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This lovely old farmhouse is surrounded by wonderful rolling countryside with the Black Mountains to the north and the Pyrenees to the south. This is Cathar country as described by Kate Mosse in her novel "Labyrinth" and alluded to in Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code".
La Pène is a 30 minute drive south west of Carcassonne (Ryanair) and an hour’s drive south east of Toulouse (BA and Easyjet and other main airlines). It is only 15 minutes' drive from the A61 Autoroute.
The nearest small town is Belvèze du Razès (about 5 miles away) where there are a number of shops, a post office and bank, tennis courts and Chateau de Belvèze where you can taste and buy the local wine.
One comment from a 2005 guest: "I have to say that in 20 years of holidaying in France, for the price, La Pène is one of the best equipped, nicely furnished and well appointed houses I have stayed in..."
The house is ideal for one large family or two families sharing with 5 bedrooms - 2 doubles and 3 twin bedded – and an optional top floor room with a further 2 single beds.
The house is very well-equipped with 2 washing machines, a tumble-drier, microwaves, 2 TVs, video and DVD players (a good choice of videos and DVDs to watch), stereo (lots of c.d.'s from which to choose), cot, highchair, table tennis and billiards tables and barbecue.
The garden is completely secure, pretty and well-established, with sun and shade. There are wrought iron garden table and chairs and another table and chairs on the large terrace around the swimming pool.
The house has lots of books about the area, maps and an up-to-date information pack.
The swimming pool measures 12 x 6m and is 0.9 - 2m deep and is cleaned by UV filters.
Accommodation:
Ground floor: spacious living/dining room, doors to garden; kitchen/diner; cloakroom (basin, WC) large sitting/games room (with kitchenette) which is accessed through its own front door or through garden, additional cloakroom (basin, WC)
First floor: 5 bedrooms: 2 doubles (1 with en suite shower, both with basins); 3 twin (all with basins); bathroom (bath/shower over, basin, bidet, WC); shower room (shower, basin, WC)
Second floor: 1 large room with 2 single beds. This room is available if the total number in the party exceeds 10 and an additional charge will be made for its use. N.B. more suitable for children than for adults since it has sloping ceilings and no door.
LOCAL AREA
La Pène is in the Razès area of Languedoc Roussillon. The area is steeped in history (Cathar castles, Medieval towns, pre-historic caves).
There's something for everyone here - white water rafting on the rivers Aude and Ariege, walking or climbing in the Pyrenees, visiting lovely old towns (Mirepoix, Limoux, Carcassonne, Foix), a day on the beach (Mediterranean only an hour away) or on the Canal du Midi, wine tasting, a visit to the Sigean African Reserve or exploring the spectacular Cathar castles. Just driving to them takes you through the most wonderful scenery.
Andorra or Spain are an easy drive away.
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Independent Comment
An elegant and substantial traditional farmhouse, almost of country house proportions, situated in a tiny hamlet with lovely views across rolling rural landscape all around. The most compelling feature is the terrific feeling of space and light with a most appealing internal flow from one room to the next – ideal for larger parties to spread out and relax, either separately or together. This theme continues to the large south-facing terraces and garden and the adjacent private pool with its own garden, spacious terrace surround and covered terrace. The property is very comfortably furnished with a tasteful combination of traditional and modern country style complementing the traditional farmhouse ambiance. The large games room is an excellent feature, both for children and for parties, although the main living areas are themselves sizeable enough for the latter!
© A Week or 2 in Languedoc |
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