Marcoux' hilltop can be seen from miles around. The main house was originally a 13th century château-fort. Its walls are constructed of the massive creamy stone characteristic of the Quercy region. Spy holes and arrow slits sound distant echoes of its military origins. The building has been modified and "domesticated" down the ages. Today, though Marcoux still gives a feeling of strength and solidity, the main two-story square structure conveys domestic tranquillity rather than its former warlike aspects. Marcoux was completely restored between 1999 and 2002 - under the guidance of an architect expert in ancient houses of regional style - emphasising its magnificent stone walls, fireplaces and other original features, but insisting on all modern comforts. The result is a combination of medieval simplicity, extreme, if informal, comfort, and ease of use. The metre thick walls serve to keep it cool in summer and warm in winter. Marcoux consists of three principal buildings. The main house has four reception rooms on the ground floor and four double bedrooms upstairs with generous bath and shower rooms. The pigeonnier next to the main house has a salon and bathroom downstairs and a double bedroom upstairs. Beneath the pigeonnier a large cave voutée provides space for the younger generation to relax and let off steam (ping pong, TV, video, hi-fi etc.): this opens directly onto the pool. Beyond the walled garden an annexe provides another double bedroom with its own shower, wash basin and separate w-c. The rooms are furnished with a combination of French and oriental antiques and seriously comfy modern sofas and beds. Partially shaded, terra-cotta tiled terraces, lawns, trees and shrubs surround the three buildings and the large sheltered swimming pool, with its own lovely view. Between the main house and the annexe, there is a herb and flower garden whose walls once supported another large building. On one side of the house a large field is being made into a wild flower garden. On the other three sides the ground falls away steeply and is covered by oak woods down through which paths have been cut. There are two hermits' grottes in the rocks below the house. For more photos and price details please e-mail us (see below).