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Outside

Au Chicot is approached along a gravel drive, bordered by a laurel hedge. To the left is the little orchard (plum, apple and cherry trees). There is plenty of space to park cars, (or play boules) in front of the house.

The property is L-shaped. To the rear is the terrace, where you can eat in the sun (table seats 8), and across the lawn beyond stands a huge, ancient 'hangar', or open barn. This, too, has been restored to create a super covered area close to the pool, and has a cupboard for storing the table tennis equipment, boules set and outdoor furniture.

On the far side, trees offer dappled shade. Just down a little slope from the hangar, and 30 metres from the house, is the 5m x 11m swimming pool, heated to a comfortable 27°. It has Roman steps, underwater lighting and a large tiled area for sun loungers. The pool is fitted with a sturdy electronic key-operated "shutter" style cover, to conform with French safety regulations whilst preserving the beauty of its setting.