No pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
This is a beautiful, 4-bedroomed, period house decorated and furnished to an extremely high standard by an interior designer. It is immaculate and exquisite inside and, although available to rent, it is retained as a 'family' home with every comfort, and lovely original pieces of artwork and sculpture for you to enjoy.
It has one of the best kitchen and dining areas I have ever seen with every facility to produce beautiful meals with produce direct from the local weekly market in the town. With lovely tableware and glasses, you will sit long into the night talking and enjoying your evening meals here. A catering service can be provided if you wish.
The house is in the town of Olonzac, the capital of the Minervois wine-producing region. It has a fine courtyard garden, with high quality garden furniture, an all-year-round indoor swimming pool which can be heated, and a superb roof terrace which overlooks the tiled roofs towards the the church spire. There is private, secure parking for two cars. Shops, bars and restaurants are a 5 minute walk away!
Downstairs there's a drawing room, two entrance halls, and a very large open plan kitchen / dining / sitting area, all beautifully furnished and decorated. There's a hi-fi system and a TV receiving English satellite channels, a DVD player and a video recorder. Upstairs are 4 spacious bedrooms: 3 doubles and a twin-bedded room. There are 3 bathrooms; one en-suite to the master bedroom, another en-suite to a bedroom with a sumptuous circular bed, and a family bathroom serving the other two bedrooms.
New in 2008 - one of the out-buildings has been converted to a games room which includes children's badminton,table tennis,a Plasma TV and and Xbox 360.
Maison Saphir
Roof terrace
Dining area
Master bedroom
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/26209
The Languedoc-Roussillon / Herault region
This part of the Languedoc has a sunny Mediterranean climate. It can be hot in summer, but the temperature is often tempered by a breeze. Now the 3rd most visited region in France by British people, the Languedoc offers something for everyone. Miles of long, sandy beaches, coastal lagoons, vibrant cities such as Narbonne and Montpellier, historical sites such as Carcassonne and the Cathar castles, fabulous scenery, great cuisine and vineyards, vineyards, vineyards.
Olonzac area
The town of Olonzac is small, but lively. It's the capital of the Minervois wine-producing region. With plenty of shops, supermarkets, a post office, a bank, a pharmacy and bars and restaurants so you don't have to go too far if you don't want to. Maison Saphir is on one of the quieter streets and once you are in the house or courtyard garden the setting is indeed very tranquil.
For sports enthusiasts there are tennis courts in the park (but please remember to bring racquets and balls), and there's also a boules playing area. Olnzac has a music festival for 4 days in August - please enquire for the dates.
At the local Lac Du Jouarres, there are facilities for swimming, wind-surfing, sailing, canoeing and fishing. The locals in Olonzac are very keen rugby players and supporters and the local team is very successful. Beziers is the rugby capital of the South of France and there's a fantastic stadium there for the seasonal matches.
For golf lovers, you can play at Carcassonne, Beziers, Mazemet and there's a links course at Cap d'Agde.
The region is great for walking and cycling along the Canal du Midi - you can hire bikes locally and have them delivered to your door.
There's much to see and do in the two 'Departments' of Herault and Aude. The Mediterranean beaches at Narbonne-Plage and Gruissan are a 45-50 minute drive away.
Then there' s the medieval city of Carcassonne with its 52 turrets and two rings of fortifications.
Visit the Canal du Midi - the staircase of 9 locks at Fontseranes near Beziers, or more locally, the inland canal port of Homps with its charming restaurants.
Narbonne is a lovely city and is well worth a visit - the city is divided in two by the Canal de la Robine and has narrow streets with delightful shops.
You can go back to the time of the Cathars by visiting the Cathar Castles in the region and the more local town of Minerve. Joie de Vivre will send you a regional information sheet once your booking is confirmed.
Markets - there's a great weekly market in Olonzac on a Tuesday morning. It is very popular and you'll find a wide choice of regional seasonal produce to buy - as well as herbs and spices, colourful baskets, clothes, shoes, furniture etc etc. Other markets worth visiting are in Lezignan Corbieres on a Wednesday morning, and Narbonne on a Thursday and Sunday morning. Narbonne also has a large indoor food market 'Les Halles' which is open every day except Sunday.
Restaurants - as well as the ones you can walk to in Olonzac, there are many more delightful ones in Homps and the other surrounding villages. Again Joie de Vivre will send you a list of recommendations should you decide to book with us. Supermarkets - Olonzac has 2 just on the edge of town and a small one in the town centre. There's a great boulangerie and traiteur/boucherie/charcuterie in the town.
How to get there
The town of Olonzac is in the Minervois wine-producing region just north of the D road which runs between Beziers and Carcassonne. The nearest motorway junction is No:25 Lezignan Corbieres on the A61 Autoroute des Deux Mers.
The nearest airport is Carcassonne - about a 40 minute drive. This airport is serviced by Ryanair from various airports in the UK. Alternative airports are Perpignan, Montpellier, Nimes, Toulouse and Girona (N. Spain).
