A delightfully restored and refurbished former farmhouse in Gascony.
A house of immense charm and appeal in a wonderful position. Accessible to Toulouse and all that this charming part of rural France offers yet totally private. Just over an hour from Toulouse, situated in a wonderful natural position, the approach to this house down its drive is the start of a voyage of discovery. The façade appears as a discreet single storey but on entering the house there is an enchanting revelation as its full scope and appeal becomes apparent. Le Clos des Sources is spacious, comfortable, beautifully decorated and furnished with style, inspiration and great good taste. The centre piece of the interior is a superb open plan kitchen/dining/living room running the full width of the house. This is a magnificent family space. Descent to a lower level and further accommodation leads naturally out into an attractive small courtyard bounded by two wings.
Le Clos des Sources
Castelnau-d’Arbieu
Overview
Sleeps: 12
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
2 doubles
2 doubles that can also be twins
1 childrens room sleeping 4 that could also be a double bedroom
Rent per week
€2550 to €5600 per week depending on the season. Saturday to Saturday.
Detailed break down of price per week
Key features
- 5m x12m Heated saltwater pool
- Recently refurbished house
- Magnificent open plan grand salon
- Extensive garden and grounds
- Superb cuisin d’ete and poolside facilities
Testimonials
The House and Accommodation
The Grand Salon
A magnificent open plan family room (130m2) with exposed beams running the full width of the whole house. At its Southern end is a well equipped kitchen with a massive marble topped island with twin sinks, two washing up machines, a superb Falcon range gas cooker with 5 rings and twin ovens, and an additional oven which also operates as a microwave oven, coffee making facilities etc. An outside balcony immediately outside the kitchen provides an attractive spot for a coffee or drink. Adjoining the kitchen is a breakfast table/smaller eating area and, separated by the descending stairs, a larger dining area with seating for 12 around a fine oak table. At its northern end is a comfortable ‘sitting room’/relaxing area with a sofa and armchairs around an attractive traditional stone fireplace. This whole room, the centre piece of the house, combines the contemporary with the traditional to wonderful effect.
The Sitting Room
A large sitting/TV room with sofa, armchairs, flat screen TV (with DVD player and selection of DVD’s). A separate sitting area in the same room surrounds a wood burning stove. Windows face South and East and a door leads through to the kitchen end of The Grand Salon.
The Games Room
A huge room of barn like character with exposed beams, natural stone walls, a concrete floor and windows for light on both East and West side. There is a large raised wooden mezzanine/stage at the Northern end. The main area of the barn (20m X 10m) lends itself to a wide variety of uses – table tennis, indoor football, indoor cricket, dancing, partying or group exercise of any sort. Should you experience a wet day this is a splendid place for children to let off steam.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Bedroom 1 – The ‘Chambre D’Arbieu’
On the ground floor. A double bedroom with double bed that can be split to form two singles (beds .9 x 2m). Windows face east and its own Ensuite Bathroom 1 adjoins with bath, walk in shower, wash basin and WC.
Master Bedroom 2 – ‘Chambre des Pyrénées
Leads straight from the kitchen end of The Grand Salon. This magnificent Master Double Bedroom (bed 1.8w x 2m) occupies the whole of the first floor of this west facing wing. A ‘head wall’ mid room creates the division with its ensuite Bathroom 2 but the two almost feel open plan giving a great sense of space and light. French windows face west to a Juliet balcony and to South and North. The bathroom contains a free standing Victorian roll top bath, large walk in shower, twin wash basins and WC.
Bedroom 3 – ‘The Chambre du Jardin
With double bed (1.45w x 2m) and attractive French windows opening to the South with its Ensuite Bathroom 3 with walk in shower, wash basin and WC.
Bedroom 4 – ‘Chambre des Petits’
A children’s Bedroom with 4 single beds (.9m x 2m) two of which can be placed together to form a double bed this creating a lovely family room. Generous French windows open to the Southern terrace and gardens. Uses a bathroom shared with bedroom 5. Which is a family bathroom located between and shared by bedrooms 4 and 5. With bath, walk in shower, twin wash basins and WC.
