Property Description
One of 5 lovely gites available for adult couples only, situated in the large garden and beside the swimming pool of a 100 year old 'maison de maitre' with lots of history which once belonged to a wealthy wine producer and trader. The location is the popular small town of Olonzac, the 'capital' of the Minervois.
Converted from the staff quarters and stables of the old house, each gite comprises: a comfortable living room and galley-style kitchenette on the ground floor, and upstairs a double bedroom and shower room.
Outside on the gravelled terrace is a table and chairs for dining alfresco or relaxing with a cool drink. Although the terrace is shared with the other gite guests here, making for a convivial outside space, you are free to make use of the large garden to find a quiet spot to sit if you prefer. If you would like a private terrace, please check to see if GITE TOPAZE DOREE is available for your dates.
The lovely municipal park of Olonzac is just a short walk away and provides a pleasant place to go for a stroll, play tennis etc.
Gite Topaze is located in the heart of Olonzac which has shops, a supermarket, banks, bars, restaurants, take-aways and a great weekly market on a Tuesday morning. All of these are just a few steps away. Despite being in the town, the garden location of the gites is both calm and enchanting and you are free to enjoy the space.
A member of the Joie de Vivre team stayed here personally whilst house-hunting in the area and recommends the gites as the owners are helpful and friendly and are flexible about arrival and departure days (minimum stay 3 nights).
Property Features
Living/Dining Room/Kitchenette: In all gites, this area is open plan on the ground floor. Comfortable seating is provided by a sofa and an armchair, together with a coffee table. A table and 2 chairs are provided for dining. The TV receives international channels including UK satellite channels. The galley-style kitchenette is equipped with a frdge/freezer, small oven, hob, microwave, crockery and utensils.
Each gite is centrally heated in the winter and are ideal therefore for winter breaks.
The owners permit the use of their washing machine in a central area for a small charge.
Bedroom: a light and airy double bedroom on the 1st floor overlooking the garden - 3 gites have double beds and 1 gite has twin beds. Please let us know if you have a preference. There is storage room and hanging for your clothes. A fan is provided for the warmer weather.
Bathroom: This is a shower room with a power shower, washbasin and WC. It is on the 1st floor.
Outside: Outside each gite is a gravelled terrace overlooking the pool and garden which runs along the length of the gites. Each gite has a table and chairs for dining or relaxing with a cool drink. You may meet other guests here making for a friendly atmosphere. A communal barbecue is available for your use. Further chairs and sun-loungers are available in the garden and beside the swimming pool.
If you prefer a private terrace, please check to see if GITE TOPAZE DOREE is available for your dates.
Car Parking: Cars are normally parked on the road outside or in the municipal parking area opposite the main house.
Swimming Pool: The shared swimming pool is a good size: 13m x 5m, well-maintained and heated from April to the end of October. A recent addition is the spa pool/jacuzzi (also heated), and ideal for relaxing in after a day's sight-seeing.
Internet: A WiFi internet connection is available here in the gite for use with your laptop or tablet.
Telephone: Sorry there's no telephone here, but mobile phone signals are generally good in the area.
Baby Facilities: As these gites are primarily for adult couples, there are no baby facilities.
Winter Heating: Is included in the rental price.
Gas, Electric and Water: Are included in the rental price.
End of Stay Cleaning: Is included in the rental price.
Bedroom and bathroom linen: Are included in the rental price. A hairdryer is provided.
Taxe de Sejour: In France it is necessary to pay a taxe de sejour (tourist stay tax) and this is calculated based on the number of people (adults) in your group and the time of year you stay. Under 18's are exempt. Taxe de sejour is included in your holiday rental.
Damage Deposit: The owners request a damage deposit of 50 euros payable in cash on arrival. This will be refunded to you at the end of your stay less the replacement cost of any breakages. Please be honest should you break anything.
Change Over Day: Flexible subject to availability - please enquire.
Mini breaks: Short stays of at least 3 nights are possible here subject to availability - please enquire. Longer term lettings: - please enquire as a reduction in rates is possible for 2, 3 and 4 week bookings - subject to availability.
More than one gite required? If your party consists of a few adult couples, it may be possible to rent several gites here - please enquire for the availability.
Pets: small dogs may be permitted with prior permission in GITE TOPAZE DOREE which has an additional private terrace. Please note that the owners here have friendly dogs.
About the local area
The popular small town of Olonzac is the hub of the Minervois wine-producing region. It is well-serviced with shops, a Casino supermarket, mini-markets, bars and restaurants and has a weekly market on a Tuesday morning.
Olonzac is a thriving community, lively in the summer months with its own festival one weekend in August (please enquire for dates). In winter it is still largely open and active, one of the reasons why so many visitors buy property in the area.
Sports Facilities: As well as the swimming pool on site, you can walk locally to the lake, the park or along the Canal du Midi, hire bikes (contact us for details), or take part in water sports at the Mediterranean coast. Golfers can enjoy the courses in Carcassonne or Beziers.
Sightseeing: Olonzac is a fab base from which to explore the Languedoc Region with Carcassonne, Narbonne, Beziers, Minerve, Lagrasse and the Canal du Midi all within an easy drive.
Wine: Wine-lovers will find this an excellent base from which to find the local wine chateaux and domaines - all of whom of offer tastings and direct wine sales.
Markets: The markets of the region are colourful and interesting with lost of fresh, local, seasonal produce, basketware, herbs and spices, cookware, jewellery, shoes and hadbags. The Tuesday morning market is Olonzac is fantastic and a real social occasion - best to go early to avoid the busy period. If you can't make Tuesday morning, there's a great Wednesday market just a short drive away in Lezignan Corbieres.
Restaurants: Olonzac has a number of reasonably priced restaurants all within walking distance. Just 2 kms down the road in Homps, there is a further good selection. Please ask us for more details when booking.
Supermarket: Olonzac has a good size Casino supermarket on the edge of town.
