Villa In Attractive Traditional Village With Comprehensive Facilities, Unspoilt By Tourism
Set In A Major Wine And Fruit Growing Area With Excellent Local Wines
Sleeps 6 (3 Bedrooms)
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Our villa is situated in the peaceful village of St Genis des Fontaines in the foothills of the 'Alberes', which are the eastern end of the Pyrenees where they run down into the Mediterranean. All of the villages along the Alberes have recently benefitted from a bypass between Argeles-sur-Mer and Le Boulou which has removed most traffic from the villages and has improved their traditional style. The coast going north encompasses miles of wide, safe sandy beaches whilst the coast towards Spain is small rocky coves and dramatic scenery. There are miles of paths for walking or cycling through the vineyards, through the hills and up to some quite substantial peaks for the more energetic. A wide range of eating experiences awaits you, spicy Catalan food, traditional French food and pizzas and kebabs for a change. There is a one Michelin star restaurant in the next village. Local wines are excellent, particularly the reds and roses, and are available direct from the producers.
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| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 23 June 2012 - 7 July 2012 | £750 | 7 | ||
| 7 July 2012 - 1 September 2012 | £800 | 7 |
Notes on prices
Alternatively, payment in Euros at current exchage rates will be accepted directly into our French bank account.
Changeover day
Changover day is Saturday. We ask you to vacate the premises by 10am and we give occupation to the incoming tenant at 4pm, to allow time for adequate cleaning.
Accommodation
| Bedrooms: | Bedrooms 1 and 2 with double bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers and bedside cabinets. Bedroom 3 with twin beds, wardrobe, chest of drawers and bedside cabinet. |
| Bathrooms: | Beautiful modern bathroom with WC, shower, wash basin, towel rail and cupboard. Separate WC as well. |
| Kitchen: | Neff oven, hob, fridge freezer, microwave, coffee percolator, toaster, kettle. Large selection of cutlery, crockery and glassware. |
| Utility Room: | Hot water boiler, washing machine, drying area |
| Living Rooms: | 3 seater, 2 seater and one seater settees. TV, radio/CD player. Dining table and 6 chairs. Coffee table. |
| Cleaning/towels/ linen/maid service: |
The property is cleaned between lets. However, additional cleaning can be negotiated during your occupation direct with the key holder.Towels and linen can be obtained from the key-holder for a supplementary charge. |
| Amenities/Facilities: | hob/stove oven fridge/freezer microwave washing machine iron/ironing board tv barbecue |
| Location Type: |
Notes on accommodation
Please note: As is customary in France, beds are provided with mattresses and covers but no bed linen. Bed linen is available by arrangement.
The villa is surrounded by garden on three sides giving many options for shade, sun, breeze and a variety of views during the day and evening. However, being in a residential community, whilst living outside is very much part of the French lifestyle, we would ask you to respect our neighbours rights to quiet after 11pm.
Accessibility
The property is on one level. There is one step at the front door and at the back door onto the patio.
Outside
The gardens around the property have been substantially hard landscaped with patios and decorative gravel. Flower borders are retained with oleanders, bottle brush, plumbago, bourgainvillea and other flowering shrubs. There is a mature olive and young orange and clementine trees.
There are three outside tables - a large teak one that will seat up to 10 people when fully extended, a smaller round hardwood table that will seat 4/6 and a coffee table for two by the front door. There is a large sunshade which fits in the round table. The large table benefits from shade under palm trees, particularly at lunch time. There is a rotary clothes airer.
A selection of plastic loungers, garden chairs and benches is available.
Coast/Beach
Nearest beaches at Argeles-sur Mer are about 8 miles. Parking is available on the outskirts and travel to the beaches can be on the 'Yellow train' (a land based tractor and coaches). Going south are many smaller, pretty beaches and coves. There is a marine conservation area near the Spanish border with good diving and snorkelling.
Travel
From Calais, about 780 miles. 12 hours and many motorway tolls!
TGV available to Perpignan and the line is in the process of being improved.
Flights to Perpignan (20 mins)or Girona (55 mins)are the nearest airports, but Barcelona, Montpelier, Carcassonne and Toulouse are possible within about 2.5 hours. A car is definitely recommended at our villa as many of the local facilities and places of interest are not readily accessible by public transport.
Distances
Villa to village centre 0.6 mile. Nearest 'cave' 0.5 miles. Beaches 8 miles. The Alberes 1 mile. The High Pyrenees 20 miles. Perpignan (nearest large town) 15 miles. Girona (nearest town in Spain) 45 miles.
Further details
The village contains a small supermarket, bakers, butcher, fruiterer, chemist, a hotel, several restaurants and takeaways and bars.
Credit Agricole have a branch and a cash point machine which takes all normal cards.
There is a larger Carrefour supermarket about 1 mile from the village which also has two cash point machines, plus a petrol station.
Booking notes
On confirmation of a booking, a deposit of 25% is required. The balance is due 6 weeks before the commencement of your holiday. A damage deposit of £250 is required with the final payment, which will be returned to you within 10 days of you departing on clearance from the key holder. From 30 July to 27 August, bookings are only taken for 2 week periods.
Owner profile
About the owner
My husband and I are retired accountants who bought this property in 2002 as a holiday home. Originally it was occupied permanently by a french tenant for 18 months, but when they left we completely re-decorated the place, fitted a new bathroom and re-landscaped the garden. Since then we have spent on average 12 weeks a year in the property but let it in the summer months to help defray the running costs.
Year purchased: 2002
Why the owner chose a home in this location
We had a desire to own a property in France for many years, but lack of time whilst we were both working prevented us realising our dream. We choose this area of France as it has a wide range of contrasts between the Southern plains, the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean coast and Northern Spain all within a reasonable drive. The area has not been overdeveloped for tourism although there are a lot of things to do. Your mood each day can be matched to activity and seaside fun or to total tranquility and peace in remote villages in the hills and in isolated coves along the shore. The culture in France is relatively 'Northern European' but with a Mediterranean lilt, so that you can feel quite comfortable venturing off on your own to remote spots. (but look out for the 'chasse'!)
Unique benefits of the property
The Languedoc region is a substantial producer of wine, fruit and vegetables which are all readily available locally at markets and from the producers. The wine is beiing increasingly recognised for its quality and some of the major producers in central France are buying into the area.
There are many historic sites around the area, dramatic Cathar castles on hilltops, monasteries in the mountains, the King of Majorca's palace in Perpignan and several art museums in Ceret and in Figueres in northern Spain, Salvador Dali's former home. There are also some dramatic Roman and Greek remains in Spain within about one hours drive.
Sunshine, good food, good wine, the sea and the mountains. What more can you want?
For booking and further information
Property Ref FR7649
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Property Ref FR7649
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