MONTREAL, Rhône 32250

This sumptuous château is found in the heart of Gascony, in the rich and diverse Armagnac region, at an equal distance between Bordeaux and Toulouse (1h45). On the home lands of d 'Artagnan, the estate sits in an elevated position with far-reaching views across the valley. Surrounded by fields bursting with an ever-changing tapestry of colour in the summer months, from the vibrant yellows of the sunflowers, to the neat rows of green vines, the property is situated just a few minutes distance from the picturesque village of Montréal (one of our favourite villages in the Gers) and just a ten minute drive to the larger town of Condom, with its many shops and restaurants. This region is one of the most highly sought-after in Gascony, with visitors driving out here from Lectoure and Condom, Bordeau or Toulouse throughout the year. This is an area world-famous for its music festivals (Condom and its traditional Bandas festival, or Marciac for its renowned jazz festival in the world). Long hot summer evenings are brought to life by colourful night-markets, and many other events throughout the year which ensure that this is a lively area in which to live throughout the winter months as well as the lovely long hot summers. The château is located on the edge of a small hamlet, and sits in private parkland. On arrival, we follow the beautiful stone walls of the gardens, the original ramparts of the château which border the property and can be seen from afar. A traditional wrought- iron gate between two stone pillars marks the entrance. From here onwards, as we enter through the gate, one has an immediate sense of magic as we enter the grounds. A private alley cuts through a line of elegant trees. We pass the guardian's house, and two cottages, reaching a private driveway at the top where we catch our first glimpse of the Chateau. To the side and the rear of the Château a vast 12ha stretch of land flanks the estate. The parkland itself is filled with a rich variety of mature trees. To each side the fields and pasture is currently tended to by a local farmer. Visible even from up above at the Château one can clearly see a young vineyard, below, planted by the current owners. On an architectural note... The château dates back to the second half of the 19th century, and was once home to a religious order set up by the Pères Prémontrés. The property is built in the shape of an "L" with beautiful golden coloured stone walls and Parisan style persiennes shutters painted in muted tones of elegant grey. Sunshine dapples the walls from the south, the east and the west. There are roses and many varieties of shrubs everywhere you look. The property comprises two main wings, linked on the ground floor, the basement and the first floor. The main house has been lovingly restored by its current owner who is an interior designer. The renovated wing is the southern wing blessed by a beautiful flow of light from the south, north and west it bathes the rooms with natural light throughout the day from its tall windows. The property has undergone a tremendous programme of works supervised by an architect an expert in historical buildings, but as we shall see in more detail later, this property has the advantage of comprising a second as yet non-restored wing : the western wing. The additional Western wing, restored this year, would lend itself perfectly to parties (a large party room), weddings, or summer lettings. The Southern Wing The entrance A small flight of stone stairs on the northern side separates a courtyard from the majestic entrance, with its turning staircase and doorway onto a beautiful courtyard on the southern side. This south-facing courtyard is graced with a burst of pink blossom from its trees in spring. A long hallway on the northern side leads to the kitchen, a drawing-room and a laundry-room. On the other side there is a second reception room and the guest cloakroom and WC. The ceilings are high and the floors lain with stone t