House in Soueich, Occitanie

Walking and cycling heaven, luxury barn in the Pyrenean foothills

Walking and cycling heaven, luxury barn in the Pyrenean foothills

Photo gallery for Walking and cycling heaven, luxury barn in the Pyrenean foothills

The barn showing front door on the left; the upper floor is bedroom/living space
Private entrance and little shady patio
Downstairs cosy sitting room,  cool in summer, warm in winter
Up the stairs..
Interior

Overview of Walking and cycling heaven, luxury barn in the Pyrenean foothills

Reviews
4.9 out of 5 Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4116 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tubHot tubHot tub
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer

Check out the area

Soueich, Occitanie
  • Popular LocationChapelle St. Jacques Contemporary Art Center14 min drive
  • Popular LocationStation du Mourtis32 min drive
  • Popular LocationBaqueira Beret Ski Resort100 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining Area

About this property

Walking and cycling heaven, luxury barn in the Pyrenean foothills

The main accommodation upstairs is a spacious and stylish loft-style apartment, renovated by an English decorator, furnished with an eclectic mix of English and French antiques and 'modern Bali', with modern kitchen and bathrooms. The whitewashed wooden floor is 95 square metres, and has a large open plan kitchen/ dining room and lounge with huge sofa, two round modern bamboo chairs, a comfy armchair and a wingchair. There's a nice big central dining table with 4 chairs and a large armoire full of crockery and glasses. It is lit by large windows and skylights under the lofty whitewashed beams, the skylights catching the sun all day. At one end, there is a smart kingsize/twin bedroom with airy ensuite bathroom comprising bath, loo and vanity basin, and at the other end a romantic French double sleigh-bed which has an ensuite bathroom comprising a large walk-in shower, loo and vanity basin. The whole project was lovingly converted. The curtains are handmade and interlined for a cosy feel.
The ground floor reception/studio of 35 sq m is an extra asset, having two armchairs, a big Thai-style chair, coffee tables, lamps, books, magazines and lots of maps and local info to study, a piano, and easels for painters are available, - making a 'snug' and makes a studio with excellent lighting. The state-of-the-art granule-burning stove is installed downstairs for a warm welcome. The heat will warm the whole apartment. The barn has its own front door, entrance gate, outside dining terrace, little morning coffee area, and open garage, and is at a respectable distance from the main house for a feeling of privacy. A washing machine and an extra fridge and a shared freezer are in the garage. Picnic boxes, umbrella, deckchairs are all available for a day out.

'This is 5 star accommodation, located on the doorstep of some of Europe's most stunning scenery. I can't recommend it enough. I rented the barn for an extended period and have loved every minute of it. It's paradise whether you are into outdoor pursuits such as skiing, cycling and hill walking or would rather take a more gentle approach and sit back on a terrace and enjoy some great food and wine. It has the perfect blend of being in rural French countryside to chill and relax but also being within an hour drive of so many great places. My highlights were: Baqueira, La Mongie and Peyragudes for skiing, multiple local Tour de France routes and cols for cycling and Balnéa spa for a day of relaxation and pampering. Aspet just up the road is fantastic on market days and for a coffee in the morning, with Pau, Lourdes, Foix and Mirepoix all great for sightseeing and a day out. If that all sounds too much effort then just chill at the barn which is even better than the pictures and description. It's a home from home with fantastic beds, shower, bath, wood burning stove, furnishings - you wont want to leave - I didn't! Finally, as I stayed for some time I can completely vouch for previous comments about the helpfulness and consideration of Jule who owns the barn. She found the perfect balance of being non intrusive whilst helping make my stay the best it possibly could be. Thanks :-)'

This is cycling, walking, skiing, motorbiking, flyfishing and horseriding heaven in the foothills of the Pyrénées. Artists and cooks will love it too. Some of the steepest climbs in the EU for roadbikes. Cols de Portet d'Aspet and Col de Menté @ 1349m - after a flat start, the mountains rise within 5km.
A lovely barn renovated to a high spec, in the centre of the village. Not too much traffic around here... The river runs peacefully through the village past the iconic church, which you can watch from the café on the bridge, and spot the trout.
The village sports an épicerie from which you can order your croissants or even a plat du jour, tennis court, gym and boules court. The mini supermarket Carrefour Express has a butchery and bakery, and most things you could want, 3km away in Aspet. The beautiful door to the Pyrénées is through Aspet with its view of the imposing Cagire mountain. Beyond lies the mountain range, up and over to Spain.

