Magical 5 Bedroom Designer Home in 13th C Bastide

Description from the owner

You literally will gasp aloud when you first glimpse the creamy limestone ramparts of the 13th century Royale Bastide that is home to Maison Roux. Spiraling up from the lush countryside, the road twists and turns its way to the lovely central square of Tournon d'Agenais. One street away lies the picturesque Rue du Bousquet where the charming stone facade of Maison Roux awaits you. The freshly-painted blue shutters, window boxes of lavender, and olive trees flanking the front door will make you think you have traveled back in time. In a very real sense, you have!

Open the door to the breathtaking effect of 700 year old limestone walls, 1...1 ' hi beamed ceilings and contemporary design. Here, multi-textural surfaces combine with striking antiques to present a luxurious and quietly-elegant refuge. Stride across the terracotta-tiled floors and open the 6' hi windows to discover the incredible view to the valley below. Sink deeply into the butter-soft handmade leather sofa. Open the bottle of wine that awaits you and celebrate your arrival. For this is only the beginning.

Experience the vacation of a lifetime in the "Quercy Blanc," the undiscovered part of Southwest France. Two short hours from Bordeaux and 90 minutes from Toulouse, Maison Roux provides a sumptuous base of operations from which to explore and savor the many pleasures that comprise "la vie campagne" (the country life). Designed and decorated to the highest of standards by a well-known American designer and antiques dealer, Maison Roux will delight your every sense.

3 hours from the Atlantic, 3 hours from the Mediterranean & 3 hours from the Pyrenees, Maison Roux sits at the crossroads of the most beautiful river valleys in France. As such, you are never far from you heart's desire.

In addition to your fabulous digs, you will also receive a complimentary welcome gift basket loaded with a fresh baguette, foie gras, a bottle of local wine, soft drinks, jam and fresh fruit. And to make your first evening completely memorable and hassle-free, you will also find a complimentary 50 Euro gift certificate to our favorite restaurant, Le Beffroi, located literally around the corner. Order the cotelettes d'agneau (lamb chops) with a rose from Chateau D'Homs, lean back and ENJOY! You have arrived at your home in France.

Whether you are a foodie, a wannabe antiques dealer, a closet sommelier, a sports aficionado, an aspiring artist or all of these, you will treasure your time here and want to return again and again. Our region is home to foie gras, black truffles and the acclaimed regional wines of the Cahors appellation. Open-air food markets abound and the food is the freshest you've ever eaten. Hikers and cyclists come here from all over the world to experience safe, stunning and friendly routes. Sports abound, including kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, riding and golf.

GROUND FLOOR: one large, open greatroom, 46' long x 21.5' wide, with double stone arches separating living and dining areas and 11' hi beamed ceilings. Fully-equipped kitchen with all conveniences; large dining area with vintage glass table (seats 10 or 14 with small table added), Italian leather + chrome dining chairs; separate WC; large living area with wood-burning fireplace, million dollar views, contemporary, vintage and antique furniture, lighting and accessories; hi-speed wireless throughout, large screen TV with 3500 satellite channels (via computer hookup) and all American, British and French TV programming. All international and American sporting events available live, so you won't miss those playoffs! Also available are an iPod docking station, DVD player and library of American & French movies.

SECOND FLOOR: 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Huge MASTER BR (16.5' x 20.5') King bed, open FP, seating area, 11' hi ceilings, killer views to valley, large mirrored wardrobe, ensuite double soaker tub + rain shower, pedestal sink, separate toilet room. BROWN BR (18.75' x 12.5') Queen bed, suede headboard, open FP, rooftop views, large antique bistro mirror, built-in closet. GREY BR (15.5' x 7.5') Queen bed, velvet headboard, 11' ceilings, antique industrial steel furniture, backlit lucite mirror. Tiled bathroom in hallway with backlit mirror, rain shower, toilet, pedestal sink, washer & dryer . All linens are pure cotton with very high thread count; soft, highest quality down pillows and duvets; designer spreads and throw pillows; supportive, yet comfortable, mattresses...only the best! Large fluffy American towels and plenty of them. Heated towelracks in both bathrooms.