Bedroom 5 – ‘Chambre d’été’
Double bedroom with double bed (.9w x 2m) which can be split to form two singles/ a twin room. Windows open on both sides, French windows to the Southern terrace/garden. Uses a bathroom shared with bedroom 4. Which is a family bathroom located between and shared by bedrooms 4 and 5. With bath, walk in shower, twin wash basins and WC.
NB: all bedrooms have electric fans and hair dryers.
Garden and Grounds
Le Clos des Sources occupies a wonderful position on the end of a ridge of high ground with glorious views of the surrounding unspoilt, rolling (organic) farmland.
The house, approached down a long drive, is surrounded by an extensive garden of terraces, lawns, mature trees, flowering shrubs and climbers. The main focus of recreational activity and interest lies to the West of the house accessed most easily from the lower ground floor.
Additional buildings, terraces and eating areas
The principal feature of this area is a converted barn, now a pool house in which, on the first floor, a wonderful cuisine d’été with fridge, sink, terra cotta floor and outside/shaded dining area has been created.
Aside from the cuisine d’été the principal relaxing areas are around the pool and in the terrace/patio enclosed by the two wings of the house. All of these areas link naturally and charmingly together. There are various places around the property to enjoy a drink, a coffee or read a book and another terrace with perfect westerly views towards the setting evening sun.
Swimming Pool
The heated swimming pool (with salt based cleaning system) which measures 5m x 12m with steps the full width of the shallow end (1.4m) to 2m at the deep end. In its elevated position the pool (with retractable insulated cover) is framed by the original low wall of the barn enjoying views over the lawns towards the remainder of the gardens. A security gate ensures protection of the pool area as may be required for children.
Location
Le Clos des Sources enjoys a peaceful rural location close to the village of Castelnau-d’Arbieu North West of Toulouse in the department of Gers (Gascony) an area sometimes referred to locally as ‘Le Petit Tuscan’ for its characteristic rolling hills. The next nearest local village is St Clar where croissants and bread can be purchased in the excellent bakery. There are a wider variety of shops including supermarkets at the local market towns of Fleurance (10 minutes/4 miles), Condom (32 minutes/20 miles) and Lectoure (14 minutes/8 miles).
How to get there
Toulouse: 1hr 8mins 50 miles
Bordeaux airport: 1hr 56 mins 111 miles
Auch (36 minutes/19 miles)
Rail station at Agen
Things to see and do nearby
Restaurants and eating out
Gers/Gascony is a foody’s paradise. There is an extensive choice of good to outstanding restaurants for all budgets. A recommended selection are detailed in The House Information Book.
Markets
An excellent selection/choice locally. Normally in full swing by 8am and finished by lunchtime. Popular markets are Mauvezin (Monday), Fleurance (Tuesday and Saturday), St Clar and Eauze (Thursday), Lectoure (Friday) Miradoux and Nerac (Saturday) and Motaut-les- Crenaux (Sunday).
The House Information Book contains a complete list of all the markets and market days in Gers.
Local shopping
For morning croisssants and bread there is an excellent bakery in St Clar. There is also an excellent patisserie in Fleurance aswell as a newsagent on the main square.
Supermarkets
There is a carrefour supermarket in Fleurance and an Intermarché in St Clar and Lectoure.
Walking
There are beautiful walks all around and from the house itself. Many are indicated by P.R. (Promenade et Randonnée) signs. There are also maps (series bleu) and suggestions in the house.
Tennis
There are beautiful walks all around and from the house itself. Many are indicated by P.R. (Promenade et Randonnée) signs. There are also maps (series bleu) and suggestions in the house.
Gardens
For garden lovers, visit Coursiana Gardens at La Romieu, (26 minutes/16 miles). Created in 1974 by Gilbert Cours-Darne, an eminent French botanist, the arboretum occupies 6 hectares and has 700 different species of trees and shrubs. There is also a medicinal and aromatic garden which opened in 2002 and a shop.
Then there is Couloume Park in Auch which is a 10-acre park created around a 16th century castle with vast lawns and a great variety of vegetation, including 450 trees, (257 different species) and 1900 bushes, (33 different species), mainly collections of hydrangea and dogwoods (cornus florida)
Course Landaises
In Gascony, it is a major spectator sport, with as many as 600 events each year The ‘course landaise’ is an ancient form of bullfighting held in oval or rectangular arenas covered in sand, that involve no bloodshed. Experienced cows with great horns are used instead of bulls. The cows are selected from the same breed as the bulls used for the Spanish Corridas.
