When an architect designs a house for themselves, the result is nearly always an exceptional property and this six bedroom villa built in 1979 on the edge of a quiet village near Rabastens de Bigorre is a perfect example. The property has been designed to take full advantage of its situation. It has been intelligently laid out so as to maximise the amount of outdoor living space - there is a terrace on each side of the house (North, South, East and West) plus the area surrounding the pool - and because it is in an elevated position, no matter where you are there are lovely views over the surrounding countryside (and to the South you have an utterly spectacular view of the Pyrenees). The garden has also been well-designed, so that it looks great but does not require too much maintenance. The entire 5400m2 has been securely fenced and thus is a nice safe environment for children and pets.

The house itself is deceptively large, with a habitable surface area of 400m2. Inside, it has a lovely warm old farmhouse feel about it with lots of wooden beams and nice tiled floors. There are five very separate living quarters so that, if you wanted to, you could run chambres d'hôtes without your guests being on top of you. At the centre of the house is a magnificent living/dining room with a 5.7 m high ceiling which leads on to both the North and South terraces. Downstairs is a massive basement, easily big enough to be turned into a completely separate apartment, or alternatively you could make it the entertainment centre of the house with games room, bar, private cinema, and gym. It also has its own separate entrance leading to the covered terrace next to the swimming pool. This is a fascinating property full of all sorts of nooks and crannies and different levels to discover, and definitely needs to be viewed to be appreciated.

The property comprises:

On the ground floor:

Large entrance hall with oak staircase leading to the first floor. To the right there is a large dining hall (70m2) with fireplace and steps to a raised living room. The dining hall has patio doors that open onto the south and north terraces. Bedroom 1 (20m2) and en-suite bathroom. From the entrance hall there is a cloakroom and WC. The kitchen is split-level (22m2) with door to the north terrace. From the kitchen, there is a further sitting room with doors to south and west terraces. WC. To the left of the entrance hall is a study (13m2) and stairs to the basement area (130m2). This would make the most fabulous games room or gym. There is a large storage room (with wine cellar), laundry room, boiler room and larder which is big enough for shelving and two chest freezers. Fireplace. There are steps up to a covered terrace which then lead directly to the swimming pool.

On the first floor:

Bedroom 2 with its own bathroom and WC. Bedroom 3 with access to the attic, which could be converted to create an en-suite bathroom. Bedroom 4, currently being used as a linen room. Walk-in wardrobe. Bedroom 5. Galleried landing overlooking the dining hall. Bedroom 6, which is in fact two rooms adjoining, currently being used as a bedroom with its own study room. Family bathroom.

Outdoor space:

Fabulous garden of 5400m2, mostly laid to lawn with mature trees and shrubs. The house has five separate terraces allowing you to choose which ever view of the surrounding countryside you wish. Swimming pool (10 x 5m) with terrace for copious amounts of sunbathing. There is a well, but it would require cleaning out. Fantastic view of the full range of the Pyrenees.

Outbuildings:

Small wood shed.

Other features:

Connected to mains water, electricity, telephone, ADSL.
Electric radiators. Wood burner with insert.
Drainage: septic tank.

Amenities and other facilities:

8 km from village and all amenities
1 hour from Auch
45 minutes from Pau and Airport
1 hour 45 minutes from Toulouse and Blagnac International Airport
1 hour 30 minutes from the Pyrenees and ski resorts
1 hour 40 minutes from the Atlantic Coast

Summary information:

Area VIC-EN-BIGORRE, Hautes Pyrenees
Condition Good
Bedrooms 6
Rooms 12
Habitable surface area 400 m2
Amount of land 5'400 m2
Land tax EUR 850 per annum
Price EUR 395'000 (F.A.I.) + notaire's fees
Reference GFP143

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Important notice

The above details have been prepared as a general guide to give a broad description of the property and are not intended to constitute part of an offer or contract. Any errors or inaccuracies contained therein cannot convey any liability on SARL Compass Immobilier or its directors.