Au Balenti is an extremely spacious country Farmhouse with private grounds and pool. Perfect for large families and friends to holiday together or to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Set within several acres of gardens surrounded by the owners fields, yet situated within a peaceful rural village setting.
Antique furniture, inglenook fireplaces and floor to ceiling wine barrels (unfortunately empty) are just part of what makes Au Balenti that little bit special.
The property and area caters for all ages and lends itself perfectly for a relaxing holiday, especially now with the brand new village Restaurant, Bar and grocery selling fresh daily bread, organic food, fine wine and products from local producers - there is no need to go anywhere else....
The entrance to the property is through attractive large ornate wrought iron gates into the gravelled courtyard. The house sympathetically restored retains all its original features with rustic shutters and faded masonary paint give the house a feeling of warmth and grandeur.
Set within several acres of farmland the tranquil gardens are well tended with Orchard, children's play area and a large natural fish pond - with various outbuildings including a large open fronted Barn for parking cars out of the sun.
At the front of the house there is a large terrace with table, chairs and parasol, great for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The 10m x 5m pool has a magnificent view of the Pyrenees and the surrounding valley. The pool has wide steps leading down to a shallow area of 2ft, ideal for children with a ledge running underwater along the whole of one end to sit and play. The deepest point is 6ft in the middle which shallows out to 5ft at the far end. There are plenty of cushioned sun loungers and parasols. The pool is equipped with an alarm system, in accordance with French regulations. The Pool House lends itself as an idyllic place to relax and have your meals, take some shade in between refreshing dips or to just unwind and watch the sunset while sipping on a glass of the locally produced wine.
It is equipped with a fully fitted summer kitchen, Table and chairs, Plancha, fridge, changing room, shower and toilet.
There are various activities around the property to include Boulle/petanque, Badminton and table football. Bicycles are also available should you feel like exploring the surrounding countryside.
Through the front double doorway on the ground floor into a wide tiled hallway. Immediate left leads into the large sunny yellow Breakfast room where there is a sofa and armchairs by the large inglenook fireplace. Table and chairs to sit 8+. Opposite the kitchen, is the living room with Sofas, Sky TV, coffee tables and fireplace. Straight ahead at the end of the hallway is a glorious wide winding oak staircase rising to the first floor. The games room is found to the right of the stairs with Table tennis and Darts.
On the left is the Billiard room with table and large inglenook fireplace. There is also a downstairs toilet just off this room.
Leading on from the Billiard room through the open archway straight into the Bar where Bar and stools along with the two huge wine barrels (unfortunately empty) lends this area to be perfect for either having a drink between shots or having a shot of your own. The door from the bar leads through to the fully fitted kitchen and the utility room is just to the right. From here a back staircase leads up to the kids playroom/Snug. The doorway from the kitchen leads back into the breakfast room completing the downstairs loop.
FIRST FLOOR. Has 5 bedrooms and a Living room/Snug.
Top of the stairs, again a long hallway of beautiful polished floorboards with a large window at the end looking over the courtyard. Starting at this end, is the Green room with Kingsize bed, built in wardrobe dressing table and ensuite bathroom with shower toilet and washbasin. Directly opposite the Green room is the Blue room again with a kingsize bed, built in wardrobe, chest of drawers and dressing table. Again ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Both of these rooms have beautiful views of the gardens and swimming pool area.
Down the hallway towards the stairs on the right is the 'Petit Chapeaux' which derives its name from the many antique children's hats displayed on the wall. This light airy room has two original Victorian Iron bedsteads. One double and one 3/4 size bed, wardrobe and dressing table. Ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.
Directly opposite is the family room with two double beds, wardrobe, additional hanging rail and chest of drawers. The adjoining ‘Jack and Jill’ style ensuite comes with shower, large bath, toilet and washbasin. This bathroom is shared by a connecting door to the Kids bedroom which is a delightful room with brightly coloured wall images, two single beds, two chest of drawers, hanging rail, various books and toys. From this bedroom leads into the kids playroom/living room/Snug where there are sofas, rugs coffee table, TV/Video/DVD, desk printer and stereo. There are baskets of toys and games in the wooden trunk and a large selection of videos in the Futon drawer. There is also access from here to the Blue bedroom. Finally, a second staircase takes you back down into the kitchen. Now for a glass of wine!!!
Also available, a charming rustic one bedroon Gite, tastefully restored with every attention to detail retaining the original stone walls and exposed beams, adjoining the main property available to rent at an additional cost. (Note, the property is private for guests sole use. (For privacy, we do not rent the Gite out to other parties when the main house is occupied).
In a tranquil setting, on the edge of the small village of Lascazeres, Au Balenti lies in the heart of the historic region of Gascony. At the crossroads of the Haute Pyrenees and Les Gers: France's secret garden, with its gently rolling landscape and fields overflowing with sunflowers, maize and vineyards. Gascony's appeal is the generous amount of sunshine, warm summers with long evenings and sublime weather stretching well into November. It is truly a gourmet's paradise, deservedly famous for its foie gras, confit and magrets. Fresh produce from the local farms are freely available at the weekly markets in Plaisance du Gers, Vic en Bigorre and Maubourguet.
For those who enjoy the noble grape, nearby are the famous vineyards of Madiran, Saint Mont and Jurançon with Armagnac about an hours drive north. All around the area, wine producers offer degustations - wine tastings. Whether its exploring the local Bastide towns with their weekly markets or visiting beachside towns such as Biarritz, the location of Au Balenti leaves you spoilt for choice. Golf (The oldest Golf course in Europe being in Pau), Horse Riding, Cycling and Tennis. Brocante (antique shops) and flea markets. Surfing on the Atlantic Coast notably Biarritz & Hossegor. White water rafting and canoe trips in the Pyrenees. Waterskiing and Wakeboarding on Lake Cahuzac 15 mins away. Day Trips taking in: Atlantic Coast (Biarritz, San Sebastian), the stunning medieval brick city of Toulouse, Bordeaux, Thermal villages in the Pyrenees and the spiritual Lourdes. The spectacular mountains of the Pyrenees can be seen from the house and are only an hours drive away. Whether you visit for skiing only 1.5 hours away to resorts such as La Mongie, Bareges, St Lary to name a few, or sightseeing everything is within easy reach.
The busy market town of Maubourguet is only 6 km away with its banks, post office and pharmacies as well as a huge brand new supermarket as well as the usual shops. There are four café restaurants serving excellent and inexpensive food. There a terrific local restaurant at Aydie (5km) where the Cepes Omelettes are legendary (One of our personal favourites) Fetes - We list a couple of the local fetes which we have personally attended.
MARCIAC: First two weeks of Aug, International Jazz festival with many famous musicians, live music and wordwide streetside eateries.
MADIRAN: Mid August, Wine festival: where many local vineyards congregrate offering free degustations, entertainment .
MAUBOURGUET: Mid August - fantastic street party featuring many activities for all ages
