A Special Hideaway - Best enjoyed with family or friends!
** SUMMER RENTAL WEEKS 2026 NOW OPEN FOR BOOKINGS: SAT-SAT FROM JULY 18 THROUGH AUGUST 29 (OR 30) **
Escape the noise and slow down at The Happy Hamlet, a unique countryside hideaway in Occitanie. Surrounded by nature, this centuries-old property invites you to unplug, unwind and reconnect. Perfect for families, friends, retreats or special gatherings, it offers space, calm and authenticity. A place for slow living, meaningful moments and the true joy of missing out. Just one hour from Toulouse, yet wonderfully off the beaten path.
A COUNTRYSIDE RETREAT TO SLOW DOWN
Welcome to The Happy Hamlet, a unique countryside retreat in Southwest France, designed for guests who want to slow down, unplug and reconnect. More than a simple holiday rental, this former centuries-old manor house offers a mindful escape rooted in nature, calm and authenticity.
Nestled in the heart of Occitanie, just one hour from Toulouse, the Hamlet invites you to embrace slow living, enjoy a gentle digital detox and rediscover the joy of missing out. Surrounded by rolling hills, sunflower fields, medieval villages and nearby local markets, this off-the-beaten-path stay captures the true charm of rural France.
THE SPACE
The property can accommodate up to 15 guests and includes:
- Five spacious bedrooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom - Rooms decorated in a shabby chic, rustic and countryside style, warm and welcoming - A beautifully restored former barn featuring: * A fully-equipped semi-professional kitchen * Indoor and outdoor dining areas * A comfortable lounge with piano and games * Scenic views over the surrounding valley
Everything has been thoughtfully provided so you can travel light and settle in comfortably.
PERFECT FOR
The Happy Hamlet is ideal for:
- Family holidays and group getaways - Wellness and creative retreats (yoga, pilates, well-being, art, writing) - Private celebrations such as nature weddings, birthdays and special occasions - Corporate stays including team retreats, company offsites, strategy or training retreats
The layout and setting encourage connection, creativity and shared moments, while still offering plenty of space to unwind.
NATURE & ACTIVITIES
Set on 13 hectares of preserved countryside, the estate offers woodlands, meadows, gentle valleys, bamboo groves and truffle grounds. Guests can enjoy:
- Nature walks and hiking trails - Cycling and bike rides - Table tennis and volleyball - Quiet spots to relax and reconnect with nature
Yoga sessions, massages and an Escape Forest Game can be arranged on request.
A natural swimming pool, available depending on the season, and a sauna with magnificent views offer additional moments of relaxation in a peaceful, natural setting.
A DIFFERENT WAY TO STAY
Whether you’re looking for a countryside getaway, a sustainable holiday rental, a retreat location or a place to gather and celebrate, The Happy Hamlet offers a rare sense of tranquility, space and time.
This Tarn-et-Garonne hideaway is a place to breathe, slow down and enjoy the simple luxury of being present.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Minimum age to rent: 21
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
default
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
default
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
default
Pets
No pets allowed
default
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1253472vb
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 49
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Fauroux
Located in Fauroux, this holiday home is in a rural area. Pilgrim's Garden and Montcuq Tower are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Serre Exotique Domaine du Gazania and Happy Forest. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking/biking trails.
Church of Saint-Barthelemy - 20 min drive - 19.1 km
Place des Cornieres - 20 min drive - 19.1 km
St Pierre Abbey - 32 min drive - 31.7 km
Pont-canal du Cacor - 34 min drive - 32.7 km
Getting around
Golfech Station - 28 min drive
Agen (AGF-La Garenne) - 68 min drive
Restaurants
Puits Du jour - 18 min drive
Lausigny - 14 min drive
L'auberge de Miramont de Quercy - 11 min drive
Le Délice - 19 min drive
Les Silènes - 17 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does A Special Hideaway - Best enjoyed with family or friends! have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at A Special Hideaway - Best enjoyed with family or friends!?
As of 28 Jul 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A Special Hideaway - Best enjoyed with family or friends! on 5 Dec 2026 start from £724, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is A Special Hideaway - Best enjoyed with family or friends! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at A Special Hideaway - Best enjoyed with family or friends!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
Where is A Special Hideaway - Best enjoyed with family or friends! located?
Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Church of Saint-Barthelemy, Pilgrim's Garden and Place des Cornieres. Montcuq Tower and Quercy Blanc Tourist Office are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The property is ideal for groups of friends or family. The bedrooms are large and very pleasant, all with en-suite shower rooms. The living space, in a separate barn, is huge and bright with several dining areas and a semi-professional cooking area, which saw a lot of fun team cooking. Outside we made full use of the several dining and relaxing spaces, which allowed for time together or time apart as well. The natural pool is set in an enchanting secluded wooded environment and is very peaceful. We also made much use of the boule pitch, which saw many raucous matches. Thank you Suska and Nico for your great welcome
christiane t.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2022
Dear Christiane and James!
