Pun del Cel (Bridge to Heaven)
Enlarge
About the home
Pun del Cel is situated in the middle of the green hills 3 miles from the 12th century fortified city Cordes-sur-Ciel, a characteristic renovated farm house (1800) that together with four other farm houses and a water mill forms part of the tranquil hamlet Magot.
This spacious family house sits on a peaceful and secluded 6,000 sq m (1.5 acre) ground, located on a south slope of a hill with a lovely view over the bottom situated valley and brook, woods and fields. The garden has peach, apricot, apple trees and wild orchids. Lavender, thyme, rosmarijn and other herbs are planted around the house. The house has been renovated recently, retaining many of its original features such as oak beams, exposed stone work, large open fire place and chimney, the French windows and doors. The furniture is largely antique and traditional and the house is decorated with various paintings.
| Size: | Sleeps up to 10, 4 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Nearest beach: | Lac de la Roucarie, 12km |
| Will consider: | Corporate lets Long lets Short breaks |
| Access: | Car advised Nearest amenities: 4km |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for children of all ages Suitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | May take pets - please enquire No smoking at this property Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Log fire, Internet access, DVD player |
|---|---|
| General: | CD player, Telephone, Table tennis, Games room, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron |
| Utilities: | Clothes dryer, Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 4 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms of which 2 shower rooms |
| Furniture: | Single beds (6), Double beds (2), Cots (2), Dining seating for 10, Lounge seating for 8 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided Highchair available |
| Outdoors: | Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ, Trampoline |
| Access: | Parking space |
Further details indoors:
The 200 year old farm house has a surface area of approx 300 sq m (3,300 sq ft) is arranged over two floors. The main entrance is in the middle of the house. On the ground floor, east side of the house is the kitchen and a separate dining room located. The kitchen is cosy and has all common equipment such as fridge, cooker, dishwasher, microwave, coffee-maker, toaster etc. Next to the kitchen is a bathroom with toilet, washbasin and shower. The bathroom is electrically heated.
The dining room has dining table and chairs, a massive original fireplace with wood stove and is well furnished. There is satellite TV, CD/DVD/Ipod player/audio, telephone (please inquire) and ADSL internet access (fixed line and wifi).
The groundfloor west side of the farmhouse has three compartments.
A separate living room is situated next to the central stairway. This living room has open fire place, couch and easy chairs to relax. French double garden doors lead to the south side terrace and garden.
Next to the lounge is a utility room with the washing machine, clothes dryer, freezer, extra fridge, table tennis, storage for playing toys, garden furniture and the like.
From the main entrance hall, a wide stone stairway leads to the first floor.
On the east side one finds one double bedroom and two triple bedrooms (with baby cot). On the west side one finds the other double bedroom, a bathroom (washbasin, shower) and separate toilet. The west side also has a library with wood stove. This room has a full mixture of books, including books, guides and leaflets regarding the region, its culture, history, architecture, villages, cities and (sport) activities. There are also children's books, games and toys for the odd rainy day as well as road and hiking maps.
Further details outdoors:
An outstanding feature is the covered eastside terrace. Sitting under a traditional wooden structure of 7 x 5 m (24 x 16 ft), wonderfully shaded when the midday sun is at its hottest, with view on the garden, hills and pool, this place is ideal for 'al fresco' breakfast, lunch and dining . The long table and chairs are extremely convivial. The terrace is close to the kitchen and has a wood-oven for pizza's, breadmaking and other dishes and a fire place cum barbecue.
There is another wide terracotta tiled terrace on the south side of the house and for those who seek some peace, a quiet hide-away seating with a panorama view on top of the hill.
It is an ideal place to experience the French rural scene. The forests and fields surrounding the house accommodate a variety of wildlife such as deer, wild boar, bird of prey (hawks, buzzard, falcon, owl), stone-marten, butterflies and other animals. A drive or walk over the winding roads around the house at dawn or sunset (with spot light) will almost certain yield an encounter with the local wildlife. A heaven for nature lovers.
Perhaps the most important for the holiday-makers is the private swimming pool of 11 x 5 m ( 36 ft x 17ft) with roman steps, surrounded by a large sun terrace with wooden sun loungers and chairs, a big parasol and various pool toys. The pool is equipped with an alarm. The pool has an automatic robot cleaner, a bubble cover for spring and autumn when the nights tend to cool the pool down. The pool can be lit at night.
In front of the swimming pool is a lawn with a badminton field and trampoline. In one of the sheds is a table tennis table. In addition visitors can use the tennis court in Cordes, please inquire with the home owner at booking!
The house has an assortment of garden furniture. There is a open fire place in the garden where one can sit at night, watch the magnificent stars and hear the owls.
