Property Overview
- Sleeps: 15
- Bedrooms: 6 Doubles, 1 Twin, 1 Single, 1 Children's
- Bath/Shower Rooms: 5
- Rent per week: £6,000 to £7,000
- Key features:Chateau, gardens and Farm
Heated Swimming Pool and Pool House
Beautiful 500 acre farm managed with conservation as a priority
Extensive Gardens and Grounds
14 acre lake
Traditional restored barn for larger functions and wedding celebrations if required
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Chateau Herrou
Dating from 1405 Chateau Herrou is built in a style and stone unique to the Gascon region and is situated in the ‘Golden triangle of Gascony’ with its wide open skies and plethora of medieval castles. It is set in as pretty and interesting a landscape as you could wish to enjoy.
The Chateau is approached up a long drive lined with plane trees each side of which are grass/wildflower meadows with a fantastic display of wildflowers in the spring. Wild orchids are commonplace and the farm, large parts of which are visible from the Chateau, is beautifully managed with conservation and arboriculture a priority.
The Chateau is situated on the highest ground surrounded by its lawns, garden, farmland and forestry. A substantial old stable block and a superb traditional barn adjoin which can be used for weddings and larger functions.
This outstanding situation allows the Chateau to enjoy superb views over its own land and to the country beyond. On a clear day The Pyrenees are in easy view. A rural paradise.
We have just spent a wonderful week at Herrou, a very charming Chateau in a fabulous situation. I awoke every morning to see the snow capped Pyrenees, I felt I could almost touch them. The sky at night was a blaze of red and as I lay in bed with the shutters open , the sky was lit up with too many stars to count. There are lovely walks and the Chateau is very comfortable, with traditional log fires.
Situated in a very little known area of South West France , not overrun with 100’s of tourists it has a plethora of historic towns to visit and some of the best restaurants in France on the doorstep.
I will return as soon as I can!
Sue Quinn
Accommodation
The Chateau is entered up steps to its main front door from the gravelled entrance yard with a water fountain at its centre.
Ground Floor
The front doors lead into an Entrance Hall off which lead:
A large traditional Dining Room decorated in red with a dining table capable of seating up to 18. It has direct access through to the kitchen. A door leads to an office at the base of the west tower which will be locked and is not part of the let.
Library a small and intimate room forming a quiet space to sit and read quietly. Armchairs and a sofa surround a coffee table laden with books. Guests are welcome to enjoy the extensive reading from the mainly English books that line its shelves.
A door from the library leads into the ground floor of the east tower which is used as a Utility/Wash Room with a chest deep freeze, Belfast sink, washing machine and tumble dryer. A door leads straight out to the front of The Chateau. Stairs from here lead to the upper rooms of The East Tower.
Principal Sitting Room, a large light sitting room with French doors leading out to the gardens on the East side of The Chateau. At one end is a traditional stone fireplace the focus for a sitting area with sofa, four comfortable armchairs and a coffee table. There is also a card table, antique desk and separate sitting area.
A door from the main sitting room leads through to a second smaller Sitting Room with South facing French windows and doors, sofas, desk and a wood burning stove within a traditional fireplace and a large flat screen TV.
Kitchen - A delightful family kitchen with natural tile floor and windows to west and South. A working island divides the ‘kitchen’ side from the ‘dining’ side. Well equipped with an electric Aga, a Smeg cooker with 6 gas rings, a grill, electric oven and heating section. There is a twin Belfast sink, Smeg coffee making machine, toaster and microwave. The Dining side of the kitchen has a kitchen dining table that seats 8 comfortably. There is a full height Fridge/freezer and ice making machine. Doors lead to the dining room and the southern hallway.
Handsome wide oak stairs ascend from the Entrance Hall to the first floor.
First Floor
Although there are in total a maximum of 9 bedrooms the layout is such that a maximum of 15 people are permitted.
There are a total of 5 bathrooms. All of these are ensuite but inevitably have to be shared to a varying degree if more than 5 bedrooms are being used.
Stairs from the ground floor lead onto an attractive first floor landing with North facing windows and views of the rolling country of the Gers. Doors from the landing lead to:
Bedroom 1. The Master Bedroom - An emperor size double bedroom (81 sqm) with French windows opening to superb Esterly views. The double bed (1.8w x 2m) has a beautiful ornate French headboard. Occasional tables, armchairs and a freestanding mirror fill the open space. There is a large flat screen TV.
Ensuite Bathroom 1 - A large bathroom with a freestanding roll top bath in its centre. Twin washbasins, walk in shower and WC.
(A separate/adjoining) dressing room is locked and does not form part of the let.
Bedroom 2 - A large double bedroom with double bed (1.5m x 2m) and two North facing windows.
Ensuite Bathroom 2 with free standing rolltop bath, walk in shower, washbasin and WC.
