The Aveyron of the Mid-Pyrenees in southwest France is known for its medieval architecture set against bucolic hills, forested gorges, and rolling pastures for miles and miles. This 14th-century villa located deep in the countryside offers views of the picture-perfect scene from its lookout tower. And that's just the beginning of the property's spate of charming features, from the resident donkeys to the stone-cut kitchen.
The ground floor, for starters, features a high-ceilinged entrance hall with exposed-stone walls and dark-wood beams. A heavy antique chandelier hangs over a narrow wooden dining table lined with brocade-backed chairs. Here, you can sit and dine with guests while gazing into the kitchen through a charming stone archway. And it's not an ordinary kitchen: shelves are lined with country-style pottery, floral-painted dishes, and antique flatware, all arranged meticulously. Another unusual feature of the ground floor is the walk-in fireplace—yes, you actually walk through it to reach the pantry and utility room.
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Up to eight guests can stay in the manor, which features four double bedrooms, three with ensuite bathrooms. Each of these spaces oozes medieval-meets-modern atmosphere. There are matte-wood floors and beds, textured stone walls, and a surprising amount of daylight. And the spaces tout antique and new decor, from an iron sewing machine table to a spherical paper lantern. The compact chapel, with stained-glass windows and velvet-cushioned stools, could also host an intimate wedding ceremony.
And the property is equally compelling outdoors. A terrace surrounds the private swimming pool that overlooks the valley and offers sunset views. After a swim, fire up the outdoor gas griddle—if weather doesn't permit, use the wood/charcoal indoor barbecue in the kitchen. Then, stroll across the grass for a visit with the friendly donkeys, Paco and Rabanne. It's also worth noting that the chateau is accessed via a working dairy farm, but the grazing pastures are out of sight. Farmers markets are easy to find in this area, and the village of Belcastel is a short drive away.
Find out more about this stunning villa in the listing on Oliverstravels.com, and start planning your Aveyron getaway.
