Maison Acanthe: spacious, character farmhouse with private pool, near Madiran

This is a 'get away from it all' holiday location. The house is on the edge of Quartier Bidos, a small hamlet of 8 houses. It is part of the commune of Saint-Lanne in the most northern region of the Hautes-Pyrénées. There is ample living space including a living room which has been converted from the adjoining Chai (wine store) and has a high, vaulted ceiling and original beams and a beautiful open plan kitchen which looks out onto the dining area by the large inglenook fireplace. There is a 12 metre x 5 metre pool with Roman steps at the bottom of the 3/4 acre garden which is visible from the house and the terraces with an electric pool cover to help keep the water temperature just right for you. Here you can sit, drink in hand at the end of the day and watch the sun go down and nothing will disturb your peace at night but the sounds of nature - a nocturnal chorus of owls, crickets and frogs. There is also a covered terrace for eating outside with uninterrupted views east of the vineyards and south of the mountains and a smaller terrace both overlooking the garden. This is a deeply rural area so expect to drive through acres of vineyards and sunflowers on your way to the shops. A car is essential.