Sirepeche was built in the 17th Century by the Guiscard, lords of the castle at Grézels which is visible from the kitchen window. Sirepeche has been loved by four generations of an English family and their friends, initially as a home and latterly as a holiday home. It is a pocket of calm that serves both as a refuge and as a place of welcome, a base for active holidays, for relaxation and for celebrations. Sirepeche is in one of the most unknown corners of the valley, on top of a hill overlooking our own slice of paradise.
This beautiful private property with its own huge private pool and paddling pool for kids lies two hours north of Toulouse-Blagnac airport by car, around 40 minutes from Cahors and 5 minutes from the small village of Grézels. The Lot Valley is one of France’s hidden gems. A green, sunny corner of the south west, covered in a carpet of vineyards and ancient woodlands, studded with villages lifted from another age.
Attention: price outside the July/August period based on a max of 8 persons, if more persons: you pay 100,- euros pppw extra.
Inside
Bedrooms : 4 doubles/1twin/7bed dormitory/5 bathrooms (3 en suite). The very cosy and huge kitchen can be called modern and ideal for large groups as it has a 5 burner gas hob with 2 ovens, 2 x 12 place setting dishwashers, a large dining table and sitting area with huge fireplace. Extra sitting room and study area, beautiful covered terrace.
Outside
Overlooking the rolling hills and absolutely private, you will feel like a king in this wonderful garden, a hidden gem in the French country side. Feel at ease at your own private pool, or play a game in the private garden…
Environment
The Lot Valley is carpeted with vines and fields of sunflowers, studded with pretty villages and threaded with tiny, twisting country roads. The house sits at the southern end of the Causses de Quercy, an area covered with heathland, oak woodland and wildflower meadows - perfect for country walks and picnics. There is plenty of fun to be had: motorboating or kayaking on the Lot; markets for local produce, homeware or antiques; fishing; tennis…on rare rainy days there are castles to visit, museums, fortified churches and more besides.
If you prefer simple relaxation there is nothing better than to settle down in the bolet (a covered terrace unique to Quercy) or by the pool to drink a glass of local wine that can be bought by visiting any of the local vineyards. The house is very private (the nearest neighbour is more than 500m away) without feeling isolated. At the bottom of the hill is the tranquil hamlet of St Jean with its 12th Century chapel.
There are supermarkets in the towns of Puy l’Evêque and Prayssac just 15 minutes’ drive away for your shopping as well as the weekly markets in the villages around the area. You will also find numerous restaurants to suit all budgets, from the humble brasserie to haute cuisine.
Activities
Sirepeche is just ten minutes from the wonderful River Lot (you can see it from the kitchen window!) Each village on the river has a place from which you can hire kayaks, canoes and motorboats for an hour or half a day. Copeyre Quercyland in Puy l'Evêque is the closest one - 10 minutes’ drive from the house.
Cycling and running - The area is full of roads and paths, perfect for cycling and running. Take plenty of water and courage because the hills of the Causses de Quercy are not for the faint hearted!
There are golf courses all around the area, easily found and booked online.
