In the heart of Gascony, surrounded by landscapes of sunflower fields and hills, is the magnificent estate of Chateau Rural. This charming and historical residence is a true reflection of this traditional region and is a wonderful retreat for families and friends looking for authenticity and peace. The foundations of the estate date back to the Middle Ages yet it was in the 18th Century when the existing chateau was created by a famous countess who designed the magnificent park featuring statues and a small chapel where locals could go and worship. In the 19th century the new owner added an innovative irrigation system using windmills, two of which remain to this day, alongside other historical features such as the ancient wine cellar and the chateaus original towers. Inside, the style of the modern-day chateau is one of rustic charm and rural warmth, with twelve charming bedrooms featuring sweet and comfortable furnishings, delightful living and dining rooms, a games room with French billiards and a historic library featuring thousands of books. The chateaus managers, who live in a nearby gite within the estate, are experienced instructors in yoga, pilates and circus arts and can host individual or group classes for guests in their fantastic yoga studio on the estate. Whether aerial yoga, meditation or Hatha and Vinyasa, this is the perfect place to practice yoga or pilates in a serene environment. Outside you are surrounded by six acres of parkland featuring ancient oaks, wonderful walks and a swimming lake or stay closer to home and relax by the heated swimming pool and glorious pool terrace. For the more active guests, you can kick a football around, play darts, ride the chateaus bikes or play French billiards in the games room. There are also tennis courts within walking distance, as well as golf, horse-riding and canoeing within a short drive. Gascony is one of the most unspoilt and rural regions of France with a fantastic reputation for its gastronomy with amazing Farmers markets dotted around local villages and towns and many fine local producers of Grand Armagnac. Just ten-minutes away is the delightful hilltop village of Lectoure with its lovely restaurants, antique shops and a great market on a Friday morning or head to nearby Fleurance on a Tuesday morning to experience one of the largest markets in the region. The owners can arrange a number of wonderful private excursions for guests from Armagnac tastings in St Puy to visits to the beautiful market towns of Condom and Auch. Theres even a half-day trip to the lovely Ferme du Hitton where families can visit lavender fields and donkeys. Other villages and hamlets in the area to explore include three of Frances ‘Plus Beaux Villages within forty minutes by car; Fources, Larresingle and Montreal du Gers. Further afield the cities of Toulouse and Bordeaux would make exceptional days out before returning to the peace and tranquillity of Chateau Rural. #### Features Interior of Chateau - Living room - Second living room with TV - Dining room - Well-equipped kitchen (includes Nespresso coffee machine!) - Games room with French billiards and board games - Library (French and some English books) - Bedroom One: twin bedroom (shares a bathroom with Bedroom Five) - Bedroom Two: single bedroom with four-poster bed (shares a bathroom with Bedroom Six) - Bedroom Three: twin bedroom with bathroom - Bedroom Four: bedroom with two double beds - Bedroom Five: bedroom with two double beds (shares a bathroom with Bedroom One) - Bedroom Six: twin bedroom (shares a bathroom with Bedroom Two) - Bedroom Seven: double bedroom with four-corner bed (shares a bathroom with Bedroom Nine) - Bedroom Eight: single bedroom with double bed and shower room - Bedroom Nine: twin bedroom (shares a bathroom with Bedroom Seven) - Bedroom Ten: triple bedroom with one single and one double bed and shower room - Bedroom Eleven: family bedroom with two double beds (interconnects and shares a shower room with Bedroom Twelve) - Bedroom Twelve: double bedroom (interconnects and shares a shower room with Bedroom Eleven) Outside Grounds - Heated swimming pool (10mx5m). Open from early May to late October, secured by a fence and electric rolling shutter - Wooden pool terrace with sun-loungers (100m2) - Al-fresco dining area - BBQ - Swing - 6-acre parkland featuring swimming/bathing lake Facilities - Yoga studio (160m2) - Wi-Fi - TV - French billiards - Board games - Toys - Bikes x 5 - Darts - Books (mainly French, some English) - Childrens books and DVDs #### Location Chateau Rural is in the heart of Gascony, surrounded by six acres of parkland featuring wonderful walks and a swimming lake. The countryside around includes fields of sunflowers and wheat, creating stunning summer landscapes so typical of this region. Gascony (officially The Gers department) is one of the most unspoilt and rural regions of France with idyllic local villages and towns, beautiful scenery and a fantastic reputation for its gastronomy with local markets selling wonderful local produce including foie gras and confits. The nearest village is within walking distance, as are tennis courts whilst the nearest cafes, restaurants and shops are within a ten-minute drive to Fleurance (10km) or Lectoure (13km). The historic hilltop village of Lectoure (13km) is incredibly attractive and there is a lovely antique market in what used to be the old 18th century hospital. The Friday morning Farmers market is a must to buy some of the amazing local produce and there are also some excellent restaurants and cafes across the picturesque village. Fleurance (10km) is another pretty market town and the weekly market on a Tuesday morning is one of the largest in the area. Other villages and hamlets in the area to explore include three of Frances ‘Plus Beaux Villages, Fources (35km), Larresingle (27km) and Montreal du Gers (36km). The town of Condom (22km), only 25-minutes away, includes a Michelin-starred restaurant as well as boat rental, whilst Auch (32km), with its old quarter raised high above the Gers river, has an incredible cathedral. Private excursions can be arranged for guests to the towns of Lectoure, Auch and Condom, especially on market day. The delightful town of Agen (47km) is famous for producing prunes, often soaked in local brandy, and it is also worthy of a visit for its remarkable history and covered daily market. The cities of Toulouse (99km) and Bordeaux (175km) are also within striking distance for an exceptional day out. There is so much to do in this rural part of Gascony whether cycling, golf, horse-riding, hiking or canoeing on the River Baise in Beaucaire (20km). This is also Grand Armagnac country with plenty of opportunities to visit local producers; tastings and guided tours can easily be arranged.