Picture yourself sipping morning coffee on the terrace of your own stone house in the Lot-et-Garonne countryside, watching mist lift from the valley as church bells echo from the nearby village. This is the rhythm of life in Southwest France, where medieval hamlets dot rolling hills planted with sunflowers and vineyards, and every season brings new treasures to discover. This 190-square-meter stone property with its traditional pigeonnier tower offers an authentic French country experience just five minutes from daily amenities in Douzains, perfectly positioned for exploring one of France's most captivating yet accessible regions.
The property anchors a peaceful hamlet where stone farmhouses stand testament to generations of rural life. The main house opens into a spectacular sitting and dining area crowned by soaring chapel ceilings that flood the space with light and create an immediate sense of grandeur. Original stonework and traditional beams frame this gathering space where family meals extend into evening conversations, while a mezzanine level above adds architectural interest and additional living space. The kitchen-diner flows naturally from this central hub, offering modern convenience within historic walls, with direct access to the gardens where summer dining becomes a daily ritual.
The ground floor bedroom and bathroom provide practical single-level living, ideal for guests or family members seeking accessibility. Upstairs, the mezzanine leads to three additional bedrooms, two cleverly built into the eaves where original timber framing creates cozy, characterful sleeping spaces. These rooms capture the essence of French country living, where centuries-old construction techniques create warmth and intimacy. The attached pigeonnier, originally built to house doves, has been transformed into self-contained guest quarters or potential rental accommodation. Its ground floor living area with kitchenette and shower room opens to a first-floor bedroom with access to a versatile second room, offering multiple configuration possibilities for extended family, long-term visitors, or generating holiday rental income.
Outside, the established gardens reveal years of careful cultivation. Mature plantings provide shade and privacy, while a dedicated vegetable patch connects you to the land in the most satisfying way. Imagine harvesting your own tomatoes, courgettes, and herbs throughout the summer months, shopping local markets for cheese and wine, and creating meals that capture the essence of Southwest French cuisine. The pond adds tranquility and attracts wildlife, creating a naturalistic corner for quiet contemplation. The swimming pool becomes the summer focal point, essential for cooling off during July and August when temperatures climb into the high twenties and beyond, and the perfect gathering place for afternoon swims and poolside aperitifs.
The Lot-et-Garonne offers exceptional quality of life at accessible prices. This department bridges Bordeaux and Toulouse, combining the culinary heritage of Gascony with easy access to Atlantic beaches and Pyrenean mountains. The countryside rolls gently through sunflower fields, plum orchards famous for Agen prunes, and vineyards producing robust Marmandais wines. Medieval bastide towns like Monflanquin and Villereal host weekly markets overflowing with local produce, artisan cheeses, duck confits, and regional specialties. The Canal du Midi passes through the region, offering cycling and boating opportunities through some of France's most scenic waterways.
Spring transforms the landscape into a patchwork of wildflowers and budding vines, with comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring medieval villages and hiking forest trails. Summer brings long, warm days ideal for pool life, outdoor dining, and evening festivals celebrating everything from garlic to jazz. Autumn harvest season sees markets overflow with wild mushrooms, chestnuts, and new wine, while temperatures remain pleasant through October. Winter stays mild by northern European standards, with occasional frosts adding sparkle to morning landscapes and wood fires creating cozy interiors.
Douzains itself provides essential services within five minutes, while larger towns offer comprehensive shopping, medical facilities, and cultural activities. Agen, the departmental capital twenty minutes away, connects to Paris via TGV in under four hours, making weekend escapes feasible. Bordeaux airport lies ninety minutes north, offering direct flights throughout Europe and beyond. Bergerac and Toulouse airports provide additional international connections. This accessibility makes the property practical for international owners planning regular visits or managing rental operations.
The property presents in good condition, offering immediate enjoyment while allowing personalization over time. Stone construction ensures excellent thermal mass, staying cool in summer and retaining warmth in winter. The pigeonnier configuration creates rental potential through platforms targeting travelers seeking authentic French experiences. Southwest France attracts steady holiday demand, particularly from British, Dutch, and Belgian visitors seeking quieter alternatives to Provence or the Riviera. Properties offering pools, character features, and peaceful locations command premium rates during peak season.
Key Features: Four bedrooms across main house and pigeonnier providing flexible accommodation; Two full bathrooms supporting main house and guest quarters; 190 square meters of living space in good condition; Chapel ceiling in main sitting and dining area creating dramatic volume; Mezzanine level adding architectural interest and function; Independent pigeonnier with ground floor living area and first floor bedroom; Established gardens with mature plantings providing privacy; Dedicated vegetable patch for self-sufficient gardening; Tranquil pond adding naturalistic water feature; Swimming pool essential for summer enjoyment; Peaceful hamlet location five minutes from amenities; Stone construction offering authentic French country character; Potential for holiday rental income from pigeonnier; Access to Agen, Bordeaux, and regional airports within ninety minutes.
For international buyers, French property ownership follows established procedures. Notaire fees typically add seven percent to purchase price, covering legal work and registration. Foreign ownership carries no restrictions, though tax residency considerations merit professional advice. Annual property taxes remain moderate in rural areas, while utilities and maintenance costs stay reasonable. Many international owners establish French bank accounts for easier transaction management and utility payments.
This property offers more than a vacation home; it provides entry into a lifestyle shaped by agricultural rhythms, seasonal celebrations, and profound connection to place. Whether planning extended summer stays, establishing a rental business, or creating a future retirement base, this stone house with its historic pigeonnier and established gardens delivers authentic French country living at a price point that remains accessible. The combination of immediate usability, rental potential, and location near services while maintaining rural tranquility creates unusual value in today's market.
Contact Homestra today to arrange your private viewing of this Southwest France vacation property. Discover how life unfolds differently when measured by harvests rather than deadlines, when dinner conversations extend past midnight, and when your morning routine includes fresh croissants from the village bakery and afternoons by your own pool. This is the French country life you've imagined, waiting in a peaceful hamlet near Douzains.
