Maison D’Artiste, 5 mins from St Antonin Noble Val

An ancient cottage for 4, newly restored, full of original charm and character. Set in a beautiful, peaceful environment with stunning views. 5 mins from medieval St Antonin Noble Val with its swimming river, canoes & superb outside pool with spectacular views of the gorge. Walk in the surrounding valleys, whilst buzzards swoop and cicadas sing. Collect eggs from the hens, explore the vibrant Sunday market. Sit under the shady terrace and visit the many ancient villages and chateaux nearby. MAISON D’ARTISE at The Rustic Retreat The house is a rustic, peaceful place. The first floor and ground floor have been restored to make a light and comfortable space, keeping all the original character and adding some things we've come across on our travels around Asia and other places. In the house you'll find plenty of books to read, there are paintings on the walls and rugs on the floor. We have an eclectic mix of crockery in a well equipped kitchen with a large cooker and dishwasher. There is also a charming sitting room with a comfortable sofa, a big family table and a log burner for Autumn evenings. The house can accommodate four people and a cot is available for a baby if you need one. On the first floor is a double bedroom leading through to an ensuite dressing room/bathroom with a roll top bath. Downstairs, a large second bedroom has two single beds and an ensuite bathroom with a walk in shower. Adjoining the main house, is a large, deep, ancient stone hangar with comfortable seating and large table and chairs, making the perfect place for alfresco eating, playing or relaxing, when the heat of the sun makes it too hot to run about outside. Maison D’Artiste has a tree swing for children (and adults), hammock, table tennis, bbq, board games and cards, books and binoculars Bed linen and towels are provided (but please bring your own river/beach towels). Extensive gardens and wild areas around Maison D’Artiste. (Spot the deer visiting in the early mornings.) We are on hand most of the time should you need anything. If we are off on our travels, we have a caretaker who will be on call. Maison D'Artise is one of three at The Rustic Retreat. All the houses have their own separate entrance, gardens and parking, and are private from one another. Children will love the closeness to nature where they can let their hair down and run wild outside, discovering lizards and cicadas and collecting eggs from our chickens. Animals: Our friendly cats Blackberry and Cloudy and their kittens will probably visit you for a stroke, they like to laze about on the terrace and do a great job of keeping the mice at bay. We have a dog too, the gentle giant Gwen, she is a Beauceron, an ancient French breed used during the war to send messages between troops and renowned for their sweet nature. Our beautiful cottage Maison D’Artiste is are available to rent at any time during the year, it's perfect for families, friends and couples. Come and experience this magical, peaceful place in SW France. POOL, RIVER SWIMMING & CANOEING: The medieval town of St Antonin Noble Val is five minutes away, with it’s ancient winding streets, swimming river, dramatic gorge and vibrant Sunday market. Canoes can be hired in St Antonin for days out exploring the river. Stop and picnic by the water as you canoe down the dramatic gorge d'Aveyron. Swim in the fantastic outdoor pools suitable for all ages with dramatic views of the gorge. CULTURE & HISTORY: The fascinating chateaux of Penne, Bruniquel, Najac and Cordes sur Ciel are a short drive away. (Between 10 and 30 minutes) Albi, the UNESCO herritage site with its majestic red brick cathedral and internationally renowned Toulouse Lautrec Museum is 45 minutes away. NATURE FOR WALKERS, HIKERS AND CYCLISTS: Maison D’Artiste has magnificent views of the sunrise and surrounding valleys. Tucked away in a private and peaceful location on the edge of the tiny hamlet Sainte Sabine, woodlands and fields abound with butterflies, birds and deer. There are endless walks and cycle routes to go on in all directions, and ancient stone villages with crumbling castles to explore. Within easy reach of historic Najac, Bruniquel, Penne, Cordes sur Ciel and Albi. Maison D'Artiste is located in S.W. France, just over an hour from Toulouse and Rodez airports. Carcassone airport is about two hours drive. The house is about 6 hours drive from Paris and approximately a days drive from the channel ports. All the airports are served by discount airlines such as Ryanair and Easy jet. If you are thinking of staying for a week, we recommend you arrive on a Saturday so you dont miss the fantastic Sunday morning market in St Antonin Noble Val. There are fresh cheeses, olives, locally produced charcuterie, home made breads, abundant vegetables and fruit amongst a million other fascinating things to see and taste. It's also lovely to just sit in the cafes and watch the world go by... Spring/Autumn and Winter stays: Should you need heating at Maison D'Artiste, the house is equiped with a superb woodburning stove and electric radiators. The first log basket of wood is included in the price. Additional wood is charged at 20€ per/large wheelbarrow full of logs and electricity is charged at cost. Please note: this is not included in the rental cost and will be calculated at the end of your stay. We do sometimes accept longer lets off season, please ask us for more details.