Character property

Original and charming property near Nérac Located on the edge of an attractive and lively village with lots of amenities, this property is both stylish and unique. It comprises a beautiful 19th century house with room to expand and an unusually large garden for a village house. It is close to Condom or Nerac for schools, medical services and excellent weekly markets, but the village itself provides all the basic necessities. Pristine stone walls and unusual shape give this property a particular charm. It is a house filled with sunlight, with spacious reception rooms, large bedrooms and lots of storage space in the basement. Construction began in 1860 and took several years to complete. As the property was built for the diocese, a reception room and bedroom for the visits of the local bishop were incorporated into the plans – these 2 rooms were built octagonally to reflect his status. One of those rooms now serves as a living room – but would make an amazing library – and the other is now the property’s main bedroom. The current owner has made many improvements both inside and outside the house. We push open a wrought iron gate and look up to the front door. Below it, a classic stone fountain adds an elegant touch and there is a small front garden waiting to be developed. It is surrounded by stone walls topped by antique-style iron railings. The front door is recent, but has been custom-made to fit the era and style of the house. On the side, an electric gate leads to a parking area and the garage that has been incorporated into the garden floor of the house. The large southwest-facing back garden is a blank slate just waiting for a keen gardener to give it shape and form. It is entirely enclosed by a low stone wall topped by a wrought iron fence that, although new, looks like it has always been there. The garden is entirely laid to lawn, although there are some mature trees near the house. We enter the house through the front door and find ourselves in a long, wide hall that runs down the centre of the house. On the left, as you go in, a large high-ceilinged living room stretches the length of the house. Originally this would have been two, or even three rooms, but the space has been opened up and is lined with large windows on three sides. High ceilings and attractive tiled floors make this a pleasant space to relax. At the end of the hall, we find the more formal living room – this is the octagonal room that was reserved for visiting bishops, but now it is beautifully decorated in shades of purple. Double doors open onto the garden. Back down the hall on the right as you go into the house is the kitchen; it has been entirely redone but feels very traditional. The cabinets are in natural dark wood and there is a dusty pink stove that complements the dark grey countertops and ceramic flooring. There is room for a breakfast table and a spacious island for food preparation. Behind the kitchen we find the scullery, with a small laundry room and a door to the back garden behind it. There is a WC on this floor, accessed from behind the staircase. A staircase behind the kitchen leads down to the lower floor, where we find lots of storage space, a wine cellar and big double doors where you can park your car. This floor is both practical and spacious. An original curved wooden staircase leads to a wide landing with beautiful wooden floors and a large window. The first room we come to is the master bedroom which is stunning. It is octagonal and has three big double windows facing the garden. There is a pretty (blocked) fireplace and attractive original wooden floors. The current owner has put in an en suite bathroom with a large old-fashioned bathtub and a walk-in shower. The second bedroom is quite large and has a private shower. It also has a spacious dressing alcove which has the potential to be converted to an en suite bathroom. The 3rd bedroom has a pretty closed fireplace and wooden floors. There is one separate WC for this floor. The original staircase then continues up to the attic where there are small windows and possibility to expand the living space. We found this house ideal for those who would like to enjoy life in a small village – there are many amenities within walking distance, including a bakery, pharmacy and a popular restaurant. There is still room for improvement: some windows need to be changed a second shower room could be put in. There are some walls that need to be painted too. The garden is quite large and there is room for a pool (subject to town approval). This is a house for dreamers and romantics, a house where you can let your creativity and imagination run wild. Technical details 1500 m² property Taxe foncière 924€ Mains drains Town gas central heating Original features High speed internet available Edge of lively village New wooden double-glazed windows and doors on west side of the house