Barou

Barou ranks among the fastest booking properties in the Halcyon Leisure portfolio, and when you arrive there you will see why.

Its secluded location on an unmade country lane, yet only a short walk from all the village facilities of Montaigu de Quercy, make the location ideal and with that, the well-modernised house in 2 acres of land snuggles under a south-facing slope with an unspoiled view across the valley.

For smaller families or couples, this is the country hideaway you have been looking for... Don't delay!

Guests arrive at Barou along an unmade track and drive up a short slope onto a gravelled parking area with plenty of space for at least two vehicles within the fenced boundary.

Throughout Barou the colour scheme is light, and there are plenty of doors and windows to keep the house light and airy.

The main entrance to Barou brings you into the large Living/Dining room which also has a wood-burning stove and a convertible settee. The windows of this room enjoy a superb southern view across the valley. 

Doors lead through to a well-equipped kitchen, with gas cooker, electric oven and dishwasher, and adjoining this is a Rear Lobby/Utility room with fitted storage cupboards, microwave oven, fridge-freezer and washing machine. 

Bedrooms are found off the Sitting/Dining room. and as with the other rooms at Barou, are light and airy.  The Double Bedroom has an en-suite shower room with WC and basin. 

The second bedroom has twin bunk beds and an additional Single bed. 

Adjacent to the bedrooms is the bathroom, which has a bath with shower over, bidet and basin, and there is also a separate WC.

The very private outdoors area of Barou is pleasantly landscaped close to the house with a mixture of trees and shrubs.

Steps lead up from the house to the Swimming Pool and surrounding terrace from which there is a good view of Montaigu de Quercy's medieval fortifications on the hill to the west about 1km away.

Measuring 11 x 5m, the pool is heated and has integral (Roman) steps. The water purity is controlled with salt. Security is provided with an alarm.

A path leads along to a delightful Au vent shelter, with a barbecue area built onto the side. This has an electric light installed so that it can be enjoyed long into summer evenings. Steps lead from the Au Vent back down to the house.
The Au vent has been carefully situated so the view to the south over the top of the house is not obstructed.

Further shade for the afternoon is available under the open gable end of the house, with double doors into the house.

The remainder of the garden behind is largely natural, with a couple of benches placed higher up the slope to enjoy the sun and the view across the valley.

The combination of natural vegetation higher on the slope with the flowering plants around the garden make Barou a haven for butterflies, especially on warm sunny days, and several species will usually be seen in a short time.

The walk to Montaigu de Quercy is along a level track, part of it unmade, but at a steady pace the shops and restaurants should be reached within ten minutes: The track also continues past Barou, leading to fields only.

Montaigu de Quercy, just a short distance from Barou, has a supermarket and other shops and a good selection of restaurants, some of which are listed under 'The Area' above. For more advanced shopping, Fumel (20km) has a large LeClerc superstore, or Villeneuve-sur-Lot is 30km /20 miles to the west and Cahors 50km/30 miles to the east. Both towns have historic connections, and are both on the River Lot, making interesting visits in their own right.

The area around Montaigu de Quercy contains delightful rolling landscape with many superb views: traffic is generally light, and walking and cycling are popular pastimes. It is principally agricultural and horticultural, with acres of sunflowers and cereals, and also a large range of fruit and vegetables being produced, which will be seen as the area is explored: Many of these will be supplied to the restaurants in the area, and they will also be available at the markets which are held in towns every day of the week: Montaigu de Quercy's market day is on Saturday, and a list of other market days can be found in The Area information above.

Many vineyards and wineries will be found, especially to the north and west of Montaigu de Quercy where the noted Cahors AOC wines are produced: Many are open for tastings and direct purchase, and there are links and Listings to a number of these in The Area and Links information above.

Montaigu de Quercy also has its own water park, with a large lake given over to leisure, including bars and restaurants. There is a large beach area, with safe swimming and lifeguards, pedalo and boat hire, zip wires, tennis courts and other attractions.

Medieval bastide villages, many built on hilltops, are dotted throughout the area and make very interesting visits with tremendous views from the fortifications. Much medieval character is retained with narrow streets lined with timbered buildings throughout, usually leading to a large square with town halls and churches around them. Roquecor, Lauzerte, Beauville and Tournon d'Agenais all have their own individual character and are interesting to visit. To the north of the River Lot are two large medieval Chateaux, Chateau de Bonagul and Chateau Biron with commanding countryside views which make very good day trips into the spectacular countryside.

Canoeing, Kayaking, boat hire and fishing can all be found along the River Lot, with the nearest point for these being Port Penne, beside Penne d'Agenais.

The nearest... Tennis 5km  Golf  25km   Horseriding  6km    Fishing 1km