-minute drive away. Vic-Fezensac (22km) is also a great town where you can discover amazing restaurants and food shops specialising in local Gascon cuisine as well as a weekly market and larger supermarkets.

Auch (15km) is an incredibly picturesque hilltop town with medieval winding lanes, half-timbered houses, beautiful historic architecture and its grand cathedral, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy wonderful Gascon cuisine at one of the many charming restaurants and enjoy the lively atmosphere at one of the two weekly markets on a Thursday and Saturday morning, selling all sorts of great seasonal produce from the local area.

Indeed, you can experience the famous cuisine of Gascony across many restaurants across local villages, serving local delights such as foie gras, prunes, duck breast, goose or whatever may be in season – look out for some great lunchtime menus. Armagnac and wine tours in this region are also possible with many local vineyards offering complimentary tastings and the chance to buy their product.

In the spring, summer and autumn villages come alive with fetes, festivities, markets and evenings of live music. There are also great night markets in the height of the summer in larger towns. If staying in July or August, look out for the famous music festival that takes places in Marciac (45km), featuring jazz musicians from across the world. The owners will give you information on what is taking place during your stay.

Other places to explore include the well-known market towns of Fleurance (40km) and Lectoure (50km) as well as the delightful villages of Larressingle (42km), Fources (52km) and Montreal du Gers (50km), three of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages'.

The owners have maps and guides for walkers and cyclists; bike hire can be arranged in advance and bikes delivered to the house. The country roads and lanes in this region are particularly quiet so are most appealing to cyclists of all abilities. Keen hikers can even head to the Pyrenees, a 90-minute drive south, especially wonderful in spring with the wildflowers. Canoeing on the river Baise and fishing are also popular pastimes here.