Seven km to Astaffort for all shops, market and bakery as well as restaurants. Agen, famous for its prunes, is just 10 km and worth a visit. It has a lovely historic city centre, a Museum of Fine Art, covered market and a pretty canal running through the town offering boat trips. Tennis courts available in Astaffort. International airport: Toulouse 120 km

The garden reflects the style of the house, with a formal section consisting of box hedges, gravel, stone-paved sitting area and a large spreading lawn with the pool and the covered BBQ area. Outside steps lead down from the kitchen to a canopied terrace for outside dining, which easily seats 8-10. The pool 11 x 5 x 1-1.5m depth has a security alarm.

‘Maison de maître’ or country mansion rather than farmhouse, with lovely reception areas, tall ceilings and very generous, light rooms. Many lovely old elements such as fireplaces and gracious old staircase have been preserved, and the owners interest in travel is reflected in the décor which gives the house lots of character. Long, light entrance hall with seating and tall wrought iron doors to the garden, is a feature of the property, and leads to the large sitting room with sofa, armchairs, DVD player. (Note there are no TV channels available). An equally generous dining room seats 10. Doors to terrace. Both reception rooms have their original fireplaces, though not for use. The recently fitted hand-made kitchen is well-equipped with dishwasher and microwave, and has seating for 6. The adjacent utility room houses washing machine and a second fridge. Corridor leads from dining room to the ground floor shower/WC and to Bed 1: double, lovely views over garden, ensuite shower/WC. Linked to Bed 1 but with access from hall as well is Bed 2: intended for children with bunk beds and one single, but suitable for adults’ use also. Across the main hall is a further small children’s Bed 3: bunks. The curving old staircase leads from the hall up to a landing with access to Shower/WC, Bed 4: double. Bed 5: double. Both first floor bedrooms are very large, light and airy, with lovely views across the countryside. Folding bed available.