La Sérénité
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About the home
This traditional stone farmhouse is set in 2 acres of private grounds in peaceful, idyllic countryside, the "real France", with views across the Aveyron Gorges. Totally reconstructed for 2009, it retains the essential original features but now provides every modern luxury as well. Almost every room has exposed stone walls and the two, generous en-suite Master bedrooms have vaulted ceilings. The reconstruction is to the same exacting standards as the owners' other property in the area (ref no. 59590), which is listed by The Times as one of "Europe's 40 hottest villas".
All will love the brand new pool with Roman steps and underwater lights, which is reliably heated by a powerful, 20kW exchanger and is a delight during all seasons. The Games Room will also entertain young and old alike. Careful thought has been given to shaded areas for the glorious summer heat, including the covered terrace which provides superb al-fresco dining. When the days turn cooler, the house offers full central heating plus the traditional log burning stove.
Just down the road is medieval Najac, officially listed as "one of the most beautiful villages in France". It provides many recreational activities and its historic Richard the Lionheart fortress dominates the surrounding, rolling countryside. Within 10 minutes drive there are at least 6 restaurants, 2 of which are Michelin listed.
| Size: | Sleeps up to 8, 4 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Will consider: | House swaps Long lets |
| Access: | Car essential |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for children of all ages Suitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | No pets allowed No smoking at this property Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Log fire, Private outdoor pool (heated), DVD player |
|---|---|
| General: | Central heating, Video player, CD player, Telephone, Table tennis, Games room, Satellite TV |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer |
| Utilities: | Clothes dryer, Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 4 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms of which 2 en suites and 1 shower room |
| Furniture: | Sofabeds (1), Single beds (3), Double beds (2), Cots (1), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 8 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided Highchair available |
| Outdoors: | Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (heated), Private garden, BBQ |
| Access: | Parking space |
Further details indoors:
The 2 ground floor bedrooms share a shower room (large shower, basin and WC) and are especially suitable when young children need to be close by. The double room also enjoys a separate access to garden and pool for that early-morning dip. The 2 en-suite Master bedrooms are on the 2nd floor, one with bath and shower and the other with shower. They both have the traditional dormer windows and vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and kingpins.
The living accommodation is on the 1st floor; to one side the huge, triple aspect salon and to the other side the triple aspect kitchen and dining area. The salon has an 82cm flatscreen satellite TV with many UK channels, DVD and Video player. The new, fully fitted oak kitchen has an American fridge/freezer with filtered water and ice dispenser, 5-burner gas hob with extractor and electric, high-level oven. The farmhouse pine table can be extended to seat 14 and the dining chairs are solid oak. This area leads directly onto the outside, covered dining terrace with its teak furniture and adjacent barbecue.
There is central heating throughout the house as well as the traditional log stove. All the bathrooms are brand new and so are the comfortable beds and sofas. Other carefully chosen furniture pieces complement the history of the property.
The large, tiled Games Room provides an additional area for all to let off steam and have fun, particularly on the odd bad-weather days. There is table tennis, air-hockey table and football table ("babyfoot") as well as a quality darts board. Books, videos and indoor board games also provided.
Further details outdoors:
The pool is 10m x 5m, with Roman steps for easy entry and exit and is heated by a powerful heat pump (so that heating is NOT sunshine dependant) to a target 27C. There are underwater lights for luxurious evening bathing too. The pool area is adjacent to the house, incorporates a solar shower and has a large, paved sunning terrace. The adjustable sunbeds have mattresses and there is further casual seating with Adirondack chairs and tables and semi-circular teak benches under the trees for that lazy holiday reading. The walnut and ash trees provide extensive shade throughout the day if required and allow the hammock to be slung to enjoy the views in true holiday luxury.
The extensive lawned areas of the gardens provide outdoor activities such as badminton, cricket, rounders etc whereas the sweeping gravel approach to the house is favourite for the pre-aperitif ritual of a friendly game of boules. Outdoor living goes on well into the evenings in this part of southern France: after you have enjoyed the sunset views over the river gorges there is plenty of lighting outdoors (including the underlit trees) for perfect al-fresco dining. Then after dark the pool underwater lighting is spectacular whether in or out of the silky water.
In the spring you'll be able to pick fresh strawberries, in the summer ripe figs and in the autumn your own walnuts.
Further details
The owners live 10 minutes away and will be there to greet you on your arrival and to provide any local information required, helping you plan the most from your stay here. Luxury services can be arranged, such as poolside massages and provision of "at home" chef service. Also French lessons structured in a very practical way.
