"Maison Cosy"
This 400 year old Stone Village House is three stories high. The main floor has the living salon with 2 sofas, large coffee table and a wood stove for a cozy fire on chilly nights in winter. There a step up to the open kitchen with a convection oven, refrigerator, freezer, plenty of counter space and glass doorway to the private courtyard Beyond. The courtyard is a lovely plant filled oasis that is sunny in the morning and refreshingly shady in the hot afternoons in summer. There is a table and seating for up to 6 to enjoy coffee in the morning or dining alfresco and barbecuing.
The house has seen many changes in it's lifetime and like so many of these ancient stone structures, stood empty and forgotten for many years. That is until it was completely renovated and became a vacation home and a successful part time rental on Holiday Lettings. That is how we met it's acquaintance originally and when we heard it might become available we jumped at the chance.
As the current owners, we have slowly begun making it our own. We removed the shower enclosure and replaced it with a new tile built in shower. We enjoy scouring vide greniers and brocantes for well loved items to fill the home, and garden nurseries for flowers to plant in front and in the courtyard.
The 1st floor, reached by the old original crooked steps, has 2 light filled bedrooms with casement windows overlooking the winding, centuries old village passage way that was never intended for cars. Both bedrooms have a large bdouble bed that sleeps two. The beds have covers, shams and quilts made of 100% linen. By default, the beds will be made up with 100% Pure Linen sheets and pillowcases, but cotton sheets are also available upon request.
The bathroom, also located on this floor has a window opening out to the courtyard. On one end is the toilet, a heated towel rack and the washing machine. On the other end is the large new tile shower and the vanity. This arrangement makes it practical if one person is showering and another needs to use the other end.
From the landing on the 1st floor is an old door that opens on an another winding stairway that takes you to the large attic. The attic space is not available and is the owners private area.
The house is perfect for a quiet getaway, or as a base for exploring Southern France. It's situated in a quaint village, yet has everything you will need. The local market while small, is surprisingly well stocked, including fresh produce and a good local wine selection. Nearby La Boulangerie is open early every morning for your daily Croissants, Baguettes and various other wonderful baked goods. There is a pharmacy in the village and a couple of restaurants.
While some people come to enjoy the solitude away from tourist areas, most come because they want to experience Southern France. Unless you are from the first group, you will definitely need/want to have a car. There is ample parking within a 30 second walk from the house.
After you have settled in and relaxed, you may want to explore the surrounding areas. The village is nestled at the bottom of the foothills of the Montagne Noir. The roads in to town quickly morph in to one lane roads leaving towards the mountains and snake their way up, over and around mystical magical Castles, Caves, Lakes, Rivers, and Falls to explore while passing through quaint picturesque villages with houses clinging to rocky cliffs. You can plan a route that will take you in circuitous loop so that you never see the same place twice and last anywhere from an hour to all day.
It is along these roadways that the Tour de France ride happens each year. Part of the course is always nearby each year and has even gone through the town.
From the house you are 20 minutes to the ancient city of Carcassonne, driving along, around and over the Canal du Midi on the way.
The Mediterranean is little more than an hour away with everything from picturesque seaside towns, miles of public beaches and wildlife refuges to large cities and resorts. .
