Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children Not suitable for elderly or infirm Smokers welcome Self-catering
Home description
Welcome to Blancou, an old French farmhouse situated in an idyllic hilltop location with magnificent views of the cliffs of the Aveyron gorge and surrounding countryside. Facing south and enjoying sun throughout the day, it is set in five acres of garden and open grassland.
Built in the 1700’s, Blancou has been recently renovated and offers comfortable accommodation for families or groups sharing a holiday. The layout of the rooms, pan tiled veranda, walled courtyard, pool and extensive grounds provide plenty of space and privacy for all who visit.
Not only is Blancou an excellent base for those seeking an activity based holiday or a place to “chill out”, it is also a wonderful spot for bird watching (especially in early summer) and for star gazing.
Surrounded by fields and woodland and with no immediate neighbours, Blancou offers the perfect retreat to relax and soak up the ambiance of rural France.
Al fresco dining
Farmhouse and Tower from pool
Fun for all the family
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/8739
The Midi-Pyrenees / Tarn-et-Garonne region
The Midi Pyrénées is the largest region in the country and because of its size and location it offers a huge diversity of scenery, cuisine and activities to suit all tastes.
It boasts mountains and chalk plateaus which are cut through by the deep gorges of rivers and in between are rolling hills with wooded valleys, garrigue landscapes and rolling farmland where crops such as sunflowers and maize abound. This is a very rural region and there are birds and wildlife in abundance which makes this area a paradise for nature lovers especially in May and early June before the long hot summers set in.
This region is renowned for its great variety of locally grown and produced foods. These include garlic, truffles, wild mushrooms, chestnuts, walnut oil and an abundance of vegetables and fruits such as melons, plums and greengages. Poultry such as goose, duck and chicken along with beef and lamb form the basis of many local dishes such as foie gras and cassoulet. A variety of cheeses are also produced in the region from cows, sheep and goats. The region includes the wine growing areas of Quercy and Gaillac.
The area offers a huge selection of outdoor activities and is a mecca for outdoor lovers. Activities include walking, cycling (road and mountain), canoeing, rock climbing, potholing, horse riding to name but a few.
All around there are historical towns and villages with wonderful architecture to visit.
St Antonin Noble Val / Quergoalle area
Blancou We are located on a hilltop not far from St Antonin and the Aveyron gorge. The five acres of grass and gardens overlook farmland and have spectacular views of the cliffs of the gorge. There are many activities available at Blancou. The private swimming pool has a hilltop location with fabulous views and is exclusively for the use of guests. There is badminton, table tennis and boules. For those preferring a quieter time, chill out under the shade of the walnut tree on one of the sunbeds or choose from a selection of books available in the farmhouse. Five minutes drive away is the historic town of St Antonin Noble Val with further activities and a range of bars and restaurants.
St Antonin This is the oldest town in the region with old stone houses, narrow winding streets and boasting France's oldest city hall. It offers a variety of traditional shops and a renowned Sunday market selling fruit, vegetables, cheeses, wines and local crafts —a must for all market loving guests. Round off the day in one of the several bars and restaurants where you can sit and watch the world go by from the shade of majestic trees as you sip your wine or cool beer.
Activities in and around St Antonin include: Canoing/kayaking Rock climbing Horse riding Fishing Tennis Mountain biking Walking. For your convenience we provide books detailing local walks and we also provide local maps.
Nearby There are many wonderful villages to visit such as Penne, Bruniquel, Najac and Cordes. All are places of outstanding beauty, marvellous achitecture and historical interest and many with connections to the knights templar.
Slightly Further Afield The tallest bridge in the world at Millau makes a good day trip as does the space centre in Toulouse. For those who like driving, the Mediterranean or Pyrenees are both within easy reach. A trip to Carcassone is well worth a visit. Finally, don’t forget the wine. Blancou is next situated between the wine producing regions of Gaillac and Quercy and a visit to the vineyards is recommended.
How to get there
By Car - It is auto route most of the way and journeys take 8 hrs or more depending on where you cross. Ferry ports between 700 and 800 km Le Havre Caen St Malo Ferry Ports about 900km Boulogne Calais
By Air Toulouse www.flybe.com - from Birmingham www.bmibaby.com - from Manchester www.easyjet.com - from Gatwick and Bristol www.britishairways.com - from Gatwick www.aerlingus.com - from Dublin www.airfrance.co.uk - from a variety of UK airports via Paris
Rodez www.ryanair.com - from Stansted www.airfrance.co.uk - from a variety of UK airports via Paris
Car Hire is available at the airports Toulouse has the following operators - Ada, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Citer (National in the UK) and Sixt.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Toulouse or Rodez: 100 km
Railway:
Caussade: 20 km
Ferry:
Caen: 700 km
Activities near St Antonin Noble Val
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
Sofabeds (2), Single beds (2), Double beds (3), Cots (1), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 8, Sleeps maximum of 8
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: The accommodation consists of the farmhouse and an attached “Tower” and provides facilities for eight guests.