Separate pool towels provided for everyone and also hair dryers, so saving on baggage weight!
Conditions
-25% deposit required on booking, balance 6 weeks before arrival
-security deposit of £250 required
Photos
Video
Share videoThe Midi-Pyrenees / Aveyron region
Only recently easily accessible by air links and the new A20 motorway, Aveyron has been described as one of the last secret areas of France and Occitan is still spoken by many. The Aveyron has 10 of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (the most beautiful villages in France), more than any other department. Of these, Najac is on our doorstep and is also a "Grand Site" of the Aveyron. Its gastronomy is renowned!
It is valued by tourists looking for the "real" France and has a predominantly agricultural as opposed to tourism economy. The countryside in the foothills linking the Languedoc to the Massif Central is generally spectacular, green from the winter rainfall but with the long dry spells of the Languedoc in summer.
The major rivers of Lot, Aveyron and Tarn each have stunning gorges and other natural features such as the famous cheesemaking caves at Roquefort. The world's highest viaduct bridge can be seen crossing the Tarn at Millau and is an awesome sight!
The La Fouillade area
La Fouillade itself is a quiet village with baker, butcher, chemist, post office, a couple of bars, a couple of restaurants, small supermarket and a corner shop. It adjoins Najac just 5min drive away which is a medieval famous bastide village and the ancient capital of the region. It has a tourist office who will help you with all your local activities and visits. Najac boasts many restaurants, two of which are Michelin listed.
The nearest town is Villefranche de Rouergue with its substantial weekly market and 3 superstores, about 20min drive. It is a bastide as well, as are Villeneuve and Cordes-sur-Ciel both about 30min drive. Further away are the Roquefort cheese caves and the remarkable bridge at Millau - the world's highest road viaduct.
Relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoor life are key here, with great local opportunities for water activities, walking, cycling and riding. But for city life, Toulouse is easily accessible by car or train direct from Najac and is perhaps best known both as a university town as well as headquarters of the Airbus operation and the site of the French Space City.
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Rodez: 69 km |
| Railway: | Najac: 7 km |
Fly to Rodez (1 hour from Rodez airport), from Stansted and Dublin with Ryanair
-fly to Toulouse (1.5hr from Toulouse airport) from Cardiff, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, Norwich, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Belfast, Edinburgh and Dublin with Easyjet, BA, Flybe, Air France, Jet2
-other airports within reach are Brive (from London City), Limoges, Bergerac or Carcassonne
-a good chart showing Airlines and Routes is at: http://www.frenchentree.com/france-flight-map/#
-by road from channel ports in about 8 hrs via toll-free A20 motorway
Activities near La Fouillade
Tennis in town
Watersports
Horse Riding
Golf within 30 mins drive
Fishing
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Reviews
 08 Jan 2012 |
We received a wonderful welcome from Glen and Sue - everything from booking to travel advice, to greeting us at the property with the fire burning and the house aired and spotlessly clean was done... more |
03 Nov 2011 |
La Serenite is a beautifully appointed three story stone villa with excellent facilities, well maintained by the English hosts who built the property and who live a few miles away. The facilities are... more |
09 Oct 2011 |
A beautiful house in a beautiful spot. Relaxing holiday, with everything you could need and want, and then some! Glen and Sue so welcoming and helpful. If you want peace and quiet, then it's... more |
Guestbook for La Sérénité
2011
The Matthewman Family, October 2011
Thank you for the warm welcome. Lovely, comfortable villa, beautiful unspoilt area of France - a much needed, very peaceful stay!
Mrs Thompson, September 2011
A beautiful house in a very beautiful place. So pleased to have been able to share it with good friends.
Mr&Mrs Bowater, September 2011
Fantastic house, place and surrounding area. Had a very relaxing time. Weather great. Sorry to leave!
The Hurran Family, September 2011
The ever expanding brood enjoyed a merry-go-round but at the centre all was "serene"! Thank you for providing such a delightful backdrop for family fun and games and for fine relaxation. We'll be back.
The Louwrens Family, August 2011
A lovely holiday in a beautiful place. We would love to come back again. Thanks to Glenn & Sue for a warm welcome.
The Castiglione Family, August 2011
La Sérénité villa was absolute luxury and helped us all have a fantastic and peaceful holiday. This is our first time in France as a family and we thoroughly enjoyed the tranquil beauty of the area.
