Comfort and Calm in Secluded Rural Setting

Description of Property:   The Barn offers comfortable and spacious accommodation on two levels. Priced per month for 2, but sleeps 4, and should you have visitors there is more accommodation in the Tower alongside (available as optional extra; n/a winter - no heating). The open-plan living area in the Barn is light and bright with roof windows and large glazed doors opening onto the sunny courtyard, where there are several seating areas, a barbecue and herb beds. Outside the kitchen, below the Tower (behind the arch - see photos) is an additional dining area and useful storage for bikes etc. The south and east facing courtyard is a sun trap even in winter. The indoor dining area, two steps down from the living room, has a large pine dining table; modern kitchen units are easy to clean and well equipped for self-catering. Off the kitchen is a cloakroom/utility room, with a washing machine, tumble dryer and a downstairs toilet/shower. On the gallery (mezzanine "bedroom") overlooking the living area are a queen-size double bed, fitted shelves and a large curtained wardrobe offering plenty of storage space. Off the gallery is a bedroom with twin single beds, and a shower room with shower area, toilet and washbasin. Lots of books for holiday reading and wet days. Wifi access to broadband internet (soon to be fibre).
When we converted the old barn it was for ourselves and we lived in it for 4 years; we tried to keep it as much like a barn as possible, hence it is largely open-plan and there are low beams; the double bed is on the gallery above the living area (this was the hay loft). The lower kitchen level was the cowshed with a byre (in wood and sadly unsaveable) where there is a change of level. We made the barrier out of the old yokes used for the cattle in plough harness.
The Barn has proved itself popular for return bookings and long lets. These are some comments from our guestbook:
"We loved Fraysse Haut so much we stayed for three months! If you’re looking for a get-away-from-it-all retreat in rural France, you really can’t do better than Dan and Sheila’s delightful renovated barn. The accommodation is extremely comfortable and well equipped, from kitchen pots and pans to wi-fi, washing machine and English and French television channels. For chilly nights, there is a terrific log burner with a plentiful supply of wood." R & C, Surrey.
"From the moment we were greeted by our hosts on arrival and were “introduced” to the barn, where we stayed for the next six weeks, I felt completely at home... In six weeks of walking, we never ran out of tracks to pursue, we did two over-nights in Spain, and several day trips in every direction. Each time in returning, from walks or driving, we knew we were coming home again."
M & B, California
"It is one of the few places that we have visited that you could actualy hear the peace and quiet. Fraysse Haut is everyone's dream of real rural French life. It even had its own resident owl." A & S, Nottingham

Outside Amenities:  Arriving from the lane, you drive into the south-facing courtyard. Once unpacked, your car can be parked nearby in the small guest parking area, leaving the courtyard free. The Barn is at right-angles to the owners' house; each habitation is accessed from the courtyard but has its own seating areas, and the buildings do not overlook each other. The Barn faces east and the view from the large double-glazed doors is across the courtyard towards the meadow. There is a small grass area with a washing line, some fruit trees, herb beds and potted plants. A charcoal barbecue and a large stone table are for the use of guests. The courtyard opens directly onto grass fields where the pool and gazebo are situated. Shed space is available for bicycle storage. There is open access through our fields and woods and orchard area and guests may wander freely, and if lucky, find mushrooms in season, or chestnuts and walnuts.

Surrounding Area:  Fraysse Haut is the perfect location for walkers. Several circuits pass nearby and our access track is the GR652. We are on the Montcabrier circuit; the walk to the village is 3,5 km and the full circuit is 12 km. Taking the track in the other direction, there is a woodland route to Puy l'Evêque, or to the church (with frescoes) at Martignac. The full "circuit de 7 églises" (7 churches) walk is 15 km. A network of small tracks go off in all directions. Maps and guides are provided and Sheila (was once a walk leader for Ramblers Holidays) can advise you. Cyclists will find the nearby countryside and roads quiet but challenging, with lots of hills and valleys. For flatter cycling, head down among the vineyards in the meanders of the Lot or along the disused railway tracks along the river (the velo-route du Lot).
Down in the valley there are several bases for hiring canoes or getting into or onto the Lot river, and some allocated fishing sites. Puy l'Evêque is a charming riverside town surrounded by vineyards. Prayssac at 8 km has a busy weekly produce market and more shops and supermarkets are here and at Fumel (20 km) just over the border into Lot-et-Garonne. The Dordogne border is also only a few kms away (Villefranche-du-Périgord, Monpazier). Our nearest bigger town is Cahors, the cathedral and old quarters and Pont Valentré are a must-visit, and the town has a strong southern France feel.
The major sites of the Lot, apart from Cahors and Puy l'Evêque, such as Rocamadour, St Cirq Lapopie, Pech Merle, Padirac, Figeac are all just over an hour away and easily combined into day trips on quiet roads through beautiful scenery. Other nearby features are the Chateaux of Bonaguil and Biron, the bastide villages such as Monpazier and Monflanquin. Not forgetting the many attractive villages often with small museums in the area. Dinosaurs and fossils at Luzech, prehistory at Sauveterre-la-Lémance, Zadkine sculptures at Les Arques.
From September to June, to keep fit and active in winter there is a good choice of activities and no shortage of gym or yoga classes, country line dancing, ballroom or salsa, tennis courts and clubs at Puy l'Evêque and Prayssac, walking groups, etc. Horse riding and hacking is possible at several small equestrian centres.

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Heating system:	Central heating (Underfloor heating). The Barn has underfloor heating and a large log burner, which is an "insert" (glass door at the front of an iron body, with a decorative stone surround) with an internal steel smoke stack, so the heat circulates through the open-plan areas.
Services / Facilities:	Mains water. Septic tank. Electricity. WiFi Broadband Internet Access.
Kitchen Facilities:	Conventional oven. Hob. Microwave. Fridge. Combined Fridge/Freezer. Dishwasher. Washing Machine. Tumble Dryer.
Additional Info:	Not suitable for children. No smokers. No smoking inside the buildings Pets may be allowed by prior agreement. Dogs must be chicken-proof and quiet BBQ. Pool. Reasons to book this property: Off the beaten track, great walking possibilities. Good kitchen - for those that want to cook the seasonal vegetables or locally farmed meat to be found on the market. French-speaking owners, well integrated, can offer help with your French and "meet the locals", and local knowledge. Proximity to Puy l'Evêque, picturesque riverside village with several good restaurants, shops and market, sporting facilities and social activities all year round. Near to Cahors vineyards, and the Lot river valley. We have many return bookings! Property is suitable for more than one family. Off-road parking.

Distance to Nearest (in kms):

Pricing Info:  Payment in euros or GB pounds for a 4 week period. One month in advance plus one month deposit. Linen and shower towels included, 2 sets for long lets; also kitchen towels. Bedding is cotton/cotton mix. Duvets, Hollofill pillows (please ask if you prefer feather).
A reasonable amount of logs, cut from our own woods, is included. A small contribution may be requested if extra large quantities are required.
Services are included.
Taxe de séjour (local stay tax) is not included in the price, 0.95 cts per person per day which is about 53 euros per month for 2 people, payable on the spot in local currency (euros). This is collected by the tourist office and allegedly goes towards improving amenities and services. You do not pay for any nights that you are absent e.g. on a trip elsewhere.

Availability: This property is available for longer rentals: September to June

Meublés de tourism (our classification) is considered temporary furnished holiday accommodation and can be let for a contractual period of up to 3 months. For rentals of 6 - 12 months or more, please enquire with properties which are business-registered for long term lets with appropriate contracts under French law.

This property is available for weekly summer holiday rentals.

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