The Studio and Grenier apartments are both within the grand house of Hôtel de Gensac. Built around 1735 this 'hôtel particulier' (private mansion) is one of the historic and architecturally important houses of the town. During the Hundred Years' War, King Edward III installed his son as the administrator of this region of France. Known later by the sobriquet 'The Black Prince', the ruins of his palace chapel still remain as part of the mansion's fabric, helping to warrant its inclusion on one of the town's historic-sites walks. The Studio's separate bedroom sleeps two comfortably. The tastefully tiled bathroom contains double basins, shower, WC and heated towel rail. A living area accommodates two comfortably, with a well-equipped kitchenette and eating area. Folding glazed doors open onto a tiled patio, making a very useful and attractive outdoor area for relaxing and dining. The Studio apartment is accessed from the patio which is itself accessed via a gate opening onto La Petite Rue Hotel de Ville. The patio is a private communal area for the apartments. Our private 6m x 12m pool and the pool area is available to guests between 10am (10:00hrs) and 6pm (18:00hrs). Le Grenier apartment has been converted above the original stabling and covered carriage areas and is separated from the main house by a cobbled passageway. Access was by a stone staircase but has been replaced by a staircase with its doorway opening onto the communal courtyard. Le Grenier has its own separate entrance off the communal patio. A spacious living area with separate kitchen leads to the bedroom with two single beds and ensuite bathroom.

Having retired from my Veterinary Practice in southern England, we decided to move to a warmer, less frenetic France. Many visits, much research and thousands of kilometers later we bought and moved into a large, 17th century house in the centre of the small town of Condom in the Gers, the very heart of Gascony. Since 2007 we have renovated the house, and established within its walls two apartments for rental as holiday accommodation. Although used to country life in England, we now appreciate the convenience of living in this small town with all shops and amenities a short walk away. Life revolves around enjoying the stunning surrounding countryside, visiting ancient villages and towns steeped in history, gardening, dog walking, and entertaining family and friends in this idyllic situation with its continental climate.

Leave the apartment by its secure private gate and you are at once in the typically Gascon town of Condom - rich in history, ancient buildings, museums and Roman artefacts. It is dominated by the magnificent cathedral of Saint-Pierre and dissected by the River Baîse, still with the quays once used to load barges with Armagnac brandy en route to Bordeaux. Restaurants and cafes abound to suit all tastes and pockets. Good shops and a twice-weekly market are very close by for all self-catering needs. The Armagnac Museum and Musee du Preservatif are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Centre de Loisirs Aqualudiques and Lud'O Parc. Iriseraie de Papon and Nature et Paysages - Le Jardin Carnivore are also worth visiting. Just outside the town lies the beautiful countryside of The Gers - the very heart of Gascony. No suburbs, no industry, just gently rolling, well farmed fields and woodland interspersed with Bastide villages, fortified towns, ancient religious buildings, Chateaux and Gallo-Roman sites. They are all there to be savoured and enjoyed by those with an interest in history and a love and appreciation of countryside, culture, architecture, good eating and, above all, a joie de vivre!