4 Bedroom Farmhouse in Anduze

On the edge of the historic hamlet Le Trial, this 200-year-old completely renovated house has sweeping views of the surrounding hillside and the 11th century Chateau de Tornac. The outdoor terrace overlooks a 12-metre-long swimming pool lying in an enclosed garden filled with 18 table grape vines and numerous fruit and nut trees: apricot, plum, fig, cherry, mulberry, walnut, chestnut and almond. (Please feel free to request additional pictures.) 
 
Le Trial is the oldest hamlet in Tornac, a commune established during Gallic Roman times and whose name means the tower of the castle. During the Middle Ages, this hamlet served as the living quarters for feudal serfs of the nearby chateau who worked in the gardens, vineyards and fields. It acquired its name Le Trial because this is where the triage took place to spare or slaughter the sheep. The Romans occupied this area at the foothills of the Cevennes Mountains until the fifth century. It later became the site of numerous skirmishes during the wars of religion in the late 17th - 18th century. Shots from the Battle of La Madeleine during World War II between the French resistance and the Nazis still scar the walls just opposite the house. 
 
With its large enclosed garden, swimming pool, and terrace in the shadow of the chateau, the house is an ideal vacation home. Hikes to the chateau, the nearby 7th century monastery and Romanesque church, pristine rivers and forest are minutes from the front door. The house feels as if it is lost in the rural hinterlands with only birdsong and the occasional rustling of leaves disturbing its serenity. Yet the charming market town of Anduze with its grocery stores, restaurants, shops, pharmacies and other necessities is only five minutes away. 
 
The house has been renovated to the highest standards while retaining its rustic charm. It is furnished in an eclectic style combining French country furniture with African and Latin American artefacts. The bathrooms are spacious and modern, yet its surfaces are covered in local, antique handmade tiles.  
 
The east-west facing ground level is completely open plan and full of sunshine. It includes a living room equipped with English satellite television as well as French television, a DVD player and stereo equipment. The kitchen is the heart of this level and is fully equipped with all the modern conveniences: oven, gas hob, dishwasher, microwave, kettle, and all the cooking utensils, dishware and flatware you will need. The dining room has a large round table and its wide French doors open seamlessly onto the outdoor terrace. Also equipped with table and chairs, the terrace looks out onto the garden, pool, hillside and chateau. In the summer it is the ideal place for alfresco breakfast, lunch and dinner. A barbecue is available. 
 
A staircase off the living room leads to the sleeping quarters on the next two levels. The middle level consists of the master bedroom which overlooks the garden and pool. It has an en-suite bathroom which includes a laboratory sink, and a walk-in shower. The separate toilet also includes the laundry facilities. This middle floor also includes a guest toilet that is completely independent of the master bedroom. 
 
The third level includes three bedrooms, a complete bathroom as well as a separate toilet. Two of the bedrooms are furnished with double beds and the third bedroom has twin beds. Each bedroom has lovely views facing either east, south or west. The bathroom on this level is quite generous with a long counter, equipped with kettle, coffee, tea, and mugs. The bath/shower looks onto the nearby mountains.  

Located at the foothill of the Cevennes, this area is bursting with wild beauty, history and culture. The medieval market town of Anduze, five minutes away, was once a stronghold of the Knights Templar. It is still famous for its pottery which graces the gardens of Versailles. Nearby is the Bambouseraie, a forest of 150 varieties of bamboo trees established in the 19th century. Visit the Musee de Desert and learn all about the Protestant rebellion. Hike into the nearby hills, carpeted in heather and thyme, and discover the haunts of the Huguenots. Follow in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson, rent a donkey and visit the Cevennes National Park. Meander the elegant streets of Uzes, 45 minutes away, or canoe underneath the Pont du Gard, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The local wine cooperative which devotes half of its hectares to producing organic wine is also worth a visit. It offers tours in the summer.

Tennis courts and horse, donkey and bicycle rentals are nearby The Mediterranean beaches, Montpellier and the sand dunes of the Camargue, home to bulls, wild, white horses and pink flamingos, are an hour-and-a-half away. Marseilles is two hours away. Art lovers can visit nearby Arles, Avignon and Nimes and view the same landscapes painted by Van Gogh, Gauguin and Cezanne. Golfing is also available.Golfing is also available.