Trampoline (14 ft diameter)
Badminton field
Football goal
Varous games (badminton, jeu de boules, football)
There are tennis courts in Cordes.
Wood is made available and charged at Euro 95/m3
Further details
A French care taker will welcome you upon arrival and show you the house, pool and garden. The care taker maintains the house, pool, the garden, equipment and machinery. The care taker can be contacted when necessary.
In case of a malfunctioning or breakdown of the equipment or utilities, the care taker can be contacted. He is just 5 minutes away from the house.
Conditions
Your booking is confirmed following the return of the signed rental contract and payment of a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the rental charge is due eight weeks before arrival. A schedule of cancellation charges is provided in the rental contract.
Bed and kitchen linen, bathroom and swimming pool towls are provided and included in the rent. Linen and towls are collected and washed every Saturday by the caretaker. The washing charge is Euro 5.00 per person per week and will be offset by the caretaker against the deposit.
At the end of the holiday the house will be cleaned by the care taker.
A refundable security deposit of Euro 300 is required against breakages and damage and should be paid in cash to the care taker upon arrival. The care taker will inspect the house with you upon your arrival and departure and refund the deposit then. The Euro 60 cleaning charge, the line & towel washing charge and the wood charge will be deducted from the deposit.
The rental is inclusive of water and energy (electricity and gas), except in winter period (December-March). Telephone is excluded. Please bring your own mobile telephone or use skype phone through the ADSL internet connection at the house. The house telephone can be made available upon request. Please inquire when making your booking.
Photos
Video
Share videoThe Midi-Pyrenees / Tarn region
The Midi-Pyrenees is the largest region in France, running from the Pyrenees south of Toulouse, bordering Languedoc-Rousillon to the East, the Limousin & Auvergne to the north and the Poitou-Charente & Aquitaine to the west. The Midi Pyrenees is a mixture of many cultures and is often claimed to be the region with the best life-style. Famous for its innate festive feel, the region enjoys a very sunny climate, perfect for appreciating the constant spectacle of its landscapes. The towering peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains, nature parks, cool mountain rivers and scorching cliffs, the wild Aubrac mountain plateau all threaded through with hundreds of miles of paths, the gorges du Tarn and Averyon, natural forests. Visitors to the Midi-Pyrenees are often surprised by the friendly spontanity they encounter. The region is full of things to see and do during your stay - spend some time in Toulouse basking in the warm glow of its famous red brick buildings or perhaps Albi to meet Toulouse-Lautrec. Discover the delicious local produce (foie gras, cassoulet, Roquefort cheese, wines, visit the medieaval castles or follow the route among fortified towns (Route de Bastides) marked by the events of history and home to typical small markets. You will find picturesque Romanesque and Gothic memories. The region has a variety of interesting cities such as Toulouse, Albi, Cahors, Millau, Mountauban, Carcasonne, Espaillon.
Magot / Cordes-sur-Ciel is part of the Department du Tarn with Albi as capital city. Various rivers - the most important being the Tarn, the Avyeron and the Viaur meander through this Department. The natural landscape includes the gorges du Tarn and Aveyron, large areas of unspoilt natural (oak) forest, roling countryside with vineyards, sunflower, lupine and grain field, mountainous areas and plateau's with their typical vegetation (causse). An afternoon trip by canoe through one of the the famous gorges with their magnificent rough landscape with steep walls and leanover rocks is considered a "must" by nearly all guests. Whatever the time of the year you will be well placed in Pun Del Cel. Our region has so many wonderful things to show you and so much to tell you.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Hiking / flora, bird and wild life watching
At the house you will find detailed hiking maps and a booklet that describe and detail the sign-posted routes of these Randonnees de Pays that can be walked in the area.
Climing (tree and rock)
On a plateau near St. Antonin Noble Val (D958 to Carê¥), professionals teach you to clime and glide along cables from tree to tree at a height of 20 to 30 ft. It's real fun for children (>8 years) and adults alike. Rock climing is also available under profesionnal guidance.
Cycling and mountainbiking
Bycicles can be rented from the family Guibert in la Faurelles 10 mins from Pun. The beautiful scenery of the rolling countryside with its winding lanes and the mountainbike tracks in the forests provide a heaven for enthusiastic cyclists of all standards. Alternatively one can take the 2003 Tour de France route which went through our area.
Horse-riding
Equestrians venturing here are spoilt for choice around Cordes . The areas bridle paths take visitors across a wide variety of terrain. Many of the public GR and GRP footpaths are open to horse-riders and the less-steep hill routes are of particular interest. And you don't have to be an expert rider to take advantage of this compelling landscape to explore on horseback.
