Skiing in Midi-Pyrenees > Chateau de Senescau - Property 423
Owner: Collins
Reference: 423
Chateau de Senescau
Termes d'Armagnac
Gers
32400
France
View Map
Description
Welcome to Château de Senescau A centuries-old house in Gascony with separate self-contained holiday homes and a large swimming pool, set on 25 acres (10 hectares) of gardens, woodland, and meadow, featuring panoramic views towards the Pyrénées. Château de Senescau was built in the 16th and 17th centuries as the home of the local nobility. It has been entirely restored and converted into self-contained and fully-equipped holiday homes: La Maison de Maitre, which can take up to eight guests in four bedrooms, La Cuisine de Campagne, also with four bedrooms for eight guests, and two smaller units: La Vieille Tour, which sleeps four and Le Vignoble, which sleeps two and is ideally situated with privacy for a couple. This makes the Château ideal for every size of group, from a couple to a family renunion. Each of the gîtes has a private terrace with patio furniture, a barbecue, and panoramic views. Château de Senescau is set at the end of a private driveway lined with a variety of trees. The house is situated amid 25 acres (10 hectares) of gardens, orchards, woodland and meadow, with a T-shaped swimming pool with a covered terrace. The house and the pool face southwards across the valley of the river Adour to its source in the Pyrénées. There is much to enjoy on the property, including shaded walkways, a boules pitch, table tennis and a children's play area. Vineyards border the property to the north and are dotted throughout the local landscape. Guests are free to walk in the grounds or use the bicycles provided to explore the local area, which has been described as France’s secret garden, with rolling countryside overflowing with sunflowers, fruit and vegetables. With plenty to do on the property, and lots to explore in the region, Château de Senescau is an ideal place to do as much or as little as the mood takes. The area is still largely undiscovered and the people are warm and friendly and with Bordeaux, Toulouse, Biarritz, Spain and the Pyrénées all within easy reach, there is a lot of choice for an adventure or two!
1. La Maison de Maître - accomodates 8 guests in 4 bedrooms
The Maison de Maître, or Master's house, can be found at the end of the tree lined driveway leading to Château de Senescau. Inside, the large hallway leads to a characteristic lounge and dining room with unusual curved walls and tall windows offering long views across the countryside. Under the high ceiling there is a sofa and armchairs with a TV and a DVD player for entertainment. In the dining area, a large marble table seats up to eight - ideal for enjoying a traditional long Gascon meal!
The kitchen is equipped with an oven and stovetop, a fridge-freezer, and a dishwasher; a washing machine is available. Also on the ground floor are a double bedroom and a shower room with a toilet. Upstairs, the large landing leads to three further bedrooms: two with twin beds, and one with a double bed, a bathroom with shower, bath and toilet, and a balcony with a very fine view. Outside, a private seating area with a barbecue provides an inviting spot for outside dining.
2. La Cuisine de Campagne - accomodates 8 guests in 4 bedrooms.
On the ground floor of La Cuisine de Campagne (country kitchen), the large (13.5m/44ft long) open-plan kitchen / living / dining area has outstanding views looking across the swimming pool towards the Adour river valley and the Pyrénées.
There is a large farmhouse table and full kitchen facilities including an oven/spit/grill, a large 5-ring gas stovetop, a dishwasher and a washing machine available. The living area has comfortable seating with a satellite TV and DVD.
From the hallway, a wide wooden staircase leads up to a large landing. Two bedrooms have double beds, and two have twin beds. There are two shower rooms, each with a shower and washbasin; one has an integrated WC, while the other has a separate WC. Outside is a large table with chairs and a barbecue.
2. La Vieille Tour - accomodates up to 5 guests in 2 bedrooms
La Vieille Tour, or the Old Tower, is the oldest part of the house. It has enormous character. Large windows offer fine views towards the Pyrénées. The open-plan kitchen / living / dining area is fully equipped and very comfortable, with a satellite TV and a DVD player. The kitchen area includes an oven with a spit, grill, and stovetop, and a fridge; washing and drying facilities are available close by.
There are two bedrooms upstairs: one with a double bed and one with a pair of single beds. The bathroom has a bath with a shower and WC. Outside, a secluded private terrace is complete with table, chairs and barbecue, and the swimming pool is just a few steps away.
4. Le Vignoble - accomodates 2 guests in 1 bedroom
Recently fully refurbished, Le Vignoble is a light and airy gîte, all on one floor with an open-plan living / dining / kitchen area with a satellite television and a DVD player. The kitchen includes an oven with a spit and grill and a stovetop, and a fridge; washing and drying facilities are available nearby.
