The property, Chassagnas
The gite and yard.
The living area in the gite
The swimming pool.
Autumn in Haute Vienne.
The Limousin countryside
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In 2005 my husband Jeff and I sold up and moved from our home in the North of Scotland to Chassagnas, a small hamlet deep in the heart of rural France. Four years on we are still 'living the dream'. Regrets? None at all.
The property became ours in February 2005. It comprises of a small cottage and several stone built barns set in two and a half acres of pasture. We have converted the old hay barn into a four bedroomed home and now our first home, the cosy stone Limousin cottage, is available for holiday or longer term rental. It was hard work but we have both really enjoyed the experience.
Now that we are settled we find time to keep some chickens, ducks and a few sheep. Luckily we both enjoy the outdoor life and plan to spend time creating and developing the garden this year.
The gite accommodation comprises of a small open plan kitchen/ sitting room, small dining room, a large downstairs bathroom, three bedrooms and an upstairs toilet/shower room. There is a woodburner in the living area. The house is equipped with satellite tv, DVD player, CD player. The well equipped kitchen has a fridge freezer, microwave cooker, washing machine, large gas cooker, essential kitchen utensils and a small safe. Wireless internet is also available.
Extras like washing up liquid, toilet rolls, cleaning materials, bin bags etc are included in the price of short term lets.
Having lived in the gite for a year we know it is comfortable. The woodburner warms the whole house in winter and the stone walls keep the living area cool in summer. More photographs of the property can been seen in the picture gallery.
Outside the gite there is a covered eating area with BBQ and an above ground swimming pool - 6m x 4m x 1m deep - with a decked sunbathing area. For a small fee, visitors can also make use of our sauna, have a relaxing massage or enjoy home made pizzas , stone baked in our bread oven - an alternative 'al fresco' eating experience to a BBQ or picnic.
Medium to long term rental of the gite is offered for those wanting to experience what living in France is really like or for those house hunting in the area; much more comfortable than living in a caravan especially in winter!
Four adult bicycles are available by arrangement and should the weather turn particularly hot, an air conditioning unit can be hired for 15 euros a week. A cot is available free of charge.
The Gite
The top picture shows the gite on the right and the renovated barn on the left. The photograph below is a close up of the gite. The cottage looks small but it is surprisingly spacious with two double bedrooms, a single bedroom, a bathroom and shower room, both with wc, a dining room and kitchen/living room.
The Renovated Barn
The renovated barn, on the left in the top photograph, is our home.
The Limousin Countryside
The gite is situated 500 metres above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. More photographs of the area are included in the picture gallery.
The Swimming Pool.
The pool is heated and easily made 'toddler proof' by raising the steps. Prickly plants dissuade youngsters from venturing near the terrace wall.
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