Maison Vintage

The villa

Steeped in history and with so many wonderful features, this 18th-century town house is for guests seeking French flair and authenticity, located in the heart of the traditional and sought-after Gascon town of Condom.

Dating back to the 1760s, Maison Vintage has been brought back to life in recent years having undergone a remarkable restoration. As you wander through this champagne-themed mansion, admire the oak floorboards, parquet flooring and other original features. Alongside the house’s grandeur, there’s a great sense of eclecticism with a collage of French antiques, objets d’art and North African touches - just step into the elegant salon with its grand piano and soak up the creative vibe.

Set over four floors, the impressive stone staircase leads to the beautiful suites and bedrooms with ample space for up to 12 guests. Each room is individually styled, some featuring romantic roll top baths, others with classic French beds as well as distinctive furnishings and décor. At the very top, a large 2-bedroom suite with its own spacious bathroom benefits from air-conditioning and views over the rustic rooftops of Condom towards the artistic Saint-Michel church.

You will be welcomed with a bottle of French champagne and there is no better place to enjoy this than the gorgeous private courtyard. Feeling like a hidden oasis with an abundance of vintage French charm, sit back in the shade by the summer kitchen before taking a dip in the inviting plunge pool. An upper terrace is yet another atmospheric spot, perhaps the perfect place for an afternoon tea of canapés and pastries accompanied by a G&T and bubbly, all of which can be arranged by the hospitable owners.

Delicious breakfasts can be served on request alongside other catering packages to make your stay as memorable and special as it can be. That said, you needn’t travel far to experience some of Gascony’s fine gastronomy - there are excellent restaurants, boulangeries , cafes and the twice-weekly market so close to your home. Within 300m you could be sipping a glass of locally distilled Armagnac overlooking Condom’s Cathédrale Saint-Pierre or enjoying a summer boat trip along the Petite Baïse.

Venturing further afield, discover the beauty and slow pace of life of the Gers region, coming across vineyards, summer sunflowers and idyllic villages such as Larressingle, Fourcès and Montréal, all within a 10 to 20-minute drive.

Head off for long walks and cycle rides, hire canoes or kayaks along the river and visit yet more attractive market towns such as Auch, Lectoure and Fleurance. Look out for foie gras , magret , goat cheese and other locally sourced delights, then bring them back to your stylish holiday home for joyful feasts in such characterful surroundings.

In the heart of Gascony, Maison Vintage is located in the historic town of Condom, close to the banks of the Petite Baïse river, in the wonderful Gers department of southern France.

Despite the tranquil ambience of your private courtyard, step out of your front door and you are in the bustling town, a few steps from restaurants, bars, bakeries and more. Wander 300m and find yourself at the magnificent Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Condom and the brilliant statue of the four musketeers.

Explore Condom’s medieval lanes, stop off in a café-bar to sample locally distilled Armagnac, and soak up the ambience of the twice-weekly market near the cathedral, looking out for some of Gascony’s highly regarded foie-gras and magret , delicious goat cheeses and seasonal fruit and vegetables such as garlic, melons and kiwi fruit. Condom is home to several excellent restaurants and has a fine reputation for its gastronomy.

Walking just a few minutes south of the town, head to the large riverside park for picturesque walks, picnics and a small children’s play area. If you fancy a spot of canoeing or kayaking along the Baïse, drive south to Beaucaire around 15km away where excursions can be arranged.

The Gers countryside with its rolling hills and meadows is waiting to be explored. Embrace the slow pace of life and come across pretty bastide villages, fortified towns and impressive historic sites, not to mention so many atmospheric markets selling delicious produce of the region. Look out for night markets ( le marché nocturne ) in Gascon villages that often take place in the height of the summer - expect live music, good wine, and locally sourced food.

Other characterful market towns include both Lectoure (23km) and Fleurance (32km) whilst Auch (43km), the historic capital of Gascony, is home to the impressive Tour d’Armagnac and Cathedrale Saint-Marie. Idyllic villages not to be missed include Larressingle, Fourcès and Montréal, all within a 10 to 20-minute drive from Condom.

Part of the Santiago de Compostella pilgrimage route, there are some lovely walking trails around Larressingle and Montréal, or discover other hiking routes through fields of sunflowers, vineyards, and farms. Of course, there are also opportunities for cycling, horse-riding, summer water-based activities and even hot-air balloon rides.

Meanwhile, music lovers should check out the dates for the famous Jazz Festival in Marciac, around an hour away, which usually takes place in late July/August (jazz concerts take place throughout the year).