Maison Coeur
Overview
As featured on Channel 4’s ‘A New Life in the Sun’ in January 2017!
Maison Coeur was the original farmhouse on what used to be an Armagnac farm in the gorgeous Gers region of South West France – this is Musketeers, foie gras and Grand Armagnac country. The original stables and the original chai (where the Armagnac used to be stored) are still there, whilst the vines surrounding the property have been replaced by cornfields.
The property has been completely restored and brought back to life by a warm and determined couple who fell in love and decided to create a brand new life in their favourite part of the world.
The combination of a highly creative and inspiring woman, and a charming and very organised ex-military officer has resulted in a beautiful home where everything has been thought of, but also a real home, full of the owners’ heartfelt attention, care and love. A real home away from home full of personal touches and homely comforts.
The couple’s story is so inspiring that they and Maison Coeur have been featured in a popular UK TV show!
This part of the world is full of fabulous discoveries besides the food and wine.
The nearest village, only 4km away, is Estang and there you'll find your morning croissants and a lovely restaurant and bar, a butcher, fresh produce and a pharmacy. If you need a large supermarket or other restaurants you need only travel to Cazaubon (12km), Nogaro (12km) or Eauze (20km) and there are some great weekly markets in Eauze, Barbotan and Vic Fezensac.
The area is also famous for the historical racing event held at the Nogaro circuit as well as the biggest jazz festival in Europe held at Marciac.
And for winter getaways, you can be skiing in only two hours when not enjoying the warmth and comfort of the house and its woodburner.
Maison Coeur is a warm and enchanting family home amidst sweeping cornfields, dreamy hills and some of France’s most wonderful food and wine.
Here, everything speaks to the heart...
What Oliver loves…
- The property and its owners, along with Oliver’s Travels were featured in the UK TV show, A New Life in the Sun, in January 2017!
- Maison Coeur has been lovingly restored and decorated with the heart and is full of personal touches making it feel like a real home away from home
- The setting feels very private and tranquil
- The lovely covered terrace with barbecue is perfectly positioned for keeping an eye on the pool area at the same time
- A local chef is available for guests who would like to relax and have meals prepared for them at home, and many other extra services are also available
- Maison Coeur is perfect for families but also for couples
What you should know…
- The owners live in a totally separate house just before the entrance to Maison Coeur with their dogs, which are kept away. They are very charming and helpful and full of local knowledge should guests require their help and they ensure that everything is kept in perfect order.
Property Features
Villa Interior (Ground Floor)
Max Cap: 10 (8 adults + 2 children )
- 2 double bedrooms
- 2 twin bedrooms
- 1 shower room
- 1 bathroom with bath and shower (no toilet)
- 1 separate WC
- Large living, dining, kitchen area with woodburner (10 dining chairs)
- Separate sitting room leading to the terrace, with one sofa and one sofa-bed (for 2 children under 8 years only)
- Utility area with washing machine and tumble dryer
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (5x10 m) with safety alarm (open all year)
- Paved area with sunloungers
- Patio with pool views
- Covered dining terrace with barbecue and pool views
- Garden (1 acre)
Facilities
- LCD Flat screen TV with French and English channels
- DVD and CD players
- Netflix
- I-pod Docking station
- Super-fast Wi-Fi throughout
- Ping pong table
- Pétanque
- Log burner
- Fire wood
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Oven
- Hob
- Fridge/ Freezer
- Coffee machine
Location
About the surrounding area of Maison CoeurMaison Coeur is ideally nestled among the stunning hills and vineyards of the Gers (32km), renowned for its medieval Muskateer history, old bastide towns, restaurants, markets, local vine-yards and Armagnac tasting.
In the local village of Estang (4 km) you will find some small shops, a bar, restaurant and a pharmacy. A post office, public tennis courts, public pool, church, rugby courts and a wine facility can also be reached on foot from the property. For a wider range of facilities including supermarkets and gourmet restaurants, head to the close by towns of Cazaubon (12km), Nogaro (12km) or Eauze (20km).
If you are fan of weekly markets, you won't be disappointed as there are plenty of options in the surrounding villages: Eauze, Barbotan and Vic Fezensac are just a few examples.
The popular motorsport race track Circuit Paul Armagnac is located in Nogaro.
