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Château de Senescau

A centuries-old house in Gascony with separate self-contained holiday homes and a large swimming pool, set on 25 acres (10 hectares) of gardens, woodland, and meadow, featuring panoramic views towards the Pyrénées.

Your contact:	Vivien and Keith Collins
Telephone:	+33 (0)5 62 09 59 98
Email:	Contact Château de Senescau

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About the Holiday Home

The swimming pool

Château de Senescau was built in the 16th and 17th centuries as the home of the local nobility. It has been entirely restored and converted into self-contained and fully-equipped holiday homes: La Maison de Maître, which can take up to eight guests in four bedrooms, La Cuisine de Campagne, also with four bedrooms for eight guests, and two smaller units: La Vieille Tour, which sleeps four and Le Vignoble, which sleeps two and is ideally situated with privacy for a couple.

This makes the Château ideal for every size of group, from a couple to a family renunion.

The living area in La Cuisine de Campagne

Each of the gîtes has a private terrace with patio furniture, a barbecue, and panoramic views.

Château de Senescau is set at the end of a private driveway lined with a variety of trees. The house is situated amid 25 acres (10 hectares) of gardens, orchards, woodland and meadow, with a T-shaped swimming pool with a covered terrace. The house and the pool face southwards across the valley of the river Adour to its source in the Pyrénées.

There is much to enjoy on the property, including shaded walkways, a boules pitch, table tennis and a children's play area.

Traditional shutters frame the windows

Vineyards border the property to the north and are dotted throughout the local landscape. Guests are free to walk in the grounds or use the bicycles provided to explore the local area, which has been described as France’s secret garden, with rolling countryside overflowing with sunflowers, fruit and vegetables.

With plenty to do on the property, and lots to explore in the region, Château de Senescau is an ideal place to do as much or as little as the mood takes. The area is still largely undiscovered and the people are warm and friendly and with Bordeaux, Toulouse, Biarritz, Spain and the Pyrénées all within easy reach, there is a lot of choice for an adventure or two!

Special features:	• Pool on the property • Pets welcomed
Swimming pool:	Large T-shaped outdoor swimming pool

Location

Region

Midi-Pyrénées

Village

Termes d'Armagnac

Setting

Rural

Nearest large town

Riscle

Other towns nearby

Pau Auch Tarbes Biarritz

Département

Gers (32)

Airport

Show nearest airports

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1. La Maison de Maître|Rental information

La Maison de Maître

The Maison de Maître, or Master's house, faces the tree lined driveway leading to Château de Senescau. Inside, the large hallway leads to a characteristic lounge and dining room with unusual curved walls and tall windows offering long views across the countryside. The room features two large sofas with a TV and a DVD player for entertainment. In the dining area, a large marble table seats up to eight, and is ideal for enjoying a traditional long Gascon meal.

La Maison de Maître: the lounge and dining area

The kitchen is equipped with an oven and stovetop, a fridge, a freezer and a dishwasher; a washing machine is available. Also on the ground floor are a double bedroom and a shower room with a toilet. Upstairs, the large landing leads to three further bedrooms: two with twin beds, and one with a double bed, a bathroom with shower, bath and toilet, and a balcony with a very fine view. Outside, a private seating area with a barbecue provides an inviting spot for outside dining.

Accommodates:	8 guests
Bedrooms:	Four bedrooms: two, each with a pair of twin beds, and two, each with a double bed.
Shortlist:	Add to your Shortlist View your Shortlist

Features

Bath
Linen available
Towels available
Kitchen
Central Heating

Internet access
Shower
Dishwasher
Barbecue
Television

Washing machine
Clothes Dryer

Rental rates

The rates shown below are for renting this self-catering accommodation for one week.
Rent is to be paid to the owner in Pounds sterling. For your reference, you can view the rates in another currency.

Display rates in:

Currency conversions are an approximate guide and are subject to change.

