La Maison Rose
Situated on the edge of the hill top village of Miramont de Quercy
This medieval semi-fortified manoir was once the focal point of the historic village of Miramont de Quercy. During the middle ages, it was one of the most fiercely-contested regions of Europe: as evidenced by the numerous historic sites.
Today the Maison is anything but primitive. It has been lovingly restored and decorated by Lord and Lady Ashburton as a family home. It is available to let for throughout the year.
The house is furnished with antique furniture and decorated with fabrics hand selected or designed by Lady Ashburton’s own company, Borderline. The sense of luxury is enhanced by a garden and (optional) cleaners and cook. As well as the grounds which have been carefully laid out over many years to include lawns, terraces, flower borders, mature trees, herb- and orchid-rich grass, ponds and wild life areas.
From its hilltop site, guests can enjoy spectacular views to the ancient town of Lauzerte. Despite this prominent position, its solid stone walls combined with its elevation provide total privacy and seclusion.
There are seven en-suite bedrooms – 6 double (one four poster, two canopied) and one twin room. Two cots are available on request.
The kitchen is fully equipped with electric oven, four gas hobs, microwave, food processors and a wide range of kitchen appliances. There is a large range of crockery, cutlery and glassware – and the fridge freezer has a crushed ice dispenser. The kitchen has a range of work surfaces and a large breakfast table.
Dining Room
This adjoins the kitchen and has a circular dining table. It has excellent views and is perfect for both intimate and formal dinners.
Sitting room
This is large and very comfortable, with two sofas, several armchairs and a television (plus video and satellite). Through the windows lies a balcony, with passion flowers and Vits Coignetiae interweaved through the wrought iron bannister, and fabulous views across the Petit Barguelonne valley as far, on a clear day, as the Pyrenees.
Games Room
Beneath the tower of the pigeonier, is a games room with a full size table tennis table. It also has a fax machine
The Terrace
The terrace is one of the house’s joys with views over 270. Situated next to the kitchen, it is the ideal setting for any entertaining, whether formal or informal. Thanks to the thick wisteria and vines which form a dense canopy overhead, it is cool and shaded even at midday, while in the evening flowers scent the warm night air.
Boules pitch
Under the shade of the trees is a miniature boules ground, complete with plenty of boules with which to play in this traditional French cafe sport.
The Swimming Pool
The house has a large heated swimming pool with more fantastic views across the orchards towards the medieval hill-top town of Lauzerte. It is furnished with cushioned sun beds, and an easy-to-erect gazebo for extra shade. The pool area has a hidden outdoor shower.
The Courtyard
As the door to the house opens onto the courtyard its views are an instant joy. Children love the courtyard. The smooth grass is perfect for games or a paddling pool, while parents can relax in the shade of the five pollarded limes. This is the place for unashamed lounging, sipping an iced drink while indulging in a bit of holiday reading.
For more photos of the house and garden please click here
The Garden
The garden as we now see it was planted by an English owner some 25-30 years ago. It bears witness to the remarkable speed at which temperate plants grow in Quercy. From the carpet of wild cyclamen under the chestnut, lime, ash, judas and micocoulier (Celtis Australis) trees on the lower terrace, followed by narcissus, wisteria, viburnum, clematis and many roses not to mention a kaki (persimmon) figs both black and green, paulownias, wild orchids including purple, bee and lizard and a small circular pond with water lilies and irises. There is always something to delight the eye or scent the air.