The Meadows House

Equal Parts Past and Present

There's something about the striking contrast of dark and light along with the graphic nature of designer Kate Hume's compositions that give this vacation home rental in France a tactile sense of texture, mood and modern savvy. It's a seamless adaptation of a historic residence that is equal parts past and present. 

Situated on over 30 acres on the grounds of a 17th-century estate in Lot (Quercy Blanc), this vacation home rental in France is a stylish and sophisticated translation of a historic property. Surrounded by rolling meadows with gorgeous uninterrupted views across the countryside, the guesthouse is a private companion retreat adjacent to the maison du maitre.

Featured in Cote Sud and many international design magazines, the property was discovered and restored by an Amsterdam-based interior designer and her partner, whose work includes elegant residential projects around the world along with a handcrafted collection of original and innovative furnishings and lighting. 

Like the main house, the guest house has been restored with a careful respect for its historic character that balances a luxurious sophistication with a casual sense of ease. Laid out over one floor, the house includes a living room with double-height timbered ceilings, a wood-burning stove and a large kitchen with an eat-in dining area that seats four and a south-facing terrace. 

The locally quarried limestone walls, oak parquet floors and rustic aspects of the original house are nicely balanced with Hume's eclectic and tasteful decor and finely-tuned interiors that bridge the old and new. There are two en-suite bedrooms that can sleep up to four, with a nice rolltop bath in one for soaking. There's also a separate lounge that can double as an extra bedroom.

Outside, the 200-year-old boxwood hedge leads to a private saltwater pool with decks for lounging and grassy lawns that flow into open meadows that surround the house.

The main house is also available to rent and can be rented together with the guest house to accommodate up to 14 guests.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Wifi throughout, kitchen and bath essentials, housekeeping, parking.

AROUND

The Quercy Blanc region in the Lot department is one of those idyllic places in France that has been left largely unspoiled by development and tourism and remains much as it has for centuries. Centered around country life, the area is steeped in medieval history among rolling countryside and picturesque villages. 

Located in the Midi-Pyrenees, the area is predominantly rural and agricultural and is dispersed among the region's limestone plateux, fertile valleys and winding rivers. The region's capital of Cahors is situated along the river Lot, surrounded by hills just a half hour from the house. 

A  city of ancient settlements, Renaissance and medieval architecture, the town is divided by the old town in the east and the newer parts in the west with its landmark Pont de Valentré along the U-shaped river. Toulouse lies just over an hour south through the passes of the Pyrenees, and to the north west following the line of the river, is Bordeaux. 

The wild and beautiful Causses and the foothills of the Massif Central are to the east. The charming town of Montcuq is a short drive with its vibrant weekly street market and wine region. 

LOCATION

Lot, Quercy Blanc, France. Nearest Airport: Toulouse Blagnac (1.5 hr), Bergerac (1 hr)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall