Proprieté Le Monneton

This 16th-century estate, surrounded by endless fields, is situated in the middle of a Mediterranean garden where three-hundred-year-old cypresses, olive trees, and palm trees grow. Located not far from the village of Sainte-Christie in southwestern France, it looks over the rolling countryside of Gers—also known as the ‘Tuscany of France’—all the way to the Pyrenees mountain range. The old walls once served as a rectory; later on, nuns settled here and taught the local children. Before it was carefully restored, it had stood uninhabited for fifty years. But life has long since returned. Anyone who crosses the threshold can sense that this house, with its three unique guest rooms, has a lot of stories to tell. Inside, guests are greeted with antique furniture, exposed ceiling beams, and individual, unplastered natural stone walls. Selected art and flea market treasures lend warmth and coziness, while light-colored home textiles make the rooms appear airy. Speaking of which, our undisputed favorite spot is outdoors: The large pool in front of the vine-covered façade. Once you’ve settled into one of the deck chairs and immersed yourself in a good vacation read, you’ll feel wonderfully far away from the rest of the world—and will have to think long and hard to find a reason to leave this place again. However, there are a few tempting options: A dip in the cool water, a stroll through the magnificent garden, or (as evening approaches) gathering on the decking, where delicacies from the outdoor kitchen are served. Not to mention a glass of ice-cold white wine from the Côtes de Gascogne, which tastes twice as good when enjoyed under the starry sky with the scent of rosemary and lavender wafting over from the garden.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• How eco-chic and history come together in a relaxed way here
• The authenticity of the place was preserved during the extensive restoration by using original materials and old construction and renovation techniques.
• Surrounded by wide, open fields and meadows and partly enclosed by old walls, this place feels like a little oasis where you can really relax.
• You can stock up on reading material in the house’s library.
• The lilac-colored shutters and window frames that contrast with the ochre-colored façade and even match the tone of the lush wisteria growing in front of it
• The many special finds, such as the old rocking horse or the travel chests from times gone by, which lend character to the rooms
• How the eventful history of this house is brought to life by exposed ceiling beams and rough stone walls
• The billiard room under cozy sloping ceilings—a great place to spend cool evenings or to strike up a conversation with other guests 
• The landscaped garden, where palm trees meet boxwood hedges, climbing roses and vines spread across facades and walls, and you can stroll under ancient arches
• The beautiful location on the edge of Sainte-Christie, an historic village with 500 inhabitants, a castle on a rocky outcrop, and narrow streets

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The house has three uniquely designed rooms: Chambre Jaune for two people on the first floor with shower room, high ceilings, and desk, Chambre Bleue on the upper floor with bathroom, desk, and view of the pool, and Chambre Triple, a triple room on the upper floor with a double and two single beds, workspace, and view of the garden.
• On request, fresh delicacies can be prepared on the barbecue in the outdoor kitchen and served on the terrace by the pool in fine weather. The price is 30 euro per person, 15 euro for children under 12.
• Every morning, breakfast includes eggs straight from the chicken coop, homemade yogurt, juice, fresh bread, pancakes, and pastries.
• Sustainability is a priority here: The pool is chlorine-free and the food served is mainly organic.
• The communal lounge has a refrigerator, coffee machine, and kettle for all the guests to use.
• If you feel like exploring, you can visit the pretty villages in the region, Sainte-Marie Cathedral, the Musée des Amériques, and the market in the Halle aux Herbes in Auch, or take a trip to Lectoure with its good restaurants and flea market in the Château des Comtes d’Armagnac.
• Active vacationers will enjoy the two golf courses nearby. There are also many hiking trails in the area and opportunities for beautiful horseback rides.
• The nearest airport is Toulouse-Blagnac, 82 kilometers away.