The accomm consists of 2 double bedrooms (one a twin/kingsize, and the other a double sleigh bed) with an ensuite bathroom each - one with a bath, and the other with a 145cm x 120cm shower. Between the two rooms is a large open plan kitchen/dining and sitting room. The kitchen is fully equipped, and lots of crockery and glasses are provided in a big armoire.
Downstairs at ground floor is a snug/studio/reading room/ sitting room with a relaxed space and granule woodburner- piano, comfy chairs, and handy space for coats and boots etc.
Out of the front door, across the smooth gravel courtyard, a small terrace provides a dining table, 4-6 chairs and umbrella. It is near the second fridge/freezer for keeping cold drinks and picnic stuff. Out of the front door to the right, there is a small brick-paved patio with little table and chairs, to choose between shade and sun; nice spot for morning coffee or breakfast. You have your own open garage which houses the extra fridge, the freezer (shared) and washing machine. Also provided are picnic boxes and umbrellas and deckchairs.
There is your own second gate, but it is also fine to do the in-out between the 2 gates, so no turning is needed. There is plenty of space for motorbikes and car and bicycles.
I have an upright bike with panier available for visits to the village shop for bread and croissants etc. Children's bikes can be borrowed from friends. The new ladies at L'Epicerie are making delicious takeaway meals weekdays to save slogging....
The pretty village of Soueich is in the lee of a higher plain, sheltered from wind. It is idyllically located on the river Ger amongst the gently rolling foothills of the Pyrenees before they rise up in Aspet to start the steep climb upwards over the mountains leading up and over to Spain via St Béat. The Cols de Menté (1349m), Larrieu (704m), des Ares (797m) and Portet d'Aspet (1069m), test the afiçionados of cycling, as they follow in the tracks of the heroes of the Tour de France in the spring, summer and autumn. In winter up till Easter, go up to the small sunny ski station of le Mourtis 40 minutes away for a little skiing and lovely lunch in the sun, and enjoy the wonderful winding road through banks of snow and rooftops blanketed with a metre of snow. The roads are all efficiently cleared of snow for cars. Carry on over the mountain for lunch in Spain and a bit of Spanish supermarket shopping. Within an hour you can be seated at your table for paella or tapas, and after a slow lunch and a bit of shopping, you can be home again way before dark.
For sporty people, there is so much to do; cycling, skiing, hiking, swimming in mountain lakes, horseriding, paragliding in the mountains, canoeing in the valleys, you name it.
For motorcyclists, you can roar round the mountain twists and turns without too much else on the road.
For horseriders, you can ride up the mountains with a guide.
For children, you can learn to ski at half the price of the Alps (it's a secret place).
For gourmets, there are markets and specialist shops selling all cuts of meat, only seasonal organic produce, chocolatiers, cheese and wine aisles in the supermarkets - even the yogurt counters - the abundance of quality is striking.
For shopaholics, there are some great boutiques in St Gaudens, a bit different (and I will draw a map).
For painters and writers, it is an inspiration of light and landscape; encompassing lakes in emerald green, skies of azure, mountains of cadmium yellow and green and fields full of cows in their every variety.
For nature lovers and bird watchers, there are birds both small and enormous, some circling in the thermals, and some twittering in the nut trees.
The summer is hot, the winter is cold, the autumn is beautiful, spring can be
changeable. The hills are green and the rivers sing and rush, and the cows all match in the fields. The farmers go up and down the lane with old tractors looking after their stock.

The area is central for the exploration of Lourdes, the beautiful cities of Toulouse and Pau, Foix and Carcassonne. Both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coasts are equidistant. There are mediaeval villages, cathedrals, rivers, caves - and markets in towns almost every day with organic produce within 5 to 40km. A LeClerc giant supermarket in St Gaudens tempts with cheeses, fishcounter, butcher, vegetables and fruits all proudly, colourfully and reverently displayed.
Summer provides lovely picnic areas next to rivers and in the mountains, walking through the endless forests and drinking from the mountain streams. There are lakes and fishing, cayakking, rafting, paragliding...all manner of activities in this pure air.


The village has a Café on the bridge, serving amazing pizza and very 'happening' at weekends, Post Office and an Epicerie to pre-order your croissants and have a coffee. 2km away is a Carrefour Express which has a surprising array of necessities, open 8 to 8'ish. 3km away is Aspet which is a gorgeous place for coffee, a market on Wednesday and Saturday, and a crystal view of the Cagire mountain on a sunny day.
Nearby St Gaudens has a great market on Thursday and the town buzzes. Book for lunch somewhere while you finish your wanderings. There are some great boutiques and quirky shops if you look hard or get a map from me. Banks and cycle shops, hairdressers etc.
I have a big list of restaurants, smart or otherwise, including a Michelin star hotel with flashy designer furnishings, a busy Lebanese, a divine Sushi place, and good old French country fare...
But really this place is about fresh clean air in a tranquil village set in farmland, rolling hills and majestic mountains, a great place to relax and get away from it all.

