Le Clos de l`Abbaye (BUR.47)

Le Clos de l`Abbaye (BUR.47)  is a 2-bedroomed cottage, sleeping 4 (+ baby), in the village of Clairac (Lot et Garonne), 35km NW of Agen, 70km S of Bergerac, 120km SE of Bordeaux (Michelin map: 524). VFB is delighted to have featured this property since 2005. Saturday arrival.

This is a charming house, steeped in history, in the bustling village of Clairac and its amenities within a few minutes’ walk. The history of the house, and its links with the Abbaye des Automates next door, which dates from as early as 1610, make for interesting reading, as it was used as housing for the monks in days gone by. The interior is simply but comfortably arranged, immaculately presented and furnished with a certain artistic flair. The welcoming owners live next door, however guests will enjoy a good degree of privacy in their own garden, the partly-covered courtyard and the sunny terrace from which there are breathtaking views over the River Lot and surrounding countryside. Guests may like to wander into the village, which has many shops and restaurants, or walk along the River Lot a couple of minutes just below the property to the small beach and swimming areas. For those who wish to explore the surrounding region there are many sights to be visited, the bastides of Villeréal and Montflanquin and the only round bastide at Fourcès; the gallo-roman ruins with their 4th and 5th-century mosaic at Séviac; and the castle of Banaguil and Henry IV's castle and its old town at Nérac; the water lily gardens of Temple-sur-Lot and numerous ancient towns including Duras, Labastide d’Armagnac and Mézin, to name but a few. A charming, architecturally interesting property with welcoming and enthusiastic owners with the rare opportunity of being part of a thriving community.

Accommodation: Ground floor: living/dining room, kitchen. First floor: 1 double and 1 twin bedded room, bathroom, separate wc.

Activities: Swimming pool on the spot (10m x 5m x 1m>1m70 depth) - available April to October (occasionally shared with the owner). River bathing in the Lot at 200m, bicycle hire and table tennis on the spot, tennis in the village, horse riding at 1km. 9 hole golf course at Villeneuve (20km). Golf also at Marmande, Casteljaloux, Agen and Tomboeuf.

Services: All essential shops and services including several restaurants and supermarket in the village at 300m. Supermarket in Tonneins. Market in the village on Thursdays. Parking next to the property.

Location
In the village of Clairac (Lot et Garonne), 35km NW of Agen, 70km S of Bergerac, 120km SE of Bordeaux. Michelin map: 524
 
Activities
Swimming pool on the spot (10m x 5m x 1m>1m70 depth) - available April to October (occasionally shared with the owner). River bathing in the Lot at 200m, bicycle hire and table tennis on the spot, tennis in the village, horse riding at 1km. 9 hole golf course at Villeneuve (20km). Golf also at Marmande, Casteljaloux, Agen and Tomboeuf.
 
Services
All essential shops and services including several restaurants and supermarket in the village at 300m. Supermarket in Tonneins. Market in the village on Thursdays. Parking next to the property.
 
Description
This is a charming house, steeped in history, in the bustling village of Clairac and its amenities within a few minutes’ walk. The history of the house, and its links with the Abbaye des Automates next door, which dates from as early as 1610, make for interesting reading, as it was used as housing for the monks in days gone by. The interior is simply but comfortably arranged, immaculately presented and furnished with a certain artistic flair. The welcoming owners live next door, however guests will enjoy a good degree of privacy in their own garden, the partly-covered courtyard and the sunny terrace from which there are breathtaking views over the river Lot and surrounding countryside. Guests may like to wander into the village, which has many shops and restaurants, or walk along the River Lot a couple of minutes just below the property to the small beach and swimming areas. For those who wish to explore the surrounding region there are many sights to be visited, the bastides of Villeréal and Montflanquin and the only round bastide at Fourcès; the gallo-roman ruins with their 4th and 5th-century mosaic at Séviac; and the castle of Banaguil and Henry IV's castle and its old town at Nérac; the water lily gardens of Temple-sur-Lot and numerous ancient towns including Duras, Labastide d’Armagnac and Mézin, to name but a few. A charming, architecturally interesting property with welcoming and enthusiastic owners with the rare opportunity of being part of a thriving community. Featured by VFB since 2005.
 
Note: Due to the low wall (80cm) from the terrace to the steep drop below young children will need to be supervised.
 
Accommodation
Ground Floor: access via courtyard up one step into:
 
·       Living/dining room (4m30 x 7m40): with television, glazed fireplace. Tiled floor. Door to kitchen, stairs to first floor
·       Kitchen (3m x 4m): with gas cooker with gas hob (4 rings), fridge with freezer compartment, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, mobile barbecue. Tiled floor, door to living/dining room
 
First floor
 
·       Bedroom 1 (4m x 3m): with double bed (1m60). Wooden floor
·       Bedroom 2 (3m80 x 3m40): with 2 single beds (0m90). Wooden floor
·       Bathroom with bath with shower attachment. Wooden floor
·       Separate wc
 
Bed and household linen included - Heating: central heating - Gas and electricity included.
 
Breakage Deposit: 125€    Sleeps: 4 + baby MAXIMUM (cot not provided)
 
Comments
“What can we say?! Mere adjectives are insufficient to convey the time we have had here!” “This has been our best VFB property experience. We have enjoyed staying in this historic part of Clairac in such a delightful gîte!” “Don’t recommend this place to friends, it should be our secret!” “We loved the peace of this gem of a house and spent much time sitting on the various terraces, listening to the organist practising in the church next door.” “This is our 4th holiday with VFB – the most beautiful house so far.” “Didier and Véronique have made our stay very special with their friendliness and helpful advice and very warm welcome.” “We have had an excellent week in delightful surroundings.” “We have enjoyed a brilliant week here. It has been peaceful and relaxing.” “We loved our two charming and characterful hosts, who made us very welcome.” “This is a beautiful house in a lovely spot.”
 
Description updated January 2011