Manoir Gascon

Featured in The Sunday Times as one of Europe’s Top 50 villas.Manoir Gascon is not just a villa, it’s an experience… Imagine driving down a quiet country lane in rural Armagnac, then down a 150-metre drive, and arriving at a typical 17th Century Gascon manor house, surrounded by 17 acres of gardens, woodlands and organic hay fields. Old stone walls around a formal courtyard…an original pigeonnier…a wisteria covered arbor…an ancient wooden verandah…gardens dotted with lavender…Manoir Gascon is designed to thrill the senses and to fully transport you to this quintessentially charming part of South West France. The manoir is beautifully furnished with contemporary pieces, antiques and art. Special care has been taken to maintain the original and charming patina. Here it’s all about warmth, character and authenticity. The two historic ‘salons’ are at the heart of the house and perfect places to gather at any time of the year. Outdoors, two charming dining areas set the scene beautifully for lavish alfresco meals of foie gras, duck, cheese and other local specialties, and a heated swimming pool and games barn keep everyone entertained. The setting is private and rural and yet a vibrant Gascon village is just a short walk away or bike ride along a country lane. Besides a restaurant-café at its centre, it also has a bakery, butcher, pharmacy and even a tennis club (rackets provided back at the manoir) as well as a striking red bullring which is over one hundred years old and the stage for the traditional ‘Course Landaise’.This is The Gers, the heart of Gascony, Musketeers, foie gras and Grand Armagnac country. This is the real France where guests can immerse themselves in authentic fortified villages, market towns, historic and cultural attractions and some of the best food and wine in the world.If you need a large supermarket or other restaurants you need only travel to Cazaubon (10km), Nogaro (17km) or Eauze (20km) and there are some great weekly markets in Eauze, Barbotan-les-Thermes and Vic Fezensac. Other typical local towns and villages worth visiting are La Bastide d’Armagnac, Aire sur L’adour and Euginie les Bains. The area is also famous for the historical racing event held at the Nogaro circuit as well as the biggest jazz festival in Europe held at Marciac. Even Bordeaux, Toulouse and Pau (vintage motor racing in May) are within easy reach. Features: Manoir Interior Ground Floor - Hall with sitting area with Sky TV- Fully equipped kitchen- Dining room with table for 12 guests and log-burning stove- ’Grand salon’ with sofas and working fireplace- ’Petite salon’ with sofas and decorative fireplace- Bedroom with super king-size double bed and en-suite bathroom- Bedroom with super king-size double bed (can be split as two singles on request)- Bedroom with super king-size double bed- Family bath/shower room (shared between above two bedrooms)- Laundry room/Cloakroom with WC and double sink and boot/cloak room Two foldaway beds are available on request.  First Floor - Bedroom with two single beds- Bedroom with king-size double bed and two sleigh beds (large singles)- Bath/shower room - Shower room with WC Outside Grounds 17 acres (7 hectares) of gardens and grounds, access through a 150m-long country lane - Enclosed pool garden with private heated swimming pool (size: 10m x 12m/ heating type: Air Source Heat Pump) with fence and alarm system- Sunbeds and parasols- Two verandas with outdoor dining facilities (accessible from the kitchen)- Formal courtyard- Ancient ’Pigeonnier’- Two charcoal BBQs- Party/games barn- Fruiting orchard- Ancient woodland- Organic hay fields- Mini-football goals and footballs- Tennis rackets- Badminton Additional Facilities- Wi-Fi (kitchen only)- Sky TV- Games console- Music system- Steam iron and ironing board Location: The local village is just a short walk along a country lane from Manoir Gascon. A vibrant village with a bakery, butchers, local pharmacy and a very welcoming restaurant-café where you can go for a morning coffee, lunch or evening meal. One particularly striking highlight of the village is the bull-ring, over one hundred years old, where you can watch the ‘Course Landaise’, a slightly different version of Spanish bullfighting.  Golf lovers can play at Golf de Guinlet (23km) or various other courses in the region and cyclists will appreciate the opportunities to explore the beautiful area by bike, a popular pastime in Gers and Gascony. On a Thursday be sure to visit Eauze (19km), the capital of Armagnac, where you will find a glorious market selling fruit, vegetables, cheese from the Pyrenees, seafood from nearby Atlantic coast and local sausage made with figs, nuts and herbs as well as the famous ‘Eau de Vie’. If you have a taste for Armagnac, there are plenty of opportunities to visit local producers and guided tours as well as tastings can be arranged. Formula One fans must visit Nogaro (16km) where you can hire racing cars for the day to drive around the track. Other noteworthy villages and towns in the area include the thermal spas at Barbotan Les Thermes (13km), a thirteenth century fortified village, Labastide d’Armagnac (16km) and Marciac (50km), home to a well established jazz festival. If you do wish to venture towards the coast, then the Atlantic coast is within a two hour drive – the area is a paradise for surfers, especially in places such as Biarritz (150km) and further south, or you can explore the beautiful sand dunes and pine forests of the more remote parts of this coastline further north. Terms & Conditions: ? €500 paid to the owner by bank transfer one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 4.30 p.m. 10.00 a.m. Yes. Yes, including pool towels. A mid stay change of linen and towels is also included for bookings of two weeks. On request and by prior arrangement with the owner. Weddings, stag/hen parties and other celebrations are not permitted. An extra king-size double room and an extra single room are available to accommodate 3 additional guests - available on request and subject to additional costs, please enquire Saturday (other days are possible on request). Yes. A mid stay clean is also included for bookings of two weeks. Outside only. Please note that all cigarette butts must be disposed of. 7 nights from June to September. 4 nights during all other periods. Yes. Wi-Fi is available in the kitchen only.