The farmhouse facing south

Secluded swimming pool

'La Prade' is a beautifully renovated farmhouse with many of its original features, set on its own in unspoiled countryside, facing due south with views of the Pyrenees. It is an easy 10 minute drive to the delightful medieval market town of Mirepoix, which has excellent shops, supermarkets and bakers, as well as plenty of good cafes and restaurants to choose from. There is also ample opportunity to taste some of the many excellent local wines and to buy them direct from the vineyards. With its 12m x 6m swimming pool, the farmhouse is ideal for family holidays or for 1 or 2 couples wanting to visit this idyllic area or just to relax. The Mediterranean is easily accessible (1¼ hours). Carcassonne and all the main Cathar chateaux are within easy driving distance. It would also suit those looking to ski on a daily basis (the resort of Ax Bonascre is just over an hour away) or to walk the GR7 or one of the many local routes.

The farmhouse kitchen/dining room

The living room

 

Prices Currency Conversion

 

Notes on prices
Prices are for the property per week in euros.
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to book the property and the balance is payable (plus a refundable security deposit of 250 euros) 6 weeks before the start of the holiday. Reduced prices for longer lets are negotiable.

Changeover day
Normally a Sunday. Guests to vacate property by 10am and guests to arrive not before 4pm.

Accommodation

 

Notes on accommodation
The farmhouse has gas central heating and a woodburning stove in the living room. Guests can take their meals according to the weather – either in the traditional farmhouse kitchen, on the terrace at the back or at their own table in our landscaped gardens. A barbecue is available for outdoor cooking. There is wifi access but the service can be limited and a travel cot or child’s cot, high chair and various toys can be offered. The garden has swings and a climbing frame/slide suitable for children up to 8 years of age. The swimming pool has a generous paved area surrounding it equipped with sunloungers. It is incredibly private as it is surrounded by an 8 foot laurel hedge and is set in separate garden, with trees, shrubs and even vines with edible grapes! We may be living in the adjacent converted barn house and we will give you privacy.

Accessibility
All the bedrooms are on the first floor, although remaining accommodation, garden and terrace are all on the same level. We regret that the accommodation is not suitable for wheelchair use.

Outside
The rear terrace is most pleasant for eating breakfast or lunch outside but out of the heat of the sun. Guests also have exclusive use of a large table in the garden (seats 8) with umbrella from which you can enjoy the uninterrupted views over open countryside. The swimming pool is a generous 12m x 6m and has a shallow access area ideal for toddlers or basking adults. While there is an alarm system, parents remain responsible for the safety of their children at all times. A charcoal barbecue is also available.

Coast/Beach
The Mediterranean is just 1 ¼ hours away (Narbonne Plage) which is a family resort, but rather busy in the high season. The beautiful lake of Montbel, just 10 minutes away, offers the opportunity for fresh-water swimming and picnicking.

Golf
2 courses are within 45 minutes drive. To the east, there is one in Carcassonne and to the west, a course at la Bastide de Serou, beyond Foix.

Skiing
The nearest resort is a small family one at Mont D’Olmes, just 45 minutes away.
Much larger and with extensive runs is Ax Bonascre (1 ¼ hours to the slopes) and Andorra (Pas de la Casa/Soldeu) is just 2 hours away, both making day trips relatively easy.

Special interest holidays
A number of outdoor activities are available nearby, including horse-riding, rock climbing, river rafting and acro (adventure) parks. For smaller children, local interests include a butterfly farm, a buffalo farm, reptile centre and the wolves at Orlu. For all ages, there are caves, underground rivers and even dinosaur skeletons. Boats can be hired on a daily basis on the Canal du Midi, just half an hour away.

Travel
There are regular Ryanair flights from London Stansted, Liverpool, East Midlands, Dublin, Shannon and Charleroi (Belgium) to Carcassonne airport, which is just half an hour away. Toulouse airport (Blagnac) is 1¼ hours away and has flights from Gatwick (British Airways and Easyjet) and Bristol (Easyjet). Other possible airports with good access to the house by motorway include Beziers, Perpignan and Gerona (Spain). The nearest railway stations are at Carcassonne, Castlenaudary and Limoux.

Distances
Mirepoix is 8km away (10 minutes by car). Limoux and Carcassonne are each just half an hour away and the centre of the beautiful city of Toulouse just over 1 hour.

Further details
The excellent Monday morning market at Mirepoix attracts visitors from far and near. Although small, Mirepoix is a very active town and has a summer programme including concerts (some free), a puppet festival, a potters’ market, an art competition and a historical procession (details from the Tourist Office. All this is quite apart from the beautiful medieval buildings around its Cathedral and central square.

We keep a large folder of tourism leaflets in the farmhouse. We are happy to help you book restaurants or activities if required.

Booking notes
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to book the property and the balance is payable (plus a refundable security deposit of 250 euros) 6 weeks before the start of the holiday.

For booking and further information

 

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This advertiser joined Owners Direct in October 2009,
and has advertised this property with us since October 2008.

Property Ref FR4063
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