Delightful Hilltop Cottage with Panoramic Views
Peaceful Village Location in the Heart of Cathar Country
Sleeps 5 (2 Bedrooms)
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This charming cottage is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, deep in the heart of the Corbieres region. The property is positioned on the edge of the small, but vibrant village of Albieres on a quiet country lane, surrounded by forests and panoramic views of the hills. The area is famous for its Cathar Castles, and also offers extensive walking, cycling and enjoyment of the wealth of flora and fauna. We have collected together a wealth of information on active and adventurous pursuits for all the family in the area, as well as many recommendations from people who have stayed in our cottage and enjoyed the area.
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| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 1 November 2011 - 30 April 2012 | £300 | 4 | ||
| 1 May 2012 - 30 June 2012 | £330 | 4 | ||
| 1 July 2012 - 31 August 2012 | £360 | 7 | ||
| 1 September 2012 - 31 October 2012 | £330 | 4 |
Notes on prices
Prices are for 2 people sharing the property per week in UK Pounds. Part weeks and long weekends will be considered on request subject to availability. An extra charge of £10 a week per person is requested for additional people renting the cottage at any one time up to a maximum of 5 people.
Changeover day
Saturday is the preferred changeover day with a departure time of 10am and an arrival time of 4pm. We are happy to make a Sunday changeover day if it fits in with other bookings.
Accommodation
| Bedrooms: | Bedroom 1 with double bed. Bedroom 2 with 2 single beds, and an additional truckle bed. |
| Bathrooms: | Bathroom with bath and shower over, wash basin, heated towel rail. Separate WC. |
| Kitchen: | Gas hob, microwave, electric oven, fridge/freezer. |
| Utility Room: | Dishwasher and washing machine. Clothes airer. |
| Living Rooms: | Open plan dining/sitting room with open fireplace (log fires can be arranged for the winter months). Table and chairs, 2 sofas (one of which will convert into a double bed)and an armchair. Double doors open directly onto the sun terrace for meals outside. |
| Other: | Outside access to store for garden furniture and BBQ. |
| Cleaning/towels/ linen/maid service: |
Towels and bed linen are provided. These will be changed weekly. The property will have been cleaned before your arrival and will be cleaned after your departure. |
| Amenities/Facilities: | hob/stove oven fridge/freezer microwave dishwasher washing machine iron/ironing board central heating barbecue |
| Location Type: |
Notes on accommodation
The rooms have electric heaters. Sorry, no pets allowed. Please note that this is also a no smoking property. Parents of young children please note that one boundary to the garden has a low fence, beyond which is a wooded drop to the river gorge below.
Outside
There is a terrace providing shade and a small, sunny garden with shrubs and trees. Outdoor tables, chairs, parasol and recliners are provided. Swimming is possible in a variety of attractive plunge pools in the local rivers and the thermal swimming pools at Rennes les Bains and Alet les Bains.
Coast/Beach
The Mediterranean sea with many excellent sandy beaches, is just over an hour away. Water sports such as windsurfing are also available on the lagoons between Narbonne and Perpignan. The modern marina shopping complex at Port Leucate may appeal to the younger generation.
Skiing
There are several resorts in the Pyrenees about 2 hours drive away.
Travel
Carcassonne 1 hour away, Perpignan, Beziers and Toulouse airports are about 90 minutes. Montpellier and Gerona airports also possible. A car is essential in this region. If you drive from the ferry, St. Malo and Caen are about 12 hours away.
Distances
There are several villages within a 20 minute drive from Albieres, Mouthoumet (10 mins) being the nearest with a small provisions store, post office, cafe and excellent restaurant. The nearest supermarkets are at Couiza 25 mins and Quillan or Limoux 40 mins. The Sunday produce market at Esperaza is highly recommended.
Further details
The baker's van and other mobile food shops visit the village daily. The area will appeal to those of you who like walking or cycling as there are endless on and off road trails to explore. Lovers of nature will be excited by the richness and diversity of the flora and fauna which abounds in the forests and on the rocky outcrops. The Cathar castles are a special feature of the rugged crags throughout this region. Corbieres is famous for its fine wines, and there are plentiful opportunities to taste these and other local produce
Booking notes
Bookings cannot be confirmed until a deposit of £50 has been received. The balance on the rental total must be paid 6 weeks before arrival.
Guest comments
I cannot think of a more perfect location for a holiday cottage with its distant views of hills and forests, and the charming village. Dr. M
The location is superb, the cottage is attractive and comfortable. Mr and Mrs W.
Stunning views, clean air, birdsong and butterflies. Just the perfect location to recharge our inner batteries. Family from Bath
Owner profile
Albieres, Autumn 2009
About the owner
Greetings from John and Jenny Litchfield. We live in a village near the city of Hereford. My wife is a GP in the city and I am a retired headteacher, now involved in the training of future teachers by working on a PGCE course. We are both lovers of the countryside and spend as much time out of doors as possible, both here in our rural county, and in the Languedoc-Roussillon area of France.
Year purchased: 2004
Why the owner chose a home in this location
We had spent a considerable amount of time searching for the ideal location for a holiday property in a variety of countries, finally deciding on France as we love the relaxed life style there. We wanted to buy somewhere that was easily accessible by air, under 2 hours flying time from a variety of UK airports serviced by budget airlines. We chose this particular region of France as it isn't overrun with English people, isn't overcrowded with holiday makers and is steeped in History.
The natural beauty of the area is quite stunning, the intense silence of the wooded valleys very relaxing, the rural communities are authentically French. The variety of butterflies, birds and wild flowers reflect what our own country was once like before chemical control and loss of habitat.
Unique benefits of the property
Transfer from Carcassonne airport is quick and easy. Your route takes you on main roads and through small towns where a range of shops and supermarkets are available, and weekly street markets flourish with local produce and local characters. The Pyrennes, the sea, vineyards, Cathar castles and other historic sites are all features of this area. For activity minded people, there are miles of mountain bike trails, a network of short and long distance waymarked footpaths, canyoning, canoeing and white water rafting locations, caving and climbing. In fact, a wealth of opportunies for adventure and exploration in an unspoiled landscape. The location of the property, perched as it is on the edge of a wooded gorge, with panoramic views of distant hills, drew us to love it. I'm sure you will.
For booking and further information
Property Ref FR809
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Property Ref FR809
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