My Shortlist
Joie de Vivre Holidays is a member of ABTOF,
The Association of British Travel Organisers to France
Maison Jaspe
General Description
· This 19th century Master wine-grower's house for 10-14 people is on an organic wine-producing 'domaine' on the edge of Cascastel-des-Corbieres, a village 30 kms south of Narbonne and 40 kms north of Perpignan, nestling in the rolling hills of the Corbieres. The owners of the property who live nearby will share with you their love and knowledge of the wine produced from almost 30 acres of vines, all with 'Appellation d'Origine Controllee' - AOC Fitou, Corbieres, Rivesaltes and Muscat de Rivesaltes.
· The house is built from local stone and has been sympathetically renovated retaining many of the original details such as the ironwork balconies, the tiled floors, the arched windows, stained glass and mosaics. The house is welcoming and decorated in warm colours and the bedrooms are named after the varieties of grapes grown locally. Tthe swimming pool is secured by a fence.
· Whilst in a rural setting in the midst of Cathar Country, this property is only 25 kms from the Mediterranean beaches. It is one of 3 holiday properties on the domaine, all with separate facilities. Located on the edge of Cascastel, it's only a short walk to the village restaurant, and the local baker delivers the bread.
· The house has 4 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and WC. Downstairs there's a large dining room which can seat up to 14 people with a Schimmel piano for anyone who can play. Outside there's a secluded garden with a lawn shaded by cypress, pine and palm trees with a view over the tiled roofs of Cascastel, the vineyards and the Corbieres hills. The 11m x 5m swimming pool is secure and only for use by the residents of Maison Jaspe.
The Local Area
· Cascatel-des-Corbieres is a small village associated with the production of wine. It has a chateau, an 11th century church, along with a grocer, a 'tabac', a post office and a restaurant. There are further shops and facilities in Villeneuve-des-Corbieres (2km) and in the little town of Durban Corbieres (6km).
· As well as walking, or mountain-biking in the Corbieres hills, or playing boules in the village square, you can play tennis at Villeneuve-des-Corbieres (2kms). Within an hour and a half are the ski-slopes of Font Romeu, Pyrenees 2000 and Les Angles.
· When sight-seeing, you can discover the Cathar Castles of Aguilar, Queribus, Peyrepertuse, Villerouge-Termenes, as well as visit the fabulous medieval city of Carcassonne and the romanesque abbeys of Fontfroide and Lagrasse. Both children and adults will have a great day out at the African Nature Reserve at Sigean where over 3,000 different species of animals can be seen in close-to-nature surroundings. And don't forget to visit the fine sandy beaches of the Languedoc coast and, further south, the more dramatic coastline of the Cote Vermeille and the lovely fishing village of Collioure.
· There's a Saturday market at Villesque, 10km away. And it's also well worth visiting Narbonne on a Thursday morning to shop at the large outdoor market, but also to buy fresh food at the fascinating indoor market 'Les Halles'.
· It's just a short stroll down to the restaurant in Cascastel called 'Le Clos de Cascastel'. You'll find another restaurant nearby in Villeneuve-des-Corbieres, and also at Fontjoncouse, where there's restaurant with 2 Michelin stars.
· The nearest supermarket can be found at Durban Corbieres, 6kms away.
Facilities
· Living room: There's a small living room on the ground floor with a library. On the 1st floor landing is an 'oriental' reading room where you can enjoy peace and quiet, or a chat, or play games with the children. The rooms are furnished throughout with period furniture of the 19th century combined with more contemporary pieces.
· Dining room: This is a large room with a dining table and chairs for 14 people. Period furniture is mixed harmoniously with more modern pieces. A Schimmel piano is available for those of you who can play!
· Kitchen: There's a large fully-equipped kitchen with cooker, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge/freezer, microwave oven, toaster, coffee-maker etc.
· Bedrooms: There are 4 bedrooms, all with different themes reflected in the decor and the furniture. On the 1st floor, Bedroom 1 has a view over the garden and swimming pool and has a large double bed. Bedroom 2 looks out onto the garden and the village and has twin beds. On the 2nd floor, Bedroom 3 has views of the garden, the pool and Mount Tauch - this room has a double bed and a settee which can be converted into a bed for 2 people. Bedroom 4 is the largest room and ideal for a family with a double bed, two singles, and a settee which can be converted into a bed for 2 people. All the beds are of high quality and can be made up as doubles or twins as you prefer - please let us know. The furniture in all rooms gives you ample storage and hanging.
· Bathrooms: 4 in total, spacious, and en-suite to the bedrooms. 3 of them have a bath, twin wash-basins and WC, the other has a bath, 1 wash basin and WC.
· Outside: A large, secluded garden with a lawn and Provencal Cypresses, Alep Pines and palm trees providing shade, table and chairs, and a barbecue.
· Swimming pool: There is a secure pool of 11m x 5m with sun loungers for 12 people.
· Internet: You can connect to the interent here via WiFi and your own laptop.
· Telephone: Sorry - there is no telephone here.
· Baby facilities: A cot and a high chair can be provided on request.
· Winter heating: This is included in the rental cost.
· Electric, & water: are all included in the rental cost.
· End-of-stay cleaning: is included in the rental cost.
· Bed & bathroom linen: is included in the rental cost.
· 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 1000 Euros on arrival and this will be refunded to you at the end of your stay, less the replacement cost of any breakages.
· Change over day: Saturday
· Long weekend stays and short breaks: Are available outside the summer season. Please enquire for price and availability.
· Pets: are not permitted in this house - sorry.
How To Get There
· By Car - Cascastel-des-Corbieres is situated 10 minutes from the town of Durban Corbieres about 30 kms south-west of Narbonne. The nearest motorway exits are on the A9 Exit No. 39 Sigean, or the A61 Exit No: 25 Lezignan Corbieres.
· By Air - Perpignan, Beziers, Carcassonne Airports and Montpellier are the nearest - approximately 50 minutes drive away. These airports are services by low cost arlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet from the UK and Ireland.
· 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
