Rural gîte in the Lot near Montcabrier & Puy l'Evêque
About the property
- Cottage1291 sq. ft.
- Bedrooms2
- Sleeps8
- Bathrooms3
- Half Baths0
- Mininum Stay0 - 7 nights
Self-catering holiday rentals for 2 to 6; family and walking holidays
Welcome to Fraysse Haut, situated between Montcabrier & Puy l'Evêque, near Cahors. This is the perfect location for a relaxing holiday in rural south-west France. The accommodation is flexible and perfect for family and group holidays and especially recommended for walkers and nature lovers. This is an independent property, at the end of a long track, with no near neighbours, and set in 6 hectares of meadow and woodland. Only 5 km from the river Lot for canoeing and river activities. Hiking trails from the doorstep.
The principal gîte is a bright comfortable barn conversion, perfect for 2, but will sleep 4. The Tower apartment is alongside, increasing the accommodation to sleep 6 - 8 in summer. (Please read the bedroom notes carefully, the bedrooms are in two separate buildings.) A small studio for two is also available, and may be let seperately. The main gîte has under-floor heating and a wood burning fire for all year holiday rentals. 3* classification with the Lot tourist office.
The buildings surround a courtyard with a barbecue and seating areas in sunshine or shade. The owners, Sheila and Dan, live in the main house & will ensure you make the most of your stay in the Lot. We have 2 horses and 2 chickens, a vegetable garden and fruit trees, but it is not a working farm. We love and protect our bird life so we do not have cats. The swimming pool is a wooden frame 7m x 4m pool with deck terrace, set into the hillside with views over the fields. The pool (open from June to September) is exclusively for the use of our guests in all the gîtes in summer. The gazebo by the pool provides a shady spot for reading and enjoying the view.
Fraysse Haut and the unspoilt countryside around is a haven for wildlife, and the calm and quiet of the surroundings are a tonic for people seeking to escape from stress and take a break from work or city life. Shops, produce markets and restaurants are a short drive away, in Puy l'Evêque and Prayssac. Cahors is our nearest main town, with a fine cathedral, old quarters and the famous Pont Valentré.
The Barn features a large room on two levels, with the living room open to the eaves, with a mezzanine (which would once have been the hay loft) with a large double 160 cm wide bed. The kitchen is situated below the mezzanine and is open plan to the living room (three steps up) and has a large pine dining table which will seat up to 10. The Tower is an annex, with a two storey room; on the first level there is a breakfast kitchenette and a sofa bed 140 cm for 2, and on the second floor are two single beds and a shower room with toilet. The Tower is not suitable for mid-winter lets.
Read our reviews - we have many return bookings and happy visitors.
Walking Holidays and Special Interest Groups: Fraysse Haut is perfect for walking holidays being on the GR652, one of the long distance paths which cross France. A network of other hiking trails and way-marked tracks provide a variety of walks and scenery, some with fine viewpoints from the limestone cliffs overlooking the Lot river valley. Connection with the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostello is at Cahors. Maps and guides are available for your use.
Airports: Toulouse at 150 kilometres is the nearest main international airport.
Bergerac at only 80 kilometres is now served by an increasing number of low cost airlines, including Ryanair, from several UK airports. The new airport at Brive with flights from London City is within easy reach. Limoges, Bordeaux, Carcassonne and Rodez are within 3 hours drive.
Owner
Sheila Cosma
- Response rate:
- 100%
- Response time:
- within a few hours
- Speaks:
- english, french, Romanian
- Calendar last updated:
- Mar 08, 2018
About Sheila Cosma
We are a couple who moved to France from near London, where we worked and commuted and dreamed of escaping the rat-race. We purchased this old farmstead in a state of ruin, and came to France in July 1997 to start work. It took us 3 months to clear the brambles, weeds and rubbish. The property had been unoccupied for almost 30 years. We wanted to do as much work as possible ourselves. We lived in a caravan for the first 6 months, then as winter approached we moved in to the first renovation project. Work continued over the next few years, and having converted the barns as accommodation for family and friends initially, we started welcoming paying guests, many of whom became friends and like us, fell in love with the area, and some even bought their own properties. However, we came to integrate and enjoy French life, and for that we couldn't have chosen better. Montcabrier is a friendly community and we have wonderful French neighbours who welcomed us and helped us and partied with us over the years. In July 2012 they joined us in celebrating 15 years here with a wonderful meal and party.
