Maison Baleyssagues is nestled right in the heart of beautiful Bordeaux region countryside in the small hamlet of Baleyssagues midway between Saint-Émilion and Bergerac.
The unique ‘Y’ shaped villa was built by a renowned Dutch jazz pianist and has recently been bought by an English couple who are keen to continue its artistic legacy. The property is filled with original art and antiques and with three bedrooms is the perfect size for couples or friends to enjoy some peace and quiet, or a family holiday in the sun.
There are few things more tranquil than the gentle scent of lavender caught on the breeze, while the swallows soar overhead and the sunlight glints off the turquoise pool.
On the edge of a rural village and dating from the 1850s, Saint-Sulpice and its surrounding two acres of enclosed gardens retain all of their original charm, sympathetically restored by the current owners to cater for the most discerning family or group of celebratory friends.
Everyone loves a good art history mystery. From the back streets of Nice to the international art auction houses of Paris, here’s a story concerning a small painting, puchased for almost nothing that sold for a huge amount. But was it real ? And who stole it ?
Renovated longère, Maison Gagnerie is now a beautiful family holiday rental home.
They used to sleep peasants, smallholders and livestock. Now this holiday rental country home sleeps a family of 6 in a beautifully renovated interior.
A longère is a traditional rural building common to the Brittany region, but also found in Normandy, Aquitaine and the Loire.
Settled at the apex of an orchard and surrounded by the many fruit trees of Le Grand Verger la maison blends seamlessly into the rural ambiance of the Gascon countryside.
Many have assumed this is the conversion of an original barn complex like those seen all around the beautiful verdant countryside of the Gers but it’s surprisingly a new build!
Richard cycled by and checked the pool at first light as he does most mornings. Without waking a soul this ex-adman living in the sun is the best of hosts, never seen or heard but available if needed.
By 7.30, the sun is well up and the house begins to rise. Adults for a quick pre-breakfast dip, teenagers sleep off a long late night. This morning we lay the table on the terrace outside the drawing room overlooking a distant valley populated by miniature cows and tiny farmhouses. They look as it they have been sleeping in the sun for hundreds of years, as indeed they have.
France first hosted The World Cup in 1938. The prestigious tournament returned to France in 1998 and the host nation triumphed in the final, winning 3-0 against Brazil.
The games in the tournament were played at selected stadiums in 9 major cities.
Can you name them ? Here they are, together with the unique posters made for each city. And don't forget 'Footix', the World Cup mascot...
Having travelled all over the World for work, there was something about Provence and the South of France which remained with the owner of Villa Coste Rousse. Since visiting the area several times on holiday as a child and which inspired her and her family to buy a second home in the unspoiled village of Callas deep in rural Provence.
Callas with its narrow, cobbled streets, fountains (16 in total!) and charming shady square is perched high above the Gorges du Pennafort and the vineyards of Provence. Despite remaining almost unchanged for centuries, the village has a small grocery, an amazing boulangerie, a traditional tabac and four excellent restaurants. There's also a market every Saturday. All of which are within walking distance of Villa Coste Rousse. What better way to start the day than absorbing the wonderful views from the balcony, whilst tucking into freshly baked croissants?
Always associated with summer holidays, think Côte d’Azur and you imagine (or remember!) long lazy days on the lounger by the pool or on the beach. Strolling on La Croisette before treating yourself to a stunning little something from rue d’Antibes, or enjoying a beautifully chilled rosé over a sumptuous lunch in one of the medieval hillside villages.
Here's a delightful, renovated, characterful, traditional wine-maker's house located in a medieval village amongst the Languedoc vineyards. Four bedrooms, large private pool and 35 minutes from Mediterranean beaches. Lovely family home with excellent record of holiday rentals.
