Glorious house in Gascony that sleeps 18

Over the past ten years, this charming chateau in Gers (Gascony) has undergone considerable renovation under the stewardship of its British owners. The project has involved a comprehensive redesign and landscaping of the grounds.

The house has is currently let for exclusive holidays; guests are charged $14,000 for a week's stay with a chef on hand to do all the cooking.

Ideal for budding chefs, kitchen is of an extremely high quality, including a large open cooking fire, twin oves, all the latest gadgets including an espresso machine. Just outside the kitchen door is a magnificent herb garden.

During the summer months, the sun doesn't set until 10.30 enabling owners to make the most of the tennis court. And, while the French are not known for their interest in golf, the South West, with its historic English association, caught the golf bug many years ago and the local course is a twenty minute drive at Mont de Marsan. The Pau Golf Club, which claims to be the oldest in Europe ouside of the UK and Ireland is a 45-minute drive.

Sales agent Jonathan Pugh of Jonathan Charles says: 'This elegant property is architecturally unique and has been tastefully and imaginatively restored offering a high level of comfort with extensive accommodation, all en-suite. It is a wonderful place to entertain in a beautiful and peaceful location. Ideally located for easy access to the Atlantic coast, the mountains and ski resorts.'

Guide price: €2.4m through Jonathan Charles; +33 609 72 37 04