DESCRIPTION

Domaine de Pignoulet is a very handsome, well-proportioned late C18th Maison de Maitre - or 'principal house' of the area. Built two hundred years ago as part of what was once a prosperous farm, this interesting and spacious house has been very sympathetically restored by the present owners. The property lies just off a quiet lane on the edge of a small, peaceful village set in traditional farmland, and is well-protected by its outbuildings and a walled garden. You will enter through a pair of fine wrought-iron gates hung between old stone pillars topped by handsome stone lions, then into a private walled garden at the front of the house, filled with roses and many other well established shrubs; there is a good range of open barns to the left of the drive and to the right of the house is the unusual brick 'poulailler' (chicken house). Facing Southwest, the house sits high up on the side of a valley and on a clear day there are long views to the Pyrenees from the upstairs balcony.

Beautifully carved oak double doors open into the Hall with terracotta tiles and a lovely original oak staircase leading to the main landing and bedrooms. From the Hall, there are two reception rooms approached through original double doors - a South and East facing Salon with fireplace, good polished oak furniture and big comfortable sofas and a South facing Family Room, with fireplace, TV and Video/DVD players, a huge sofa, chairs and mainly old pine furniture. This room leads to the fully equipped 'farmhouse' Kitchen, through which you reach the Utility room, downstairs Shower Room and WC (useful for the pool) and on to the back stairs. The Kitchen is large, attractive room with a wood-burning stove and a dining table that seats 14.

Upstairs, the large landing has French Doors out onto the fine South-facing balcony with views to the Pyrenees. On one side is the large master bedroom suite with double bed and ensuite bathroom. On the other side of the landing is the second double bedroom and through this, the third. At the top of the back stairs, there is a twin bedroom and a children's bedroom with twin single beds; bedroom six is another twin. There is plenty of room for a party of up to 10 adults and 4 children, with 3 double and 3 twin bedrooms, six bath/shower rooms and 2 extra children's beds.

There is an open covered dining area immediately outside the kitchen which leads through a lockable door to the securely fenced orchard garden where there's a large swimming pool (12x6m) with beside it a well-designed 'Abri' or sun-shelter set among the fruit trees. The large, well-kept gardens (2.5 acres) contain a range of interesting outbuildings which include a large, South-facing open-fronted barn beside the house which now provides a games room and a Pilates studio. The English owners live very discreetly on the far side of the barns and can offer range of additional services if required, including housekeeping, cooking and Pilates lessons. And pets are welcome by arrangement.

Domaine de Pignoulet has the charm and original features of an old house now combined with modern comfort and excellent facilities. With its enclosed, secure gardens, barns and swimming pool, this is a perfect family holiday home - and it's ideally located to enjoy the famous International Jazz Festival held every year in August at nearby Marciac.

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