Swimming/sailing
Near Monestié³ (10 min drive from Pun) there is lake with sand beach (la Roucarie) where one can swim and sail. Of course there are many places along the rivers Aveyron and the Viaur were one can plunge in the water to cool down. Closer to home ( 5 min drive) flows the stream the C鲯u. There is a municipal swimming pool in Cahuzac sur Vè²¥ and a waterpark at Les Cabannes both 10-15 mins drive from Pun.
Canoeing / rafting
Experience Frances natural wonders first hand through exhilarating canoeing trips of the gorges du Averyron. Starting point at any of the renting companies at St. Antonin Noble Val, 25 min from Pun. A 3-4 hour adventure along the magnificent cliffs of the Roc d' Anglars. The trip -through rapids and over dams- is not difficult and children can join. Take food and drinks for a stop-over on the banks of the river and jump from a 20 ft cliff into the water.
For the adventurous, try the wild water rafting in the Gorges du Tarn north-east of Millau. The gorges and surrouding plateau's provide a breathtaking scenery. With outdoor pursuit centres and an abundance of professional instructors, catering for the novices through the experienced paddles. For those who admire man's ability to build structures, view- at Millau- the just completed highest bridge in the world with central columns that are higher than the Eiffel tower. Make it a day trip and leave early. The drive to the gorges du Tarn is 2-3 hours.
Fishing
Fishing can be done in any of the nearby rivers and streams. In the neighbourhood there are also a couple of commercial fish ponds.
Tennis/Golf
The house is member of a tennis club in Cordes and visitors can use the court free of charge.
Golf is available at Albi (18 hole delightful course), where there is also a water-park for children (20 min drive).
Painting (oil and aquarelle)
The Tourist Information Bureau in Cordes can provide you with addresses of painting courses in the region.
EXCURSIONS
Nearby (within 20-60 mins drive) there is a wide variety of beautiful, historic towns and villages to visit. The largest city in the vincinity of Pun is Albi.
Albi -known as the red town due to its largely brick built building- is the capital of the depatment du Tarn and has 60,000 inhabitants. Dominating the town is St. Cecilia's Cathedral, a somewhat austure building from a distance showing the eastern influences brough back from the Crusades. However as you get closer the striking decorated gothic additions become apparent, the highly decorated interior provides further contradiction to the rather plain facades. The catherdral is the largest brick building in Europe that took two centuries to build from 1282 to 1480. It was built by Christian loyalists as a defence against the Cathare Heresy starting in the 13 th century. Adjacent is the Episcopal Palace known as the Palais de la Berbie. This palace-fortress is one one the most completely restored and most impressive in French Midi. Visitors can enjoy the magificent gardens of the Berbie along with wonderful views of the Tarn and the Pont-Vieux, a 151 meters bridge build in 1035. The museum of Toulouse-Lautrec is housed in the palace.
The city centre has an attractive shopping area and good restaurants. On the outskirts one can find the hypermarkets such as Le Clerq, Casino, Intersport etc.
Other beautiful and historic towns and villages in de region are Monesties on the river Cerou, Najac with the medieaval castle for imaginative children, St. Antonin Noble Val on the river Aveyron, Laguepie on the river Viaur, Bruniquel on the river Aveyron, Penne with its castle ruin on the escarpment, Cahuzac, Salles and Puycelci. All of these villages have been very tastefully restored in the past decade.
MARKETS AND VINEYARDS
Most towns and villages have interesting and colourful weekly markets
Cordes has a market on Saturday morning with a wide assortment of regionally produced foods (cheese, honey, fruit and vegetables, foie gras, meat, bread, mushrooms, herbes, truffels) and drinks (wine, eau-de-vie), clothing and craft.
St. Antonin Noble Val has a market on Sunday morning, held under the 18 century covered market-hall.
The market at Laguepie is on Wednesday and Sunday morning.
At regular times antique - brocante markets are organized in the region. Please check with the Tourist Information Bureau.
Cordes is situated in the Gaillac wine producing area. Wine lovers can spend their days exploring the Gaillac vineyards and enjoy the tours and tastings that are offered by the local chateaux and caves.
The Cordes-sur-Ciel area
Cordes-sur-Ciel is 3 miles away from Pun del Cel. It was built by the count of Toulouse in 1222. It is a very beautiful small town, in the summer frequented by tourists. The village is situated on a steep mountain top. Cordes is the earliest and largest fortified town and forms part of a ring of the Bastides. The medieaval town has beautiful houses built by wealthy traders and noble families, an old market place and -at the top of the village- a stunning view over the valleys surrounding the town. There are many craft, antique and painting shops, bars and restaurants in the town. Cordes has a wide range of shops for your daily necessities. There are three banks, a post-office, a book shop, hairdresser, clothing and shoe shops etc. Cordes has a Tourist Information Bureau for the village and region.
