Tarbes, Midi-Pyrénées 65000

Close to Tarbes and the PyreneesStunning Manoir set in 7.7 hectaresClose to Tarbes and the PyreneesOVERVIEWFilled with light, joyful sculptures and artworks, this property is a tribute to the owner, who has created a delightful and playful space over 20 years of ownership.The property is really a world of its own, as it comprises a large and well-proportioned manor house, an attractive pool with great views and a pool house (with room to create a guest cottage if desired), a huge barn which has been partially renovated as an office space, and 4 horse boxes. All of this is set in 7.7 hectares of gardens, paddocks and fields.There are lovely, far-reaching views across rolling hills and on the right day to the Pyrenees.THE PARKThere are two entrances to the property first, an electric gate gives access to a stunning alley of plane trees leading up past paddocks to the main park of the property.There is a second entrance, behind a tall wall that affords privacy from the other properties in the hamlet, also accessed by electric gates.Both access points open out to the lawns facing the house, where the owners lovely and gentle donkey watches over the quirky statues, installed in different areas of the gardens. He can drink from a convenient fountain opposite the kitchen patio, and there are plenty of places to take shelter if the sun is too bright.THE Main HOUSEThis property has a long and interesting history among other things, it was used as housing for Spanish refugees during the Spanish Civil War.Today it is an exuberant and elegant family home that offers a very high quality of life, surrounded by nature and entirely private.Once we pass the entrance gate between high walls, we enter a private world where magic and charm peek at us from every corner.Ground floorStone steps lead up to the front door and we enter a spacious entrance hall , where we find high ceilings, an elegant staircase with carved wooden railings and attractive marble flooring.We are immediately met by a burst of joyful colour, and this theme continues throughout the house there are sculptures and paintings everywhere, many of which feature horses, a particular love of the owner.On the left-hand side of the hallway, we come to the living room, and while the eye is immediately drawn to the full-sized horse and rider sculpture in one corner, we are also charmed by the three large, dual aspect windows which flood the room with light and afford lovely views over the park.There is a large stone fireplace here, which is not used by the owner as it is closed, but which makes an interesting focal point for the room.To the right of the hallway is a large dining room, painted in bright yellow and featuring a life-sized horse sculpture. The current owner does not use this room as a dining room, preferring to host in the kitchen beyond. As in so many homes, the kitchen is the heart of this house and the owner is often to be found here, while his three gorgeous dogs guard him from the patio outside and his tame donkey leans over the terrace, observing his every move.There is a huge working fireplace here, three large windows as well as an extensive kitchen island, making this an ideal place for a serious cook to get to work.Whilst the kitchen offers every built-in amenity, it is supplemented by a back kitchen, that is larger in itself than most houses kitchens! Here, herbs from the garden hang amid large clay pots, echoing an earlier time when these were used for storage. This is a great space to make jam or prepare and store meals for holiday feasts.Back in the hall and behind the living room, is a very private ground floor bedroom with shower room, separate Wc, and access to the garden. This could be an excellent place for elderly parents to stay, or even a guest bedroom that would afford privacy and independence.Also on the ground floor is a further large laundry room, a Wc, and a big boiler room with a lovely kofen pellet-fired furnace which does a fantastic job of hea