Affordable Luxury: Chic, Cosy, Characterful Accommodation In Very Pretty, Peaceful French Village
Peaceful Rural Village Location, Close to Beautiful Natural Swimming Lakes of Puivert and Montbel
Two X 2 Bedroom Homes And 1 Bedroom Lux Apartment
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These stylish gites include part of an old French cafe, winery and bakery; they are beautifully appointed with many original features retained and some luxury details added. They boast lots of charm & character - very shabby chic -affordable luxury - for up to 11 people and can be let together or separately. Situated in a very picturesque corner of sunny south-west France where outdoor living can be all-year-round you can expect to spend lazy afternoons in the open-air courtyard, on 1 of the 2 south-facing terraces, the wrought-iron balcony, or in the enchanting walled garden. The setting is stunning: Rivel is nestled amidst the rolling hills of the historic Cathar region where castles, rivers, lakes, caves, grottos and walks in beautiful landscapes with spectacular views abound. Expect to fall in love with this region and to be bowled over by the many historic, cultural and gastronomic delights it has to offer. A very warm welcome awaits you in this very special corner of France.
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| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 1 April 2011 - 30 June 2011 | €450 | 7 | ||
| 1 July 2011 - 31 August 2011 | €550 | 7 | ||
| 1 September 2011 - 31 October 2011 | €475 | 7 |
L'ancienne Boulangerie (2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5) Prices
| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 1 April 2012 - 30 June 2012 | €525 | 7 | ||
| 1 July 2012 - 31 August 2012 | €625 | 7 | ||
| 1 September 2012 - 31 October 2012 | €550 | 7 |
Apartment Aubergine (1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2) Prices
| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 1 April 2012 - 30 June 2012 | €375 | 7 | ||
| 1 July 2012 - 31 August 2012 | €475 | 7 | ||
| 1 September 2012 - 31 October 2012 | €400 | 7 |
Notes on prices
Prices are for the property per week in euros. Special rates are available for long winter lets between October and March. Over and above a certain usage, a heating supplement is charged for fuel/ electricity for short lets from 1st November to 31st March at between 5 and 10 euros per day (depending on usage). For long winter lets a rate for heating can be negotiated in the price and a starter pile of wood for the wood burner is offered. Wood is available to purchase from the owner at cost.
Changeover day
Changeover day may be flexible subject to the time of year and availability. During high and mid season changeover is Saturday to Saturday. Arrival after 3.30 pm, departure before 10 am to allow time for thorough cleaning and bed changing.
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L'ancienne Boulangerie (2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5)
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bedroom1: kingsize bed, 2 sink units + storage, mirrors, wrought iron day/sofa bed, wardrobes,bedside tables,drawers, lamps. bedroom2: 2 single beds, 1 day/sofa bed, 2 sink units + storage, mirrors, fireplace, decorative woodburner, wall lights, wardrobes. bathroom: shower, bath, wc, sink. large entrance hallway. lounge: sofa, armchair, Sky TV, (Freeview English channels). DVD's. Jotul woodburning stove. Bookcase, books, boardgames, CD player. Desk, chair, wireless internet access (bring your own cp). Lamps, sideboard. Kitchen/diner: gas cooker, under-counter fridge, pot sink, microwave, washing machine, toaster, sandwich maker, electric hand whisk, kettle, cafetiere, coffee machine, ample cutlery, pots, pans, crockery and glasses, iron, ironing board, hoover etc. Outside, lovely shady private courtyard leading to large sunny south-facing, private terrace with dining table, 6 chairs, bbq, loungers, cushions and pergola. |
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Apartment Aubergine (1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2)
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large bedroom, kingsize four-poster bed, 2 large mirrored wardrobes, drawers, bedside tables, radiators. bathroom: fully tiled, slipper bath, power-shower, sink, wc & bidet. open plan hallway: console table, mirror, radiator. lounge/diner/kitchenette: Sky TV (freeview English channels), DVD's, boardgames, books, walnut antique sideboard, sofa, armchair, lamps, antique dining table, 2 dining chairs, stylish walnut & aubergine kitchenette with combination microwave oven, under counter built-in fridge, single induction-hob, solid walnut worktops, krupps coffee machine, drawers, radiators. outside: use of wrought iron/stone balcony leading to beautiful private walled garden, bbq, tables & chairs, loungers. |
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Notes on accommodation
All services included during high and mid seasons (i.e. hot water, electricity, gas). In winter a starter pile of wood is included for the houses, thereafter a supply can be purchased at cost from owners. Apartment is centrally heated & a heating supplement is charged during the winter, depending on use the rate is between 5 and 10 euros per day or long stay inclusive rates are available. A winter supplement also applies to electricity in the houses but only over a certain usage. Welcome packs are provided + spices and condiments. Children require supervision on the terraces as they enjoy an elevated position. We are very pet friendly and have 2 dogs and 4 cats of our own. Pets may be welcome in the houses subject to discussion prior to booking. All properties are well insulated (cool in summer/warm in winter), double glazed, thoughtfully appointed and stylishly decorated to offer homely, comfortable accommodation with some luxurious touches at very reasonable rates.