Hot air balloon trips
A fantastic way to view the country. Need to be booked in advance.
Thermal baths
at Lectoure and Castéra Verduzan
Beaches
Biarritz is 2hrs 57 minutes by car. The best beaches are at Hoosegor and Cap Breton. Great care should be taken as the surf is very strong.
Tourist offices
There are tourist offices in St Clar, Condom and Lectoure where much local and regional information can be obtained and all have websites that can be consulted in advance.
Golf
There is a choice of courses locally at Auch, Eauze, Fleurance, L’Isle Jourdain, Masseube and Tillac
Riding
There is a local riding school/farm that offer riding trips and riding.
Kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing
St Clar lake is very popular for children’s swimming and there is a restaurant there too. Likewise Gondrin lake and Castera-Verduzan lake. For sailing enthusiasts the Base de Loisirs, Lac de Thoux St Cricq between Mauvezin and L’Isle Jourdain is popular. Water skiing can be enjoyed on the lake at L’Isle Jourdain but eligibility should be checked in advance.
Bicycling/bike hire
This is excellent bicycling country and a wonderful way to see and enjoy the local area. Bicycles can be hired from Condom.
Music and Festivals
During the summer there are local festivals, including a Country and Western Festival at Mirande, a Jazz Festival at Marciac and many high quality classical musical performances in local churches or Chateaux. The former Cistercian Abbaye de Flaran, (37 minutes/21 miles) has a beautiful ‘son et lumiere’ each summer.
Villages, towns and cities
The stunning town of Lectoure (14 minutes/8 miles) has thermal baths and a museum describing the history of wode, which made Toulouse’s fortune. Here also is The Chateau of The Counts of Armagnac with outstanding views of the whole area and an interesting antiques/brocante ‘village’.
Auch (32mins/19 miles) – Capital of The Gers, its cathedral is renowned for its world famous stained glass windows. The market on Thursdays and Saturdays, shops and historic centre combine to create an enjoyable and interesting visit.
Toulouse (1 hr 20 minutes/50 minutes) has many art galleries, museums, world class opera and music, as well as top quality shops and restaurants. Its also renowned for its Space Museum, plus the fascinating tours of the nearby Airbus factory.
There are a number of pretty villages in the surrounding area. An outstanding example is Auvillar, a stunning bastide village (35 minutes/20 miles) classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Another delightful village is La Romieu (26 minutes/16 miles) with its magnificent collegiale St Pierre, a 14th century cloister with tower. The Coursiana botanic Gardens and arboretum are also magnificent at La Romieu (see below)
Chateaux
There are many beautiful Chateaux which reward a visit. Chateau de Lavardens (25 minutes/15 miles) at Lavardens, 32360 has interesting art exhibitions, events and a fascinating history.
Chateau de Caumont. (55 minutes/38 miles) at Cazaux-Saves 32130 is a family-owned Chateau with a very interesting history and architecture. They offer certain tours in English.
For driving enthusiasts there is the famous Route des Batiments et des Castelnaux which runs from Auch to Marciac. En route you will see many fascinating buildings, including the Donjon de Bassous, masterpiece of XIV military architecture, pretty unspoilt villages and beautiful countryside. This is a half to full day tour.
Military History
Visit the Camp de Siege Medieval at La Cite des Machines, Larressingle 32100 (40 minutes/24 miles). There you can see a wide range of authentic siege-breaking machines.
Churches and Abbeys
There are churches of note, a jewel in every village, too numerous to mention by name. 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. Gascony is famed for its Armagnac and lesser known local aperitif, Floc. Madiran is the local red and Pacherenc du Vic Bihl the best dry white. Juranton is a justly famous sweet wine
Brocantes and Vides Greniers
There are numerous brocantes and vide greniers where you can, if you are lucky, find little gems. To find out when and where they are consult/google ‘vide-greniers 32’.
