Montauban, Midi-Pyrénées 82000

An elegant manor renovated in 1912, in grounds with several-hundred-year-old trees and a swimming pool, 50 minutes from Toulouse and close to Montauban. A quiet country lane leads to the main entrance to the estate, marked by a venerable, several hundred-year-old umbrella pine tree. Two ashlar pillars crowned by pyramid-shaped capitals topped with spheres stand either side of wide, grey, double-leaf, metal gates topped by railings. Once though the gate, visitors' gazes are drawn by two fenced meadows, dotted with cedars and oaks, while a hedge hides the spaces set aside for parking. Opposite the drive, a brick fountain babbles away in front of the main building in the property. The three-storey manor boasts living space of approximately 520 m² and its façades are made of pink brinks punctuated by white dressed stone or rendered stone. The roof made of interlocking tiles and formed by unique series of interlinking sections is in very good condition. The 18th-century former dowager's manor was completely demolished and rebuilt in the Titanic era of the early 20th century under the supervision of a Dutch diplomat who became a benefactor of the village following the floods of 1930. He drew his inspiration from the modern Arts & Crafts movement that was fashionable in northern Europe at the time. He combined the architecture of noble aesthetics with the wealth of traditional craftsmanship know-how, as demonstrated by the sculpted panelling, oak flooring and staircases, moulded or coffered plasterwork on the ceilings, Italian marble fireplaces, white Quercy stone or stained-glass windows in each room. Away from the main stoop, a clearing houses a swimming pool with light-coloured stone decking, surrounded by shrubs, flower beds and small bushes of aromatic plants. The pool's technical facilities are housed in a nearby building. A shaded terrace stands next to the swimming pool. An orchard made up of old fruit tree varieties stretches out below to the left. Lastly, a wood occupies the edges of the entirely fenced property.