Farmhouse Holiday Rental, in Les Arques, Lot, France, Bel Arbre

A beautiful farmhouse with salt water pool, tennis court and stunning valley views. near Cazals, Lot, Midi Pyrenees

Sleeps 11 + 2 cots, 5 bedrooms. Farmhouse, with it own pool and tennis court, and stunning views across the valley. This delightful house is a much loved family home, set in a wonderful position, facing south, sitting amongst forty acres of its own fields, woods, and fruit trees.


Situated about 25k northwest of Cahors, and 6K from the attractive little town of Cazals, Bel Arbre is a little piece of heaven with its own, very special tranquility. It is welcoming at every season, each of which is different and delightful. The area is rich in both history, and local produce (which is abundant in local markets). It is close to Les Arques, with its restaurant La Recreation, made famous by the recent book From Here You Can’t See Paris. Close by, at Pomarede, Chez Jeanne still does an excellent five course lunch, including wine, for €13.

Set on a hill, the ground slopes away to the floor of a valley to the south, meaning that from the pool and the house, there are incredible views. Surrounded by barns and 40acres of its own woods, it is very private with plenty of space for games, wildlife spotting, walks full of wildflowers and undisturbed relaxing. By night, being up high and so far from any light pollution the Milky Way covers the sky.

The farmhouse was converted from two adjoining houses. One great advantage is that two families can live there together, but with a degree of separation, with their own bathrooms and kitchens.

An old bakehouse overlooks the pool and has been converted to provide a barbeque and dining area. The long table and benches are extremely convivial, and wonderfully shaded when the midday sun is at its hottest. It also catches the last rays of the setting sun, as it sinks amongst the pine trees.

There is private all weather tennis court close to the house, tucked behind one of the barns. The swimming pool is 11 x 5 meters, and has a springboard. It is surrounded by a childproof safety fence to comply with French regulations (and keep kids safe).

Outside the wide terrace is paved with terracotta tiles. The old bakehouse and terrace surrounding the pool are well lit at night. There is an all weather table tennis table in the courtyard, where you can also play boules (supplied).

There is a small sandpit for children, and two bicycles for adults. Plenty of mown grassy space surrounds the house, and several paths lead in different directions from the garden to the fields and woods. There is a large courtyard with extensive barns, including an open barn for covered parking.


The spacious kitchen/dining room has a large convivial refectory table, is well equipped including a microwave and dishwasher. There is a small laundry room with a washing machine and tumble drier. There's also a separate cloakroom and WC.
The kitchen and dining room look through an open plan fireplace