Traditional Family Farmhouse in the Tarn

Family Farmhouse details

Home description

This house is steeped in fascinating history which still holds its charm today. Once owned by a well-loved author who enjoyed holding parties for her distinguished friends, the house has always been full of fun-loving people. The direct neighbours, Mr and Mme Latge, now retired farmers, have fond memories of those sociable days and enjoy the presence of ourselves (on the occasions when we three families arrive as a work party!) and our holiday guests.

The house itself is rustic and comfortable, and is equipped to cater for your every need. The garden overlooks farmland and has spectacular views over rolling countryside with the Pyrenees in the distance.  The swimming pool is in a secluded position, nestling in the side of the hill, surrounded by a tiled sun terrace with loungers. There is a patio in an elevated position overlooking the pool which enjoys some shade, and is an ideal refreshments area. Mature trees to the front of the house also provide a cool, shady haven to escape the heat at midday.

External features on site

• Barbecue
• Garden
• Scenic views
• Swimming pool (exclusive use)

Accommodation detail

Ground Floor

Entrance hall as before

Living room/bedroom - Sofa/sofabed, storage cupboard, table and chairs, hi-fi system, colour TV, red stone floor.

• Entrance hall - with large sweeping galleried oak staircase.
• Living room/bedroom - sofa/sofabed, storage cupboard, table and chairs, hi-fi system, red stone floor.
• Dining room -  Red stone floor, traditional inglenook fireplace, large farmhouse table and chairs (seating 14), armchairs and easy seating chairs, sideboard and crockery cupboard. Colour TV with English and French satelite, DVD.
• Kitchen - Tiled floor, double sink and draining board, large American-style fridge/freezer , dishwasher, microwave, cooker, washing machine, filter coffee machine, and a large range of kitchen equipment and utensils.
• Shower room - With shower, hand basin and toilet.

First Floor

• Large landing - with table and chair.
• Bedroom 1 - with double bed and 2 single beds, cot, wardrobe, chest of drawers.  This is a very spacious room and features a red stone floor.
• Bedroom 2 - with double bed, bunk beds, wardrobe and dressing table.  This room is situated on the corner of the house, with a double aspect, making it a light and airy room, parquet flooring.
• Bedroom 3 - with double bed, bunk beds, wardrobe. Situated at the rear of the house, this is a cosy room with traditional French parquet flooring. 
• Bathroom - bath with shower handset, hand basin, toilet, bidet, built-in wardrobe.  This is a spacious room that is ensuite to the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms.
• This property does not provide linen, but duvets and pillows are provided.

The Garden

Measuring about half-an-acre, bordered by open fields, various shrubs and mature trees, giving shade on hot summer days.

• Swimming Pool - The 12m x 6m pool is south facing and overlooks breathtaking views.  There is also a babies' paddling pool and a solar-heated shower, sun loungers, table and chairs with parasol.  There is excellent lighting round the pool for midnight swim enthusiasts!  The pool is for the use of guests only and is fully maintained throughout the season (April to mid October). The pool area and pool terraces is entirely fenced off. 
• Patio - This overlooks the pool and features a round stonebuilt table and seating.
• Barbeques - There is a gas barbecue and also a traditional large brick barbecue.
• Garden Furniture - There are several garden tables and chairs.
• Bicycles - Keen cyclists are advised to take their own.
• Barn - open plan. This is a detached and used for wood storage etc.

About the location

At Les Passets, you're in the perfect position for peace and quiet, but all the amenities, market towns, historical bastides (fortified towns) and a bustling nightlife are only a drive away. The nearest village of Briatexte, about 5 minutes drive or a 15 minute cycle, has a Casino supermarket which will cater for your basic provisions. It also has medieval couvert area where art exhibitions, concerts and local festival gatherings are held throughout the year.

To find one of the super-duper French supermarkets, you need to drive just another 5 minutes on the road to Graulhet, where there's a LeClerc and a SuperU. The town of Gaillac (16 Km) houses a wine museum (with testing).

Lavaur is the nearest town, about 5 miles away, where you'll find a large Intermarche supermarket, but you'll enjoy visiting the local shops for all the local specialties. There's an excellent poissonnerie (fishmongers) called Neptune where you can pick up today's catch for the barbecue. And don't miss market day on Saturday morning where you can mingle with the locals, practice your French, absorb the colours, smells and atmosphere, and find some excellent bargains. Lavaur also has a magnificent cathedral which features the red brickwork that's very popular in the Tarn area. Along with many street cafes, there are a selection of good restaurants. Two of our favourites are the Pizzeria Calcio, which is ideal for an inexpensive family night out, and Le Colvert - first class food and service in beautiful surroundings, and very reasonably priced. There's also a tourist office in Lavaur.

You'll enjoy visiting the many nearby towns and villages. A must trip is to Albi, about 30 minutes drive, the capital city of the Tarn with its famous Romanesque cathedral. The birthplace of Toulouse-Lautrec, here you will find the world's largest collection of the artist's work. Walking along it's pretty cobbled streets, you'll soon discover this is a shopper's paradise and a gourmet's delight.

If it is bastides you are interested in, Lautrec, Castelnau de Montmiral, Puycelci, Bruniquel and Cordes to name but a few, are on the doorstep. A little further afield, Cahors, Castres, and Carcassonne are steeped in history and have picture postcard settings. We've spent many enjoyable evenings here, sitting at pavement cafes, watching the world go by.

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

Activities near by

Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Golf, Sightseeing, Walking

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

How to get here

Toulouse international airport (63 Km) is less than an hour away and is served from a variety of UK airports (British Airways, Air France, Easy Jet, Flybe, BMibaby etc.). Alternatively Carcassonne or Rodez (Ryanair) takes approx. 1 1/2 hour.

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