Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or less)
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car advised Nearest amenities: 1 km
Notes:
Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
This recently renovated property, dating back to the 17th century, is sited on the edge of a medieval village only two minutes walk away from the boulangerie, boucherie and alimentation in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Chateau de Bellecaille faces south and has breathtaking views of the high mountains with their unbeatable walks. Historic Cathar castles are close by (Montségur is just 25 minutes away), lively market towns such as Mirepoix are also near and also the Aude valley with the fascinating towns of Limoux and Rennes-le-Château. Carcassonne is just over an hour away and the coast and the city of Perpignan within easy reach.
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/59404
The Languedoc-Roussillon / Aude region
Historically the chateau has been a place where the forces of Spain (and the Saracens) and of France have fought for supremacy. The Château replaces an older Cathar castle which stood at the highest point in the village. The area is famous as the last refuge of the Cathar religion (heresy to Catholics), once found all across the south of France and including all stratas of society. The Cathars were persecuted by a crusade starting in 1208. The “true believers” were forced back into their mountain retreats and their castles became the focus of resistance. Montségur is the most famous and nearest to the chateau. A 25 minute drive from the chateau, it is a healthy but enjoyable climb to the top. From here you can see the mountains in one direction and to the north an enormous vista towards Toulouse. Other castles nearby are Puivert which has an interesting museum, Montaillou well known as the whole village fell under suspicion eventually for Catharism and was investigated by the Inquisition, and well worth a visit and easily accessible are Perypertuse, Queribus, Puilaurens and Arques. Recently, Rennes-le-Château has become a place of international fascination partly due to the “Da Vinci” phenomenon. Like Montségur with its tale of lost Cathar gold, Rennes le Chateau is believed to hide the gold from the Templar castle which once existed overlooking the river Aude. Whatever the merits of this story, and it has many, fascinating details, it a spot well worth visiting for its fabulous views!
Belcaire area
Visit the Monday market at Mirepoix with its fresh local produce and interesting craft stalls in the surroundings of an ancient Bastide town before retreating from the heat to one of its many bars and restaurants. With a little more time take the car to the ancient cities of Carcassonne and Perpignan or explore the coastal delights towards the Spanish border of Collioure and Banuyls-sur-Mer. Don’t forget Andorra before you go home to pick up your duty-free! Discover the wildlife and flora of the upland meadows and the more dramatic scenery where gorges split the craggy landscape, the home of eagles and vultures. Just a few steps from the Château and you are off the roads (on foot or bike) and into the countryside with no other sign of civilisation except the occasional path sign. Maps are provided. For the more adventurous drive a mere 20 minutes and you are in the high Pyrenean peaks. If you're able to be here in mid-July, you may wish to see the Tour de France cyclists on the mountainous roads nearby.
Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ, Shared tennis court on site
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: The elegant 16th century Chateau de Bellecaille is set in the foothills of the Pyrenees and was recently restored to a high standard, offering 8 large double bedrooms, 6 with en suite bathrooms, comfortable living rooms and well-equipped kitchen. It has a south facing patio and a covered swimming pool. Ground floor: You enter the chateau through an imposing medieval door. Access to the living-room and dining room is off the spacious hall. The living-room is large, running the length of the house. At one end there is a living area dominated by the traditional French fireplace with a wood burning stove available for use year round. At this end of the salon there is a Hi-fi system that includes a CD player and Ipod connection. At the other end is a separate seating area with a satellite TV, DVD player and a large DVD library. French windows allow access to the south facing patio. Here you can spend the early evening relaxing, watching the sun set behind the mountains. The dining room has a large table with an additional table which can be added to make the seating capacity 16. It provides easy access from the kitchen and utility room. Just off the dining room is a small office housed in the circular tower. Broadband internet access is available using the computer available for guests. There is a kitchen with a large gas stove, sink, storage space and dishwasher, beyond is a large utility room containing 2 large fridges, a deep freeze, micro wave and a washing machine. There is an adjoining WC.
First floor: The chateau is of square construction and the bedrooms on two floors are of a very similar size and design with access from a central landing. The bedrooms are large and six of them have magnificent en suite bathrooms. The other two have connecting doors to adjacent suites and so are ideal for children or close family members. There are fine views over the surrounding countryside. Bedroom1 contains a super King-size bed with bedside tables and lamps, a stone fireplace, a chest of drawers and a large cupboard. It has views from the large window of the valley and hills beyond. There is a large en suite bathroom set in one of the chateau towers with twin basins, toilet and bath with shower attachment. Bedroom 2 has a King-size double bed with bedside tables and lamps, a chest of drawers and a cupboard. There is an en suite bathroom with bath, basin and toilet. Bedroom 3 has a King-size bed with bedside tables and lamps, a chest of drawers and a large cupboard. There is an en suite bathroom in one of the chateau towers. Bedroom 4 has 2 single beds, a cupboard and chest of drawers.
Second floor: There are 4 bedrooms furnished in a similar style to the first floor, one with a super king-size bed and en suite bathroom, two with king-size beds and en suite bathrooms and one with two single beds.
Further details outdoors: There is a spacious garden at the Chateau de Bellecaille with two patio areas for outdoor entertainment. There is a swimming pool (10mx5m) with a retractable roof and an area for badminton, boules and table tennis. Carparking is available.
Conditions
- Security deposit: A deposit of £500 will be required on arrival. The deposit will be returned to you on departure or not later than a week after you leave minus any replacements for breakages or extra cleaning etc. Please leave the château in the manner it was entrusted to you. - Linen & towels: Included except swimming towels. - Energy costs: Included in the rental price. - End of stay cleaning: Included. Please leave the property in the state that you found it. - Arrival time: 4pm onwards. - Departure time: 10am. - Pets: No pets allowed. - Smoking: No smoking in the property.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
High season
1 Jul 08
1 Sep 08
3200£3,200
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0-
1 Week
Low season
1 Sep 08
1 Jul 09
2500£2,500
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0-
Flexible
11
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Please note that full property descriptions, photographs, availabilty & prices are kept up to date on my website, which you can visit by clicking on my personal website link below.
Availability
See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
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12
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Available
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Arrival/Departure dates
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/59404
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