Time of year	Cost per week
January 1, 2010 until May 1, 2010	£500
May 1, 2010 until July 1, 2010	£800
July 1, 2010 until September 1, 2010	£1,200
September 1, 2010 until November 1, 2010	£800
November 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010	£500

Rental Conditions:	Christmas and New Year bookings are charged at mid season prices. A 25% deposit is required on booking, with the balance payable eight weeks before holiday commences together with a refundable cleaning/damage deposit of £100. All prices are per week and include linen. Gites are availble from 4pm and vacated by 10am on the day of departure. More...
Gite.com Travel Tip:	A clear and detailed rental agreement will help to ensure a trouble-free holiday. It will define your rights and obligations as a guest in a rental property. Your rental agreement should state: the name and the exact address of the property the name of the homeowner and his or her phone number the name of the tenant and his or her address and phone number the start and the end of the rental period (including time of access and departure) the rent amount and what it includes (linen, towels, cleaning, electricity, water…) as well as what it excludes (heat, wood for the fireplace?…) how the rent should be paid (Pay-pal, bank transfer, money wire, cheque?…), and when the rent should be paid (dates and amounts of down payment and balance) whether a damage deposit is required, and if so, when is it payable, how damage is measured, how and when the deposit is refunded, and how deductions are made what referrals are available or required for and from the landlord and the tenant. More...
Contact:	Vivien and Keith Collins at Château de Senescau.

2. La Cuisine de Campagne|Rental information

La Cuisine de Campagne

La Cuisine de Campagne (the Country Kitchen) can sleep up to eight guests in four bedrooms. On the ground floor, a large (13.5m/44ft long) open-plan kitchen / living / dining area has outstanding views looking across the swimming pool towards the Adour river valley and the Pyrénées.

There is a large farmhouse table and full kitchen facilities including an oven/spit/grill, a large 5-ring gas stovetop, a dishwasher and a washing machine available. The living area has comfortable seating with a satellite TV and DVD.

La Cuisine de Campagne: the dining area in front of the open fireplace

From the hallway, a wide wooden staircase leads up to a large landing. Two bedrooms have double beds, and two have twin beds.

There are two shower rooms, each with a shower and washbasin; one has an integrated WC, while the other has a separate WC. Outside is a large table with chairs and a barbecue.

Accommodates:	8 guests
Bedrooms:	Four bedrooms: two, each with a pair of twin beds, two, each with a double bed.
Shortlist:	Add to your Shortlist View your Shortlist

Features

Linen available
Towels available
Kitchen
Central Heating
Internet access

Shower
Dishwasher
Barbecue
Television
Fireplace

Washing machine
Clothes Dryer

Rental rates

Display rates in:

Currency conversions are an approximate guide and are subject to change.

Time of year	Cost per week
January 1, 2010 until May 1, 2010	£500
May 1, 2010 until July 1, 2010	£800
July 1, 2010 until September 1, 2010	£1,200
September 1, 2010 until November 1, 2010	£800
November 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010	£500

Rental Conditions:	Christmas and New Year bookings are charged at mid season prices. The gîte can be booked throughout the year with flexible rentals to benefit from low cost travel options. Central heating is provided in the winter months. A 25% deposit is required on booking, with the balance payable eight weeks before the holiday commences together with a refundable cleaning/damage deposit of £100. All prices are per week and include linen. Gites are availble from 4pm and vacated by 10am on the day of departure. More...
Gite.com Travel Tip:	A clear and detailed rental agreement will help to ensure a trouble-free holiday. It will define your rights and obligations as a guest in a rental property. Your rental agreement should state: the name and the exact address of the property the name of the homeowner and his or her phone number the name of the tenant and his or her address and phone number the start and the end of the rental period (including time of access and departure) the rent amount and what it includes (linen, towels, cleaning, electricity, water…) as well as what it excludes (heat, wood for the fireplace?…) how the rent should be paid (Pay-pal, bank transfer, money wire, cheque?…), and when the rent should be paid (dates and amounts of down payment and balance) whether a damage deposit is required, and if so, when is it payable, how damage is measured, how and when the deposit is refunded, and how deductions are made what referrals are available or required for and from the landlord and the tenant. More...
Contact:	Vivien and Keith Collins at Château de Senescau.

3. La Vieille Tour|Rental information

La Vieille Tour

La Vieille Tour, or the Old Tower, is the oldest part of the house. It has enormous character. Large windows offer fine views towards the Pyrénées.

The open-plan kitchen / living / dining area is fully equipped and very comfortable, with a satellite TV and a DVD player. The kitchen area includes an oven with a spit, grill, and stovetop, and a fridge; washing and drying facilities are available close by.

La Vieille Tour: the living / dining area

There are two bedrooms upstairs: one with a double bed and one with a pair of single beds. The bathroom has a bath with a shower and WC.

