Location
Within the dramatic department of the Tarn and its eponymous river gorges, one feels a sense of the south west meeting south east. Architectural styles meet, and the climate from west to east, and north to south, are often quite different. Roads are often winding and the pace of life is necessarily slower. Limestone and sandstone foothills, with granite peaks; this is serious rugby country: frontier-land.
The capital Albi, birthplace and museum to Toulouse Lautrec (he produced 7000 works in a 20 year career, and died aged 36) and boasting a magnificent brick cathedral on the river, as well as modern shopping facilities. Gaillac and Castres are larger towns, Castelnau-Montmiral and Cordes-sur-Ciel absolutely unmissable go-to visits.
Looking to buy a property with a view? You almost can't fail in the Tarn!
Description
In the pure air of the Parc Naturel du Haut-Languedoc, surrounded by a 42 ha estate of its own wildflower meadows and woodland, this beautiful south facing stone property has been renovated to a high standard in a contemporary style. The accommodation comprises 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, swim spa room with sauna, artist's studio and workshop. The large living room, dining room and kitchen all have doors leading to a grassed area overlooking a formal garden below with open views to the estate beyond.
The house, renovated by a prestigious architect, has generously sized rooms, passive solar heating, hardwood windows and riven slate floors. Entry to the house is through a handmade oak front door leading into a spacious reception hall with its own art gallery space. The large salon has feature fireplaces at each end and a vaulted ceiling. The main bedroom suite opens directly onto its own sun terrace with open views, and the recently refitted main bathroom has a walk in rain shower and double-ended bath. The house is well appointed throughout with plenty of storage cupboards. There is a laundry room, a kitchen with walk in pantry and a summer kitchen.
Part of the house can be separated by a fire door, offering private accommodation with its own entrance, kitchen, and all facilities, suitable for the extended family, teenagers or as a guest gite. The attic provides an additional bedroom area if required.
The property is approached via a private driveway, arriving at a gravelled parking area with a three car garage. There is a professionally-designed and well-maintained formal garden with terraces magnificently planted with shrubs, providing colour throughout the year.
With its productive organic vegetable garden, eco heating (solar, wood, and oil back-up) and a year-round private water source, this property is a secluded retreat free from all pollution, and a haven for wildlife. There is grazing for horses. A large, professionally managed commercial forest and the gite provide income.