The Property:

Our Loft Gîte is a modern extension in keeping with the 17th century farmhouse. It was originally the hayloft of the former wine farm, now tastefully converted to a very attractive 2 bedroomed apartment with an extensive roof terrace. Its lofty perch provides wonderful views over the quiet countryside. It is especially inspiring as the sun goes down over the valley and woods beyond. The terrace is very private and is ideal for meals or BBQs at sunset, perhaps to the sounds of the ‘laughing frogs’ in the lake below.

The kitchen/dining room is open-plan and sunny, with French windows leading onto the terrace. It gets even more light from a large skylight, with glimpses of the valley from the dining table or the kitchen corner. The kitchen itself is stylish and functional, with most modern conveniences including a dishwasher.

The lounge area is situated under the fully enclosed mezzanine bedroom. It has a convertible sofa and two Voltaire armchairs. All floors in the main space are laid in the old way, with large planks and forged nails.

The main bedroom is spacious with a double bed and a lovely view at sunrise, from a low window, over a sunlit olive tree. There is a writing table in one corner, a prettily hand painted wardrobe and bookshelves. Exposed beams and rafters add to the charm and there are stunning views of the adjacent woods from two more windows.

A large dressing room separates the bedroom from the rest of the gîte.

The mezzanine is a cosy twin bedroom that can be conveniently used for temporary guests.

Outside Area: Cassanis farmhouse stands at the end of a short track off a minor road, with no sign of traffic at all, except for buzzards and roe-deer!

Although the place is very quiet and secluded, it is still within easy reach of the facilities of modern life: Gaillac, the nearest market town (15 000 inhabitants), is 3 miles away.

The Cassanis domaine stretches over 40 acres and is all yours from your doorstep, only to be shared with the owner, one of his daughters, who is in the process of setting up a horse livery on site, therefore the horses and also the tenants of a second gîte, the almost inevitable (nowadays!) but generally well behaved other Brits, on a long term basis as well.

More pet animals are welcome, if well educated, and can be left unattended.

The property

Vallée de la Vere

Surrounding Area: The old market town of Gaillac - a now buzzing little place with its old district by the lazy river, with cafés and squares and gourmet restaurants, street markets and all that, and so many culturally varied events ( most of them virtually free in the long enough good season) - is situated in what has been lovingly called the 'golden triangle' of the South West of France. Three miles distant is the medieval bastide of Castelnau de Montmiral on its hill top, overlooking the majestic Forest of Grésigne, the most extensive oak forest in France, as it does appear from the plane as you descend.

This is a rural area of happy-go-lucky (see what I mean?) countryside: rolling farmland interrupted here and there by chalky outcrops where only junipers, scrub oaks and wild orchids grow. Miles and miles of traffic free, winding roads across a timeless landscape where innumerable old villages, châteaux and pigeonniers bear witness to the rich past of this ancient province of Languedoc, the land of troubadours - that enjoys a semi-mediterranean climate.

Among the nicest places to visit, within a very short radius, are the breathtaking citadel of Cordes, founded in 1222, a gothic jewel,  Puycelci on its buttress overlooking the Grésigne, Penne and Bruniquel, two other bastides both set in dramatic scenery, in the nearby Gorges de l'Aveyron...

The Tarn, a mighty river of many a mood, is a world of its own to explore, upstream of Gaillac, to its distant, awe-inspiring gorges in unspoilt, rugged Aveyron.

Albi, a graceful city which houses the Toulouse Lautrec museum, and famous for its brick cathedral, is 15 miles away. Toulouse,  the bustling ‘capitale du sud-ouest’, very similar to Paris on a small scale in many ways, apart from a definitely Spanish influence, is only a 50 minute’s drive away.
The local area is ideal for either rambling or hiking, with numerous marked paths through the forest or heath. Many caves can be visited on your own, provided you have torches, but they might prove a little difficult to spot without a guide in such a wilderness.

There is canoeing down the impressive  gorges of the Aveyron, horse riding, mountain biking, golf, swimming, tennis, paragliding, fishing, etc., all within easy reach.

Other comments: This property is also available for summer holiday rentals.

Pricing Info: Rent includes water for 2 people. An extra 25 euros per person may be required for any extra person. Electricity monthly charges would seem to amount, on average, from 50 euros in the coldest months (Nov. Dec. Jan.) down to 15 euros. Internet access 20 euros. Telephone free (excepting calls to mobiles).
Availability: Please contact the owner to confirm availability.

For further information and to book please contact:
N.B. Use your international dialling code in place of the + sign e.g. dialling from UK would be 00 33 
Please take into account any international time differences before calling.
Please quote ‘Rent a place in France.com’ when contacting the owner.

Name: Hervé Boitel Languages spoken: English, French. Tel No: +33 (0)5 63 57 23 03 Time to contact: Evenings Fax No: +33 (0)5 63 57 23 03 Website: www.cassanis-hauts.com

       

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