Outside, a secluded private terrace is complete with table, chairs and barbecue, and the swimming pool is just a few steps away.

Accommodates:	4 guests
Bedrooms:	Two bedrooms: one with a double bed, and one with two single beds.
Shortlist:	Add to your Shortlist View your Shortlist

Features

Bath
Linen available
Towels available
Kitchen
Central Heating

Internet access
Shower
Barbecue
Television
Washing machine

Clothes Dryer

Rental rates

Display rates in:

Currency conversions are an approximate guide and are subject to change.

Time of year	Cost per week
January 1, 2010 until May 1, 2010	£300
May 1, 2010 until July 1, 2010	£450
July 1, 2010 until September 1, 2010	£600
September 1, 2010 until November 1, 2010	£450
November 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010	£300

Rental Conditions:	Christmas and New Year bookings are charged at mid season prices. The gîte can be booked throughout the year with flexible changeover days to benefit from low cost travel options. Central heating is available in the winter months. A 25% deposit is required on booking, with the balance payable eight weeks before the holiday commences together with a refundable cleaning/damage deposit of £50. All prices are per week and include linen. A wireless signal is available for internet access. Gites are availble from 4pm and vacated by 10am on the day of departure. More...
Gite.com Travel Tip:	A clear and detailed rental agreement will help to ensure a trouble-free holiday. It will define your rights and obligations as a guest in a rental property. Your rental agreement should state: the name and the exact address of the property the name of the homeowner and his or her phone number the name of the tenant and his or her address and phone number the start and the end of the rental period (including time of access and departure) the rent amount and what it includes (linen, towels, cleaning, electricity, water…) as well as what it excludes (heat, wood for the fireplace?…) how the rent should be paid (Pay-pal, bank transfer, money wire, cheque?…), and when the rent should be paid (dates and amounts of down payment and balance) whether a damage deposit is required, and if so, when is it payable, how damage is measured, how and when the deposit is refunded, and how deductions are made what referrals are available or required for and from the landlord and the tenant. More...
Contact:	Vivien and Keith Collins at Château de Senescau.

4. Le Vignoble|Rental information

Le Vignoble

Le Vignoble is a light and airy gîte, all on one floor with an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area with a satellite television and a DVD player.

The kitchen includes an oven with a spit and grill and a stovetop, and a fridge. Washing and drying facilities are available nearby.

Le Vignoble: the living area

There is one bedroom with a pair of twin beds. The bathroom has a large corner bath with a shower and WC. The windows look onto the neighbouring vineyard and the surrounding countryside.

Outside, a private terrace has a barbecue with a table and chairs overlooking the vines stretching across the rolling hills, with selclusion and privacy for couples yet with easy access to the swimming pool.

Accommodates:	2 guests
Bedrooms:	One bedroom with twin beds.
Shortlist:	Add to your Shortlist View your Shortlist

Features

Bath
Linen available
Towels available
Kitchen
Central Heating

Internet access
Shower
Barbecue
Television
Washing machine

Clothes Dryer

Rental rates

Display rates in:

Currency conversions are an approximate guide and are subject to change.

Time of year	Cost per week
January 1, 2010 until May 1, 2010	£200
May 1, 2010 until July 1, 2010	£250
July 1, 2010 until September 1, 2010	£300
September 1, 2010 until November 1, 2010	£250
November 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010	£200

Rental Conditions:	Christmas and New Year bookings are charged at mid season prices. The gîte can be booked throughout the year with flexible changeover days to benefit from low cost travel options. Central heating is available in the winter months. A 25% deposit is required on booking, with the balance payable eight weeks before the holiday commences together with a refundable cleaning/damage deposit of £50. All prices are per week and include linen. A wireless signal is available for internet access. Gites are availble from 4pm and vacated by 10am on the day of departure. More...
Gite.com Travel Tip:	A clear and detailed rental agreement will help to ensure a trouble-free holiday. It will define your rights and obligations as a guest in a rental property. Your rental agreement should state: the name and the exact address of the property the name of the homeowner and his or her phone number the name of the tenant and his or her address and phone number the start and the end of the rental period (including time of access and departure) the rent amount and what it includes (linen, towels, cleaning, electricity, water…) as well as what it excludes (heat, wood for the fireplace?…) how the rent should be paid (Pay-pal, bank transfer, money wire, cheque?…), and when the rent should be paid (dates and amounts of down payment and balance) whether a damage deposit is required, and if so, when is it payable, how damage is measured, how and when the deposit is refunded, and how deductions are made what referrals are available or required for and from the landlord and the tenant. More...
Contact:	Vivien and Keith Collins at Château de Senescau.

