Country house in Tarn-et-Garonne, France

Igue Que Ratzo details

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The swimming pool

Cascade

View from the side

Terrace

Home description

This secluded country house with pool is surrounded by its own eight acre patch of natural parkland and is a must for nature lovers.

It is set high up in the rugged plateau landscape of SW France and although in the heart of the countryside it is only a 15 minute drive to medeival St Antonin Noble Val with its famous sunday market and Aveyron gorge popular for swimming and canooing.

The delightful former "bergerie" has been transformed into a spacious and comfortable single -storey house  with immediate access to nature.

IGUE QUE RATZO in Occitan means " the watering hole that flows " and is named from a spring or " source " just off the grounds. " 

The land immediately surrounding the house and pool has been sensitively landscaped with shrubs, flower-beds and a little water feature pool/cascade – very popular with tiny tots! 

There is an enchanted wood on the property with magical walkways and shaded glens.

Wild deer often come to visit here and 35 different species of butterflies and moths have been spotted on the lavender bushes.The whole merges seamlessly into the indigenous Oak, Juniper and multitude of other shrubs that make the "garrige " of SW France so unique.

Igue Que Ratzo is very popular with nature lovers...walkers...artists...writers...and those seeking "time-out " from busy lives.

Far removed from the intrusion of traffic, you can enjoy the natural surrounding sounds of cicadas, nightingales in the early summer,and a host of other birds to the full.

There are no immediate neighbours, other than the English speaking owner artist Jenni Rodger who lives in a little stone roundhouse within the grounds for the summer months.

Art tuition as an extra for adults and children is available from Jenni if required. This is very popular with parents who wish to have time for themselves as their children paint with the artist !

Accommodation detail

Master bedroom with bathroom

One of the most delightful features of the house – Igue – is the way it opens out through large French doors from every room to give immediate access to the garden, the swimming-pool area, the shady verandah and the outside fire-place/barbecue.  Surrounded by shady trees, it is never too hot - even on the hottest days.

Single storey

• Kitchen / living-room - large open plan room.
• Double bedroom with three single beds.
• Two spacious double bedrooms.
• Cot available.
• Two Bathrooms.
• Toilet.
• Utility room.

There is a washing machine, big fridge/freezer and dishwasher, and everything is provided, including linen and bathroom towels, but you will need to bring towels for outside use.

Outside:

The swimming pool is rectangular and measures 9.5m x 4.5m. It is ideal for children and adults alike, and is both an essential and a delight on hot Summer days. The shallow end is, however, 1.20m deep, so it is particularly suitable for children who can stay afloat!

There is a sun bathing terrace, from which you can roll directly into the water, and it is completely private. The pool is cleaned and maintained by the owners, and the filtration system, with a little help from the minimal required doses of chlorine.

About the location

Overlooked in the rush to the coast, this area remains truly 'rural', and a gourmet's delight.  Grapes for the famous wines of Cahors, and an abundance of fruit are grown to the North.  Gaillac, likewise, to the South is also renowned for its wines.

The house feels far removed from everything and yet is only 1+ hrs from Toulouse, 30mins from Montauban and 15mins from Caussade and St Antonin.  It is perfectly situated to enjoy all the many activities available in the area, notably canoeing, rock-climbing, walking and cycling in the Aveyron Gorge.

There are also 'water adventure theme parks' within easy reach, and a delightful riding centre in Caussade who offer hourly rides ,day treks, longer hikes, etc.  During the Summer season there are many small local festivals and events celebrating the local agricultural tradition, live music, dance and drama.

Every day of the week there is a market in one nearby town or village or another.  The major ones being St. Antonin on Sundays and Caussade on Mondays.  The markets are the best for fresh fruit and vegetables – mostly grown locally and many organically.  Also excellent for cheeses, wine, 'charcuterie', patès and many other gastronomic delights for which the area is renowned.

There are supermarkets and larger shops of all types in the nearest small town, Caussade.  Montauban (30mins) is the place to go for more specialised items and large hypermarkets.  There is always Toulouse, at just over an hour away...

There are numerous restaurants within a ½ hr drive, or less, mostly concentrating on local cuisine.  Takeaway pizzas are also available and many bars do a good selection of light meals and snacks.

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

Activities near by

Adventure park, Bird Watching, Canoeing, Canyoning, Caving, Cycling, Drawing and painting, Fishing, Gourmet dining, Hiking, Horse riding, Kayaking, Photography, Photography, Rambling, Riverside activities, Rock climbing, Shopping, Sightseeing, Singing, Swimming, Tennis, Theme parks, Walking, Wine tasting, Wine touring

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

How to get here

For full directions please contact the owner.

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