Your contact:	Sophie Allington
Telephone:	+33 (0)5 62 68 95 72 or +33 (0)6 81 56 32 79
Email:	Click here to contact Casteyre

Casteyre is a traditional stone Gascon farmhouse which comfortably accommodates eight to ten people. It was originally built in the 18th century as three sheep folds, or bergeries. It has been transformed into a single spacious, sun-filled four-bedroom home, all on ground level, which combines the house’s rustic character with modern comfort. The property enjoys panoramic views over the idyllic Gascon countryside. With its thick honey-coloured stone walls, it stays cool in summer, but is warm and cosy in winter.

Casteyre is situated in ten acres (four hectares) of private land on a hilltop between two sunny valleys, enjoying 360-degree views over the surrounding Gers countryside of valleys, vineyards, woods, sunflower and corn fields, farms, medieval villages, and the Pyrénées mountains. The medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella in Spain runs right past the property.

The house is at the end of a lane among oleander bushes and olive trees. Guests have the use of all of the mature gardens and terraces, as well as a croquet set, indoor and outdoor table tennis, table football and the large salt-water swimming pool, which is situated by the main terrace, overlooking the surrounding landscape. The cascading salt-water pool can be heated upon request. It is lined with non-slip crushed marble; at one end is a shallow area with Roman steps where children can play safely. The pool is surrounded by a well-stocked border planted with lavenders and cypress trees. It can be floodlit at night, as can the gardens and terraces.

Inside the house, the light-filled rooms have high ceilings supported by oak beams, shuttered windows, and exposed stone walls. Restored old tiles are strewn with antique rugs. The rustic oak front door opens into a large hallway which leads to the open-plan living area, furnished with large comfortable sofas and armchairs and antique sideboards. The stone walls are adorned with original paintings. A dining area easily seats eight. Guests have the use of satellite television with a VCR, a stereo, a games chest, and ADSL internet access.

French doors lead onto the first of three terraces, where guests can dine outside. The bright traditional-style kitchen is fully modernized and equipped with a large fridge-freezer, a washing machine, a dishwasher, an oven, a microwave, a coffee machine, a 'nespresso' machine, and a bone china dinner service.

Each of the four finely-furnished bedrooms have luxurious ensuite bathrooms with a shower, and French doors leading to the terraces. The Green bedroom (a favorite with children) has twin beds and opens onto the main communal terrace. The Red bedroom has a traditional French double bed plus an extra double sofa bed and an extra entrance. The Gold bedroom has a queen size bed, and also has an extra entrance and shares a smaller terrace with the Blue bedroom, which has a Victorian double brass bed. An extra toilet is available in the hallway.

Special features:	• Pool on the property • Bilingual assistance available on site • Maid, Cook and Driver can be arranged on request
Swimming pool:	12x8 metre salt-water heated swiming pool

Casteyre is set in quiet countryside, but it is just seven kilometres to the ancient fortified town of Lectoure. Founded by the Romans, Lectoure stretches down from the hill on which it sits to the plains below. Its walls were built during the time of the Barbarian invasions, and are preserved to this day. In the Middle Ages, the city became the capital of the county, as it was the main seat of residence for the Counts of Armagnac and the Viscounts of Lomagne. In the 13th Century, the bishop of Lectoure, Lord Geraud of Monlezun, built the cathedral, and it was here that he greeted Edward 1st, King of England.

Apart from its numerous street markets selling local produce, and its many shops, restaurants, and bars, Lectoure is also a spa town, and has a thermal bath and beauty centre situated in the converted 18th century hotel. Here you can enjoy the hydrotherapy pools with hot mineral-rich thermal waters, saunas, cures and massages.

Also nearby are the villages of La Roméo with its 14th century church and cloister, the Abbaye de Flaran, the Roman villa of Seviac, the circular medieval village of Fources, and Larressingle, the tiniest fortified village in France. Many of the local châteaux produce the regional fortified wines, Armagnac and Floc de Gascogne, which you can taste on site.

Every day of the week, one of the nearby towns or villages hosts a market, with local produce in abundance, from foie gras, poultry, Armagnac, and wine, to honey, grapes, melons and local crafts. There are also markets specialising in fresh foie gras only, and night-time markets and gourmet evenings. Most villages organise summer fetes and festivals. There are events all year round, including motor racing at Nogaro, bull fighting at Vic-Fezensac, the famous jazz festival at Marsiac, and numerous wine and flower festivals.

There are also excellent golf courses nearby, cycling tours, horse riding and river rafting on the waterways of the River Baise that twist through this historical landscape.

The département of Gers is characterized by scenery of rolling wooded hills, valleys filled with sunflowers, maize and garlic, vineyards, plum orchards and the snow-capped Pyrénées shimmering in the distance. As Gers is on the same latitude as Nice, visitors can enjoy a hot and climate without the noise and crowds of the Côte d’Azur. The region is one of the most agricultural and sparsely populated areas of “La France profonde”, and is relatively free from traffic, pollution, and mass tourism.

The region is steeped in history, and its pastoral backdrop is punctuated by many churches, châteaux and abbeys, tiny fortified hill-top villages with galleried arcades and market squares, and dovecots or pigeonniers. D’Artagnan, Dumas’ most famous musketeer during the time of Eleanor of Acquitaine and the Hundred Years War, was born here. His statue dominates the vast stone staircase that climbs from the river Gers up to Auch cathedral.

From Casteyre, it is a short drive to the medieval market town of Condom, with its magnificent cathedral, shops, cafés and restaurants. The larger historical towns of Agen (famous for its prunes), riverside Auch, and Nérac are also within easy reach; further afield are the buzzing cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse. Only two and a half hours away are the Pyrénées, offering skiing, walking, hiking and rafting. Also within reach for a day trip is the seaside resort of Biarritz , with its historical port and town centre, miles of beaches and great surfing.

The front of the house	The main terrace and pool
The front door	The swimming pool
The living room	The kitchen
The Blue bedroom	The Yellow bedroom
The Green bedroom	The Red bedroom
The Red bedroom's ensuite bathroom	The hallway

A beautiful home in a perfect location. We enjoyed everything, especially meals on the terrace with its fantastic views. The swimming pool, games room, grounds and animals made it fun for all our family.
John M. - Bedford, U.K

Fantastic pool and wonderful gardens. The views are absolutely stunning! This has been a very special holiday. Thank you to Sophie for making us feel so welcome.
Liam B. - Dulwich, London, U.K

Waking each morning to the most stunning views and fabulous weather was such a treat. Well definitely try to come back next year.
Brian K. - Appleton, Cheshire, U.K

A truly memorable place! The tranquility, hot sunshine, pretty villages... Thank you once again for your superb hospitality.
Charlotte D. - SW18 1QW, London, U.K

Marvelous house, beautifully furnished, with luxury bedrooms and bathrooms. All of us had a truly enjoyable holiday.
Percy R. - Cwmbran, Gwent, U.K

What an idyllic location you have... we have loved our 2 weeks here. It is the most beautiful area. This really is a fantastic part of France. We will return!
Tim J. - Shottenden, Kent, U.K