A door leads through from Bedroom 2 to the West Tower to Bedroom 5 in the west Tower with a double bed (1.4w x 2m). Windows face South and West.
Bedroom 3. A twin bedroom (beds 1.4w x 2m). Decorated in red with two windows facing North over the entrance yard.
Ensuite Bathroom 3 with free standing rolltop bath, washbasin and WC.
Bedroom 3 also has an adjoining small single Bedroom 6 approaching The East Tower with a single bed (.9w x 2m). This single bedroom also shares ensuite Bathroom 3 via another door.
The small single Bedroom 5 leads onto a landing in The East Tower and to Bedroom 7 in The East Tower with two east facing windows and a Queen size double bed (1.4w x2)
Bedroom 4 Double bedroom with Queen size bed (1.4w x 2m). Windows face South and West with Ensuite Bathroom 4 with free standing roll top bath, washbasin and WC.
Second Floor
In the East and West Tower there are two further bedrooms as follows:
East Tower Bedroom 8 with a double bed (1.4w x 2m) and windows facing North and east and Ensuite Bathroom with free standing roll top bath, walk in shower, washbasin and WC.
West Tower Bedroom 9. Accessed from a landing and stairs leading off Bedroom 2 this is a ‘dormitory’ Bedroom 9 with 4 single beds. As this bedroom can only be accessed up stairs from Bedroom 2 it naturally lends itself to children of parents who may be in Bedroom 2 as it also needs to share Ensuite Bathroom 2
Garden & Grounds
Lawns surround The Chateau on all sides. The formal approach to The Chateau is on its Northern side but French doors on the Southern side open onto a wide gravel terrace where seating and dining areas can be arranged to suit.
Meals can be enjoyed outside on this Southern terrace or anywhere around the Chateau and gardens. There is a dining table located under an avenue of trees to the South East of the Chateau which can seat up to 16.
A short distance to the South of the Chateau is a heated swimming pool (12m x 6m). The pool is entered by Roman steps to its shallow end (90cms) and is 2m at its deep end. The swimming pool is alarmed but not fenced and has a roll cover.
There is a comfortable pool house opening to a generous patio with a set of rattan
sunbeds and cushions.
There is a croquet set, a table tennis table and a wide variety of sites for Petanque
to be played.
There is open access to the farm that surrounds the Chateau. The fields have wide grass margins giving a lovely choice of walks straight from the Chateau all over the farm. There are woodland walks and extensive plantings of young trees giving great interest and pleasure. Roe deer, wild boar, song birds, butterflies and insects all share this paradise as home.
A most attractive feature of the farm is a large 14 acre lake which is a wonderful amenity and conservation feature, picnic destination and walk from The Chateau.
Location
The Chateau is in the department of Gers 50kms west of the Departmental capital of Auch. It is situated between the small village of Lupiac, famous for its association with Charles Batz, a local aristocrat better known as D’Artagnan of musketeers renown whose family used to live in a neighbouring Chateau, and the small town of Aignan.
In Aignan (2½ miles/6 minutes) there is a small Carrefour supermarket open every day and on Sundays until 12 noon. There is also a boulangerie where bread, croissants and pastries can be purchased. They will also deliver by arrangement.
There is also a chemist, post office, two restaurants and a brasserie. In Lupiac (10 minutes) there is a small local restaurant. It is within easy reach of Vic Fezensac (20 mins/14 miles), Nogoro (17 ins/11 miles), Eauze (21 mins/14 miles), Nerac (1 hr/40 miles) and Plaisance (13 minutes/8 miles) all of which have larger supermarkets.
Chateau Herrou is 1½ hrs (78 miles) from Toulouse airport, 2 hours (121 miles) from Bordeaux Airport. It is 1hr 20 minutes (64 miles) from Pau and 2 hrs (122 miles) from Biarritz.
Additional Information
Tenants will be welcomed on arrival and will be shown how everything works both inside and out.
A simple welcome hamper of basic provisions is provided on arrival.
There is a telephone system and broadband internet access throughout the Chateau, immediately adjoining and by the swimming pool.
Bed linen, bath and pool towels are provided and will be changed on a weekly basis.
Provided sufficient notice is given, a part time cook can be found. Her payment will be the tenants responsibility and can be ascertained in advance should tenants so wish.
In Aignan (2½ miles/6 minutes) there is a small Carrefour supermarket open every day and on Sundays until 12 noon. There is also a boulangerie where bread, croissants and pastries can be purchased. They will also deliver by arrangement.
There is also a chemist, post office, two restaurants and a brasserie. The Chateau is within easy reach of Vic Fezensac, Nogoro, Eauze, Nerac and Plaisance all of which have large supermarkets.
There is one child’s cot, a travel cot and a high chair.
There are fans in all bedrooms. There is no airconditioning.
This is an all year round property and is centrally heated throughout
There is an extensive choice of English language books for the use and enjoyment of guests.
