We love the playful feel of this property. Formerly the stables for the adjacent castle, it retains much of its traditional charm, with beautiful stonework and exposed wooden beams. Yet splashes of vivid color take away any pretensions, and it feels cosy and even a little cheeky.
Features we love include the iron staircase (taken from an old train station) linking the two storys, the tiled floors and bathrooms, as well as the mix of vintage and modern furnishings and art. Personal (and very colorful) touches by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac are a special bonus.
The property sleeps up to nine people in four bedrooms, which each have their own character. Each of the three bathrooms also has a unique feel, with splashes of colored tiles.
The gite is one of two rental properties facing each other, surrounded by expansive parkland and woods, with a shared swimming pool. They can rented together or separately, and can hold events.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
The ground floor includes a spacious living room with open fireplace, a bright entrance hall with stairs leading to the mezzanine, a large kitchen with dining table, French doors opening onto a large private terrace, and a second living room with TV. It also has one double bedroom, bathroom and toilet, all with disabled access,
Upstairs are two twin/double bedrooms, one triple bedroom (twin beds/double and single bed), two bathrooms with separate toilets, and a playroom with sofabed.
AROUND
This gite is set in the grounds of a 17th-century castle and boasts lovely parkland, with a gorgeous swimming pool. As a result, there isn’t much of a need to venture farther afield. But should guests want to, there’s plenty to do.
Gascony, the homeland of d’Artagnan of Three Musketeers fame has always been synonymous with joie de vivre. The Midi-Pyrénées department of Gers boasts a rich cultural heritage, old fortified towns and traditional festivities. Medieval villages worth visiting include Lavardens and Larressingle.
It is also renowned for many evening markets during the summer nights, and music festivals – jazz in Marciac, country music in Mirande, tempo latino in Vic Fezensac.
Gascony is famous for its gastronomy and local wine, and there are lots of local restaurants. Please see the ‘Guide’ section for recommendations. There are many farmer’s markets, as well as wine tastings. There are also a lot of delicious food shops and local farms selling their produce.
The gites are located just a short drive from golf courses, tennis courts, a big outdoor swimming pool and horse riding clubs in Mirande.
LOCATION
Miramont d’Astarac, Gascony, France. Nearest airport: Toulouse Blagnac (90km).