Le Couvent - Country house Holiday Rental in St Martin De Vers, Lot, France

Where is it

• Location:  South West France  >  Midi Pyrenees  >  Lot
• Closest town/village:  St Martin De Vers (Lot) ( Central )
• Closest airport: Brive Souillac Airport - Dordogne (32.8 miles *Direct distance, road distance may vary. Please refer to detailed area map for local roads.)
• Access: Car Essential Car hire
• Property highlights: Barbecue, Garden, Scenic views

 

Romantic Old Convent School House

As featured in the August 2003 and December 2011 editions of '25 Beautiful Homes' and 'Maisons Sud Ouest', Spring 2005.  (English and French magazines)

Once a convent school for girls - some of whom boarded in this lovely old house - Le Couvent is full of history and charm. It is situated on the outer edge of the village, St Martin de Vers, with its large garden tiered in three levels leading up through woodland to a natural spring or 'source'. The terraces in the lower walled garden with its ancient well, plum and lilac trees provide a shady setting for outdoor meals and relaxing in the hammock. The higher levels are private yet perfectly positioned with views over the valley and this outstandingly beautiful village.

The house has been carefully and artfully restored to create a delightful family house. Most rooms have large, double aspect windows into which the sun streams most of the day. The welcoming and sun-bleached front double-doors open to a large tiled and cool entrance hall. A fine wooden staircase spirals up to the floors above. The back of the house is built into the land so that the back door upstairs, originally the entrance to the school room, leads out into the higher level of the garden.

Holiday Accommodation at Le Couvent

Ground floor

The imposing entrance doors lead into a wide tiled hallway.  The floors throughout the house are mainly the original wide wooden floorboards or tiles.

• Kitchen.  This is a large and bright family kitchen with a wide traditional fireplace and wood-burning stove.  Sun streams in through the window while supper is prepared.  It is very well equipped for cooking and eating and to take advantage of the superb local produce – not forgetting the deep red Cahors wine.  A dishwasher helps!  The kitchen leads into a back kitchen containing the washing machine, tumble dryer, clothes airer, very large fridge, freezer, microwave oven, central heating boiler, storage space.
• The 'Salon' or main living room.  An elegant blue and white room with marble fireplace, French mirrors, and pretty antique lighting.  TV, video and DVD player.  A wide arched opening leads directly into the dining room.
• Dining Room.  The dining room is cool and calm with a tiled floor.  The table easily seats eight.

First floor

The upper floors are accessed by a winding wooden staircase which opens onto a wide landing.  All the rooms and landing have white muslin full length curtains creating a light and airy feel.

The first floor was originally the schoolroom and dormitories for the girls who boarded at the house.  All the bedrooms have antique French beds and armoires.

• Double bedroom 1: The master bedroom is a stunning room with double aspect windows with views over the village and along the valley.
• Double bedroom 2: Though slightly smaller, this room is spacious and light – again with double aspect windows, light oak French armoire, and old metal and brass bedstead.  With large ensuite bathroom with roll-top bath, shower and wc.
• Twin bedroom 3: With two old French wooden beds, this room, behind the main bedroom also has two windows, one of which is at ground level.  A door joins this room with the master bedroom, which can be locked if necessary.  Each room has its own separate access.
• Bathroom 2: family bathroom with roll-top bath, shower, WC etc.

Visit the owner's website to see floor plans.

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About St Martin De Vers in Lot, Midi Pyrenees

St Martin de Vers

The 'protected' small village of St Martin de Vers, established in the 1400s, is believed to have once been a stop-over on the Pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. The medieval fortified church with its clock tower and the Maison du Templiers are distinctive features reminding us of its historic past.  The village is in the valley of the River Vers which winds between the houses and the meadows.

The nearest large towns are Cahors, Figeac and Gourdon - wonderful for their markets and medieval buildings. Dramatic cliff-top villages, such as St Cirq Lapopie and Rocamadour, and the exceptionally beautiful Lot and Célé rivers are all within easy reach.  The market town of Labastide Murat, only 12 minutes away, provides visitors with all amenities.

Cahors - a 25 minute drive along the valleys of the rivers Vers and Lot - with its dramatic cathedral and medieval centre is the bustling main provincial town of the region.

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

How To Get To St Martin De Vers in Lot, South West France

Ferry Routes

• Dover - Calais or Boulogne
• Portsmouth - Le Havre
• Portsmouth - Caen
• Newhaven - Dieppe

By Air:

• London City Airport - Brive (Souillac) (CityJet) Drive from Brive airport 50 mins
• Heathrow / Gatwick - Toulouse (BA, Easyjet, Air France) Drive from Toulouse 1hr 25 mins
• Stansted - (Ryan Air) Rodez (Drive from Rodez 1hr 40mins) or Limoges. Drive from Limoges 1hr 50 mins
• East Midlands - (Flybe, Easyjet and Bmibaby) and Southampton (Flybe) - Toulouse
• East Midlands - (Ryan Air) to Limoges

By Train:

• London - Paris - Cahors approx 8 hrs

By Car:

• Drive from Cahors 25 mins
• Drive from Le Havre 7 hours - 460 miles
• Drive from Calais - approx. 9 hours

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

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Facilities at Le Couvent

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Availability at Le Couvent

Changeover day: Saturday

Availability last updated on: - Saturday, February 16, 2013

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Rates

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