Panoramic views and classic formal gardens
Overview
This property has all you could ever want a large, roomy manor house built in local stone and preserving many original features, an elegant formal garden complete with fishpond, a large swimming pool, a charming half-timbered dovecote, a lake, a large barn and even woodland walks. The location is ideal, as we are at the top of a hill with far-reaching views on two sides, and yet the house feels protected by the woodlands behind it and the abundance of mature trees in the surrounding park.
The approach to this property is peerless: A long winding driveway, partially walled and shaded by tall pine trees, leads us up to the top of a wide promontory where we can glimpse the imposing manor house through the trees. We first pass a large pond, sheltered by trees, and then well-tended fields on both sides of the drive.
At the top of the hill, we can choose to go right and explore the perfectly preserved Gascon dovecote: Set on tall stone pillars and topped by a tiny tower, this delightful little building has stood here for centuries overlooking the fields and woods laid out at its feet.
Once we pass the dovecote, the road curves up to the left, past a charming formal garden surrounding a stone lily pond, a large stone barn and another smaller pond.
We park just past the house, in a shady parking area with room for at least six cars and turn to view the house itself.

We are faced with a substantial stone two-storey property with a large walled courtyard. The façade is in excellent condition and projects a real feeling of settled elegance. Large, white-painted wooden shutters frame each window and there are flowering roses on one side.
The property is L-shaped, and until now several generations have lived here together, so at this time there are two separate dwellings, with connecting doors on both the ground floor and the first floor. The way in which the property has been divided makes it very easy to revert to one large family home.
The house – part one
The house is open to the gorgeous gardens from a number of the ground floor rooms and consequently there are terraces all around the house where the residents can choose to be in the sun or the shade, depending on the time of day and the weather.
As the house is currently divided in two, we will visit the main house first, and then the adjoining, slightly smaller, living space.
We enter through the front door to the main hall of the house, where the grandparents lived for many years. Here we find a stunning stone staircase with wrought iron balustrades that curve up to an open landing. The floors are beautiful, and the stone walls give this space a feel of stability and tradition that is emphasized by the huge tapestry hanging from one wall.
From here we are drawn to the large living room which is a delight it features flagged stone floors, two large paned-glass windows, glass doors to the gardens, and a magnificent stone fireplace. This is the most elegant and formal room in the house, but it is also a very welcoming space.
Past the living room, there is an attractive and cozy dining room with another stunning stone fireplace and a second door leading to the back of the house, where a hallway gives access to a Wc, a pantry, and an office.
Here too, we find the attractive kitchen that has retained the original fired-earth tiled floor. The owners have painted the high walls in a matching burnt sienna colour that gives added warmth. There are exposed beams and exposed stonework around the windows and doors as well as the original bread oven and ample room for a large table that seats 6 or 8 at a time. It is a lovely room that embodies the image and the spirit of a traditional farmhouse kitchen.
On the other side of the ground floor, behind the main staircase, there is also a large and very beautiful bedroom, accessed through a wonderful carved stone door. It has exposed beams, attractive ceramic floors and there is also the possibility to re-open a door to the main living room (this door has been blocked and the alcove used for shelving).
On the same hallway there is a shower room, a bathroom and a separate WC.
The laundry room at the end of the passage serves as a link to the second part of the house, where the younger generation has made their home.
First floor
As mentioned, we access the first floor by means of a beautiful stone staircase. On the right-hand side of the landing is a large room that has traditionally served as a playroom but could easily be put to good use as a bedroom or large study.
At the other end of the landing, we access a pretty bedroom with a shower room and a dressing room or a child's bedroom in the tower at the end. This tower room is a great room for smaller children or visiting grandchildren or could be used as a private boudoir.
In the middle of the landing, another door opposite the staircase opens to several large rooms set under the spacious eves, comprising a bedroom, a bathroom and a large library. There is also a large storage room.
This is an area of the house that could be further developed if desired.
The house – part two
The second wing of the house has its own front door, although it can also be accessed from the other house both on the ground floor and on the first floor.
It is smaller than the first wing and comprises on the ground floor a large living room with a stone fireplace, an attractive living room and a large modern kitchen with a pantry. We can access the terraces from all these rooms
Upstairs there is a large main bedroom with panoramic views and private bathroom, two further bedrooms that share a bathroom and a dressing room.
The grounds
Flanked by tall poplar trees, a curving stone staircase topped by tall stone pillars, leads from the terraces surrounding the house down to the stone pond below. This is such a romantic and charming area, framed in part by an ancient stone wall and lined with carefully tended trees and ornamental bushes. The pond itself could be filled with waterlilies and goldfish to create the perfect garden retreat or backdrop for stunning family photos.
Set just below the house, we find a substantial stone barn that is currently used as a workshop, and to house the tractor. It also houses the boiler room. The main entrance is through a large stone archway that adds a sophisticated touch to a very practical building.
There is also of course the dovecote, set a bit further away from the house in the middle of a grassy area, and a recently planted orchard.
On the other side of the house, and set a bit below the house for privacy, there is a large swimming pool. Here also, there are stunning views.
An extensive woodland begins behind the carport and adjacent stone well. The owners have created several paths through the woods leading to a wide, flat field that is perfect for training horses and even has a lovely view.
There is a lot of room for horses on the grounds, as well as a lake.
Here at Bliss
We adored the setting of this property it is without a doubt one of the most stunning gardens that we have had the pleasure to present. It is entirely private, surrounded by wonderful views, and conveys an extraordinary sense of peace rarely found, even in the Gers.
There are many charming corners, both inside the house, and in the surrounding gardens, that can only be appreciated in person.
We were also very impressed with the way that the owners have renovated the property to include many beautiful pieces of stonework that originally came from different locations in the area but appear to have always graced this beautiful house.