Outside

Au Chicot is approached along a gravel drive, bordered by a laurel hedge. To the left is the little orchard (plum, apple and cherry trees). There is plenty of space to park cars, (or play boules?) in front of the house.

The property is L-shaped. To the rear is the terrace, where you can eat in the sun (table seats 8), and across the lawn beyond stands a huge, ancient 'hangar', or open barn; more beams! This, too, has been restored, to create a super covered area close to the pool, and has a cupboard for storing the table tennis equipment, boules set and outdoor furniture.

On the far side, trees offer dappled shade. Just down a little slope from the hangar, and 30 metres from the house, is the 5m x 11m swimming pool, heated to a comfy 27°. It has Roman steps, underwater lighting and a generous tiled area for sunloungers. The pool is fitted with a sturdy electronic key-operated "shutter" style cover, to conform with French safety regulations whilst preserving the beauty of its setting!

Breathe in the views whilst afloat or, as the sun sets, sampling Floc - the local aperitif and a delicious blend of young Armagnac with grapejuice. Later, with a neat Armagnac or three, stargaze!