The Wark Family, July 2011
A lovely house in a wonderful location, tucked away yet close to so much. We've had a fantastic time and thanks for all your great advice. We hope to be back.
The Urquhart Family, July 2011
Absolutely stunning location, amazing villa, perfect for a family holiday - we will miss it!
The Fletcher Family, June 2011
Brilliant holiday home in peaceful and glorious location.
The Penfold Family, June 2011
A truly memorable week in a lovely home. We are all sorry it's come to an end.
The Harrison & Howard Families, June 2011
We had a lovely time in this superbly situated and extremely comfortable house. Both the swimming and bird-watching were excellent.
The Khalek Family, May 2011
We loved the heated pool and the amazing games room. This is our 4th visit to this part of France and the villa and area by far the best.
The Stanford Family, April 2011
3 generations enjoyed the constant sun, warm pool and numerous medieval villages
The Ancliffe Family, May 2011
A great week, nearly perfect weather. Sorry to be going home. The most wonderful time in the country for city tired Londoners. The most beautiful area and house.
2010
The England Family, October 2010
A wonderful house! A week was too short so we will have to have a fortnight next time.
The v.d.Horst Family, South Africa, October 2010
What a fantastic place for a "mini" family reunion. Batteries are now fully recharged following a wonderful stay. See you next year!
The Hurran Family, Sepember 2010
Many thanks Sue and Glenn. Once again everything one could wish for, for a perfect holiday. See you next year.
The Darling Family, August 2010
We've been coming to France for 10 years and can honestly say this is the first house we really want to come back to.
The Leatherdale Family, August 2010
Great holiday - relaxing and energetic. Beautiful house and love the gentle sound of the cowbells.
The Wilkinson and Juggins Families, July 2010
Our second visit. As good as the first.
The Shaw Family, July 2010
We've had a fantastic time in this lovely home. Weather brilliant. A really warm welcome made us feel at home from the start. Thank you.
The Earley Family, June 2010
Wonderful relaxing family holiday in a lovely house. Thank you.
The Middleton Family, June 2010
La Sérénité is such an apt name for this lovely house. Had an absolutely brilliant, relaxing time here. House is outstanding. We will be back very soon we hope!
The White Family, June 2010
What a fantastic villa, will book again next year
The McLoone Family, May 2010
Thank you for a lovely holiday. The girls made great progress learning to swim. We'll never go back to an unheated pool!
Mr Smith, May 2010
A lovely house in a beautiful place. Glenn and Sue were friendly and helpful hosts and deserve congratulations for what they have achieved here.
The Browne Family, May 2010
Wonderful house, Next time we'll be back for longer!
The Hogg Family, October 2009
Beautiful house and pool in wonderful surroundings. Weather still great for October.
Mr & Mrs Bennett, October 2009
5 star house, could not be better, Wonderful welcome from Glenn. Would most definitely be returning again-cannot wait.
The James Family, October 2009
Had a great week with wonderful sunshine every day. Enjoyed exploring the beautiful villages & countryside. Thanks for a very comfortable stay.
The Hurran Family, September 2009
Fabulous - looking forward to coming back next year. So thoughtfully equipped. Thank you.
The Hart Family, September 2009
We've had a lovely, relaxing holiday in this perfect house. Already looking forward to returning next year.
The Bonney Family, August 2009
We have had such a lovely 2 weeks here - it really is the most beautiful of properties inside and out, so thank you Glenn & Sue for all you have done to make this such a special place. We have enjoyed visiting the surrounding area, fantastic countryside & villages but Najac remains our favourite.
The Weeks and Wellington Family, August 2009
Wonderful holiday with Sue and Glenn once again. The House is lovely. C'etait inoubliable
McGowan Family, July 2009
Wonderful, relaxing week in this beautiful place
The McNeile Family, June 2009
Glorious spot, wonderful holiday. Fabulous facilities. Lovely welcome from the owners. A very special holiday
Mr & Mrs H; Devon; June 2009
Our third time back to Sue and Glenn’s warm welcome. We love the new house and our family are now “hooked” as well.
