The elegant and spacious former railway station of the little village of Sos sits in the valley of the river Gélise at its foot and was bought and refurbished during 1993/4 to a high standard to provide comfortably furnished holiday accommodation. Although only a few minutes away from Sos village, the station is set in peaceful wooded countryside and hidden from the village (during the summer) by a magnificent avenue of hundred year-old plane trees. A delightful swimming pool and pool house for guests' exclusive use were added during 1996 and 1997. The station was inspected and classified Gîte rural in January, 1999 by the Gîtes de France organisation with a two “ears of corn” rating and has three stars from the Départemental Tourist Board – it would probably get higher ratings if I provided television.

On the ground floor are the living and dining room in the former waiting room and parcels office which now form one enormous L-shaped space, with turn-of-the-century posters ad­vertising the delights of Lourdes and Luchon and the remains of the 1924 timetable on the walls. Instead of the wooden benches in the old waiting room there are now several sofas and easy chairs, with two dining tables and plenty of chairs in what was the parcels office for meals indoors. High ceilings and thick stone walls helped by internal shutters on all five large doors and windows ensure relative cool in summer. A huge wood-burning stove ensu­res warmth in winter or for chilly evenings.

There is a music system (CD, record and cassette players - bring your own music or browse through my CDs as you wish), a piano, some games and an extensive library - but no televi­sion. A telephone is provided and calls can be restricted or not as required. At the moment, there is limited coverage for mobile ‘phones at the station. Wi-fi internet is theoretically available – please ask if this is important to you.

ll beds are made up for your arrival with pure cotton sheets/pillowcases and light bedcovers or cosy down-filled duvets according to the season, and plenty of towels are provided, both for indoor and for pool use. Bedding and towels are changed weekly during longer stays. There is a high-sided wooden cot with mattress, and a hairdryer for each bedroom.

Upstairs again is the attic, which children love. This vast space of almost a hundred square metres has been left open, furnished with four good-quality 90cm beds plus wardrobes and rugs and is perfect for indoor play should the weather be wet. Some toys are provided, inclu­ding Brio railways and Micromachines galore. The attic roof is heavily insulated to ensure relative cool in summer and warmth in winter, and there is a separate small shower room with wc and handbasin.

Bedrooms and bathrooms are heated by electric space heaters as required, and three large-capacity immersion heaters provide hot water continuously. For your peace of mind there are smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each floor, and a fire blanket in the kit­chen.

Outside, there are about six acres of long, thin, level grounds where the railway used to run. The former passenger waiting area now makes a suntrap terrace on the south side, although you may prefer to sit in the shade of the 100-year old catalpa or plane trees during the heat of the day. Whatever you choose, there are plenty of tables and chairs for outside use.