Ancient and modern
This is a striking barn conversion in modern style, in the eastern part of the Gers, SE of Auch. It is rural, not far from a village, and is private but not isolated. It is approached from a country lane down a driveway where electric gates open to a gravelled courtyard. There is land of 4,200m2, just over an acre, with lawns, mature trees and shrubs, a swimming pool 8m x 4m, paved terrace, and some superb views of rolling countryside. The property is a happy mix of old and new, with the size and height of the old barn and its adjoining buildings put to the best use, retaining features such as beams and some colombage (half timbering). Modern features include geothermal heating; reverse air conditioning i.e. air is cooled in summer and warmed in winter; double glazing; central vacuuming system; remote control electric shutters. There are two sections to the property – the main house, and the adjoining guest accommodation which would be ideal for B&B rentals, or, slightly adjusted, would make a gîte. This looks as if it was a pigeonnier and is tower-like in appearance. At the entrance to it is a covered terrace with barbecue.
The main house entrance goes into a large, open-plan area with a grand salon and dining room with ceramic tiled floor – here the height and the original ‘charpente’ (roof timbers) are impressive; a steel staircase goes to a mezzanine gallery used as a study, off which is a storeroom and access to attic space. An archway goes to a fitted kitchen, with beams, inset lights, Sauter induction hob and built-in Neff oven and micro-wave. There is access to a utility/freezer room, which leads to a rear hallway, off which is the sleeping accommodation towards the back, and a smaller lounge/TV room, with fireplace, to the side. This, in turn, comes full circle, back to the grand salon. There are 4 double bedrooms, 3 with glazed doors directly to the back garden. Each has beams and parquet floor. There is a bathroom (corner bath, separate shower, 2 basins set in a vanity unit), and separate WC. The 2 adjoining guest rooms each have a large double bedroom, separate WC, and bathroom.
The nearest shop is 3kms; a market town with all facilities – schools, supermarket, café/bars, restaurants, theatre/cinema, etc, - is 8kms. Toulouse airport is 40 minutes.
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