The property, Chassagnas
The gite and yard.
The living area in the gite
The swimming pool.
Autumn in Haute Vienne.
The Limousin countryside
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In 2005 my husband Jeff and I sold up and moved from a our home in the North of Scotland, to Haute Vienne in the Limousin. We now live in Chassagnas, a small hamlet deep in the heart of rural France. Just over three years on we are still 'living the dream'. Regrets? None at all.
The property became ours in February 2005. It comprised of a small cottage and several stone built barns set in two and a half acres of pasture. The first two and a half years have been spent building. We have converted the old hay barn into a four bedroomed home and now our first home, the cosy cottage, is available for holiday or longer term rental. It has certainly been a voyage of discovery and hard work but one which we have both really enjoyed.
Now that we are settled we find time to keep some chickens and a few sheep. We also grow our own vegetables. Luckily we both enjoy being outdoors and intend to develop the garden further this year.
The gite accommodation comprises of a small open plan kitchen/ sitting room, small dining room, a large downstairs bathroom, three bedrooms and an upstairs toilet/shower room. There is a woodburner in the living area. The house is equipped with satellite tv, DVD player, CD player. The well equipped kitchen has a fridge freezer, microwave cooker, washing machine, large gas cooker, essential kitchen utensils and a small safe. Wireless internet is also available. We lived in the gite ourselves for just over a year and found it to be a very comfortable home. The woodburner warms the whole house in winter and the stone walls keep the living area cool in summer. More photographs of the property can been seen in the picture gallery.
Outside the gite there is a covered eating area with BBQ and an above ground swimming pool - 6m x 4m x 1m deep - with a decked sunbathing area. Use of the pool and yard is shared with us.
For a small charge, we will be pleased to light up the bread oven and cook our home made stone baked pizzas - an alternative 'al fresco' eating experience to a BBQ or picnic.
Medium to long term rental of the gite is offered for those wanting to experience what living in France is really like or for those househunting in the area; much more comfortable than living in a caravan especially in winter!
Four adult bicycles are available by arrangement and should the weather turn particularly hot, an air conditioning unit can be hired for 15 euros a week. A cot is available free of charge.
The Gite
The top picture shows the gite on the right and the renovated barn on the left. The photograph below is a close up of the gite. The cottage looks small but it is surprisingly spacious with two double bedrooms, a single bedroom, a bathroom and shower room, both with wc, a dining room and kitchen/living room.
The Renovated Barn
The renovated barn, on the left of the top photograph, is the family home.
The Limousin Countryside
The gite is situated 500 metres above sea level and is urrounded by beautiful countryside. More photographs of the area are included in the picture gallery.
The Swimming Pool.
The pool is heated and easily made 'toddler proof' by raising the steps. Prickly plants dissuade youngsters from venturing near the terrace wall.
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