THIRD FLOOR: 2 bedrooms + Lounge Area w/fold-down sofa-bed, desk, reading lights. All 3 rooms w/ large skylights w/ blackout shades. 1st BR w/ chic double rattan frame bed, antique armoire, 2 upholstered bedside tables + lamps. 2nd BR w/ 2 single beds, large dresser w/ 2 nickel lamps, bedside table w/ 2 reading lamps, large mirror over dresser.Read more

Additional Location Information

Tournon d'Agenais is a stunning 13th Century Bastide (fortified village) that was built by the English to fight the Hundred Year's War in the 1200s. Constructed of creamy limestone, it boasts million dollar views of the countryside, 3 restaurants, 2 salons, a boulangerie, a boucherie, an epicerie and a Friday night farmer's market during July and August. It is the home to year-round fetes and celebrations, including the Rose Festival, the huge Brocante (antiques market), a truffles market, the Flower Festival and numerous jazz and blues concerts. There is a wonderful and level walking path that encircles the bastide, enabling guests to take in the gorgeous dawns and sunsets from 360 degrees. Tournon is also home to one of the two lunar clocks in France and hosts "moonwalkers" during the summer who come to gaze at the moon from hi on the hill.

This is the perfect place to do it all or nothing at all! Explore medieval villages, shop at a local antiques fair, buy your lunch at the daily open air markets, swim in the local lake, dine under the stars at a working vineyard, take a walk around the village cow path at dusk, cycle through the verdant countryside and fields of sunflowers, ride an energetic horse through mountain and valley trails, paint the sunset, soak in a lavender-scented bath, eat wild strawberries and drink champagne, let the cooing pigeons lull you to sleep at night and experience the best rest you've ever had. It's all here at Maison Roux. Come, let us spoil you!

Location Type Away from it all, Rural, Village

Rental fees

Additional notes from owner

50% of rental fee due upon booking. Balance due 90 days in advance of arrival. Cleaning fee and security deposit due 30 days before arrival. We accept U.S. checks and international wire transfers only. Strict cancellation policy, so please purchase travel insurance. Refunds given only if we can re-book your week(s). Cleaning fee is per week. Additional charge of .15 Euro/KWH for electricity use beyond 100 KWH allowance (above average use). Security deposit will be refunded in its entirety within 30 days after departure if house is left in same condition as found.

What Past Guests Are Saying

• Hillary
  Brooklyn, NY

  Beautiful, relaxing holiday

  Left on 01/30/2012 for a stay in December 2010
  
  

  I stayed here in the dead of winter last year--and coming from a huge snowstorm in Brooklyn and a million missed planes and a night at the airport, coming into Maison Roux was my saving holiday grace. I didn't believe a space can be so open and grand while being cozy and soothing until I walked through the main entrance. What a gorgeous home--roaring fireplace, plush couches, warm lighting, beautiful art, and a perfect party space (and that's just downstairs). The bedrooms have sumptuous linens and designer accents, the master bath is divine for a relaxing, candlelit bubble bath, and the views from the windows are gorgeous (even in January). I had a great time exploring the quaint Medieval village with its fabulous restaurants, sleepy pace, and friendly people. There was plenty of action and shopping in Toulouse and neighboring big cities which were a short drive away. But coming home to this sanctuary was the icing on the cake. I can't wait to visit again!

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Luxury, Families

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• Bob & Claude Mitrani
  Paris France

  Maison Roux so special

  Left on 01/28/2012 for a stay in December 2011
  
  

  As the Parisian owners of the only Michelin listed "Maison d'hôtes" in the Quercy Blanc, we have come to know Maison Roux over the past year though several friendly gatherings held by its dashing owners. Immediately upon entering, we were struck with the overall charm of the place.  The exquisite combination of historic features, enhanced by the subtle comfort of contemporary design and amenities, creates the utmost atmosphere of well-being that makes Maison Roux so special.  And who could forget its incredible location that enabled us to admire the amazing view of the unspoiled and bucolic valley below".
  we are so pleased our friends decided to share their home for a unique experience of a good living " À la francaise "
  Bob & Claude Mitrani owners of " Four Maison d'Hôtes " À  Montcuq France

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• Peter
  New York, NY

  Superb!

  Left on 01/25/2012 for a stay in September 2011
  
  

  From the moment we arrived in the lovely town of Tournon, we knew this was going to be a special vacation. But when we opened the door to this extraordinary home, we faced a dilemma - not wanting to leave! The views are breathtaking and the decor, tres chic. The owners have taken great care to create a space that is modern in comfort while maintaining the pure magic of the ancient dwelling. The view from the breakfast table says it all (and it's still my screensaver.) I can't wait to return!

  

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  Detailed ratings for this rental

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Romantic, Luxury, Families

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  Was this review helpful? Yes