Families/couples preferred Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Le Petit Charme (The Little Charm) is a lovingly-restored, 200-year-old vineyard worker’s stone cottage and ‘chai’ (barrel ‘barn) with private courtyard and garden nestled next to a vast vineyard in the Medieval village of Argens-Minervois situated on the historic Canal du Midi in the Languedoc winegrowing region of Southern France.
This romantic one-bedroom, one-bath luxury private residence provides upscale accommodations and amenities unmatched by most rental properties in the area. Couples enjoy the privacy and comforts of home while exploring the natural beauty and refreshing simplicity of French countryside.
Le Petit Charme (LPC) is a newly renovated (MARCH 2007), fully-furnished, centrally air conditioned, 85-square metre (915-square foot) luxury French cottage with interior courtyard and exterior garden. It includes a living room/dining room/kitchen, from which one can view the 12th century chateau that towers over the tiny Medieval village of Argens-Minervois. In addition, there is a master bedroom, bathroom and dressing room suite that opens onto a private courtyard. Amenities include all new appliances, air conditioning, laptop computer with internet and luxury furnishings, linens and bedding.
LPC is a fully-furnished luxury cottage located next to a vast vineyard
A comfortable reading area next to a wood-burning stove
Dining for 6 to 8 people off a modern kitchen next to the courtyard
Private courtyard is accessible via kitchen and bedroom
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/26420
The Languedoc-Roussillon / Aude region
Until recently, Languedoc, especially the Minervois and the neighboring department of Herault, was relatively undiscovered. Soaring real estate prices in neighboring Provence, affordable flights between Carcassone and England, as well as the area’s natural beauty, temperate weather and slow-paced lifestyle, are bringing more people into the area. In fact, the area is now known as ‘The Next Provence.”
Throughout history, Minervois has been wine growing area. Today, there are many small producers making excellent wine, some of which can be tasted a local wineries and cooperatives.
However, recently local economy has turned towards tourism and the privileged geographical location of Argens enables it to take full advantage of the area’s rich heritage. Nearby is the medieval city of Minerve (12 kilometres) and the old fortified city of Carcassonne is some 40 minutes by car. In addition, Cathar castles abound in the Minervois and Corbieres areas
Minervois / Argens Minervois area
The Languedoc-Roussillion region is the relaxed, sun-drenched south, with excellent beaches and sleepy villages making for a laid back way of life. Also known as Le Midi, the area is celebrated for its romantic past and blend of French culture with that of its Spanish and Catalan neighbours. This mixture is apparent in the red and yellow flags of the region and in the bull-fighting which takes place in the well-preserved amphitheatre of Nîmes.
Minvere, Carcassone, Cathars Country, Medieval/Roman architecture, Narbonne, wineries, etc.
How to get there
Ryan Air, Stansted to Carcassone Other airlines to Toulouse
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Carcassone/Toulouse: 40 km
Railway:
Narbonne: 25 km
Activities near Minervois
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats A winter sun break Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, Internet access, DVD player
General:
Central heating, Air conditioning, Video player, CD player, Telephone, Fax
Sofabeds (1), Double beds (1), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 1, Sleeps maximum of 3
Other:
Please check with the owner regarding linen and towels.
Outdoors:
Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: Le Petit Charme (LPR), situated at the edge of the village next to as-far-as-the-eye-can-see vineyards, is designed to make guests feel as though they’re living among the vines. Cream-coloured walls change hue with the light, complementing a ‘harvest’ palette of ochre, red, gold, silver, bronze contemporary and antique furnishings. Floors of modern and antique tiles ground the interesting mix of decorative items of glass, mirror, wood and metal that adorn the space.
Although many of the features of a French country cottage are present, such as stone walls and weathered wooden shutters and huge ceiling beams and an old-fashion wood-burning stove, designer Marion Hagspiel has taken whimsical liberties with tradition. For example, the Art Deco style dining chairs upholstered in French toile surround a modern Italian glass table. Instead of traditional French country art and décor, Ms. Hagspiel has selected overscale photography, Catalan pottery and African bowls to adorn the space.
The main living area of Le Petit Charm (LPC) has a comfortable sleeper sofa with an array of down cushions and upholstered armchair set next to an old-fashion wood-burning stove. A handsome custom-built wall unit houses a state-of-the-art entertainment system, including a flat-panel television with a DVD player and stereo, as well as a collection of music and books.
The kitchen, a combination of high-tech and old-world design, is outfitted with smart appliances for those who like to cook while on holiday. It has an under-the- counter refrigerator, four-burner convection stove and oven, and microwave. A toaster, blender, stemmer, grill, and expresso/coffee maker and a collection of stylish cutlery and tabletop accessories and other kitchen items are stored below the counters, leaving plenty of workspace. The kitchen opens through French doors onto a Meditteranean-style courtyard and herb garden for easy seasonal dining and entertaining.
Further details outdoors: PRIVATE COURTYARDThe enclosed Mediterranean-style courtyard, tiled with colourful 19th century carrelage, is perfect for sunning, dining or entertaining. It features a variety of indigenous plants and potted herbs (available in season for guests’ use) and is furnished with an antique marble-top table with seating for four, a pair of reclining lounge chairs, café table and gas grill. A selection of lights and candles illuminate the area by night, providing an ambience of romance.
GARDEN WITH VINEYARD VIEWS. Seated at an old stone well turned outdoor dining table, guests can enjoy relaxing views -- a country garden of wild flowers, seasonal vegetables and young olive tress, as well as vineyards stretching to the horizon.
Further details
Le Petit Charme (LPR) is designed to meet the needs of discriminating travelers who enjoy a private, upscale residential rental that provides:
Stylish, elegant, & luxurious accommodations A private, romantic getaway Many amenities Excellent value An open, light & airy space A convenient location Safe neighborhood 7/24 guest support Quality service
LPC offers many amenities, some of which are not even offer by luxury hotels in the area:
• Central air conditioning • Flat panel plasma TV with DVD player • Stereo system with dozens of CDs • Unlimited use of laptop computer and wireless Internet access • Free phone service, including local calling throughout France • Library of books, including many local guides • Luxury bedding, linens & towels • Plush terry cloth robes • Wood burning stove and electric heaters • Washer & dryer (for stays more than 7 days) • Gas barbeque • Bicycle • Selection of toiletries • Array of candles • Complimentary selection of coffee, tea and chocolate • Complimentary bottle of wine
Conditions
3 Day minimum per stay
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros €
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
May-October, up to 3 peop
1 May 07
1 Nov 07
825£693
0-
0-
1 Week
01
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Three day minimum. Wire transfer, paypal, check in euros or dollars.
May-October, up to 2 people €750
Daily rate, May-October, up to 2 people €115
Daily rate, May-October, up to 3 people €125
Availability
Please contact the owner to enquire about available dates.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/26420