Le Grand Chene

About this property

In an idyllic setting in the Quercy region of France, this contemporary French farmhouse exudes style and sustainability alongside 18th century charm, close to the medieval hilltop village of Lauzerte in the Tarn-et-Garonne.

Le Grand Chene has been created by a San-Francisco based product designer who has worked with some of the most prestigious brands in the world. This project has been four years in the making with the primary aim to sensitively renovate a 300-year old Quercy farmhouse into a sustainable home fit for 21st century living.

With architects, designers and sustainability experts from California working alongside French artisan builders, the result is a unique abode which pays great respect to the farmhouse’s 18th century heritage as well as showcasing modern flair and smart technology. The solar panelled canopy above the swimming pool fully powers the property, the gorgeous garden is watered by rainwater in buried reservoirs and there are two electric vehicle charging points on the driveway.

Yet the charm of the Tarn-et-Garonne remains with limestone so typical of the region, exposed wood beams, elegant wooden floors contrasting a flood of natural light from newly installed windows framing the garden views and beyond.

The estate has been split into four dwellings, each one with its own entrance and stylish kitchen-diner. Starting off in the 2-bedroom house, there is a spacious lounge and contemporary kitchen, whilst the serene garden studio on the lower floor has books, objets d’art, an en suite double and a pretty south-facing terrace. Then there’s the 2-person cottage with its bedroom and dining space beneath the high vaulted ceiling. The fifth bedroom can be found on the lower floor of the impressive studio with its double height glass windows, spiral staircase and superb sociable air-conditioned space upstairs with a large dining table and huge Smart TV.

Everything here is the high level you would expect. Some of the furnishings have been designed by the owner himself, bedlinen is percale cotton from Paris whilst cookware and tableware has been sourced from premium stores across Europe. In the garden come across summer flowers, an olive grove and lovely valley views. Each dwelling has its own patio or balcony for your morning coffee or evening aperitif, then you can gather on the west terrace with its al-fresco dining table to fit every guest and high-end gas barbecue. The outdoor swimming pool, which can be heated on request, has ample sun loungers and a private changing room and shower.

This region of France is a paradise for food and wine enthusiasts – discover delightful Farmer’s markets in local villages selling walnuts, goat’s cheese, truffles, duck and other seasonal wonders and there are plenty family-run vineyards where you can sample local wine. The medieval hilltop village of Lauzerte, classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, is just 8km away whilst other historic gems within easy reach include Montcuq, Tournon-d'Agenais  and Puy-l'Évêque.

Cycle by the Tarn River in Moissac, sail along the Garonne in Agen and visit the famous Malbec-producing vineyards of Cahors, a beautiful town on the Lot River, home to Le Pont Valentré, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are so many ways to truly embrace the authentic essence and natural beauty of southwestern France during your stay at Le Grand Chene.

In the Tarn-et-Garonne, Le Grand Chene enjoys a beautiful rural setting just off a country lane around 8km from Lauzerte, one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

If flying, the nearest airports are Toulouse (91km) and Bergerac (92km) whilst there are direct fast train services from Paris Montparnasse to Agen (43km) or Montauban (39km) with onward connections towards Gare de Moissac (22km).

Medieval Lauzerte (8km) dates back to the 12th century and is a delightful village with restaurants on its picturesque main square and a charming Saturday morning market. Pilgrims used to stop here and gaze at the gorgeous views from Le Jardin du Pèlerin – nowadays the village is on the GR65 hiking trail.

The small riverside town of Moissac (21km) hosts a wonderful Sunday morning market and is home to several small restaurants and the impressive Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Moissac. Hire bikes to cycle along the river tow path and admire the canal crossing the river via Le Pont-Canal Du Cacor. Outdoor adventurists can enjoy canoeing and kayaking along the Tarn, Lot and Garonne Rivers alongside water-based activities on nearby lakes, horse-riding, cycling and hiking.

The Quercy region is known for its rich gastronomy, wines and truffle-rich forests – there are so many fantastic farmer’s markets showcasing a wealth of regional and seasonal produce such as goats cheese, truffles, walnuts and duck whilst fresh eggs and other delights are often sold by the roadside. Visit welcoming family-run vineyards or venture a little further towards the Malbec-producing vineyards near the handsome town of Cahors (45km).

Other charming places across the region include Montcuq (19km), Tournon-d'Agenais (24km) and the attractive towns of Montauban (39km) and Agen (43km). Along the Lot, riverside gems include Puy-l'Évêque (38km) and even Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (70km) whilst the handsome town of Cahors boasts Pont Valentré, a unesco World Heritage site, alongside lovely shops, markets and restaurants.

Accommodation

Main House

Main Floor (with entrance)

-    Lounge with doors opening to two balconies
-    Kitchen-diner, well-equipped with doors leading to west terrace for al-fresco dining

Top Floor (via floating open-tread staircase)

-    Bedroom with large double bed, Apple TV and DVD player
-    Bedroom with large double bed
-    Bathroom
Garden Level Studio (on the lower level of the main house)

-    Private entrance with library
-    Open-plan kitchen-diner, well-equipped
-    Partially open bedroom (via two steps) with large double bed, doors leading to south-facing terrace and en suite bathroom with shower

Separate Cottage

-    Kitchen-diner, well-equipped
-    Bedroom with large double bed, desk and door leading to terrace
-    Bathroom with shower
-    Access to west and north-facing terrace

Separate Studio

Main Floor

-    Large open space with air-conditioning, two sofas, 96” 4K TV with streaming services and large dining table for 14 guests
-    Open-plan kitchen including Italian espresso maker, wine fridge, fridge and oven

Lower Floor (via spiral staircase)

-    Open hallway with doors leading to south-facing terrace
-    Bedroom (behind a curtain) with large double bed
-    Bathroom with shower

Outside Grounds

-    Heated salt-water swimming pool (6x3.5m, depth: 1.5m) with safety cover. Covered by canopy of solar panels
-    Poolside terrace with sun loungers
-    Poolside changing room and shower
-    Firepit
-    West terrace with table for 16 guests and gas barbecue 
-    Various other terraces
-    Garden (different levels and steps)
-    Electric vehicle charger

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Air-conditioning (studio only)
-    Underfloor heating (studio only)
-    65” 4K TV with streaming services (studio)
-    Apple TV and DVD player (in one of the bedrooms)
-    Sound system with Sonos speakers
-    Desk with Apple 4K monitor, keyboard, mouse and printer
-    Games and puzzles
-    Books (children and adults) and DVDs
-    Electric vehicle charger
-    Solar panels
-    Washing machine/dryer