The farmhouse (sleeps 6). The farmhouse has two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom. There is one bathroom with whirlpool bath and one shower room. One double bedroom is situated on a mezzanine floor above its own sitting room which overlooks the cliffs of the gorge. There is a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable master sitting room. To the front of the farmhouse is a veranda and to the rear of the farmhouse is a walled courtyard. Both areas are ideal for BBQ’s and al fresco dining. Please note there are a range of stone steps and a steep spiral staircase in the property.
The tower (sleeps 2) provides self contained, two storey accommodation. Upstairs is a double bedroom with en suite shower room. Downstairs there is a kitchenette and sitting room area with fireplace. In addition to those facilities available in the farmhouse the tower has: Fridge/freezer, microwave oven, CD Player.
Entertainment indoors includes Terrestrial TV, Satellite TV, DVD, Radio, CD System, Board Games, and Cards. Please bring your own DVD's/CD's etc
Further details outdoors: Blancou is set in 5 acres of garden and open grassland. There is plenty of space for children and the energetic to run round and play football or other ball games and the open grassland is accessible after the hay has been cut in early July.
The private swimming pool (10x6 and 1.9 at deep end) has a hilltop location with fabulous views and is exclusively for the use of guests. Access is via a pool ladder. Pool is fenced. Pool can be lit up at night by the flood light situated in the nearby walnut tree.
Large shady hangar for parking. Large gravelled entrance drive ideal for boules!
At the rear of the property is a lovely walled courtyard which can be accessed from the kitchen or french windows leading out of one of the bedrooms.
There are also cats, geese (fenced in) and chickens all on site and the younger members of the family are welcome to help feed them and collect the eggs.
Entertainment outdoors includes Table Tennis. Table Football, Badminton and Boules.
Further details
Smokers Smokers are welcome but are asked not to smoke indoors.
Fresh Produce Fruit and vegetables are available from the garden for a small charge. Both are subject to season and availability. There are also a range of herbs around the property for your use. Fresh bread is also available from the boulanger who delivers twice a week.
Linen Bed linen and towels (hand, bath and tea towels) provided and these are changed weekly. Guests are asked to provide their own pool towels.
Pool open May to September.
Here to Help We are based in one of the barns on site and are available to help in any way to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
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3 May 08
31 May 08
500£ 500
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31 May 08
5 Jul 08
650£ 650
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5 Jul 08
19 Jul 08
950£ 950
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19 Jul 08
30 Aug 08
1400£ 1,400
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30 Aug 08
4 Oct 08
650£ 650
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4 Oct 08
17 Oct 08
500£ 500
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2 May 09
30 May 09
500£ 500
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30 May 09
4 Jul 09
650£ 650
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4 Jul 09
18 Jul 09
950£ 950
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18 Jul 09
29 Aug 09
1400£ 1,400
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29 Aug 09
3 Oct 09
650£ 650
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3 Oct 09
17 Oct 09
500£ 500
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NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Payment by Paypal is accepted
Guestbook
We have had a wonderful relaxing week at 'Blancou'. This is a truly wonderful property... The hospitality has been much appreciated - we enjoyed the welcome bottles of wine and the fresh vegetables from the garden. The Sunday market in St Antonin surpassed all others that we have encountered during many visits to France. This is a beautiful and tranquil part of France - a perfect location to re-charge the batteries. - Lloyd family, England.
The accommodation is superb .... I really felt at home here - it is so relaxing and every need is catered for..... Above all though, the river, the gorge and the beauty of the countryside around here were the best... - Nixon family, England
Beautiful house with fabulous views. A great place to do lots or nothing at all. So glad I stayed for a second week - Anderson family, Ireland.
Just wanted to thank you for making the last two weeks unforgettable for us all. You have really found one of the most beautiful settings in the whole area and restored this house into a magnificent place to live - Belmans family, Belgium.
Nous avons passé une semaine formidable... A trés bientôt. Clouvel party - France
Our utmost compliments on what you have done with your farmhouse. Your secluded villa provided us with the much needed peace, tranquillity and scenery we are not accustomed to in the city. Hope to return one day. Brewer family, America.
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/8739
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/8739
Contact details for home 8739
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Pete or Alison Bumpstead
Mobile:
+33 603 636583
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Advertiser joined: 23 Jan 2006 This property added: 23 Jan 2006
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