About the Area

The village of Termes d'Armagnac from the top of the tower

Château de Senescau is in the heart of the Gascony region in South-West France. The area is still largely undiscovered by mass tourism and offers a taste of "real France" with bastide villages and medieval towns surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.

Château de Senescau once played an important part in the village of Termes d'Armagnac, as the far reaching views allowing for early warning of invasion. The village is dominated by the tower of an ancient castle, which now is home to a museum, the Musée du Panache Gascon, which is well worth a visit.

Outdoor dining at a local restaurant

A small supermarket, cafés, bars, and restaurants can all be found in nearby Riscle, five minutes away. A number of other villages close by also offer a range of shops, including Plaisance-du-Gers, Nogaro (with its International Motor racing circuit), and Aire-sur-l'Adour.

Gascony is noted for its excellent cuisine. Numerous farms advertise their foie gras and confit (preserved duck and goose), which are made on site. The restaurants offer great value for money, with most offering a “Menu du Jour” (menu of the day), with three or four courses, wine and coffee.

The Tour de Termes in Termes d'Armagnac, a short walk from Château de Senescau

Château de Senescau is situated in the Armagnac region of Gascony where the world famous Armagnac is made, alongside Floc de Gascogne (a delicious local speciality of Armagnac with grape juice). Both are highly recommended.

The area abounds with vineyards, and visitors are always made welcome, with wine tasting opportunities available widely and excellent value to be had in red, white and rosé wines.

The local fetes add a great atmosphere to the area and nearby Marciac plays host to an International Jazz Festival, in August, where musicians like Jamie Cullum and Herbie Hancock play. Mirande also closeby puts on an excellent Country Music Festival each July which is also well worth visiting.

About the Region

The statue of d'Artagnan in Auch

The region of Gascony lies within a triangle formed between Toulouse, Biarritz and Bordeaux, framed by the Pyrénées, the Atlantic ocean and the river Garonne.

Gascony has a long and interesting history. Nearby Lupiac is the birthplace of d'Artagnan, the historic figure who was the basis for the leader of the Three Musketeers. His statue can be seen in Auch, the capital of the Gers.

The pilgrim routes to St Jacques de Compostelle criss-cross the area, and there are many other walking routes. There are interesting medieval towns and villages, castles, churches and abbeys to visit, and many local markets and festivals to explore.

Every year, when the Tour de France comes through the region, there is a great atmosphere on the streets and with various places to watch offers a unique day out.

The cathedral at Auch

The Pyrénées are an hour away, with skiing and other winter sports available in season (December to April). La Mongie (where the French ski team train) is only two hours away, and offers really good value with ski hire from under €10.

At all times of year, the mountains offer a beautiful and easily accessible landscape to explore, with a wide range of flora and fauna and many trails to follow and activities to enjoy.

The lake and beach at Lupiac

The region has a number of beautiful lakes with sandy beaches, which offer a great alternative to the sea, and together with the rivers of the region, provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. There are many other activities also available, including golf, bird watching, wildlife and great walking and cycling.

Gascony’s landscape is diverse and offers forests, mountains, gentle rolling hills, seashore, riverside walks, woods, and fields. For a great day trip, there are many places worth visiting, including Bordeaux, Toulouse, Auch, Pau, Tarbes, Lourdes, Biarritz and Spain - Andorra is also within reach.

Photo Album

The swimming pool	The boules pitch
La Maison de Maître: the kitchen	La Maison de Maître: the upper landing
La Maison de Maître: one of the twin bedrooms	La Maison de Maître: one of the double bedrooms
La Maison de Maître: the upstairs bathroom	La Cuisine de Campagne
La Cuisine de Campagne: one of the twin bedrooms	La Cuisine de Campagne: the second twin bedroom
La Cuisine de Campagne: the upper hallway	Le Vignoble: the bathroom
Le Vignoble: the bedroom	Fishing for bargains at a local market
The Pyrénées in winter, with snow-capped peaks