Chateau in Benque, Haute Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees, France
Small Chateau Set in Undulating Countryside with Stunning Views
Peaceful Retreat for Families and Friends within Easy Reach of Toulouse and The Pyrenees
6 and 2 Bedroom Houses (Sleeping 14 and 4)
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The house is less than an hour South of Toulouse. Over 400 years old, it sits in a beautiful rural setting outside the tiny village of Benque. The nearest shops are in the small historic town of Aurignac which is a 10 minute drive. Larger shops, markets, restaurants and amenities can be found in Martre Tolosane, Cazere or St. Gaudens. The Pyrenees are within an hour's drive from the house. The house has its own tennis court, swimming pool 16m x 4m, trampoline, table tennis, pool table, child-friendly riding near by and plenty of walks in the mountains and countryside. There is also a small pond and several outbuildings.
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| Rental periods | Chateau and Farmhouse | Chateau only | Long weekends |
| 24 May - 5 July 2008 | £2000 | £1800 | By arrangement |
| 5 - 19 July 2008 | £2400 | £2200 | No |
| 19 July - 30 August 2008 | £2600 | £2400 | No |
| 30 August - 13 September 2008 | £2000 | £1800 | By arrangement |
| 13 September - 18 October 2008 | £1800 | £1600 | By arrangement |
Notes on prices
Prices are for the property per week in UK pounds.
Changeover day
On a changeover day you will be asked to leave by 10am. arrivals from 5pm onwards.
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Farm House
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Sits at right angle to the Chateau across the front garden. Entrance hall. Large bathroom/shower room. Spacious sitting room, dining table for 8, leads on to kitchen which is fully equipped with dishwasher, washing machine, gas hob and electric oven. Bedroom 1 Double bed overlooking the Chateau. Bedroom 2 Two single iron beds with beautiful view over countryside. Large open barn attached. |
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Notes on accommodation
Both properties include masses of original features and have been furnished very much as a home rather than a gite. For comfort, extremely effective electric radiators and towel rails have been installed throughout. Cleaning is included and our lovely French house keeper will happily do extra hours or babysitting. Local English friends will also be happy to help with anything you need or would like to know. We have enjoyed children of all ages staying over the years, but parents of young children should be aware that there is a pond which still contains water even in the height of summer. The swimming pool has an electric cover which should be used when the pool is not in use. Please be assured that we would only let the Farmhouse to the same party as the Chateau, so you will have exclusive use of all facilities.
Accessibility
The bedrooms in the Chateau are all accessed via the main staircase and would not be suitable for someone with mobility problems. However all the accommodation in the farmhouse (bar a couple of small steps) is on one level and is therefore much easier to move around. Access from the Farmhouse to the Chateau is fairly flat although it can get a bit muddy in very wet conditions.
Outside
There are large flower beds at the front of the Chateau and vegetable garden facing South towards the mountains. Overlooking the walled beds between the house and the swimming pool, there is an old open barn which provides the perfect eating place for hot days and cool evenings. There is a large table with ample seating and a BBQ. An enormous terrace surrounds the pool with a lavender walk leading off it. Plenty of loungers and further tables and chairs are dotted around the terrace and garden so you can always find the right place to sit. There is a small dovecote and another huge barn (as yet un-renovated). The tennis court is set behind the Farmhouse and the whole property is surrounded by fields and woods which you are welcome to explore.
Coast/Beach
1.5 hours from the Mediterranean and 2 hours drive from the Atlantic coasts. Within an hour you can be in the French Pyrenees or nip over the border to Spain for a change in culture.
Golf
We can supply details of local courses if interested. Many within 45 min - 1 hour drive.
Travel
Toulouse Airport is less than an hour's drive. Carcasonne and Pau both about an hour and a half. Driving from England is straightforward, approx 13.5 hours from London using Eurotunnel. You will need a car to enjoy the area.
Distances
10k to the small historic town of Aurignac where you will find everything that you need. Bakeries, butchers, bank, pharmacy a fabulous greengrocer, restaurant/bar etc. Within 15 minutes you can be in Martre Tolosane, famous for its pottery or Cazere on the Garonne. Both have large supermarkets. Between Aurignac and Martre is the picturesque village of Alan, built around the Bishops Palace.
Central Toulouse is beautiful and is well worth a visit with a host of markets, galleries and museums 1hr
Further details
There are some interesting regional restaurants to explore and the lunch menus are usually fantastic value. The area is not particularly geared to tourists and so the various fetes and events organised throughout the year give you a real flavour of local life. Although relatively undiscovered as a region, there is plenty to do for everyone from historic towns and monuments, beautiful walks, markets, to cycling and white water rafting in the mountains.
Booking notes
As this is the first year of rental, there is some flexibility over dates and holidays do not necessarily have to run Saturday to Saturday. Please contact us to discuss dates that might suit you within the availability shown. A deposit of 1/3 is payable to secure the booking. The balance is payable 2 weeks before the start.
For booking and further information
Brigid Clarke
Mob: (UK) + 44 (0) 7767 754 738
Email: Click here
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This advertiser joined Owners Direct in April 2008,
and has advertised this property with us since April 2008.
Property Ref FR3431
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