Location

75 minutes from Cahors, Brive and Auriac with their train stations or airports; 19 or so miles from the magnificent, medieval city of Figeac and less than 15 minutes from all amenities in the town of St Céré, dominated by the St Laurent towers, vestiges of its old castle. A region situated on the borders of the French departments of the Lot and the Auvergne. The countryside is unspoilt and the surroundings healthy. Undulating countryside alternates grasslands and woods, criss-crossed with many fish-filled streams. An ideal starting point for the “circuit des Merveilles” (route of wonders): Rocamadour, Padirac, Montal, Autoir, Lacapelle Marival, Bretenoux, Lacave, etc.
The property is on the boundary of a small isolated village with just a few shops and craftsmen.

Description

The buildings, set in the heart of the estate, are accessed via two long, private driveways, running in opposing directions. The entry to one of which is marked by outstanding miniature castle entrance gates, with a “lauze” stone slab roof, housing a dovecote in the form of a shed dormer.
The property spans approx. 7.4 acres of a plateau on varying levels, with unobstructed views over the wonderful, surrounding countryside. Encircled by meadows which are almost entirely fenced-in, stands a copse of impressive trees, at the foot of which several sources feed the stone-lined waterways, forming fish-breeding pools here and there, and a wide lake lower down. The harmoniously laid out setting, with its scattering of flower beds and rest areas featuring tables and chairs mostly made from old grinding wheels, is meticulously tended. Away from nuisances, it is possible to take advantage of total peace and quiet.

The residence is a large, luxurious home with origins dating back to the 17th century. Built of granite, it is flanked by two, diametrically opposed towers. Both front and back slopes of the “lauze” stone slab roof cover two galleries, one on top of another, the upstairs one of which forms a traditional Lot “bolet”: an open porch, followed by a terrace, a sheltered extension of the communal room.
The property spans two stories, in addition to its recently converted attic space and has approx. 4,200 sq ft of living space.
The interior is comfortable, beautifully kept and, predominantly, luminous. Period features are not lacking and bestow a pleasant, warm and welcoming atmosphere on the residence: monumental cantou fireplace, fireplaces made of stone or with a painted wood mantelpiece, stone oven, former sculleries, original flooring and exposed beams and roofing framework, etc.
The main rooms include a lounge opening on to a glazed gallery and terrace, a dining room, a vast kitchen notably equipped with an Aga stove, a back kitchen, three large bedrooms including two with en suite shower rooms, and one that opens on to the glazed gallery, three smaller bedrooms including one that opens on to the terrace, a bathroom, and a study. Two cellars and a boiler-laundry room complete the building.
The layout of the attic space is such that guests can be completely independent.
Set at right angles, just a stone’s throw from the dwelling, is a marvellous, extremely large barn, with a slate roof and two floors, each built on a level with the sloping ground.

Our opinion

A pleasant, peaceful setting that is completely unoverlooked; we could even class it as rare as it is not easy to find as many assets all in one place: buildings representative of the local architecture in the centre of the estate, an unobstructed view of the beautiful countryside, a superb lake and waterways fed by sources, shade provided by the protective trees, and comfortable, relaxing layouts, etc. This spacious residence is welcoming and opens cleverly on to the surrounding exteriors. It is not in need of any works, merely a few finishing touches to make it feel like home. However, those with an eye for conversion will probably take a much closer look at the barn.

Price: 742 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.

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NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.