Midi-Pyrénées, Lot, Lalbenque, France

Stone country house with gîte, outbuilding, swimming pool and 1.2 hectares
Built in 1839 and still in excellent condition for its age, this elegant stone country house, a separate gîte, and a charming adjoining building are located behind a gated entrance on 1.2 hectares of land. It lies within the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an area renowned for its black truffles. If you've ever wanted to say, "I'm just going to see what all the fuss is about," and actually do it, this is your chance.
The Main House
Inside, a generous and open-plan living space is full of charm and character, with exposed stone walls, terracotta tiles, and a wood-burning stove for the colder months. Above, a magnificent mezzanine rises beneath full-height ceilings and original exposed wooden beams—the kind of space that makes you want to sit up there with a glass of local wine and watch the world go by.
The rustic country kitchen is both stylish and practical. There's a reasonably sized and functional bathroom, and then there's the travertine bathroom, which has not one, but three showers. No one is quite sure why. No one complains.
Outdoors
A large covered terrace is furnished for leisurely al fresco lunches that gently transition into dinner. Behind it lie well-tended gardens and fruit trees, as well as a refreshing swimming pool surrounded by a travertine deck that remains pleasantly cool at its base and looks lovely draped over a hammock with a towel casually stretched across it. There's also a well, adding a touch of lightness, and the whole place is calm and peaceful, undisturbed except perhaps by the occasional bee.
The Cottage for Guests
The separate cottage features a wood-burning fireplace, exposed beams, a rustic interior, and a fully equipped kitchen. It's ideal for guests you'd like to see often but not for breakfast, and it would also be very attractive as a rental property.
The stone building
A third, smaller stone building is nestled in the garden; currently used as a bedroom, it would also be perfectly suitable as a home office, as the old bread oven is still intact. It's the only workspace we know of where working from home comes with a separate room dedicated to conversation, and where the drive is a pleasant stroll through fruit trees.
In summary
If you are looking for a retreat in a very special place, this one will not disappoint.