French Property News – August 2019

22 French Property News August 2019 http://www.completefrance.com

T

he south-west of France has long been a
favourite spot with British expats. A
pleasant southern climate, an abundance
of delicious local products and tasty food, not
to mention a pretty natural environment and a
rich heritage, are just some of the area’s unique
selling points.
Influenced by cultures of the old provinces
that surround it – Périgord, Quercy and
Gascony – Lot-et-Garonne is a largely rural
department roughly equating to the historic
province of Agenais in what is now part of the
Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. In the Middle Ages
and through to the Hundred Years War, the
Agenais was at the heart of conflict between
French and English lords who, even back then,
wanted to settle in the area.
Such a dramatic past has left its mark on the
area and today, there is a wealth of fortified
towns and castles dotting the countryside,
including traditional bastide villages.
This lovely property is set between two of
these picturesque bastide towns, Monflanquin
and Villeréal, in the heart of this historical

area. Both towns are on the prestigious roster

of the Plus Beaux Villages de France and date

back to the mid-13th century, boasting

picturesque streets and buildings.

Just 10 minutes away from both towns and

about half an hour from Bergerac airport, the

beautiful stone house perches on a hilltop

overlooking the countryside. In a tranquil and

very private setting, it sits on nearly two

hectares of land with two ponds, large lawns

and plenty of trees.

The main house is in a loose L-shape and

offers 223m² of living space. There is a fitted

kitchen with glass doors to a terrace, a large

living room, a second living room upstairs, four

large bedrooms, a shower-room and a

bathroom. There is also a guest house

comprising a kitchen-diner, a bedroom and a

shower room. Character features abound,

including thick, solid wooden beams, exposed

stone walls and a large and ornate fireplace in

the living room.

Very much geared to outdoor living, the

house has several terraces; one covered and

boasting a barbecue and old prune oven,

another open to the sky to enjoy the sunshine.

A saltwater swimming pool with a tiled patio

area for sun chairs and an outdoor shower,

cellar, carport and sheds complete this

property in an exceptional setting.

You would be undisturbed by neighbours or

passing traffic here, yet within easy reach of

the buzzing and pleasant life in the nearby

towns of Monflanquin or Villeréal. 

A pretty stone property in Lot-et-Garonne is set in an idyllic corner of countryside close

to two popular fortified towns, discovers Sophie Gardner-Roberts

BETWEEN THE BASTIDES

FRENCH PROPERTY DREAMS

The house is on the market for €445,200

agence-eleonor.com

 The Agenais was at the

heart of conflict between

French and English lords

who wanted to settle in

the area