Accessibility
Mobility is important the properties are situated on a slight hill. Entrance to L'ancienne Boulangerie is via several steep stone steps, plus there are stairs to the first floor of both houses which are quite steep. L'apartement Aubergine is situated on the first floor - access to the walled garden is via stone steps from a terrace on the ground floor; access to the terrace of La Petite Maison is 1 step up from its kitchen with steps down to the walled garden for sharers.
Outside
From La Petite Maison kitchen you step directly onto a 20sq mt sunny south-facing terrace, with a barbecue and seating for 4. The terrace is exclusively for guests of La Petite Maison (but expect the odd feline visitor and canine greetings from the owner's garden below). It offers a lovely views over the fields and the walled garden below. Furniture includes good quality sun loungers, bistro style table and chairs, various loungers in bamboo, brightly striped comfy cushions and an array of deck chairs if needed. La Boulangerie has a private courtyard reached via the kitchen. This is a beautiful shady spot for reading or enjoying a cold beer or rose wine...it leads to a larger south-facing private terrace with a table and chairs for 6, bbq and quality loungers. This terrace sits side by side with the terrace to La Petite Maison and a gate can be opened for access where friends / families are sharing. The lovely walled garden is only let with the apartment but is accessible for sharers.
Coast/Beach
Coastal resorts on the Mediterranean are within a leisurely drive through the breathtaking scenery of about 1-1/2 hr. Like for example, the stunning Catalan harbour town of Collioure - an inspiration for artists, writers, poets, singers and painters with its 13 galleries, fabulous shops, museums and restaurants. Well worth a visit if you're looking for a bit of culture and bags of charm.
Golf
Carcassonne has a wonderful golf course only 40 mins drive from Rivel with 18 Holes, Par 71, 5,800 metres, built in 1988 by Jean Pierre Basurco to an
International standard. It has panoramic views, located close to the medieval City, between Cavanac and Carcassonne on the D204. It is visitor friendly and has reasonable green fees in peak season and off peak.
Skiing
The Pyrenees are considered one of the top areas for skiing, with numerous ski resorts which also cater for other winter sports, including snow boarding, often in brilliant sunshine and always with spectacular views. The nearest ski resorts to the house are Camurac, with 16 downhill pistes and 14 km of cross-country ski tracks, and Les Mont d'Olmes with its 21 pistes including 8 green, 3 blue, 8 red, 2 black - 11 ski lifts - 1 chair lift - 80 snow guns - luge area - snow-park and boarder-cross - E.S.F. ski school. - about 40 minutes drive away. Buses go every half hour from Quillan during the skiing season.
Travel
Rivel is 40 minutes from Carcassonne and hour and half from Toulouse and Perpignan airports. A car is recommended to get the most out of your visit and car hire is available at the airport (it is recommended that you book in advance in high season). There is parking outside the properties for 1 car per property and additional parking nearby. There are various taxi services available on request for non-drivers and cycles can be hired locally (please ask if you'd like me to reserve them for you).
Distances
The medieval village of Chalabre is 5 mins drive. The lovely Market town of Mirepoix is 15 mins drive and Limoux 20 mins. For swimming and sailing, 15 mins by car takes you to the beautiful lake at Montbel and in only 5 mins you reach Puivert Lake with its man-made beach and lake-side snack bar - nestling beneath the stunning Puivert Castle. Rivel provides easy access to The Pyrenees and many famous Cathar castles such as Montsegur which is only a leisurely 1/2 hr drive away.
Further details
The baker delivers fresh bread and croissants every day except Monday. There are also weekly meat, fish and vegetable deliveries. The nearest shops are in Chalabre (4 km), an easy bike ride along the cycle track or 5 min drive. Bikes can be hired locally. Chalabre has 2 bakers, butcher, grocers, 2 small mini-markets, a weekly outdoor market, 2 cafe bars, a bank and a shop selling organic produce. Nearby is an organic trout farm producing prime quality lake trout which you can buy direct from the farm. There's a selection of restaurants, 1 about 1km away - walking distance for most along leafy country roads, an easy (flat) cycle ride or a very short drive. There's another excellent and very reasonably priced restaurant in the next village, its a little further away but some guests have cycled there along the old railway line that joins several villages in this region and is now used solely for cycling or walking. Nearby Chalabre also a choice of 2 cafes and an hotel restaurant plus there's a wide choice of eateries in Mirepoix. If you prefer not to leave the village, we provide delicious home-cooked meals up to 3 nights a week. Please ask about table reservations when you book your accommodation.