Spring is a very interesting time of the year with several cultural and music events taking place in the whole region.
The exciting mixture of the Gascony, Latin, jazz and country traditions means there's always something to suit all tastes!
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Village |
Estang
(4km ) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Estang
(4 km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
Estang
(4 km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Cazaubon and Nogaro
(12 km) |
||
| Nearest Airport |
Pau Pyrénées Airport
(73km ) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
(15km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
(walking distance) |
||
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesBaby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Tennis Nearby
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
Onsite Facilities
- Xbox/Playstation
- Badminton
- Pool inflatables
- Boules/Petanque
- Child-Safe Pool
- Table Tennis
- DVD
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Wine-tasting available (at extra cost)
- Champagne, flowers and occasion cakes (at extra cost)
- Fridge stocking available (at extra cost)
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting/childcare services
Services included in the price:
- Welcome pack with basic food and household supplies
- Mid stay linen change after one week
Extras available at this property:
(All invoiced separately and payable locally)
- Private chef for gourmet or casual dining in (prices vary)
- Organised wine tours in châteaux of the area
- Informal wine tasting at home with Richard, talking about the Gers and what's going on nearby
- Fridge stocking for your arrival
- Champagne, flowers and occasion cakes
- Arranging bike hire
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests.
Enjoy gourmet dining experiences with our new Chef Service!
We’re now offering our customers the chance to enjoy some unforgettable eats with our new Chef Service! Choose from booking a single sumptuous meal with a private chef for that special occasion, or hire a chef to cook your meals for all or part of your holiday - it’s as flexible as it is delicious.
A) Single Meal Service: A chef will travel to this villa and whip up a fantastic meal for you and your guests. The chef will arrive with all the necessary ingredients as well as the talent to turn them into something unforgettable. They’ll serve the meal and clear up afterwards - an easy and entertaining way to enjoy a top quality meal in your very own villa!
B) Full Chef Service: If you really want to kick back and relax, we can arrange for a chef to cater for the duration of your holiday (or part of it). With a range of options from simple family catering to full-on haute cuisine, we can organise a meal plan and a price to suit your needs. So why worry about self-catering when you can have everything taken care of?
Of course, before booking this service, we suggest you contact the property owner as they might already offer a similar cook or chef service in-house. To find out more simply visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs.
| Security deposit | £400 charged to clients' credit card prior to arrival |
| Arrival time | After 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | Before 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
| Security deposit | £400 charged to clients' credit card prior to arrival |
| Arrival time | After 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | Before 10.00 a.m. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. Guests are however required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry and/or garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, including pool towels. |
| Minimum stay | Peak and High Seasons: 7 nights. Other dates: 3 nights. |
| Changeover day | Peak and High seasons: Saturday. Other dates: flexible. |
| Pets welcome? | No |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The property sleeps maximum 8 adults and 2 children. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Wedding are welcome. Stag and Hen parties can be arranged on request. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes, up to 8KW/day. Extra usage will be charged based on consumption. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes, up to 8KW/day. Extra usage will be charged based on consumption. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 5 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 21st 2018 - August 25th 2018 | - | - | £2,656.00 |
| August 25th 2018 - September 1st 2018 | - | - | £2,430.00 |
| September 1st 2018 - September 29th 2018 | - | £961.00 | £1,582.00 |
| September 29th 2018 - December 15th 2018 | - | £769.00 | £1,272.00 |
| December 15th 2018 - January 5th 2019 | - | £961.00 | £1,582.00 |
| January 5th 2019 - March 23rd 2019 | - | £769.00 | £1,272.00 |
| March 23rd 2019 - April 6th 2019 | - | £961.00 | £1,582.00 |
| April 6th 2019 - May 25th 2019 | - | £769.00 | £1,272.00 |
| May 25th 2019 - June 29th 2019 | - | £961.00 | £1,582.00 |
