Manoir house near Cahors with private pool

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Generously equipped for up to 12 guests seeking style and comfort. The Manoir sits in its own private1.25 hectares (5 acres) park and orchards in the elevated Causses du Quercy Blanc, looking on the undulating surrounding countryside, under a wide open sky.

Guests share this little heaven with a resident hare, a multitude of birds and some visiting deer

Les Gaillardoux (pronounced Gaillardouce in Langue d’oc) is a part 17th and part 18th century stone manor house, built and lived in for generations by a prosperous family who farmed an extensive area of the Causses de Quercy. The Manoir, its barns, and round-house (pigeonnier) are examples of top quality stone rural architecture of the Lot region which are increasingly rare.

The Manoir includes the main house facing East, South and North with its North wing facing North, South and West; a number of large stone outbuildings and a partly walled heated swimming-pool with its terrace area, all arranged around a large courtyard planted with flowering bushes, specimen trees and a fig tree.

The Manoir has been recently internally modernised to provide well-equipped and comfortable accommodation, whilst retaining all the traditional features of a French country manor. Unlike farm houses, the Manoir has tall windows allowing plenty of light into the house. Rooms are spacious, generously furnished and are ideal for entertaining both large and intimate parties.

Capacity:

* 12 people
* Dining-room, petit salon, grand salon, games room.
* Master bedroom with dressing, boudoir and en-suite bathroom/wc.
* 5 further double bedrooms, each with en-suite shower room/wc.
* Fully equipped Gourmet kitchen with dishwashers and American fridge-freezer.
* Utility room with washing machines and dryer. Further cloakrooms.
* Heated swimming-pool, pool furniture for 12, garden furniture.
* Australian outdoor kitchen (BBQ).
* 1.25 hect. Park and orchards.

The stone-pillared wagon shed can provide undercover parking for up to 5 cars or be used as a summer dining area. Ample further parking area.

Also provided

Hairdryers, bed linen, towels and pool towels. Regular cleaning of kitchen and bathrooms. Cook available by separate arrangement.

Satellite TV + music centre

ADSL, high capacity telephone line. (in our experience, mobile phones and blackberries work perfectly on the property). Combined fax/answering machine/copier/telephone.

Area and Access
From the two main roads running north and south, the Manoir is easy to find, 14kms south of Cahors, 2kms from the N20 and 8kms from the Cahors South junction of the A20 motorway.

Toulouse international airport is just under an hour by road and for private flyers, Lalbenque private aerodrome is 5 kms away.

Geography and Climate
The Causse du Quercy is an elevated limestone plateau with extended views over a rolling hilly and wooded landscape. It enjoys a dry climate with mild spring and autumn weather and relief from extreme summer heat.

Nearby Towns
Cahors is the principle town of the Lot region, a centre for the wine growing area, with modern supermarkets and traditional cafes, restaurants, markets and a theatre.

The regional capital city of Toulouse has year-round cultural attractions and top quality shopping and share the region’s rich historical past.

Nearby, villages offer a range of shops, a pharmacy, minimarkets, butcher, grocer, bar and restaurant and a baker who sells locally made bread, viennoiserie and patisserie.

Tourist attractions and Leisure activities
The area offers sunshine and weather to live outdoors for a large part of the year.

The Quercy region is thinly populated and well known for its picturesque medieval villages, many with cafés, restaurants and markets worth exploring.

Spectacular sculptured rocky landscapes, the large river valleys of the Lot and smaller rivers like the shallow Célé, attract water sports lovers for boat hire, fishing and canoeing.

Wine growing and associated traditions, including visits to local chateaux and vineyards. The Cahors red wines take on their best characteristics after ageing and to the west, among the Bergerac wines are the world famous Montbazillac sweet, perfumed white wine, ideal with foie gras and deserts.

Gastronomy: A strong tradition and pride in excellent food, and a wide selection of restaurants in which to enjoy it - the nearest is approximately 2kms from the house.

Rich Architectural heritage and cultural activities: Many intact spectacular cliff-top fortresses and historical remains, including a magnificent medieval bridge (Le Pont Valentré ) and 11th century cathedral at Cahors and whole medieval villages. Historical links with England started with the accession of Eleanore of Aquitaine. From 1152, Quercy was part of the kingdom of England, but was extensively fought over until 1450, when the English left Cahors. The region is also deeply linked with Cathar history. Numerous local festivals and cultural activities throughout the year.

Wonderful opportunities for cycling and walking

Caving: throughout Perigord and Quercy; the limestone geology provides deep caving and historical sites of cave-paintings to visit.

Flying: all the activities associated with the private aerodrome opened to the public. For instance, flying your own plane or private flying with local pilots.

Golf: at various clubs nearby, ranging from 5kms to 30kms distance.

Open-top motoring.

Carcassonne, The Pyrénées, the Mediterranean sea and Spain are within reach for day trips.

RATES (from 2007): 4,500 euros per week.
Refundable deposit will be required.
Arrivals are on Saturdays, between 16h00 and 20h00. Departures are on Saturdays by 10h00.

We regret that pets are not allowed

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