In the summer most of the towns and villages in the region -including Cordes- organize festivals with a fair, dancing, theater and lots of fine food and drinks. Don't miss them.
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
|
|||||||||||
| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Toulouse: 85 km |
| Railway: | Cordes Vindrac: 5 km |
| Ferry: | Not Applicable |
LOCATION OF PROPERTY ON GOOGLE EARTH: 44 03'54.50'' N AND 2 00'32.00'' E
BY CAR
For your route planning to Cordes sur Ciel (81170) try www.theaa.com or www.viamichelin.com.
Detailed driving suggestions (map and directions how to get to the property) will be posted to your home address together with other booking/property documentation.
Coming from the UK, allow a drive of approx 8+ hours from your port of entry to the property.
For cross channel offers try www.ferrysavers.com or www.ferrysmart.co.uk
BY AIR / BY CAR
There are three airports which are within easy reach of our property:
Toulouse airport: 60 min drive
Rodez airport: 75 min drive
Carcasonne airport: 130 min drive
Airlines with direct flights into our region:
www.airfrance.com
www.britishairways.com
www.klm.com
www.easyjet.com
www.bmibaby.com
www.flybe.com
www.ryanair.com
Discount sites:
www.cheapflights.co.uk
www.dialaflight.com
www.travelplanners.co.uk
www.expedia.com
www.traveljungle.co.uk
www.getmore4less.co.uk.
CAR HIRE
www.europecar.fr
www.avis.fr
www.cheap-car-rentals.com
www.autoreservations.com
www.kelkoo.co.uk
www.france-car-hire-rental.com
BY TRAIN
From Paris Austerlitz daily to Cordes Vindrac in approx. 8 hours (night and day train
Activities near Cordes-sur-Ciel
Tennis in town
Watersports
Waterpark
Horse Riding
Golf within 30 mins drive
Fishing
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Beach or lakeside relaxation
Cycling holidays
Reviews
 05 Jan 2012 |
Pun del Cel is s spacious family house which sits on the south slope of a hill with a lovely view. It's situated 3 miles from the 12th century fortified city Cordes-sur-Ciel. We found Pun del Cel every thing it promised to be: a nice house on a beautifull spot. So all we had to do is enjoying the good life this part off France has to offer. Response: Many thanks for your stay, hope to see you again. Cheers Stefan |
Guestbook for Pun del Cel (Bridge to Heaven)
"We had a fantastic time at Pun, the house is charming and comfortable, and the pictures don't do it enough justice, as to how pretty it is. We particularly enjoyed dinners around the long table outside in candlelight. Everyone loved the local town especially as it has a large artistic community, very interesting. One of the most relaxing holidays we have had. Would definitely book again."
"We had an excellent time at your lovely farm house - thank you. Everything was great - a fantastic position. A truly relaxing holiday"
"Many thanks. We had a most relaxing holiday. It's a very nice house, and we much enjoyed being there. If you ever decide to sell it, let us know !"
"We had a really good time at Pun del Cel. We loved the house and the pool and particularly liked the new outside terrace. We also enjoyed looking through your art books! "
"I speak for all four of us when I confirm we had a delightful holiday at your house.We really could not fault anything except perhaps the minor difficlties we had with the TV, but this was probably down to us not understanding your setup."
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros € | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 10 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| 24/12/11 to 07/01/12 | 24 Dec 11 | 7 Jan 12 | € 750 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 07/01/12 to 24/03/12 | 7 Jan 12 | 24 Mar 12 | € 600 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 24/03/12 to 28/04/12 | 24 Mar 12 | 28 Apr 12 | € 750 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 28/04/12 to 23/06/12 | 28 Apr 12 | 23 Jun 12 | € 900 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 23/06/12 to 01/09/12 | 23 Jun 12 | 1 Sep 12 | € 1495 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 01/09/12 to 29/09/12 | 1 Sep 12 | 30 Sep 12 | € 900 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 29/09/12 to 22/12/12 | 30 Sep 12 | 22 Dec 12 | € 600 | - | - | 1 Week |
| 22/12/12 to 05/01/13 | 22 Dec 12 | 5 Jan 13 | € 900 | - | - | 1 Week |
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
Tariff is excluding cleaning, washing and wood charge
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
| Key: | 11 | 12 | Booked | 11 | 12 | Available | 11 | 12 | Unknown | 11 | 12 | Arrival/Departure dates |
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | ||
| Feb 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Apr 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | ||||||||
| May 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Jun 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | ||||||||
| Jul 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Aug 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||||||
| Sep 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | ||||||||
| Oct 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | 6 years listed You are contacting Stefan Van Tongeren (Pun Del Cel)
Languages spoken      The owner is based in Netherlands and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2005. This farmhouse has received 1 review from previous guests.  |