Full details will be sent to you upon booking.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Carcassonne: 45 km
Railway:
Beziers: 35 km
Activities near Olonzac
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Private indoor Pool, Internet access, DVD player
General:
Central heating, CD player, Table tennis, Games room, Satellite TV
Bedrooms (4), Bathrooms (2), En suite (1), WCs (4), Solarium / Roof terrace
Furniture:
Single beds (2), Double beds (3), Cots (1), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 8, Sleeps maximum of 8
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: Drawing room: Beautifully furnished with comfortable cream sofas and a large glass coffee table, with lovely artwork and interesting artefacts, this is the perfect room for relaxing in or writing home at the lovely writing desk.
Dining room: The dining area which is open plan to the kitchen has a fantastic dining table and chairs seating 8-10 people. There is a large dresser with very attractive tableware. On the other side of the room is a further sitting area with a comfortable sofa and armchairs. Here you'll find the satellite TV, hifi and DVD player.
Kitchen: The kitchen has every piece of equipment you could possibly need including a large Lacanche range cooker, with gas hob, griddle, double oven and plate warmer. There's a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and an iron, and ironing board. Catering facilities are available if you require them.
Bedrooms: The very spacious master double bedroom overlooks the garden and has a king-size double bed and good storage in wardrobes and drawers. It also has satellite TV and a small fridge. The en-suite is spacious with a very large, deep bath, twin washbasins and WC. Bedroom 2 is shadier and has a unique large circular double bed, storage, hanging and a TV with French channels. The bathroom for this room is just immediately next door and has a large shower enclosed by a glass-block wall, large washbasin and WC. Bedroom 3 overlooks the garden and has a king-size double and some magnificent pieces of original artwork. Bedroom 4 is a good size and contains twin beds - perhaps the most suitable room for children.
Bathrooms: The 3rd family bathroom is large with an antique marble wash-stand, large bath, WC and dressing table.
Outside: is a large courtyard garden with lawns. palm trees, mature plane trees, lavender and other planting. Teak steamer chairs are available for the garden. You'll also find a sizeable roof top terrace up above the swimming pool and accessed by an outside staircase. This has a pergola, potted plants and sun-loungers. There is safe car-parking for 2 cars.
Swimming pool: This is indoors but overlooks the garden and may be heated, if required, at an additional charge. Glass sliding doors may be opened to allow access from the garden to the pool and vice versa. The pool is 12m x 6m and deep.
Internet: Please ask the house-keeper if you wish to connect to the internet.
Telephone: Sorry, there is no telephone available.
Baby facilities: A cot, a high chair, and a small charming bed for a small child are available on request. Reliable baby-sitting can be arranged on request.
Pets: are not permitted at this house - sorry. Smoking: is not permitted inside this house – sorry.
Further details outdoors: Please note that the swimming pool is private and INDOORS. You can arrange to have it heated at a supplementary cost, please enquire for details.
Further details
Winter heating: Is not included in the rental price but may be required from the end of October to April. A supplementary charge of 80 Euros per week payable direct to the housekeeper. Gas, electric, & water: are all included in the rental cost.
End-of-stay cleaning: is not included in the rental cost. If you wish the owner to arrange the cleaning, the cost is 80 Euros payable direct. 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 in cash on arrival due to the very high standard of the furnishings and the numerous pieces of original artworks. A UK sterling cheque to the equivalent value is also possible. This will be refunded to you after the end of your stay, less the replacement cost of any breakages or accidental damage.
Change over day: Normally Saturday in High Season. May be flexible in Low Season.
Long weekend stays: Possibly available in Low Season subject to availability
Pets: are not permitted at this house - sorry.
Smoking: is not permitted inside this house – sorry.
Conditions
See rental details and conditions above
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Low Season
16 Oct 09
19 Dec 09
2575£2,575
0-
0-
1 Week
Xmas and New Year
19 Dec 09
3 Jan 10
3004£3,004
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
3 Jan 10
3 Apr 10
2575£2,575
0-
0-
1 Week
Easter
3 Apr 10
10 Apr 10
3004£3,004
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
10 Apr 10
1 Jun 10
2575£2,575
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
1 Jun 10
1 Sep 10
3004£3,004
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
1 Sep 10
18 Dec 10
2575£2,575
0-
0-
1 Week
61
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
Please note that Easter Week, as well as Christmas and New Year weeks are High Season.
Payment can be made by UK cheque, bank transfer or credit/debit card for which a small card charge may apply. We can also accept payment in Euros - please enquire. Bookings are from Saturday to Saturday only in normal circumstances.
The swimming pool can be heated prior to your arrival at a supplementary cost based on the cost price of the diesel for the heating system - it takes 2 days to heat it. Please enquiry for the current price.
Guestbook for Maison Saphir
Excellent, comfortable, well-equipped and well-managed, and within walking distance of shops and restaurants - we were very satisfied with this villa. Mr. T of Surrey. JUNE 2008.
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
Send Enquiry
To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/26209
Contact details for the advertiser of home 26209
Name:
Sue Caddick
Company:
Joie de Vivre - le Midi
Tel:
+44 (0)1509 600228
Mobile:
+44 (0)781 4656402
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
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