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La Borie du Fourquet, Gourdon, Lot (département 46), France ~ a study in
Nature and Landscape, A place for a restful holiday for one or two couples. This ancient house, once a farmstead, belongs to Brian and Helen Cave. The origin of the site may well be a watch tower on the outlying border of the town of Gourdon. Close by, there is a direct view to the town which is about 4 km. away. Such towers were built in the 14th century to keep an eye open for the troops of marauding companies generally described as les anglais. During the Hundred Year’s war between England and France, the English paid bands of mercenaries to fight for them. As the long drawn out war drew to an end (1453), these bands became bandits and their pillaging was if possible worse than before. The building would have been extended and became a farmstead known as une borie, that is to say a beef farm. The name of the District is the Bouriane and the name is said to derive from the idea of the cattle farms. As time went on the landscape developed with vines and sheep. Cattle are now rare. The landscape consists of small fields amongst undulating hills enfolded between many woods. It is particularly rich in wild orchids but you should read the attached link on ‘natural history’ to discover more. We enjoy studying the natural life and the landscape history and from this are developed short articles which you will find through an attached link. Brian’s botanical knowledge has an outlet in leading a small group of interested French people in discovering the plants of the district. One of our daughters ( and ex- maths teacher) has come to live nearby and is developing our land partially for the production of ‘cut-flowers’ for commerce. We have an apartment available for paying guests. You can find the charges given in a link at the bottom of this page. The prime purpose of the apartment was originally for the use of our three daughters and their families and friends. Now, we welcome paying guests. The apartment is on the first floor of the house adjacent to our home, with its own separate entrances. Our garage and a cave (various utility rooms) are beneath it. If you otherwise wish to stay elsewhere in the area then there is an attached link to the local tourist sites or we can advise you where to look, or of course, we would be delighted to accommodate you and help you have a peaceful holiday -- particularly if you have a interest in Natural History, Landscape History or gentle pursuits such as walking or painting.. You can link below to pictures of our guest accommodation. The main bedroom has a king sized bed, sitting room, bathroom with lavatory, and kitchen. A further lavatory is available in the 'cave' below. It is centrally heated. The apartment has its own private terrace. It overlooks our land and the countryside beyond towards the setting sun. Another private sitting area is under an arbour of trees on the south side. On the top floor there is a large second bedroom with a normal double bed and an adjacent salle d'eau. The kitchen has a ceramic hob, integrated oven, dishwasher and fridge with a small freezer compartment. Visiting friends are invited to use by informal arrangement, our clothes washing machine. This is located in the cave below the accommodation. You can see pictures of the interior by clicking here
See other pictures of the house and surroundings by clicking on the picture below.
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nature notes | location & natural history | about Gourdon |