Property manager

Julia Fost
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, German, Spanish

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 8:00 AM
Check out before 5:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
We allow ages from 8 upwards because of the stairs

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: less than 22 lb per pet (limit one pet total)
Not allowed on the furniture, & his bed downstairs

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Can smoke outside?!
no hitting your head on the beam! and not too much noise outside after 11pm

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Soueich

Located in Soueich, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Comminges Golf and Station du Mourtis are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Cardeilhac Arboretum and Caves of Gargas. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging.

What's nearby

  • Chapelle St. Jacques Contemporary Art Center - 14 min drive
  • Musee de Saint-Frajou - 14 min drive
  • Station du Mourtis - 32 min drive
  • Peyragudes - 56 min drive
  • Baqueira Beret Ski Resort - 100 min drive

Getting around

  • Saint-Gaudens Station - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's - 13 min drive
  • Café Français - 6 min drive
  • KFC - 14 min drive
  • L'Entre 2 Mers - 14 min drive
  • Bamard Jean-Pierre - 11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Walking and cycling heaven, luxury barn in the Pyrenean foothills pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 22 lb per pet.

What time is check-in at Walking and cycling heaven, luxury barn in the Pyrenean foothills?

Check-in begins at 8:00 AM.

What time is check-out at Walking and cycling heaven, luxury barn in the Pyrenean foothills?

Checkout is at 5:00 PM.

Where is Walking and cycling heaven, luxury barn in the Pyrenean foothills located?

Situated on the riverfront, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Church of St. Pierre and St. Gaudens, Chapelle St. Jacques Contemporary Art Center and Musee de Saint-Frajou. Barbazan Casino and Saint-Christophe-des-Templiers Church are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

4.9

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 5 - Excellent. 43 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Good. 5 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 3 - Okay. 1 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Poor. 0 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 1 - Terrible. 0 out of 49 reviews" "

4.8/5

Cleanliness

5/5

Amenities

5/5

Property conditions & facilities

5/5

Check-in

4.9/5

Communication

4.8/5

Location

4.9/5

Listing accuracy

Reviews

5/5 Excellent

Tessa D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Soueich Stay
This is a fabulous property in a wonderful little village south of Toulouse. Jule is a great host and we followed many of her tips of where to visit nearby. The property is beautifully furnished and very comfirtable. We were attending a wedding at the Chateau de Saint Martory approximately 20kns away and would certainly recommend Jule's place as an accommodation option.

5/5 Excellent

sylvie b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Week-end
Un tres joli lieu, un acceuil sympathique. Nous avons fait rando et vélo. Je recommande
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

5/5 Excellent

Olivier M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
MERVEILLEUX !
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour, Julia est une hôte forlidable, pleine de petites attebtions très appréciées ! La région est magnifique, ce qui complète le tableau. Je recommande vivement ! Merci Julia pour votre gentillesse.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

5/5 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Parfait
Très agréable
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

5/5 Excellent

Aurélien G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
De très bonnes vacances
Malgré une météo mitigée, nous avons passé de très bonnes vacances en famille dans un gîte agréable et fonctionnel avec une hôte discrète et très sympathique. Les enfants ont bien aimé la maison et l'ont trouvé très belle.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Julia Fost

Host profile image
I'm Julia and I bought the house for holidays, but am still here 9 years later... and it has become home. Now I've converted and renovated the tumbledown barn for overspill from the main house when friends and family from England and South Africa arrive, and I am happy to share it with other visitors for the rest of the year. I spend a lot of time here enjoying the tranquillity of the village and the overwhelming beauty of the mountains after a hectic life as a decorator in London and Durban. I am on site for practical tips and local advice on where to go and things to do, so don't hesitate to ask.

Why they chose this property

Mountains and forests and rivers are the antidote to modern western life. The pure air and delicious water, silence and serenity, stars at night instead of pollution, friendly people in a pretty village; easy access to trains and airports so not cut off! Hop across the mountains to Spain for a change of scenery.
A slice of paradise for me, and I hope for you.

What makes this property unique

All mod cons in the converted barn whilst living in a very rural laid-back little old-fashioned village. Close to mountains and central for exploring the Pyrenees.
Great place to refresh the soul and relax, amongst the hills and rivers overlooked by the snow-encrusted mountains.
Tour de France aficionados love it, of course, but so do lazier souls who appreciate the cowbells and church bells.
The sky is vast and blue most of the year after February. The summers can be hot and the days long. The stars are a miracle of dazzling clarity.
Centrally located near the border between France and Spain, it is an easy day trip for lunch to another culture, and home for tea!

Languages:

English, French, German, Spanish

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