Lavayssière

The highlights

• Spend the day lounging by the pool with a cocktail and a good book. Take a morning dip outside or indulge yourself in the heated indoor pool.
• Enjoy a game of tennis in the gorgeous grounds then settle in the Jacuzzi with a glass of champagne.
• Dine on wine, cheese and bread out on the covered terrace where 20 people can sit and relax in great comfort.
• Wander the grounds, meadows and woodland all the way down to the stream. Enjoy the stunning views.
• Enjoy all the entertainment in the game room and throw the kids onto the large trampoline!
• Make the beautiful 20-minute stroll into the village of Bardigues and enjoy an extraordinary meal at Cafe Iris.
• In low season we rent the converted barn or the house separately for 6 to 10 guests only - always with exclusive occupation.

You should know

• The outdoor pool is open from mid-May until mid-September each year.
• Remember to bring your own tennis balls and tennis rackets.
• Plenty of off-road parking is available.
• Can accommodate up to 20 people and three babies in cots.
• The ground-floor bedroom is ideal for those with mobility issues.

The detail

Lavayssière is an extraordinary 18th-century farmhouse set within 30 acres of beautiful meadows and woodland with every imaginable luxury at your fingertips. It would be a memorable retreat for a large multi-generational family or a group of friends seeking an indulgent escape in the South West of France.

Arrive to verdant sun-drenched gardens surrounding a beautiful house on the hillside spread over three floors. With 10,000 square feet of space, there's more than enough room for everyone to relax, unwind and soak in the opulence.

The ground floor is tiled entirely with handcrafted terracotta bringing the feel of a truly French escape to life. There are two lounges to socialise and relax in, both with modern and elegant furnishings. The first is perfect for chilly evenings with three large sofas and a double-sided wood burner to keep you toasty as you enjoy a movie or curl up with a book. On warmer evenings this room opens onto a west-facing veranda where you can relax with an aperitif and watch the setting sun. The second lounge is south-facing and boasts a concert piano for any talented guests to enjoy. There's also a 36-inch flat-screen TV and a DVD library to keep any kids or teenagers entertained.

The kitchen is vast, airy and light thanks to the French windows which provide stunning views. Original oak beams in the high ceilings and a lovely 10-seater oak dining table creates a lovely environment for loud bustling breakfasts and simple cosy suppers. You'll find everything you could possibly need including an American-style fridge freezer to keep the wine chilled, a Smeg double oven and two dishwashers. A state of the art Sonos sound system by Bose can be connected to your phone so you can enjoy that holiday playlist you made! Another seating area out on the covered west terrace provides a selection of tables and seating for up to 20 and is a fabulous place for alfresco dining en masse.

The main house is attached to Gites Bleu & Vert, a modern complex with two sets of accommodation. This wonderful addition provides separate private spaces ideal for two families with children or couples seeking some privacy. Both have their own fantastic open plan modern kitchen, living and dining area and each Gite has two luxurious double bedrooms with a bathroom each that has both a tub and a shower. Between the two gites is a separate bedroom with bunks ideal for the kids. As luxurious as the main house, just slightly more boutique. The upper floors link directly to a heated indoor pool and offer lovely views across the valley.

Back in the main house we have the master bedroom, completely breathtaking with a Moroccan tiled bathroom, super-king size bed and decked balcony. The Red Room which also has a super king (zip linked) and mosaic tiled ensuite, two large rooms which share a family bathroom and a lovely double bedroom on the ground floor for those who require easier access with its own delightful ensuite.

After a wonderful night's sleep and a hearty breakfast you can enjoy a day of swimming in the outdoor or indoor heated swimming pool. You'll find sun loungers dotted about in the shade, perfect for a snooze after lunch. There's a tennis court in the gardens where you can work up a sweat before sinking into the Jacuzzi with a glass of bubbly. The house even has its own game room with plenty to keep everyone entertained. There's even a large trampoline!

Enjoy stunning walks through flowering meadows and explore the woods down to the stream at the bottom of the hill. A 20-minute walk will bring you to the village of Bardigues and the excellent Cafe Iris restaurant. Head to Auvillar for supermarkets, butchers, bakers and a delightful Sunday farmer's market. Gascony is dotted with medieval bastide villages and many fabulous restaurants to discover!

Features

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