Converted Barn in the Gaillac Wine-making Region

La Vele details

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The south facing terrace

The Pool

Home description

Situated just outside the village of Le Verdier, (Department 81, Tarn, SW France), where the Gaillac vineyards meet the forest of Gresigne, an extremely comfortable gite comprising the Southern half of a very large renovated limestone barn, set in approximately 2 acres of lawned gardens with flower beds and a wide selection of fruit trees.

The 12 x 6 metre pool has a deep end suitable for diving and an ample paved area on which to sun bathe. The attractive stone built pigeonnier adds character to the views of the surrounding fields and vine yards, and also house a selection of sun loungers and parasols.

Le Verdier either is a 45 minute drive from Toulouse Airport (Blagnac), or a 100 minute drive from the airport at Rodez, 25 minutes from Albi, the departmental capital, and 15 minutes from Gaillac, the local market town hosting twice weekly street markets and home to a selection of good supermarkets.

Lying between the two main communication axes of France, the region is wonderfully unspoilt. A land of rolling vineyards, limestone plateaux intersected by deep gorges and canoeable rivers, huge forests and medieval fortified hilltop villages. The modern world has arrived in the form of a new autoroute to Toulouse, but ten minutes away from the urban centres you will see an area that has hardly changed in a hundred years. 

External features on site

• Garden
• Barbecue
• Swimming pool (exclusive use)

Accommodation detail

The main lounge area

The gite can accomodate up to 6/ 8 people

Ground Floor

• Large (9.5m x 5.0m) lounge - with optional dining facilities, each section well equipped for both convenience and comfort.
• Kitchen/Dining room -  5.0m x 4.5m.  Ample work tops with a wide range of cupboards.  Pine table and chairs in the dining area.
• Secondary Lounge Area - 5.0m x 4.0m.  Either for children, or adults wanting a little 'peace and quiet'!
• Large shower-room /toilet - also houses an automatic washing machine.
• Terrace - small, south-facing
  

First Floor

Bedroom 1 - double bed and en-suite toilet/shower.  Views over fields and vineyards.

Bedroom 2 (5.0m x 4.0m) -  two single beds.  Beamed ceiling and views over fields and vineyards.

Bedroom 3 (5.5m x 4.0m) - double bed.  Beamed ceiling and views over fields and vineyards.

Bedroom 4 - double bed.  Beamed ceiling.

Family Bathroom - bath, corner shower enclosure, wash basin and toilet.

Each of Bedrooms 2 and 3 could also accommodate either an additional single-bed or child’s cot (also available if required).

General Comments

The barn originally used to store hay and straw and house wine-making equipment has been converted with an eye to comfort. Every effort has been made to retain all the original features, including beamed ceilings, arrow slit windows and wooden floors. The kitchen is equipped with an electric oven, gas/electric hob, dishwasher, and refrigerator. There is also a Satellite TV and DVD player in the lounge area.

The swimming pool is fenced in for security to one side of which of which is barbecue area with a large teak table and chairs, barbecue and giant parasol.

About the location

Cordes sur Ciel: (20 minutes) A medieval hilltop town, saw its hey day in the 14th century and has remained largely unchanged since, much to the delight of tourists. It has several restaurants, many interesting shops, magnificent views, gardens and limestone caves.

St. Antonin: (30 minutes) A medieval town with a good Sunday market, canoe hire and dramatic gorges, with the Aveyron river winding along at the bottom.

Penne: (20 minutes) Hilltop village with a castle perched improbably on a rocky pinnacle.

Giroussens: (25 minutes) Narrow-gauge railway, gardens open to the public and microlightling (initiation flights about 25 euros).

Toulouse: (45 minutes) Sophisticated and relaxed, the 'Paris of the South' with beautiful squares, medieval quarters, cafés, restaurants, magnificent shops, art galleries, music, theatre and an exotic nightlife.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities nearby

Canoeing, Horse riding, Walking, Cycling, Golf, Water sports

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

Airports:  Le Verdier is convenient to three airports, Toulouse-Blagnac, a 45-minute drive, and both Rodez-Marcillac and Carcasonne, each approximately a 100-minute drive, between them served by a number of low-cost and scheduled airlines.

• By Road: From Calais 600 miles door-to-door, of which 567 miles are of motorway standard.
• Motorway, Calais to Montauban - A16, A10, A71, A20
• National Roads, Montauban to Gaillac - D999
• Local directions provided when acknowledging receipt of final payment.

AA estimate 8.50 hours

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.