The old "porcherie" is a stunning gîte conversion of a former stone-built barn. The conversion, completed in 2016, has resulted in a contemporary, stylish look and feel, whilst retaining original stonework, wooden beams and feature windows. The two large bedrooms each have a double or kingsize bed, as well as a small single bed (80x190) if required. Both bedrooms have their own shower room with toilet and basin.

The open-plan kitchen/living space comprises an island with a gas hob and electric oven, plus four bar stools. The kitchen is also equipped with a large fridge-freezer, dishwasher and all the kitchen tools and utensils to satisfy the keenest cooks. I ensure that there are plenty of plates, cutlery and glasses.

A comfortable sofa and armchairs provide space to relax out of the sun, to chill out with a book or movie. A DVD player (along with a selection of DVD's) is available along with Wi-Fi to keep you in touch with the world.

Large folding doors open onto the al-fresco dining terrace with its shade sail giving relief from the midday sun.

The large open garden is mainly a grassed area with a patch where we grow summer vegetables. The large oak tree provides a nice shaded area to lie in the hammock and dream away the afternoon.

When the heat gets up, you can simply cool off or take a serious swim in the lap pool, which is 13x3m and 1.35m deep.

There is plenty of parking for several cars and a well-equipped workshop should you feel the need to tinker.

The gîte is surrounded by open countryside and there are numerous walks directly from the front door. If you rise early in the morning, you catch wild deer and hares grazing in the fields, and there are always birds of prey and smaller species to be found in the fields and woodland around the property.

The award-winning historic town of Cordes-sur-Ciel is a 30-minute walk, 10-min bike ride or 5-min car trip away. Cordes has a busy Saturday market and night markets during July and August. Many of the local vineyards also have "apéro-concerts" during the peak season.