We were extremely happy to host you and your family - such a friendly group of people! Thankful for all the lovely conversations and especially glad to have seen how you took advantage of the many different areas and hidden nooks of the Hamlet! Appreciated the extraordinary communication before your stay, as well as all the kind words during and after! (And a special thanks for leaving the property in such an immaculate condition)
We wish you all all the best and hope to meet again one sunny day in the future! :) suska & nico & the furry family members
Magnifique endroit rénové avec beaucoup de goût, un charme inégalable et une vue magnifique
Prestation complète et de qualité et multiples activités qui ne peuvent laisser place à l’ennui dans un décor magnifique. Parfait pour se retrouver en famille ou entre amis pour des vacances et des événements particuliers. Accueil parfait, bref rien à redire
Il est difficile de trouver les mots pour décrire l'expérience d'une semaine au Happy Hamlet...! Nous avons passé une semaine exceptionnelle, accueillis avec sympathie par Suska et Nicolas. Profiter d'un endroit aussi calme et ressourçant que le Happy Hamlet est une grande chance. On ne se lasse pas d'admirer la vue depuis la piscine, de dîner sous les lampions et d'observer les étoiles en sortant (ou pas) du sauna. La déco est raffinée, chaque chambre a son âme et l'on sent que tous les objets ont été choisis avec précision et soin. On se sent enveloppés dans cette atmosphère idyllique, et cela est sans compter les talents culinaires dont on peut profiter avec la table d'hôtes. Merci Suska et Nico, on plane encore un peu !
Valentine U.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2021
Bonjour Valentine et merci. Merci pour ces compliments, merci d’être venu et merci encore pour votre joie de vivre. Croiser tous les jours des clients dehors autour d'une table pour le petit déjeuner avec le sourire reste l'une de nos principales préoccupations. Vous l'avez pleinement rempli cette préoccupation. Vous avez été un groupe d'une discrétion absolue, respectueux des lieux et super sympa. On rêve d'avoir tous les jours des groupes comme le votre. Dans l'espoir que la chaleur et la quiétude du Hamlet vous accompagne en Suède et vous accompagne pour un petit moment.
Au plaisir de vous revoir tous.
The Happy Hamlet est un havre de paix où il fait bon passer quelques jours en famille ou entre amis. Suska et Nicolas sont des hôtes attentionnés. Les chambres sont grandes, magnifiquement décorées et chacune possède une salle de bain privative. Le domaine possède plusieurs terrasses et lieux de vie, des hamacs, un sauna pour 4 personnes. Seule la piscine (bassin naturel) nous a un peu déçu en raison des algues présentes au fond (aucune incidence sur la pureté de l’eau mais l’effet visuel n’est pas à la hauteur des photos, et les algues sont glissantes).
Malgré ce désagrément, les lieux restent magiques. Je recommande cette location sans hésitation!
Agnès M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2020
Merci Agnès pour ce gentil message. Nous avons également beaucoup apprécié votre présence et l'état des lieux lors de votre départ. Le développement d'algue dans un bassin naturel est tout a fait normal à partir d'une certaine température. Nous travaillons activement pour maitrisé ce phénomène afin que nos futurs clients soit encore plus satisfait. Nous espérons vous revoir une prochaine fois pour votre rendez vous familial. A bientôt
About the host
Hosted by Susanna Karjalainen
We’re a Finnish/Czech – French couple who packed their belongings from a little bit allover the world and started the search for a new home in France. Nico (the French gentleman) had not lived in his homeland for 25 years after an NGO service went long and the Horn of Africa became his home. Suska, born in Finland but also a Czech citizen, has lived all around the world but had never lived in France (even if visited plenty of times, but still, just visited).
In spring 2015, a description of us stated: “Suska has been an Airbnb host (and guest) for years, and when a house of a friend became available in Djibouti, we decided to take on a project as a grand rehearsal of our long term dream, renovating a guesthouse/B&B in an old farmhouse (or even better a mill!) in the rustic countryside of France”. And that is exactly where we are now. Not a mill though, but that’s alright.
The following fall we spent literally “on the road”. It took about 4 months, 24000 kilometers in the car, 86 houses to visit in nearly 20 south-west France departments. Until finally, exhausted but excited, we found our own little Hamlet. With all the French formalities considered, we were able to move in in March 2016. The renovations started immediately and we welcomed the first guests in July 2017. The feedback has always been overwhelming!
We like to think that there can never too many zen places in the world. This means that even if we’re not saying we’re the one and only, nor the most beautiful or luxurious (far from that, actually), we’re still sure we can offer you a hideaway that will make it worth your while to visit and stay.
One could say we’re just rather laid back and happy people. We enjoy life and make the most out of it by either traveling ourselves – or sharing it with travelers. Now that we’ve found our piece of heaven and the count of the countries visited totals to around 80, we’ve decided to concentrate on the latter. Hope our paths with you will cross one day, too!
Why they chose this property
As one can say we went through a very thorough house hunting, we can say that this particular property was definitely chosen for its character. Even if partly in ruins when found, there was this something special, an ambiance that either is there or will never be. With the vast renovations we've been able to give a new life to this centuries-old beauty and luckily with so many other people, helping hands from family and friends, which also makes this place feel so special for us - and for the guests. The white stones, green nature, blue skies and yellow sunflower fields in the surrounding areas is just an unbeatable combination for "Feeling Good".
What makes this property unique
Our guests say it the best! Please see the reviews - here's one example:
"We loved the timeless place. We loved its soul and the soul of its owners. We loved to discover this type of spirit of France we thought had already disappeared. We loved the space. We loved the decoration. We loved the attention to detail. We loved to cook here. We loved the softness of the water of the pool. We loved the shooting stars at night. Simplicity raised to a luxury level. Thank you Suska & Nicolas for this magnificent week. Stay as you are." - MARYLISE C.