Description
The manor house, near historic Carcassonne is without doubt one of the most
magnificent properties in the Aude. A place where dreams become reality and time
is in a different world. This rare and beautiful "Italian" style mansion dates
from XVII century and is steeped in history with landscaped gardens and an
exceptional interior. Surrounded by woods and fields with views over the
Corbière hills, the house is totally private and boasts a swimming pool.
Visitors this year were amazed: " We will be telling everyone about our trip and
how we stayed at such a fine place".
The Villa was built in XVII Century and belonged to the Consul of Carcassonne.
Today the present house and unique gardens owe their architecture and charm to
the loving care of a patron of the arts, Monsieur Courjaire. Friend of Violet le
Duc (who restored Carcassonne), he donated several buildings to the town
including the theatre and the principal street is named after him. Dedicated
also to his home, he completely restored the house, building a dam to irrigate
the land, planting over 12,000 trees and decorating the park with paths, statues
and columns. No expense was spared to make the villa into the exquisite mansion
it is today. Full of charm and finesse the interior has been recently renovated
by the present owner with antique furniture and all " mod cons ". " I cannot
sing its' praises enough " said one guest.
Accommodation
Ground Floor: Large entrance hall leading onto the sitting room. Dining room.
Separate fully fitted kitchen which includes dishwasher, oven, hob, microwave
refrigerator and deep freeze. Also provided are telephone, television and video.
Garden furniture and barbecue
First Floor: One Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Two double bedrooms. Two
twin bedrooms. One separate bathroom. Two separate lavatories (one up and one
downstairs)
Outside
A wonderful landscaped garden with pond, statues, columns and views over the
rolling hills of Carcassonne. Facing south is a terrace with garden furniture
and barbecue overlooking the swimming pool (11m x 5m). Centuries old trees
provide plenty of shade and the park and grounds are yours to explore.
The local villages of Cazilhac and Palaja are 15 minutes walk. Local shops
include boulangerie, small supermarket, butcher, newsagent and pharmacy - ideal
for everyday shopping. Big supermarkets and restaurants are in nearby
Carcassonne - 10 minutes drive. Riding, golf and tennis are with easy distance.
In fact there's something here for everyone !
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a fairy-tale remnant of the Middle Ages. An intact walled city
that is probably the highlight of Languedoc. Begun by the Gauls, then Romans,
Visigoths and Franks, Carcassonne was a major fortress in South West France and
controlled land stretching from the Mediterranean to the Pyrenees. In the mid
1800's it was restored by Violet le Duc (also responsible for renovating Notre
Dame) and is today a perfect medieval walled city. To visitors it is a
heart-stopping site with its' round towers and fortified walls dominating the
plains below. The "Cité " has narrow cobbled streets, lots of shops and a
succession of restaurants. During the summer months there are music, drama and
dance festivals plus an exiting Medieval " son et lumière ".
Wine
Some of the finest wines in Languedoc come from the Corbière and Minervois and
wine makers always welcome a visit. In fact, from visiting Castles, to sampling
local dishes and tasting wines there is something here for everyone in one of
France's most unspoilt and romantic region. Languedoc is bursting with charm, it
has a fascinating history, excellent wines, fields of sunflowers and lavender -
plus much more, that has somehow been missed by the hordes. So take this
opportunity and have a holiday to remember !
Location
Languedoc is in the south of France on the edge of the Mediterranean. It's
borders are Toulouse to the West and Nîmes to the East. Looking at the map on
the left hand side the Pyrenees (Toulouse) and on the right the Rhone Valley (Nîmes).
The villa is approximately one hour from Toulouse and one hour from the
Mediterranean (Narbonne's beach "Gruissan plage"). International flights into
Carcassonne and Toulouse.
Click
here to view a map of the area
