We both felt like changing region, but we still wanted to stay in the South of France, and were looking for the right place to restart our former joint project of renting out gîtes and guest rooms. We love everything old and authentic, nature and peace and quiet. I'd lived in a 16th-century Carthusian monastery on the edge of a village in the Dordogne and had fond memories of the landscapes and quality of life in the South-West, but I didn't want to have exactly the same experience again. We looked all over the Lot department and visited this place with high hopes, and we weren’t disappointed. We fell in love with the property, its views and its beautiful setting immediately.
The property has 11 hectares of surrounding woods. The imposing main residence is surrounded by three other buildings used either as dwellings or as barns. It is a solidly built ensemble, topped with old tiles, typical of rural Lot heritage. Lot stone reigns supreme, from the fireplaces and inglenook fireplaces to the staircases, sinks and of course, the walls. While the ceilings on the ground floor are relatively low, in keeping with rural tradition, the upper floors are more aimed at entertaining, with big windows, several large fireplaces, wainscoting and ancient chestnut parquet flooring. The west of the house features a large dovecote tower, a symbol of Quercy architecture, with a guest room with a four-metre-high ceiling. The house is extended by a terrace forming a wooded garden with a remarkable panoramic view. Rural, comfortable, not at all ostentatious, this is a genuinely friendly property that respects the spirit and know-how of the Lot region.
Our property dates back to medieval times. The "guards' living room", with its stone fireplace, coats of arms and high window, is a testament to this, as is the proximity of Reilhaguet (the King's ford), which still shows marks from the Hundred Years' War. One of the entrances is embellished with a lintel with an ogee. It was an opulent property when the Causse de Gramat gained its wealth from truffles at the end of the 19th century and for much of the 20th century. At the time it belonged to a family who were originally from the region and who owned some 80 hectares in the surrounding area. The property then fell into neglect due to a change in fortune, forcing its owners to sell. In the 1970s, a group of Parisian buyers who had distinguished themselves in the Resistance fell in love with the hamlet and embarked on an extensive restoration project. When we acquired the property just over a year ago, it was time to breathe new life into it with wide-ranging renovations. The work was always guided by our desire to respect the spirit of the Lot stones, while creating the necessary conditions for a comfortable and pleasant life.
We offer a stay in an unspoiled environment in absolute peace and quiet except for the birds and deer and a stay under one of the purest skies in France, with no light pollution. We love to cook, and we offer dishes and brunches prepared with local and regional produce from our pesticide-free kitchen garden. Our sorbets, jams and other preparations are made with respect for the seasons. A welcome aperitif, which we prepare and adapt to suit our guests’ tastes or intolerances, is the prelude to a stay full of enjoyment and good times. We also offer relaxation therapy and massage sessions, as well as photographic services and advice for those who want to let go and recharge their batteries during their stay and take home some great souvenir photos.
You shouldn’t miss the Gourdon market on Saturday mornings and the Halles in Cougnac, where you can buy produce from local and regional producers. Near Cahors, the Maison Duler is an exceptional shop for anyone who appreciates hams, foie gras and other top-quality products. In terms of wine, Cahors has regained its former reputation, and the Maison Couture offers some very well-balanced, round, full-bodied wines that we really like, including Château Eugénie. In the Bergerac region, the Domaine de l'Ancienne Cure produces excellent organic wines. Fans of local food will love the "Petit Paris" in Daglan, with its original, refined, yet affordable dishes, or "Aux Saveurs des Halles" in Martel. Our visitors can take advantage of special offers thanks to the partnerships we've set up, including "Les Jardins d'Eyrignac" (reduced entrance fees) to name but one.
"Le cottage” can accommodate up to six people. It has two floors and includes a large kitchen, a living room with access to the first floor and a bathroom with a boudoir-style walk-in shower and toilet. There are three bedrooms and a toilet upstairs. "Les Grandes Pierres" sleeps four and has two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, bathroom and separate toilet. The swimming pool and a large relaxation area with views over the Causse hills can be shared by all.
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The two guest rooms are located in the main building. "Retour de voyages" is designed as an open-plan space with a large shower cubicle and toilet. "Le pigeonnier" is on the second and third floors with access to the room via a spiral staircase and it has magnificent views. A welcome tray, pool towels and bathrobes are included in the rental.
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Photographic notebooks with Eric Chaboud: photographic outings to change the way you look at things and learn how to capture a landscape on camera to create a photobook of the most beautiful sites in the Lot and Dordogne departments.
Elisabeth and Emilie's treatments: a duo of two professionals offering massage and relaxation sessions. One-hour sessions by appointment.
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