Marciac, Gers, Midi-Pyrénées, France

From its elevated position, this property has some of the finest views in Gascony, overlooking a patchwork of fields and wooded ridges, to the Pyrenees mountains across the southern skyline. With its medieval archway entrance, open central area, notable church and only half a dozen dwellings, the hamlet has a unique atmosphere. On the St Jacques de Compostelle route to Spain, the present owners have offered overnight accommodation to pilgrims in the past.
Facing due south, the mellow facade has perfect symmetry, with eight windows flanking stone pilasters to the front entrance and balcony above. Known as Le Manoir, the most notable house in the hamlet, the house forms part of a friendly rural community and there is a splendid photograph of the commune celebrating the year 2000. Marciac, only 7 kms along a quiet road, is a favourite town in Gascony, internationally renowned for its yearly Jazz festival. Other towns with weekly markets are Villecomtal and Vic en Bigorre.
With 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, the house works well as either a permanent or holiday home, easy to lock-up and leave. The room proportions are generous with double windows in all main rooms. An attached open barn, with French doors off the kitchen, provides a sublime outdoor dining and entertaining area enjoying the magnificent views.
The house would benefit from a general refurbishment. The asking price has been set to reflect the updating work that a new owner might undertake. Upgrade of kitchen and bathrooms, new septic tank and most probably redecoration. The central heating system requires a replacement air-source heat pump. With these improvements the property would substantially increase in value.