Those with houses in Gascony already are never keen for others to hear about the major advantages to owning there: the easy journey from London, the low prices, the extremely high quality of the period houses there. But it is for the culture that people come back and buy more than anything: ‘There is a relaxed feel to the place? it’s the perfect spot to come to and forget all the pressures of work,’ says John Taylor, a chartered accountant who splits his time between England and Gascony.
Comparisons have been drawn between Gascony with Tuscany and the Dordogne, and it was in fact a little bit of England following the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitane and Henry Plantagenet, and remained so until the 16th century.
But despite this, the English have not yet had a chance to overpopulate this part of the world, and finding a secluded beautiful old manoir is incredibly simple. Gascony is the most rural part of France, which means you will be guaranteed peace and quiet, and the houses which were built in the 17th and 18th centuries are large, and spacious and extremely cheap. Many properties still have original kitchens and fireplaces, which make visiting in winter a cosy experience. Many houses also have vinyards and a few acres of gardens, to appeal to those with green fingers.
It is a cliché, but you really do get so much more for your money in this part of the world, and values are only going to rise as word of mouth slowly spreads as a testament to the great value you get here.
‘You can get a very nice four or five bedroom house here for under ?600,000,’ says Mr Taylor. ‘There are a lot of properties which are far more expensive, but from what I have seen it is this part of the market which is really moving fast here now.’
Property for sale in Gascony:
A lovely stone house on top of a hill with gorgeous views, this property has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and a large drawing room with woodburner and an adjoined barn. It also has a garden with mature trees, swimming pool and a large terrace. The situation is very close to the nearest village. Guide Price: ?699,000. For further information, telephone Belle Maison on 00.33.5.62.68.34.23.
This pretty Maison de Maître sits on a medieval village square, and has been restored to an extremely high standard. It has four bedrooms, a bathroom and shower room, and fitted kitchen with a barbecue, as well as an office. Outside there is a lovely large garden. Guide Price: ?680,000. For further information, telephone Belle Maison on 00.33.5.62.68.34.23.
A charming manoir with 55 acres of land, stables and many mature trees, this property has three bedrooms, bathroom, wine cellar and a large attic which can be converted. There is also a staff cottage currently in need of restoration, as well as woodland, three wells and an orchard only five minutes from the nearest village. Guide Price: ?675,000. For further information, telephone Belle Maison on 00.33.5.62.68.34.23.
A superb 14th century house, close to a historical village and two acres of land, with a swimming pool, stables, a well, garage and adjoining barn for conversion. With two bedrooms and a bathroom, and a huge sitting room with fireplace, the views are also stunning. Guide Price £662,500. For further information, telephone Belle Maison on 00.33.5.62.68.34.23.
A pretty maison de metre on nine acres of land, with a swimming pool, large garage, terrace plus a workshop. Inside the house has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a fitted kitchen and sitting room with fireplace, as well as beautiful views. Guide Price £498,200.
For further information, telephone Belle Maison on 00.33.5.62.68.34.23.
A beautiful chateau dating from the 11th Century, in an elevated and tranquil position, with exceptional far-reaching views of the Gers valley. The property has seven en suite bedrooms, and the master bedroom features an en suite with panoramic views, In the grounds there is a seperate 3 bedroom maison de guardien or guest house, garages, barn and stables, as well as an infinity pool with a sun deck. There are also 10 acres of formal gardens with an ornamental pool and fountains. For further information, please contact Laurent Lameille on 00 33 (0)5 62 68 94 00.
For more on property, architecture, the arts and the countryside subscribe to Country Life magazine
Contact us about this story
Search all online stories
For what’s in the magazine this week see contents
Sign up for our free newsletter