| June 29th 2019 - July 13th 2019 | - | - | £2,430.00 |
| July 13th 2019 - August 24th 2019 | - | - | £2,656.00 |
| August 24th 2019 - August 31st 2019 | - | - | £2,430.00 |
| August 31st 2019 - September 28th 2019 | - | £961.00 | £1,582.00 |
| September 28th 2019 - December 14th 2019 | - | £769.00 | £1,272.00 |
| December 14th 2019 - January 4th 2020 | - | £961.00 | £1,582.00 |
| January 4th 2020 - February 22nd 2020 | - | £769.00 | £1,272.00 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 10 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 21st 2018 - August 25th 2018 | - | - | £2,656.00 |
| August 25th 2018 - September 1st 2018 | - | - | £2,430.00 |
| September 1st 2018 - September 29th 2018 | - | £1,243.00 | £2,091.00 |
| September 29th 2018 - December 15th 2018 | - | £1,017.00 | £1,695.00 |
| December 15th 2018 - January 5th 2019 | - | £1,243.00 | £2,091.00 |
| January 5th 2019 - March 23rd 2019 | - | £1,017.00 | £1,695.00 |
| March 23rd 2019 - April 6th 2019 | - | £1,243.00 | £2,091.00 |
| April 6th 2019 - May 25th 2019 | - | £1,017.00 | £1,695.00 |
| May 25th 2019 - June 29th 2019 | - | £1,243.00 | £2,091.00 |
| June 29th 2019 - July 13th 2019 | - | - | £2,430.00 |
| July 13th 2019 - August 24th 2019 | - | - | £2,656.00 |
| August 24th 2019 - August 31st 2019 | - | - | £2,430.00 |
| August 31st 2019 - September 28th 2019 | - | £1,243.00 | £2,091.00 |
| September 28th 2019 - December 14th 2019 | - | £1,017.00 | £1,695.00 |
| December 14th 2019 - January 4th 2020 | - | £1,243.00 | £2,091.00 |
| January 4th 2020 - February 22nd 2020 | - | £1,017.00 | £1,695.00 |
How long have you owned the property?
We bought the property in 2015
What was it about the property that you first fell in love wi...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
We bought the property in 2015
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
We fell in love with the open space, the peace, the beautiful avenue of trees up the driveway and being surrounded by Armagnac vines.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The original farmhouse is now the gite, and they used to make Armagnac in the huge workshop we have, and the original vats are still in there.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
We had a BMW France racing team recently, their drivers might be well known within France.
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do?
This year the thing people should really see is the Tour de France in July which passes through our village. Things to do would be attend one of the many local fetes and see how real French locals party! They can go on for days with different meals, bands and parades involving local children and residents. Visitors are made very welcome.
Really eat?
The thing to eat in our area is foie gras, wild boar sausages and if you can get your hands on one, a homemade tarte au pomme. Delicious.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Insider tip for the area would be try a menu du jour in any brasserie or restaurant. Great value and usually creative delicious food. Tip for the property, challenge your family to a ping pong competition or a boules tournament. Also new this year just for fun is our chalk board terrace table. Draw us a picture or a write us message, take a pic and post it on Instagram, and tag us @maisoncoeurpontacq, we would love to see your artistic creations! Also new this year at Maison Coeur is our new Joli Coeur with local wines, sweets, small gifts and essentials you may run out of in the gite.
Region
A relatively new addition to France, the Midi-Pyrénées was created to surround the cultural capital of Toulouse in the late 1970s. You might think that its relative youth would mean the Midi-Pyrénées is short on character or identity, but remember, this is France we’re talking about – the whole country is steeped in history and tradition. Encompassing parts of Gascony, Languedoc, the Gers and several others, you’ll get a varied slice of the whole French experience here, not least if you stay at one of our beautiful chateaux in the Midi-Pyrénées! And if you want to discover the best of what the region has to offer, our Midi-Pyrénées travel guide is here to show you where to go, what to eat and how you can make the best of your break with some amazing activities.
Reviews
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Lovingly Kept
A beautiful house, lovingly restored by the owners Richard and Lyndsay which is everything you could want for a restful holiday in a lovely part of France. Little touches like the welcome pack on arrival showed the thought and care put in by them both. We would thoroughly recommend Maison Coeur to anyone.
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Beautiful Family Holiday
Charming and beautiful family property in a secluded location. The property has been beautifully renovated and is a home from home in a wonderful part of France. My wife and I with our 1 year old baby drove from the UK and it was well worth the trip. The owners are lovely and can not be more helpful. We cannot wait to book again.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.