Sheila Cosma purchased this Cottage in 1997
Why Sheila Cosma chose Duravel
Location, location, location! Off the beaten track and yet we don't feel isolated; a delightful setting amid our own fields and woods. French speaking owners on hand to help if necessary.
What makes this Cottage unique
The setting. Attractive tracks and walking from the doorstep, in all directions. No main roads. The birdlife, wild orchids; unspoilt countryside around. The wild beauty of the Lot.
Amenities
- Internet
- Swimming pool
- Heater
- Fireplace
- Satellite or Cable
- Kids Welcome
- Washer & Dryer
- Parking
- TV
- No Smoking
Bedrooms
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8
- Bedroom 12 twin/ single
- Gallery (mezzanine)1 queen
- Tower2 twin/ single, 1 sleep sofa /futon
- The Barn has a bedroom with twin single beds. The double bed is on the first floor gallery (mezzanine). In addition, there are twin single beds in The Tower bedroom, or the sofa bed can be used. Thus 2 to 8 people can be comfortably accommodated. PLEASE NOTE that the apartment in the Tower is adjacent to the main gîte and serves as an annex to increase sleeping capacity to up to 6 or 8 persons. However, the bedroom in the Tower is not accessible from the Barn so is not suitable for children to sleep there unsupervised by an adult.
Bathrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Shower room 1toilet, shower, bidet
- Shower room 2toilet, shower
- Shower room 3toilet, shower
- The Barn has a shower room with shower cubicle, pedestal basin, bidet and toilet on the first floor. There is a second toilet with shower on the ground floor. The Tower bedroom has a compact shower room with toilet and basin.
Location Type
- Rural
Theme
- Away From It All
- Family
- Sports & Activities
- Tourist Attractions
Meals
- Guests provide their own meals
General
- ParkingGuest parking area outside the courtyard for 2 - 3 cars; large vehicles can park in the field.
- Activities Guide
- Firewood
- HeatingUnderfloor heating in the Barn; takes the chill off the tiled floor. Operates from October to March. Additional oil heaters available for cold corners if needed.
- InternetWi-Fi
- Iron & Board
- Linens ProvidedHollofill pillows, some square french, some UK rectangular. Duvets. All beds made up for arrival. Cotton or polycotton bed linen.
- Living Room
- Local Activities Guide
- Local Maps
- Local Restaurant Guide
- FireplaceLarge enclosed woodburner in the main room of the Barn; heats the upstairs too.
- Parking Off Street
- Safe
- Sofa Bed
- Telescope
- Toilet Paper
- Towels ProvidedShower towels are normally provided. Please bring your own pool and outdoor towels. Kitchen towels are provided.
- Tumble DryerTumble dryer in the Barn.
- Washing MachineFront opening washing machine in the Barn. Provide your own powder or liquids.
- Wireless InternetFree wi-fi connection to our satellite internet. Not suitable for films and streaming. Fine for emails and Googling. Computer not provided; bring your own laptop.
- Wood StoveFrench style "insert" - wood burner with glazed door. Logs available at no extra charge from October to April.
- Free Wifi
Kitchen
- Grill
- 4 Ring Stove
- Cooking Utensils
- Dishes & UtensilsAplenty. If there's anything missing, tell us.
- Dishwasher
- Freezer3* freezer compartment in the fridge.
- Coffee Maker
- KitchenWell equipped modern kitchen and appliances.
- Microwave
- OvenElectric.
- Refrigerator
- Stove4 gas burners.
- Toaster
Dining
- DiningLarge pine table, in the kitchen area; seats at least 8. Semi-outside (covered) dining table for 4 - 6 alongside kitchen. Huge outdoor stone table for candlelit barbecues.
- Dining Area
- comfy seating for 8 people
Entertainment
- BooksLarge selection of paperbacks for holiday reading. Some in French.
