The property comprises 3 separate outbuildings. A traditional stone farmhouse in an old stone barn and the chapel which has been converted into housing. It would appear that the origin of the converted chapel dates back to the 13th century. Originally much larger, this relic was used as a garage and shed by the former owner until its complete renovation and transformation.
The name 'La Fondouce' is an abbreviation of 'la fontaine douce', meaning 'soft spring'. Indeed, on the property is a permanent well whose history is unknown. According to locals, "this fountain would have always existed...". (You can see it on one of the photos.) It is likely that this spring at the edge of a town road was used for watering horses and passers of the time.
This former farmhouse is located 5km from Cancon and 8km from Monflanquin (Lot et Garonne), one of the most beautiful bastides in France. Here, you will find all necessary amenities, supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants, pharmacies, service stations etc.
The place is extremely quiet, no thoroughfares nearby. 5km away you will find the Lougratte lake, beautifully landscaped with its white sandy beach and lifeguarded swimming.
La Chapelle is on two levels. On the ground floor is the living room, kitchen/dining room and a separate WC with hand basin. Upstairs are two bedrooms and a bathroom (with bath) and toilet. The plot is large (2 hectares) and private garden with many native species.
On the ground floor you will find a comfortable living area with meter-thick walls which keep the interior cool during the hottest periods in summer. Conversely, these walls act as natural insulation during winter. Oak beams are exposed and support the chestnut floor of the upstairs bedrooms. An imposing oak staircase located in the living room takes you to the bedrooms and bathroom located upstairs. L-shaped settee that adorns the living will certainly live up to your precious moments of rest, or watching your favorite program on the flat screen or just for post-lunch sieste.
Whether to snack or experiment, take the path under the stone vault to the kitchen and dining room. Share good times at the table in front of the large sliding window that allows you to enjoy a beautiful view of the garden and Cluzelou Valley or sit back on the adjacent terrace while enjoying the regional wines. An inset sink under an arch and a separate toilet complement the ground floor.
Upstairs there are two bright and airy bedrooms and a bathroom with tub and toilet. The first bedroom has a double bed (queen) and the other, larger room can accommodate up to 3 people with a double bed (queen) and a daybed. The comfortable bedding will guarantee quality rest.
Outside the chapel, there are two terraces, one to the east and the other to the west of the building. Both terraces differ for their respective atmosphere as well as their different perspectives, which will provide a cool place in the shade to sit and rest any time of the day.
The chapel is built on a ridge as was the custom at the time, allowing an incredible view of the Cluzelou Valley and its surroundings. The landscaped garden will delight little ones who can play hide and seek behind the many trees.
The property is located in the north of the Lot and Garonne, the French department which has the most bastides, forty-two in total of the 300-500 spread over fourteen departments in France. The bastides are little townships that have been built between the year 1222 and 1373 with a very typical architecture with a central square with perpendicular axes and a generally square or rectangular geometry of Aquitaine style. The best examples of this architecture are the towns of Monflanquin, Monpazier, Eymet, Villereal and Issigeac - all located very close to the Fondouce.
There are many activities for children, the best family activity nearby: swimming in Lougratte (5km) with diving board, slide, pedal boats, canoes, fishing, beach-volleyball, fitness trail, playground games for children, refreshments, picnic areas and shaded parking .... , Walibi amusement park / Agen (50km), Parc-en-ciel / Tree & Swimming / Lacapelle-Biron (20km), Canoeing-Kayaking the Sauvetat du dropt Dropt (35km) Club Nature Évasion (natural climbing site, abseiling, archery on target or path, canoe rental and kayak without accompaniment. All levels and ages.) In Gavaudun (20km) and more ... Golf 9 & 18 holes (9km) closest. hiking, equestrian center (4km), Fishing and small quiet roads will delight riders of all kinds. For fitness and relaxation is Monforme in Monflanquin / 8km) with heated pool, sauna and hammam.
Things to enjoy and visit in the resort:
Food and wine: Bergerac, Buzet is the closest vineyard. In terms of gastronomy, the local markets are your go-to. There are as many as days of the week, as well as themes and villages. The Villereal market has not ceased to exist every Saturday morning in 700 years!
Museums: Palissy Museum, Museum of Sauveterre, museum Mill Rouzique.
Castles: Château de Biron, Bonaguil Castle, Castle Mombazillac, Lanquais Castle, Château de Gavaudun, Castelnaud ... Among many others.
Caves and grottos: Grottes de Frontignac, Grotte de Frontirou, Grotte de Lastournelle, Gouffre de Proumeyssac, Grotte de Lascaux…
Parks and gardens: Jardins des Nenuphars Latour-Marliac, le jardin de la Bourlie, la Bambouseraie de Plant Buisson, les Jardins d’Eyrignac…