There is one bedroom with a pair of twin beds, and a sofa bed in the living area. The bathroom has a large corner bath with a shower and WC. The windows look onto the neighbouring vineyard and the surrounding countryside. Outside, a private terrace has a barbecue with a table and chairs overlooking the vines stretching across the rolling hills, with seclusion and privacy for couples yet with easy access to the swimming pool.
About the Area
Château de Senescau is in the heart of the Gascony region in South-West France. The area is still largely undiscovered by mass tourism and offers a taste of "real France" with bastide villages and medieval towns surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.
Château de Senescau once played an important part in the village of Termes d'Armagnac, as the far reaching views allowing for early warning of invasion. The village is dominated by the tower of an ancient castle, which now is home to a museum, the Musée du Panache Gascon, which is well worth a visit.
A small supermarket, cafés, bars, and restaurants can all be found in nearby Riscle, five minutes away. A number of other villages close by also offer a range of shops, including Plaisance-du-Gers, Nogaro (with its International Motor racing circuit), and Aire-sur-l'Adour.
Gascony is noted for its excellent cuisine. Numerous farms advertise their foie gras and confit (preserved duck and goose), which are made on site. The restaurants offer great value for money, with most offering a “Menu du Jour” (menu of the day), with three or four courses, wine and coffee.
Château de Senescau is situated in the Armagnac region of Gascony where the world famous Armagnac is made, alongside Floc de Gascogne (a delicious local speciality of Armagnac with grape juice). Both are highly recommended.
The area abounds with vineyards, and visitors are always made welcome, with wine tasting opportunities available widely and excellent value to be had in red, white and rosé wines.
The local fetes add a great atmosphere to the area and nearby Marciac plays host to an International Jazz Festival, in August, where musicians like Jamie Cullum and Herbie Hancock play. Mirande also closeby puts on an excellent Country Music Festival each July which is also well worth visiting.
About the Region
The region of Gascony lies within a triangle formed between Toulouse, Biarritz and Bordeaux, framed by the Pyrénées, the Atlantic ocean and the river Garonne.
Gascony has a long and interesting history. Nearby Lupiac is the birthplace of d'Artagnan, the historic figure who was the basis for the leader of the Three Musketeers. His statue can be seen in Auch, the capital of the Gers.
The pilgrim routes to St Jacques de Compostelle criss-cross the area, and there are many other walking routes. There are interesting medieval towns and villages, castles, churches and abbeys to visit, and many local markets and festivals to explore.
Every year, when the Tour de France comes through the region, there is a great atmosphere on the streets and with various places to watch offers a unique day out.
The Pyrénées are an hour away, with skiing and other winter sports available in season (December to April). La Mongie (where the French ski team train) is only two hours away, and offers really good value with ski hire from under €10.
At all times of year, the mountains offer a beautiful and easily accessible landscape to explore, with a wide range of flora and fauna and many trails to follow and activities to enjoy.
The region has a number of beautiful lakes with sandy beaches, which offer a great alternative to the sea, and together with the rivers of the region, provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. There are many other activities also available, including golf, bird watching, wildlife and great walking and cycling.
Gascony’s landscape is diverse and offers forests, mountains, gentle rolling hills, seashore, riverside walks, woods, and fields. For a great day trip, there are many places worth visiting, including Bordeaux, Toulouse, Auch, Pau, Tarbes, Lourdes, Biarritz and Spain - Andorra is also within reach.
Details
Property Type: Gites
Department: 32 Gers
Sleeps: 22
Facilities:
- Linen
- Kitchen
- Washing Machine
- Dishwasher
- Bath
- Shower
- Fireplace
- Swimming Pool
- Pets
- Airport
- Beach
- Fishing
- Golf
- Railway Station
- Restaurants
- Shops
- Skiing
- Barbeque
- Television
- DVD Player
- Internet Connection
Rental Conditions: The gîtes can be booked throughout the year with flexible changeover days to benefit from low cost crossings. Central heating is provided in the winter months. A 25% deposit is required on booking, with the balance payable eight weeks before holiday commences together with a refundable cleaning/damage deposit of £50/£100. All prices are per week and include linen. A wireless signal is available for internet access. Gites are availble from 4pm and vacated by 10am on the day of departure.
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
Promotions
No promotions at this time, check back soon!
