Self catering holidays
South west France
Gazéle farmhouse sleeps12 with ecological swimming pool
Amidst the bastides of Aquitaine
Gazéle is a
restored farmhouse on 12 acres, in a
little valley in Lot et Garonne, surrounded by tree covered hills and farmers’
fields. Woodland walks to ancient
castle, huge caves and other treasures cross the property.
The large
market town of Villeneuve sur lot with its 13th century gates to the
city, is just down the valley 9 km away.
There are hypermarkets and several farmers’ markets weekly. The town also offers high quality
restaurants, cafés en terrace, and shopping around the central square with its
recently restored fountain. The square
is also the setting for an evening gourmet market and concert every Wednesday
in the summer. The ancient fortified
town of Pujols and Penne are also nearby, both popular for their architecture
and the quality of the local artisans.
Other
activities are close at hand, the valley boasts a riding club and a
vineyard. Tennis, golf, canoeing, and
swimming lakes can all be found within a 20 km radius. The village of St. Antoine de ficalba with
its grocer, baker, post office, bar/restaurant and hairdresser is only 3 km
away.
The
farmhouse itself
sits by a stream (Gazéle means ford in Occitan), on 12 acres of hillside
containing fields, an overgrown orchard, mature trees, small caves, woodland,
its own drinkable spring water and friendly rabbits.
Gazéle can accommodate
up to 12 people in 5 bedrooms the largest bedroom holds up to 4 single beds),
the large 80 m2 dining room has a well equipped kitchen with stone and wood
breakfast bar. There are 2 living rooms
on 2 floors which connect to 4 of the bedrooms (2 double and 4 twin), and the 2
bathrooms and separate WCs.
The house has Satellite TV, DVD, washing machine and dish washer. Duvets, dishcloths, pillows, bed linen and
towels are all provided.
In the garden there is a stone oven, a
barbeque, garden furniture, swings and bicycles for adults and children.
The man
made swimming pond looks like a lake edged with water plants and flowers
(lilies, water mint, irises). There is a
large 13 by 8 meter swimming section 2 meters deep (free from plants), a
paddling pool area, a wooden jetty for diving, and a 10 meter long mountain
stream with waterfall. The pond is fed
by the spring, and the water is kept crystal clear thanks to a planted reed bed
filter, no chemicals are needed.
Children love it and spend a lot of their time catching tadpoles. A healthy environment with no harmful
chemicals. Temporary barriers to limit
access for toddlers are available on demand.
For more photos of pond see our piscines naturelles section.
For more
info on natural pools try http://www.gartenart.co.uk/
Distances
from nearest airports: Bergerac- 75 km; Bordeaux- 155 km; Toulouse- 125 km
Agen –
Bordeaux is 135 km by the autoroute.
There are international airports at Bordeaux and Toulouse. The Eurostar, from London to Lille connects with
the TGV high speed train to Agen from Bordeaux.
Prices Gazele 2010:
Including electricity, water, gas, bed-linen, and bath towels.
10 April to 19 June Ł595 per week
19 June to 10 July Ł695 per week
10 July to 28 August Ł995 per week
28 August to 2 October Ł595
per week
Prices are based on 10 people sharing; add 5% per additional person.
5% discount for second week
5% discount for up to 8 people
15% discount for up to 6 people
25% discount for up to 3 people
Payment in Euros is acceptable at the prevailing exchange rate
Availability
(Blue squares are already
booked)
|
10 April |
17 April |
24 April |
1 May |
8 May |
15 May |
|
22 May |
29 May |
5 June |
12 June |
19 June |
26 June |
|
3 July |
10 July |
17 July |
24 July |
31 July |
7 August |
|
14 August |
21 August |
28 August |
4 September |
11 September |
18 September |
|
25 September |
2 October |
9
October |
16 October |
23 October |
30 October |
Booking procedures and conditions.
Making a
booking
A booking
is confirmed when the completed booking form and deposit have been received at
the address shown on the booking form and confirmed in writing. Reservations made by email or phone will be
made firm if the completed booking form and deposit are received within 8
working days following the call.
Payments
The booking
form must be accompanied by 25% of the rental charge. We will acknowledge receipt promptly. The 75% remainder will be due not less than 8
weeks prior to the start of your holiday.
When a booking is made within 8 weeks from the start of your holiday,
full payment is required with the booking form.
Cheques should be made payable to D. MacRae Smith.
Directions
Directions
to the property will be sent to you upon receipt of your final payment.
Arrival
and departure
The rental
period is from 5 pm Saturday to 10 am Saturday.
You are asked not to arrive before 5 pm.
On your departure you are asked to vacate the property not later than 10
am. In order for cleaning to be carried
out.
We cannot
be held responsible for any situation arising from arrival or departure outside
the stated time. Please leave the property
in a clean condition.
Non-availability
of property
If, for any
reason beyond our control ( e.g. Fire damage ) the property is not available on
the stated date, all rental paid in advance will be refunded in full. The hirer will have no further claim.
Complaints
We cannot
accept responsibility for events or persons outside our control
(e.g.
Exceptionally bad weather, or the actions of carrier companies ).
We shall
make every reasonable effort to rectify domestic problems.
Cancellation
If you have
to cancel your holiday, for whatever reason, your deposit will be forfeited,
but if written notice of cancellation is received not less than 8 weeks before
the holiday starting date, the hirer will not be held liable to pay the balance
of the rental.
It is
strongly recommended that your insurance policy includes cancellation
provisions.
Further
conditions
Any damage
to the property or contents should be reported to us as soon as possible.
The
property may be used only by the number of people accepted and stated on the
booking form. Caravans, tents or other
additional accommodation may not be used on the site.
Hirers are
obliged to permit reasonable access, so that any maintenance required can be
carried out. We reserve the right to
terminate without notice or refund in case of breach of these conditions.
Accidents
Please
ensure that you and your party have adequate insurance covering accidents, loss
and damage, as the use of all the facilities is at your own risk and we cannot
accept responsibility for any such occurrences.