- Books for Adults
- DVD Player
- GamesJigsaw puzzles, darts, badminton set.
- Satellite / Cable
- Television
- VCR
- Video LibrarySelection of English and French films.
Outside
- Bicycles2 standard bicycles & 1 off-road; may be borrowed at renter's risk; helmets (not provided) must be worn.
- BoatBoat trips on the river Lot depart from Puy l'Evêque or Fumel or Cahors.
- Deck / PatioDeck and gazebo by the pool. near the barbecue in the courtyard is a large stone table in shade for outdoor dining.
- Golf Clubs
- Kayak / CanoeSeveral hire bases on the river Lot; the nearest is at Puy l'Evêque.
- Lawn / GardenFlower and herb beds surround the courtyard.
- Outdoor GrillTraditional charcoal or wood barbecue for use of guests.
- Porch / VerandaA covered entrance to the Tower and Barn provides an area for sheltered outdooor dining.
- Small Cooler
- TennisCourts may be booked by the hour at Puy l'Evêque or Prayssac. Free court at Montcabrier for use of our guests. Racquets available.
Suitability
- Long-term Renters Welcome
- wheelchair inaccessible
Pool / Spa
- Communal PoolThe pool and gazebo are for the use of all our guests, but we do not invite our own friends to swim and avoid using it ourselves when our guests are around the pool.
- Outdoor Pool
Attractions
- museums
- autumn foliage
- churches
- cinemas
- coin laundry
- forests
- caves
- pond
- restaurants
- ruins
- water parks
- winery tours
Leisure Activities
- bird watching
- horseback riding
- scenic drives
- sight seeing
- walking
Local Services & Businesses
- ATM/bank
- groceries
- medical services
Sports & Adventure Activities
- cycling
- equestrian events
- fishing
- fly fishing
- freshwater fishing
- hiking
- spelunking
- swimming
- tennis
Notes
- Bed linen is provided. Shower towels are available on request. Please provide your own outdoor pool towels. Services included. Smokers welcome, but no smoking in the buildings. The property is not suitable for small children unless well supervised (steps, changes of level, gravel courtyard). Pets may be accepted by prior arrangement. The Barn & the Tower are accessed by a covered entrance from the courtyard; they are separate buildings. Note that there is a narrow stone stairscase leading to the first floor of the Tower.
House Rules
Check-in: 5:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date. 50% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date. You must contact the owner directly to request cancellation.
9 Reviews
Latest reviews
Anne and Clan
An idyllic rural retreat
A great location for our two week cycling holiday
Autumn 2007
Quality time with daughter and friends
You Can Go Home Again
Location
The bastide village of Montcabrier is 5km by road, less by woodland path. Shops, supermarkets and weekly produce markets are at Puy l'Evêque (5km) and Prayssac (8km). Visit Cahors, our nearest main town, with the Pont Valentre and old quarters; Cahors Blues & Jazz Festival in July. The Lot has charming villages and hidden treasures, frescoed churches, natural springs and old washing stones, dinosaur footprints, small museums and local craftsmen. Les Arques and the Zadkine museum; or the châteaux of Biron and Bonaguil, imposing hilltop castles; Monflanquin, Monpazier and other bastides with arcaded squares (in neighbouring Lot-et-Garonne & Dordogne). In July and August villages organise evening markets with regional specialities and in summer there are many wine fairs and music festivals. Discover the wine of Cahors with wine tasting at a friendly vineyard. Toulouse is the nearest main airport, but Bergerac at only 80 km is served by Ryanair and other low cost airlines. Other Activities: Wine tasting, bird watching, wild orchids, language breaks. Walking holidays; nature walks. Canoe-kayak. River excursions.
Availability
Additional information about rental rates
Mid-week booking and changeover may be possible out of season or on request, depending on other bookings. Night and week-end rates, please ask. The Tower is an annex alongside the Barn with a shared covered entrance. The accommodation in the Tower may not be used for children without the presence of an adult. Beds are as stated and must not be moved around. Please note: some low beams and steps. Low season and monthly rates are for 2 - 4 persons only.