South facing detached barn sleeps 8, set within 26 acres of pasture land containing a lake and a variety of wildlife. Located in idyllic Gascony, land of Armagnac, rolling countryside and beautiful weather. Nearest village 3km with canoeing, shop and café. Spa village (8km) with large recreational lake and sports facilities. Many local festivals and restaurants. Condom 14km. Pyrénées, Bordeaux and Toulouse within 2 hours.

The gite has 2 double and 2 twin bedrooms, bathroom, separate wc, shower room, large lounge/diner. Two cots available. Fully equipped kitchen includes washing machine. Private pool for gite customers. Linen and heating included.

Facilities

Property Type:	Gites Cottages
Nearest ferry port:	St Malo 707km, 8-9 hours.
Nearest restaurant:	Le Massalet and Bar Lucy (4km) both set menus for 11 Euros, 5 courses plus wine. Very, very good.
Location and activities:	Lots available locally, canoeing, leisure lakes, trap racing, night markets, Armagnac-tasting, wine-tasting, walks, horse riding.
Bedrooms:	Four - 2 bedrooms with double beds, 2 bedrooms with 2 single beds. 2 cots available.
Bathrooms:	One shower room, 1 bathroom with bath, shower over bath, and toilet and 1 separate toilet.
Kitchen:	Kitchen - gas cooker and fridge plus all utensils.
Dining:	Large dining table seats 8.
Living area:	Contains dining table, drinks fridge, television, video player and dining table.
Entertainment on-site:	Hawk (falconry) experience available depending on whether Gertie the hawk is resting - please contact for details.
Outside:	Lovely pool with safety fence. Sunbeds, table, barbecue, sandpit, pool table and parking in a barn.
General:	Very peaceful with lots of activites available close by.
Suitability:	Families and groups of people.

Owners Recommendations

Eating Out

'Local Cafes'
"Two great local cafes (3km) away. Both offer daily menus 11 Euros for 5 courses of food including wine. Great local food, friendly service, world's greatest creme brulee. Record for our guests so far is 8 visits in 10 days!"

Local Area and Activities

'Armagnac-Tasting'
"Try tasting Armagnac at the many local chateaux - nearest one is ½ km away. Easily (thankfully) within walking distance. Very friendly owner who will help you taste Armagnac and the local aperitif called Floc. No pressure to buy - but not many people can resist."

'Canoeing'
"Hire a canoe (3km away) for an hour at a time or go on an escorted trip. Safe and peaceful, great wildlife. End of one journey finishes at a canal port with good local food. All guests of all ages have loved this trip. "

'Hawk Experiences'
"We have a Harris Hawk called Gertie - We offer hawk experiences for gite guests at a very reasonable price."

'Horse Trap Racing'
""Chariot racing" 2 local courses (5km and 7km away). Children often go free, family activities and minimum bet 1 Euro. Great way to spend an afternoon - just don't expect to get wealthy! "

'International Jazz Festival'
"International Jazz Festival at Marciac - 40 mins away. International artists perform and loads of bands playing for free by the local bars and in the square. Runs for 2 weeks in July/August"

'Leisure Lakes'
"Two great local leisure lakes - one 9km away, the other 15km away. Both with lots of activities and lifeguards, and shade! Loved by children of all ages. Get up late, go to the lake, come back to the gite, stay by the pool, barbecue, sunbathe. Perfect relaxation. "

'Local Fetes'
"Every commune has an annual fete which involves games and meals in the evening - plus music. These are set around themes - such as snails. It would be impossible to stay between June - September without one happening within the local area. "

'Molly and PI'
"If you are missing your pets - don't worry. Our 2 very friendly collies will become your new best friends and guaranteed to keep all children (particularly adolescents) happy - Molly does not get bored of fetching sticks/playing football!"

Markets and Shopping

'Local Market'
"Vic-Fezensac Friday morning market (9km). Great local produce - fantastic fruit and veg, local cheese and flower stalls. Very popular all year - lovely to shop and stop for a coffee."

'Night Market'
"Night market in July and August in Vic-Fezensac. This town knows how to party - these markets start at 7pm and go on until past midnight. Lots of music, stalls and large trestle tables set up in the market square where you can eat. Typically a meal will cost 10-12 Euros (includes wine). Very friendly and great fun."

'Vide Grenier'
"A vide grenier is a French car boot sale. Very popular in the local area - happen most weekends. Come bargain-spotting in the sun."

Rental Rates

Le Merlat Detached Converted Barn - Sleeps: 8, Bedrooms: 4

From £275 per week

Special Offers

July Weeks Reduced

June 28th - July 5th reduced to £300

July 5th -12th reduced to £350

July 12th - 19th reduced to £500

MAKE US AN OFFER - WE MAY ACCEPT.

Out of high season we offer short breaks - any day a start day.

Contact Details

To book this property use the contact details below quoting Holiday France Direct ref: MG001559.

Contact:	Paul and Jane Sykes
Telephone:	(00 33) 5 62 68 28 79 (France)
Email:	Email the Owner »
Owner's website:	www.lemerlat.co.uk
Shortlist:	Click here to add this property to your shortlist
Listing last updated:	07 Jul 2008