Things to See & Do near Chateau Herrou
There is a very helpful House Information Book with details of recommended local shops, restaurants, markets, cultural, sporting and recreational activities plus many other suggestions on what to do and where to go in the vicinity. The folder also includes maps, brochures and contact details of local doctors, dentists, plumbers, electricians, pool maintenance and more detailed information on all referred to here.
Markets are a wonderful way to absorb the culture and way of life of the Gersoise. They are alive with fresh produce, colour and history. There is a small farmers market in Aignan on Monday mornings and in Lupiac on Tuesday mornings. There are larger markets, typically in squares surrounded by café’s and little restaurants in Mirand (Monday), Fleurance (Tuesday) Nogaro, Gimont, Marciac and Condom, (Wednesday), Plaisance, Auch and Eauze (Thursday), Vic Fezensac and Lectoure (Friday) and Nerac on Saturday (an excellent market).
Restaurants and eating out. Gascony is famous for its cuisine. You wont be disappointed. There are great places to eat to suit every budget. Recommendations for restaurants are provided in The House Book
Bicycling. This is excellent bicycling country. Bicycles can be hired locally and delivered. It is recommended to book early.
Walking. There are fine walks in many directions. These start from The Chateau itself but there is huge choice locally. The House Book suggests routes and The Chateau is an easy central reference point on the farm itself.
Lac de Lacaste at Lupiac. Just outside the village of Lupiac there is a lake ‘Le Lac de Lacaste’ with sandy beaches and a Caribbean style restaurant and bar (La Guingette) with music and a decidedly ‘festive’ atmosphere. Its popular locally and well worth an outing for a local summer evening with a difference!
Local Villages and towns. There are many beautiful (often bastide fortified) towns and villages in the surrounding area. Examples of include Aignan, Jegun, Laressingle, Lupiac, Marciac, Fourcés, La Romieu and Montreal.
Towns and Cities. The larger towns and cities of Auch, Bayonne, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Condom, Pau, San Sebastian and Toulouse are all well worthy of expeditions if time and interest allow.
Golf. The area has some excellent 18 hole golf courses, including Europe's oldest in
Pau, www.paugolfclub.com
Golf de Guinlet, 18 holes
https://fr.leadingcourses.com/europe+france+occitanie/golf-d-eauze-grand-
armagnac/
Golf de Palanne, 18 holes, www.chateaugolfdepallanne.fr
Golf d'Eugénie les Bains (Tursan), 9 holes, http://www.tourisme-aire-eugenie.fr
Golf de Mont de Marsan, 18 holes, www.golfmontdemarsan.com
Golf Auch Embats, 18 holes, www.golf-auch-embats.com
Tennis. There are tennis courts in nearby Aignon and Lupiac. There are a selection of racquets and tennis balls at The Chateau.
Fetes and Festivals. Throughout the summer there are lots of fetes and concerts offered including the Marciac Jazz Festival, a fantastic three-week festival in July and August and a key event in the music festival calendar of France. In nearby Vic Fezensac there is a four-day salsa festival each July now in its 20th year.
Churches and Abbeys. There are churches of note in every village. The Abbaye de Flaran hosts art exhibitions and each summer a beautiful ‘son et lumiere’.
Vineyards and Wine. There are a wide choice of local vineyards most of which encourage tastings and on the spot purchases. Slightly further for the wine enthusiasts are Bordeaux’s famed vineyards of the Medoc, St Emilion and Pomerol. Armagnac. Gascony is well known for its Armagnac and also for the lesser known local aperitif called Floc.
Courses Landaises. This is an ancient form of bull fighting in oval or rectangular arenas covered in sand that involve no bloodshed. Experienced cows with great horns are used instead of bulls. In Gascony it is a major spectator sport with as many as 600 events each year.
Skiing in The Pyrenees is under 2 hours by car.
Surfing beaches. Biarritz and its beaches are a 2hr (c 120 miles) drive. The best ones are at Hoosegor and Cap Breton. Great care should be taken as the surf is very strong and even good swimmers can get into trouble.
Tourist Offices. For tourist offices in Gers guide-du-gers.com
Rents & Terms
2024 Rents and Terms
June & September £6,000 per week
July & August £7,000 per week
All other months £POA
Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week and will begin and end on a Saturday.
Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 5pm on the commencement day and should leave by 10am on the agreed day of departure.
A deposit of 25% of the rent will be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement, with the 75% balance to be paid 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the booking.
A Security Deposit will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd. This will cover (a) the cost of telephone calls made on the landline during the tenancy, (b) the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental, (c) the cost of pool heating (if required) @ £150 per week, and (d) any exceptional cleaning work which may be required at the end of the tenancy. It will be refunded (less any deductions as outlined above) within 4 weeks of the conclusion of the tenancy.
Unless otherwise agreed there should not be more than 15 people staying in the property at any one time.
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