Chateau Du Partage

The villa

In the mesmerising region of the Gers, Château du Partage is a historic, boutique - style abode which has been painstakingly renovated to an incredibly high standard.

This has been such an arduous project by its dedicated owners who fell in love with the Gers many years ago and married there before deciding to find their very own French home. It’s no wonder they fell in love at first sight with this 17th century château with its glorious grounds and breathtaking views towards the Pyrenees. The result of the restoration is truly stunning - they have created a dreamlike home with the most beautiful interiors.

Admire the Farrow and Ball tones of the exquisitely designed drawing room with stylish furniture around the open fire, then move into the sumptuous lounge before stepping into the bespoke kitchen with emerald tiles and Lacanche range oven, perfect for long lunches on the long wooden table. The formal dining room is another picture - perfect spot for feasts whilst the library awaits for a peaceful coffee or glass of Côtes de Gascogne.

Across the seven gorgeous bedrooms, guests can expect the finest of features from Egyptian cotton linen and luxurious hotel - branded mattresses to exquisite décor with premium designer wallpaper and high - end furnishings and fabrics. Sleeping up to 14 adults and 6 children, the bedrooms have been cleverly designed with a range of king or super king - size doubles alongside a charming bunk - bed room as well as the option of discreet pull - out beds if required. Of course, each bedroom has its own en suite bathroom, some with Italian walk - in showers, others also featuring luxurious standalone baths.

Embrace the slow - paced life of the Gers as you gather around swimming pool for long lunches, then spend summery afternoons playing pétanque, croquet or other garden games beside the organic fruit trees and five acres of RHS designed wild gardens. Borrow the château’s bikes to cycle to the two local villages, one of which has a lovely Friday morning market, or drive just 20 minutes to Auch, the historic capital of Gascony by the banks of the Gers River.

Discover other atmospheric markets and wonderful restaurants serving the fine food of this region in Mirande, Lectoure and Fleurance or venture south towards Saint - Lary - Soulan and the Hautes - Pyrenees for yet more wonderful experiences surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

This idyllic 17th century château is in a tiny rural village with a neighbouring church, just over an hour west of Toulouse in the Gers department of southern France. It’s amazing to be able to be able to gaze over the undulating countryside landscapes towards the distant Pyrenees.

The nearest village with amenities is just a 5 - minute drive away, home to a supermarket, pharmacy and traditional French restaurant open for lunch (and summer weekend evenings). There is also a pretty little market on a Friday morning showcasing some wonderful local produce such as cheeses, meats, pastries and, in the summer, artisan products. A larger supermarket is just a 5 - minute drive in the other direction.

Of course, the Gers is all about dreamy landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, summer sunflower fields and authentic French cuisine best experienced in local restaurants and atmospheric markets. It’s a paradise for cyclists too - you can request to use the château’s bikes or arrange e - bike hire for part or all of your stay.

Nearby Mirande (16km) is a picturesque market town not to be missed on a Monday morning whilst the famous town of Auch (21km), the historic capital of Gascony by the banks of the Gers, is a beautiful day out with its historic architecture, excellent restaurants, bars and twice - weekly traditional market.

A little further afield are the historic market towns of Lectoure, Fleurance and Condom, all reached in around an hour or less by car, whilst the trio of picture - perfect Gers villages, Larressingle, Montréal and Fourcès, are also worthy of a visit for their beauty and charm.

For a spectacular day out in the mountains, venture south to Saint - Lary - Soulan in the Hautes - Pyrenees close to the Spanish border. Here you will find superb hiking and biking opportunities as well as white - water rafting or simply enjoy the ambience of this attractive town with its spa, restaurants and inviting shops.