The region has some amazing and unique points of geological interest including grottos and over a dozen caves with stalagtites and stalagmites, strange and enchanting rock formations, underground rivers and lakes. The fountain of fontestorbes, a mysterious waterfall flowing from a cliff face, is steeped in legend, mythical tales and magic - the water levels change in less than an hourly cycles from a gushing torrent to a mere trickle. Only 15 mins drive away and really worth a visit to see the spectacular shift from around 50 litres of water a second to 1,800 litres a second then back within an hour.
The river Aude is excellent for water sports including white water rafting, canoeing and canyoning. Cycling, walking, rambling and horse-riding opportunities abound.
Booking notes
Non refundable deposit on booking. Balance 6 weeks in advance of arrival. Late bookings payable in full at time of booking. Refundable security deposit - 250 euros payable on arrival. At the end of your stay choose either to clean the property yourself to our very high standards or pay 30 euros for us to clean it for you. Gites can be booked for periods of less than one week but will be charged as for a full week. Long winter lets are available in the houses - rates are available on request.
Guest comments
Our stay has been truly wonderful and we hope to return in the future. We can't thank you enough for your generosity. Andrew, Rose and Ellie
Thanks for being such kind, accommodating and generous hosts. You have truly mastered the art of being helpful yet unobtrusive! We sense the love and care that radiates from every part of La Petite Maison, much of that comes from you and reflects your emotional attachment to this place...p.s. the bed is wonderful! Rod and Helen
This is a Brilliant place and May is a great time to be here. Everything is green, the hay meadows are full of flowers & butterflies & there are even orchids! The hiking trails are beautiful, white water rafting absolutely thrilling, cathar castles amazing...all in all much to recommend this area...not least thanks to our lovely host Cathy who made us so welcome. Tracey
We loved our time in this blissful oasis Cathy and Shaun made us feel completely at ease and welcome..it could not have been more perfect. Alison
Owner profile
About the owner
I swapped the call of the London Criminal Bar for the call of the gently rolling hills and shimmering lakes of France in 2005. My husband Shaun joined me in 2011. We now offer 2 gites, a luxury apartment and home-cooked evening meals by prior arrangement. We are early retirees, (young!) grandparents of 5 boys, owners of 2 Saluki Lurchers, 2 Maine Coons and 2 adopted moggies. We love music, cooking and entertaining. I'm on the Heritage Committee responsible for restoring Rivel's architectural gems. We're easy going so our guests can see as much or as little of us as they choose! On hand for (rare) emergencies or to offer advice when its asked for, otherwise we respect our guests peace and quiet.
Year purchased: 2005
Why the owner chose an apartment in this location
I was seduced by the sheer beauty of this area: Having first approached the village of Rivel along an avenue of stately plane trees, I sensed that I was entering a very special place: I was. Not just a typical French village, yes its quaint, quiet, pretty, crumbly, unspoilt, welcoming - but also magical! Nestling in a lush green valley near the foothills of the Pyrenees, Rivel is close enough to amenities not to feel cut off but far enough away from it all to feel a world apart. Close to stunning swimming lakes, a breathtaking drive to magical cathar chateaux, white water rivers, hidden caves, natural gorges, a stone labyrinth and soaring mountains. I fell in love and so will you I hope, as have all our guests so far some have even decided to buy in the area.
Unique benefits of the property
We maintain our properties to a very high standard, when we changeover, furniture and beds are pulled out and cleaned behind and under; bed and sofa top covers are replaced with freshly laundered ones; white goods are scrutinised and chrome wear is polished the whole place should shine like a new pin for your arrival and smell sweet and welcoming. The cupboards are stocked with a few essentials like spices, salt, pepper, milk etc and to make you feel 'at home' there will be a bottle of wine, beer and soft drinks in the fridge plus enough to make a snack before you unpack or go shopping. You'll find quality bed linen and towels freshly laundered and the whole ambiance is one aimed to make you feel relaxed so that you can quickly unwind and start to feel the benefits of your holiday.
For booking and further information
Property Ref FR3788
Cathy Halloran
Tel: (France) + 33 468 311 664
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and has advertised this property with us since July 2008.
Property Ref FR3788
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