Country house with annexe and pool

A rare thing: countryside calm with the baker, the butcher and the supermarket all within strolling distance.

Tucked away on the edge of Cahors, behind electric gates and a rather splendid ancient cedar of Lebanon, this handsome 19th-century stone barn has been converted into a seriously stylish home. It is peaceful, private and quiet enough to hear yourself think, yet everything you could possibly need is a few minutes’ walk away, and the historic centre is a short drive. A better-positioned house is hard to imagine, and we have tried.

The Setting

The house sits in a smart residential area, in 3,600m² of established gardens and grounds. The cedar is the undisputed star of the show, and has been presiding over proceedings for generations with great dignity. Mature planting gives the whole property a settled, countryside feel, while the city remains a stone’s throw away.

The Main House

A wisteria-covered entranceway and porch set the tone, and in spring it does most of the talking.

The ground floor is wonderfully practical, with a large garage block, stables and numerous rooms currently used for storage and workshops. Whether you have a classic car collection, a pottery habit or simply an inability to throw things away, there is space for it all.

Upstairs, the living accommodation is arranged on the first floor, where the barn’s character really comes into its own:

• Sitting room: a large open-plan space beneath a cathedral ceiling, with an open fireplace for winter evenings. A doorway leads to the covered terrace, and glass doors open to the rear travertine terrace overlooking the garden.
• Kitchen: modern and well fitted, with sliding glass doors to the terrace, so breakfast can happen outdoors with minimal effort.
• Bedrooms and bathrooms: stylish bedrooms and practical bathrooms, all presented in excellent condition.

Double glazing and mains gas central heating keep things comfortable year round, so there are no draughty-barn surprises here.

The Annexe

Quite separate from the main house is a two-bedroom annex with its own private terrace. It is currently let, but it could just as easily house visiting family and friends (who may then be encouraged to leave), serve as an Airbnb, or continue as a long-term let. Either way, it offers a useful income stream.

Outside

The 12 x 6m swimming pool has its own sun terrace, ideal for lazy afternoons, and the gardens offer plenty of shade and room to roam.

In Summary

A practical, characterful and beautifully presented home with genuine income potential and the feeling of deep countryside, while being barely a step from the city. Early viewing is strongly recommended, as properties with this combination of position, privacy and versatility rarely appear.