Mr & Mrs S; London; May 2009
We thought the house was perfect - beautifully restored, luxuriously appointed and in a wonderful location. We all had such a relaxing time lazing by the pool, playing in the games room or cooking on the barbecue. Having experienced the heated pool, I would not want to holiday anywhere without one now. The house is so spacious too that we had room to spread out and the only down-side was having to leave at the end of a fantastic holiday. Glenn and Sue were very welcoming and friendly which helped to make us feel at home straight away....we all can't wait to return
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: British £ | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 4 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Sep 2011 | 23 Sep 11 | 30 Sep 11 | £ 650 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Oct 2011 | 30 Sep 11 | 3 Nov 11 | £ 299 | - | - | 1 Week |
| April 2012 | 30 Mar 12 | 4 May 12 | £ 595 | - | - | 1 Week |
| May 2012 | 4 May 12 | 18 May 12 | £ 695 | - | - | 1 Week |
| May 2012 | 18 May 12 | 25 May 12 | £ 795 | - | - | 1 Week |
| May 2012 | 25 May 12 | 1 Jun 12 | £ 895 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June 2012 | 1 Jun 12 | 8 Jun 12 | £ 1150 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June 2012 | 8 Jun 12 | 15 Jun 12 | £ 895 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June 2012 | 15 Jun 12 | 22 Jun 12 | £ 995 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June 2012 | 22 Jun 12 | 29 Jun 12 | £ 1195 | - | - | 1 Week |
| July 2012 | 29 Jun 12 | 6 Jul 12 | £ 1295 | - | - | 1 Week |
| July 2012 | 6 Jul 12 | 13 Jul 12 | £ 1850 | - | - | 1 Week |
| July 2012 | 13 Jul 12 | 20 Jul 12 | £ 2095 | - | - | 1 Week |
| July/Aug 2012 | 20 Jul 12 | 31 Aug 12 | £ 2395 | - | - | 2 Weeks |
| Sep 2012 | 31 Aug 12 | 7 Sep 12 | £ 1550 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Sep 2012 | 7 Sep 12 | 14 Sep 12 | £ 1095 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Sep 2012 | 14 Sep 12 | 21 Sep 12 | £ 895 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Sep 2012 | 21 Sep 12 | 28 Sep 12 | £ 795 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Sep 2012 | 28 Sep 12 | 5 Oct 12 | £ 650 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Oct 2012 | 5 Oct 12 | 26 Oct 12 | £ 595 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Prices for group size 8 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Sep 2011 | 23 Sep 11 | 30 Sep 11 | £ 750 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Oct 2011 | 30 Sep 11 | 3 Nov 11 | £ 399 | - | - | 1 Week |
| April 2012 | 30 Mar 12 | 4 May 12 | £ 695 | - | - | 1 Week |
| May 2012 | 4 May 12 | 18 May 12 | £ 795 | - | - | 1 Week |
| May 2012 | 18 May 12 | 25 May 12 | £ 895 | - | - | 1 Week |
| May 2012 | 25 May 12 | 1 Jun 12 | £ 995 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June 2012` | 1 Jun 12 | 8 Jun 12 | £ 1150 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June 2012 | 8 Jun 12 | 15 Jun 12 | £ 995 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June 2012 | 15 Jun 12 | 22 Jun 12 | £ 1095 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June 2012 | 22 Jun 12 | 29 Jun 12 | £ 1295 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June 2012 | 29 Jun 12 | 6 Jul 12 | £ 1395 | - | - | 1 Week |
| July 2012 | 6 Jul 12 | 13 Jul 12 | £ 1850 | - | - | 1 Week |
| July 2012 | 13 Jul 12 | 20 Jul 12 | £ 2095 | - | - | 1 Week |
| July/Aug 2012 | 20 Jul 12 | 31 Aug 12 | £ 2395 | - | - | 2 Weeks |
| Sept 2012 | 31 Aug 12 | 7 Sep 12 | £ 1550 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Sept 2012 | 7 Sep 12 | 14 Sep 12 | £ 1195 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Sept 2012 | 14 Sep 12 | 21 Sep 12 | £ 995 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Sept 2012 | 21 Sep 12 | 28 Sep 12 | £ 895 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Sept 2012 | 28 Sep 12 | 5 Oct 12 | £ 750 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Oct 2012 | 5 Oct 12 | 26 Oct 12 | £ 695 | - | - | 1 Week |
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
All linen and towels (including swim towels) included. All Pool Heating and logs for woodburner included. A charge may be made locally for central heating.
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
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Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | 3 years listed You are contacting Sue Paige
Languages spoken     The owner is based in France and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2009. This farmhouse has received 4 reviews from previous guests.  |
Selected other homes from this advertiser
 La Vallée in La Fouillade, France |
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