La Brisée

Situated in the beautiful and tranquil countryside of the Tarn region, La Brisée enjoys a privileged location on the edge of the Forêt de la Grésigne, the ancient oak forest that covers some 8000 acres. Befittingly for the setting, La Brisée was originally a hunting lodge which has now been transformed into a deceptively spacious abode, ideal for family gatherings or groups of friends wishing to holiday together.

Much care has been taken with the renovation of the property and the result is an interior that combines the best of its rustic origins with the clean and simple lines of modern day décor. Downstairs, the rooms flow from one to another, creating a spacious open plan layout that is perfect for entertaining. A huge open fireplace separates the modern kitchen from the dining area, which boasts a long oak table to seat 14 people. A comfy corner sofa sits atop the flagged stone floor at the other end of the long spacious room, where French windows allow access on to the side terrace.

Upstairs, the bedrooms and bathrooms have been thoughtfully laid out to give large parties maximum privacy. The bedrooms are each individually furnished and decorated and range from a twin bedroom with white painted furniture to the principal double bedroom with original features such as exposed stone walls and a high vaulted ceiling. The clean and simple décor is continued in the bathrooms.

Careful thought has also been given to the grounds of La Brisée to ensure that there is somewhere for the adults to relax and the children to play. The pool area, on a slightly raised level to one side of the house, is surrounded by a large terrace and with the adjoining covered dining area is a perfect place to sunbathe. On the opposite side of the courtyard is a games room with table tennis to keep the younger members entertained. A flat lawned area (opposite the house), with swings and a boules pitch, provides more space in which to play, with the wooded grounds (4 hectares) to the rear of the property offering an opportunity for exploration.

The Forêt de Grésigne beckons across the fields with its network of trails through the trees whilst in the valley, watersports and other activities are available at the local leisure lake. A short drive (5 minutes) will bring you to the charming bastide town of Castelnau-de-Montmiral where you will find a number of shops and restaurants under the arcades around the main square. In the opposite direction, the country roads eventually arrive at the River Aveyron, although a detour to visit the picturesque perched villages of Puycelci and Bruniquel is highly recommended.