Maison d Or
General Description
· This beautifully-presented and ever so stylish village house is in Pouzols-Minervois, amongst the vineyards and yet close to the Mediterranean coast (25kms) and the city of Carcassonne (45kms). Every care has been taken with its renovation to provide a minimalist, modern, yet comfortable, holiday home highly recommended by Sue at Joie de Vivre.
· Built in 1850 as a wine-producers house, it has 4 bedrooms, an open plan kitchen, living and dining room, 1 bathroom and 2 shower rooms and 2 separate WCs. Decorated and furnished to a very high standard throughout, it also has a covered terrace area, a private swimming pool with a view over the surrounding countryside and a garden.
· The house is in the heart of Pouzols-Minervois, where the famous church of St Saturnin was built in the 11th & 12th centuries in the Roman style. Pouzols is associated with the production of wine and has a 'cave co-operative' and a small shop that sells bread. It is a very interesting place to stroll around. Other larger villages and towns within a very short drive provide shops, bars and restaurants.
The Local Area
· The village of Pouzols-Minervois, close to the Canal du Midi, is a great place from which to explore the lovely Minervois region, renowned for its wines. The beautiful, undulating countryside around the village offers the opportunity of lovely walks and bike rides. Get up early and you can see the sun-rise over the Pyrenees!
· Sports facilities - It's a fantastic area for mountain-biking and cycling, fishing, horse-riding, wind-surfing, sailing, diving and other water sports. The Mediterranean beaches at Narbonne-Plage and Gruissan are just 35 minutes drive away. At the more local Lac du Jouarres (15 mins by car), you can also walk, fish, swim and windsurf.
· For sight-seeing days out there is plenty to chose from. Take a tour of the local 'domaines' and 'chateaux' for wine-tasting and buying wine direct from the producers - but do decide who's driving first. Spend a day seeing the medieval city of Carcassonne with its fantastic walls and towers. Visit the remains of the Cathar castles, many perched precariously on cliffs. Go to visit the lively city of Narbonne with its lovely indoor market - then drive over La Massif de la Clape to the long, fine sandy beaches at Narbonne-Plage and Gruissan. Both children and adults will enjoy a great day out at the African Nature Reserve at Sigean, where you can see over 3000 species of animals in close-to-nature surroundings. And don't miss the olive oil mill called the 'Oulibo' just down the road at Bize-Minervois.
· Markets - Both interesting and colourful, there's loads of local produce to buy. There's a Tuesday morning market in nearby Olonzac (10 mins drive) and a Wednesday morning market in Lezignan Corbieres (20 mins drive). In the summer season there's a night-time market at Homps, a canal port, about 15 minutes drive away.
· Restaurants - highly recommended by Joie de Vivre for that special meal - 'Les Oliviers' at the Bastide de Cabazac, 5 minutes away by car. There are numerous restaurants at Le Somail, another canal port (7kms). In the summer months, try the Cafe du Port at Paraza (10 mins) or La Guingette at Argens (15 mins).
· Supermarket and shops - You’ll find the nearest larger supermarket at Olonzac (9kms) or at St Marcel D'Aude (7kms). Olonzac has most other shops as well as two bars and a number of restaurants.
Facilities
· Living room: Beautifully furnished with comfortable settees, rocking chair, games table, coffee table, TV and DVD.
· Dining room: Table and chairs to seat 8.
· Kitchen: Oven, hob, dish-washer, fridge, freezer, coffee-maker, toaster, washing-machine, iron, ironing board, and hoover.
· Covered terrace: Table and chairs and a 'summer' kitchen and a barbecue.
· Bedrooms: 4 - 3 double bedrooms and 1 twin-bedded room. All comfortably and attractively furnished.
· Bathrooms: 1 bathroom with a bath tub. 2 shower rooms and 2 separate WCs.
· Other rooms: Large spacious landing
· Outside: Private garden with gravelled terrace with a view over the surrounding countryside and the Montagne Noir. The garden has an olive tree and is planted with oleanders and lavender.
· Swimming pool: There is a private, secured, swimming pool of 3.5m x 7.5m.
· Internet: Sorry - there is no internet connection at this house.
· Telephone: Sorry - there is no telephone at the house.
· Baby facilities: A cot is available upon request.
· Winter heating: 500KW of electricity is included in the rental cost, which is often sufficient. If you use more, there will be a charge made based on your metered consumption. This is payable direct to the owners.
· Electric, & water: are all included in the rental cost.
· End-of-stay cleaning: Is included in the price.
· Bed & bathroom linen: is not included in the rental cost. Duvets are provided but covers, sheets and pillowcases are 10 Euros or the £ equivalent per week per bed. Please let us know when booking if you require them. Towels are not included but can be hired for 5 Euros per set of 2 per person per week, Again, please let us know if you require them. Payment can be made is £'s to Joie de Vivre, or to the owner direct upon arrival.
· Taxe de Sejour: in France, it is necessary to pay a “Taxe de Séjour” at the end of your stay. It has been included here in the rental cost.
· Damage deposit: The owner requests a damage deposit of 400 Euros on arrival and this will be refunded to you at the end of your stay, less the replacement cost of any breakages or damage.
· Change over day: Normally Saturday but may be varied out of season.
· Long weekend stays: Sometimes possible in the spring - please enquire.
· Pets: are not permitted at this villa - sorry.
· Smoking: is not permitted inside this villa – sorry.
How To Get There
· By Car - The village of Pouzols-Minervois lies just 20kms from Narbonne. The nearest motorway junction is No: 25 (Lezignan Corbieres) on the A61 Auoroute des Deux Mers.
· By Air - Carcassonne Airport is the nearest, approximately 45 minutes drive away. Alternative airports are Montpellier and Perpignan both about 1 hour's drive. You can also use Toulouse airport - about 1 hour 40 minutes drive.
· By Train - Please visit www.raileurope.co.uk for details of the overnight Motorail service to Narbonne (summer months only),
Full directions etc will be sent once you make a booking
