Description
Experience authentic French charm in Gascony as you stay in an artist’s mansion with a private pool in the heart of the cathedral town of Condom.
Set along a cobbled street just a short stroll from the town’s restaurants and shops, Maison Des Sculptures is an architectural delight dating back to the 18th century. It’s creative owners have designed a welcoming home with period furnishings alongside personal touches such as Murano glass light fittings and sculptures crafted by the owner, always respecting the mansion's many beautiful original features. Yet despite the sense of history around you, there is also a feeling of space and minimalism, allowing guests to rest well in both refined and rustic surroundings.
Appreciate the grandeur of the living and dining rooms, then find a quiet spot to read in the cosy library or reading room. Create a feast in the traditional and spacious kitchen with its double oven to be enjoyed by candlelight in the 19th century orangerie, accompanied by wine blended by the owners to be found in the vaulted stone cellar.
Outside, the Italian-style garden is just as charming with its stone sculptures, fountain and pretty wrought iron table just perfect for a morning coffee or evening aperitif as you gaze at the views down towards the lower part of town. A swimming pool will also bring great joy as you cool down on hot summery afternoons in your private outdoor space.
Wander out of your maison and within a couple of minutes you will be by the magnificent Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Condom. Explore the town’s narrow lanes, admire medieval houses and find many of the excellent places to dine. The Wednesday morning market will allow you to experience Gascony’s seasonal delights and be sure to try the region’s famous Grand Armagnac in a characterful café-bar.
In the summer hire little motor boats to potter along the river or head into the undulating Gers countryside for canoeing, kayaking, horse-riding, cycling and walks through the glorious landscapes. Be enchanted by the trio of idyllic Gascon villages, Montréal, Fourcès and Larressingle, all three classed as France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and visit other characterful market towns such as Lectoure, Fleurance, Auch and Agen.
That said, as you stay in this characterful and artistic abode, you may simply prefer to embrace the slow pace of life and take time to enjoy the exceptional food, wine and scenery that this wonderful region is so known for. /n Security deposit /n €1500 paid via French cheque or bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. /n Arrival time /n 6.00 p.m. /n Departure time /n 10.00 a.m. /n Energy costs included? /n Yes. /n Linen & towels included? /n Yes, including weekly change for stays of over 7 nights. /n Pets welcome? /n Max. 2 dogs welcome on request only and with prior agreement with the owner. If accepted, pets must stay on the ground floor only and a charge of €15 per pet per day will apply, payable locally. /n Other Ts and Cs /n The 15-person price is for all bedrooms and bathrooms whilst the 9-person price (not available July/August/Xmas) is for five double bedrooms and four bathrooms only (no access to the duplex/family bedroom which sleeps 5). /n Other Ts and Cs /n Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. /n Changeover day /n Saturday in July & August. Flexible during all other periods. /n End of stay cleaning included? /n Yes, including mid-week clean (4hrs) for stays of a minimum of one week. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. /n Smoking Allowed? /n Outside only. /n Minimum stay /n 7 nights in July & August. 4 nights at Christmas and 2 nights during all other periods. /n Heating costs included? /n Yes. /n Tax /n French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). /n Internet access? /n Wi-Fi internet access included.
/n Pool towels included? /n Yes. /n Pool opening dates? /n The pool is open approximately May to end-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.
