The Old School House is just on the edge of the hilltop village of Pujols. Until about 20 years ago, it was the main village school, and it had a girls school and a boys school. The girls school is on the left of the main entrance, and has sat un-occupied and un-developed . . . . ready for someone to develop and to love. In was eventually bought by a French couple in Spring 2012.
The Boys School was converted to a home some 10 years ago, although one of the old classrooms reamins much "as was", and is a great project
for the future. . . .
Meanwhile, this photo shows the approach to the Schoolhouse from the North East. The Abbey is immediately off the picture, just to the right. Clearly visible in the centre of the picture are the double wooden gates (which lead into the Pool Courtyard).
The front entrance of The Old School House leads into a double lobby, and then into the main lounge.
Oh, we nearly forgot to mention the pool. And yet it seems to have become the focual point of each wonderful day in Aquitaine. Plunge in here . . . .
Whilst this page is all about the outside of the house, the thing we keep coming back to is the VIEWS.
It would be easy to spend all day, every day, just staring out the window at the ever-changing panorama as the vineyards tone with the light of the day, and the weather plays out across the sweep of sky.
One set of delightful views is out to the North, beyond the Abbey.
The village square is just minutes from the gite or alternatively, a few strides in the other direction you find quiet country lanes and compete escape.
The old Abbey is beside the School House. What a special and magical building this is.
The Abbey dominates the hillside and is an historic monument of note. Although it no longer has regular services, the Church is opened up each morning and visitors are welcomed.
For those enjoying The Old School House, a real feature is the tolling of the bell. Not too loud, but loud enough to hear, the bells being their hourly toll at 7am. We find that watches get put aside, and the pace of each day gets set by the more rythmic notation of each hour passing.
The bells are silent overnight, but they do start with a special chorus at 7am. If this worries you, sleep in the downstairs garden room - or be like me, and take earplugs.
