Aquitaine, Lot-et-Garonne, Espiens, France

A48238NJD47 - Known as Carpe Diem, this substantial stone longère enjoys an elevated position near the hilltop village of Espiens, with far-reaching views across the Albret countryside towards the Pyrenees. Generous reception rooms, terraces and a heated saltwater pool make it a welcoming home for family and friends.

According to the owners, the house dates from 1607 and stands on the foundations of a former 15th-century château. A dated stone and a sculpted griffin’s head set into the courtyard wall add to its character.

An extensive renovation, overseen by an architect and completed in 2021, introduced modern heating, cooling and updated living spaces while retaining the building’s stone character. Renovation invoices are available.

Accommodation

The ground floor offers two sitting rooms of approximately 40 m² and 36 m², a separate dining room of 30 m² and two equipped kitchens of 30 m² and 35 m². Fireplaces give the reception rooms a welcoming focus, while access to the terraces connects the house with its outdoor spaces. One kitchen has ample room for a dining table, complementing the separate dining room for entertaining.

An entrance veranda of approximately 14 m², office of 14 m², dressing room of 13 m², two shower rooms, WCs and a laundry room of 5 m² complete this level, alongside the boiler room, pantry and storage areas. There is also a separate cellar of approximately 15 m² and a garage with adjoining storage providing approximately 30 m² combined.

Part of the ground floor could be adapted to create two additional bedrooms.

A bespoke staircase combines solid oak, Massangis stone steps and glass balustrading. Upstairs are four bedrooms offering approximately 18 m², 13 m², 13 m² and 25 m² of floor space, a bathroom of 16 m² and separate WCs. A generous landing and mezzanine area provides approximately 23 m².

Four remotely operated roof windows with electric shutters bring daylight and ventilation into the upper accommodation. Rooms are currently used for exercise and leisure, including a gym and a sitting room equipped with a projector.

All room areas are approximate.

Garden and swimming pool

The grounds extend to 2,240 m². Terraces offer places to dine, relax and enjoy the views, with the heated saltwater swimming pool forming the focus of the garden.

A patio provides further outdoor space, while a greenhouse, well and integrated irrigation system will appeal to gardeners. Access is through an electric sliding gate, and the garage also has a motorised door.

Heating and services

An Ökofen wood-pellet boiler with automatic fuel supply serves radiators downstairs and integrated hydraulic ceiling heating upstairs. Individual room thermostats and remote operation allow control throughout the house.

The upstairs ceiling system also provides cooling during warmer weather. Two fireplaces have enclosed wood-burning inserts, and a separate pellet stove provides another heating option between seasons.

Aluminium windows and doors were installed during the renovation. Drainage is via an individual micro-station system installed in 2021. The property has an energy rating of C and an emissions rating of A.

Welcoming guests

Already used to welcome holiday guests, the property could suit a family home, second residence or a project combining private accommodation with guest hosting. The owners envisage three distinct guest areas, subject to the necessary adaptations and any relevant permissions.

Espiens, Nérac and the surrounding area

The property lies near the hilltop village of Espiens, where the remains of a medieval fortified château recall its long history. The village commands sweeping views over the vineyards and rolling hills of the Albret, while nearby Nérac and Lavardac provide shops, markets, cafés and restaurants.

Nérac combines the attractions of a historic Gascon town with services for everyday life. Its lively Saturday morning market brings seasonal produce and regional specialities into the town centre, while its cafés and restaurants offer opportunities to enjoy the local food and wine.

The Château-Musée Henri IV reflects Nérac’s connections with the Albret family and the royal court of Navarre. Old streets, riverside walks beside the Baïse and the shaded paths of the Parc Royal de la Garenne give the town much of its appeal. Exhibitions, cultural events and summer entertainment complement its architectural heritage.

Beyond the towns, the Buzet vineyards, bastide villages and walking and cycling routes provide opportunities to explore the countryside. The Canal de Garonne greenway offers further options for cycling and walking beside the water.

Transport links

Agen railway station provides direct TGV services to Paris Montparnasse, with the fastest journeys taking approximately three and a half hours. Rail connections also serve Bordeaux and Toulouse, with the quickest Agen–Bordeaux services taking around one hour and fifteen minutes.

The A62 provides road access towards Bordeaux and Toulouse, with international airports at both cities offering European and onward connections.