Skiing
There is excellent skiing in the Pyrenees at the appropriate time of year. Baqueira-Beret (2hrs 50 mins/112 miles) is a ski resort located in the heart of the Pyrénées, in the Aran Valley and Àneu Valley Lleida, Spain. The ski area extends from 1,500 to 2,610 metres in elevation. Piau Engaly ( has the highest skiing in the French Pyrénées and is a very family friendly resort (2hrs 30 minutes/95 miles). Saint-Lary-Soulan is also highly recommended (2hrs/81 miles).
Additional Information
Arrival welcome and departure: Tenants will be welcomed on arrival, and will be shown how everything works, both inside and out.
Wifi and Broadband: There is WiFi broadband internet access throughout the main house and adjoining areas.
Housebook: There is a comprehensive information folder 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 etc. Further details of all matters referred to on this website are available in The House Information Folder.
Additional entertainment: There are a number of English language books and a large number of DVD’s and board/family games for the use and enjoyment of guests.
Services included: There is a weekly pool and garden visit normally on a Friday.
Optional / additional services available: Provided sufficient notice is given, a cook or chef can probably be found. His/her/their wage will be the tenants responsibility, and can be ascertained in advance should tenants so wish.
Utilities: with washing machine, tumble dryer, drying rails, iron and ironing board and a WC Utility and Storage Room – a large room used mainly for storage adjoined by a boiler room. One of the western wings remains in its original state as a large traditional drying barn of great charm.
Air conditioning and heating: There is underfloor heating throughout and all bedrooms have fans.
Children: There are two travel cots, a wooden cot and two high chairs.
Car Parking: There is a generous parking area to the front (eastern side of the house) aswell as access by car along the Southern edge of the house where outside steps give convenient entry with shopping straight into the kitchen.
Rents
2024
| Period (2024) | Weekly rate |
| 4th January – 11th May | €2,550 |
| Easter | €3,800 |
| 11th May – 22nd June | €3450 (up to 6 people), €3800 (more than 6 people) |
| 22 June – 13th July | €5150 |
| 13th July – 31st August | €5,600 |
| 31st August – 28th September | €3450 (up to 6 people), 3800 € (more than 6 people) |
| 28th September – 21st December | €2550 (up to 6 people), 2900 € (more than 6 people) |
All rates are inclusive of taxe de séjour but do not include pool heating.
Flexible changeover date out of season
2025
| Period (2025) | Weekly rate |
| 21st December | 5600 € per week. |
All rates are inclusive of taxe de séjour but do not include pool heating.
Flexible changeover date out of season
Terms and Conditions
The Booking Process: 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 tenancy.
Security Deposit: A Booking and Security Deposit will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing this Rental Agreement. This will secure the booking and will cover (a) the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental, (b) the cost of pool heating (if required) @ £150 per week, and (c) any exceptional cleaning work which may be required at the end of the tenancy. The security deposit will be refunded (less any deductions as outlined above) within 4 weeks of the conclusion of the tenancy. Tenants should advise Anglo French Properties Ltd at the end of each rental of any breakages, losses and/or damages. This is in lieu of an inventory.
Minimum stay: Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week and will begin and end on a Saturday.
Arrival Time & Departure times: Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 5pm on the commencement day. They will be welcomed on arrival, given a tour of the property and shown how everything works. Tenants should leave by 10am on the agreed day of departure.
Number of People: Unless otherwise agreed, there should not be more than 8 or 12 people (plus babies) staying in the property at any one time.
Security: The owners’ insurance policy requires that all doors are locked, and that all windows and shutters are closed when tenants are away from the property.
Energy costs are included: The energy costs are included in the rental price.
Heating costs are included: Fuel costs of €120 have been included in the low season rates. This allows for reasonable heating usage. Metre readings will be taken at the beginning and end of a stay. If the actual usage exceeds this, we reserve the right to deduct additional costs from the deposit at the end of the stay.
Linen and towels: Linen and towels, and the cleaning of the linen and towels are included in the rental price. These will be changed on a weekly basis.
Smoking: No smoking allowed inside the property. Caution should be taken when smoking outside during the summer months as the risk of fire can be extremely high.
Internet access: yes, included in the rental price.
Optional / additional services available: any additional services, if available, (eg extra cleaning or cooking) will be agreed in advance at a pre-agreed rate per hour. These costs will be the sole responsibility of the tenant.