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The aptly named Maison aux Volets Bleus enjoys a sunny, south facing aspect, affording magnificent views of the Pyrenees and Mount Canigou - the sacred mountain of the Catalans. It is situated at end of the village of Rodes on the corner of a tiny lane on rising ground. The house is built into the rock of the hillside which gives it an interesting interior feature. Originally a barn, it has been subject to sympathetic conversion with undressed stone walls, exposed beams and pine floors, as well as the retention of the old (feeding) Manger.
DOWNSTAIRS
The lower entrance access is to the side of the house through a small patio/garden with table and chairs and a BBQ. Inside, there is an open plan sitting room and kitchen/dining area. It is fully furnished to a high standard. Kitchen equipment includes gas/electric hobs, multi function microwave cooker and fridge/freezer. The small laundry has a washing machine. In the shower room leading off, there is a shower, toilet and wash basin.
UPSTAIRS
Upstairs is reached via an inner staircase or an outer, upper entrance. There is a second, larger sitting area off which is a double bedroom with en-suite, which can be shared (while maintaining privacy) with others in the house. View straight out onto Mount Canigou. The second bedroom has twin beds and a charming view up the typical village path.
The upper mezzanine floor is approached by a newly-installed second staircase and has two sections, one with a single and the other with a 5ft bed.
GENERAL
There is no telephone in the house, but a public telephone is in the nearby village square, about 20 meters away. The property has its own parking area for one car to the front of the house. The village has its own, very well equipped small shop which is open at 8.30 am in time for you to collect your milk and "baguette" for breakfast having been for your morning walk!
The house is comfortable for four people, but the mezzanine is available and could easily sleep 2 to 3 more people.
LOCAL AREA
Roussillon is best known for the Pyrenees mountains, its coastline and ski-slopes, its history and its wines. It is also a great area for bird lovers.
The immediate area around Rodes is great for walking or exploring the beautiful French/Spanish border by car. Close by is the village of Vinca with a lake for swimming and boating.
The small towns and villages still retain their mediaeval characteristics, and there are a number of abbeys of interest and beauty.
The area is well known for its 'healing waters'. You can still enjoy the warm sulphur baths (winter and summer) - a very unusual and rewarding experience whilst it is snowing!
The whole area is steeped in history, from the discovery of prehistoric man at Tautavel, through to the history of the Catalans and the many Cathar castles, to the local geological formations of Les Orgues.
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Independent Comment
Charming south-facing village house with some unique features in a picturesque traditional hillside village - the view to Mount Canigou with hills all around from all the main rooms is stunning. The house has attractive exposed stone walls and pine flooring and the lower part of the back walls is literally built into the hillside with granite rock providing an internal feature in the kitchen area and downstairs bathroom. The house is light with plenty of space, including a second sitting room on the first floor and large mezzanine with additional beds for larger parties or children. It is furnished and presented in “comfy” cottage style, providing a homely and welcoming ambiance. The pretty paved terrace is tucked in beside the house with the quaint pedestrian street behind.
© A Week or 2 in Languedoc |
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