Description
A luxuriously-restored 18th century farmhouse with 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, private pool and walled Mediterranean gardens. Standing at the edge of a tranquil hamlet, just over a mile from the Canal du Midi, this warm, welcoming and well-equipped house (including WiFi) enjoys a unique location, surrounded by the vineyards of the Minervois and with unobstructed views of the Montagne Noir.
DOWNSTAIRS:
The entrance to Le Sarment is through a secure metal gate leading to a parking area for up to 4 cars in front of the garden and alongside the front door. The entire property is surrounded by a 6ft high whitewashed wall.
The front door opens onto the large hall / atrium where glorious Mediterranean light pours from the glass ceiling, highlighting the contemporary columns, the galleried landing, and the warm tones of centuries-old floor tiles. Throughout the house Massif oak and pine furniture and art have all been chosen to complement the personality of each room. Bed linen, bath towels and beach towels for the pool are all included. Full central heating (thermostatically controlled) ensures your comfort even during low season visits and cooler evenings.
Hall/Atrium - Large hall area, lit by natural sunlight, leading into the lounge/dining area. Located in the hall is a large sideboard with an extensive range of dining crockery and serving bowls, together with maps and guides for the local area and an information book on the house.
Dining area - Massif oak 10-seater dining table. Two free-standing cupboards contain cutlery and glasses, including plastic crockery and cutlery for young children. For babies there is also a travel cot, which is available on request together with bedding, plus other baby equipment such as a high chair, baby bath and changing mat.
Fully equipped Kitchen - Opening onto the dining area; including a Godin double oven range, dishwasher, fridge freezer, microwave, kettle, coffee maker, toaster, large food preparation table, and fire extinguisher. Full range of cooking utensils, saucepans, mixing bowls and other kitchen equipment.
Lounge - Large comfortable L-shaped leather sofa, TV, satellite and DVD. In the cupboard under the TV are a range of games and DVDs for children and grown ups. Glazed doors lead to the outside patio, gardens, and pool.
Utility room - Containing an additional fridge, washing machine, dryer and first aid kits. Located on the shelves in the utility room are additional items of kitchen equipment including a mixer, weighing scales and fondue set, plus outdoor games for the garden.
Bedroom L'Auge on the ground floor was once a stable and is the oldest part of the property - a gorgeous, 26 sqm, rustic, beamed bedroom, with wrought iron queen sized bed, very large built in wardrobes, rich art and clay pots. Original features, such as a stone feeding trough and a wooden stall divider.
Adjacent to L'Auge is a large bathroom - 15 sqm - with twin wash basins, huge shower, and large bath. There is also a separate toilet and wash basin.
OUTDOORS:
The patio is accessed from the lounge and has a large BBQ and an extendable table seating 10 under a natural wood gazebo to protect diners from the worst of the midday sun. There is also a round table and 4 additional chairs on the other side of the patio. The patio faces the gardens with olive, eucalyptus, cypress, and oleander trees.
Steps from the patio lead through a gate to the swimming pool, which is fitted with an alarm for safety (in compliance with French law). The pool has a removable cover to keep leaves out when the pool is not in use. Measuring 11m x 6.25m and 2.5m deep at the deep end, the pool is surrounded by a tiled terrace, and oleanders with views across the vineyards. There are 6 sun loungers with cushions by the pool. Beyond the pool is the rest of the garden.
To the side of the house there is also a washing line with a side door into the kitchen / utility area.
UPSTAIRS:
The upstairs bedrooms and bathroom are accessed from a galleried landing flooded with natural light from the glass ceiling.
Le Palmier is the extremely spacious master bedroom - 60 sqm. With a beamed ceiling, Le Palmier has a king size bed, Massif oak furniture set, including wardrobe, chest of drawers, a desk with 2 upright chairs and a sitting area with 4 armchairs and coffee table. A large range of novels are located on the bookshelves.
Le Dufy is a refreshing 13 sqm bedroom, featuring a queen sized bed, lemon accented Massif pine furniture, including a wardrobe and chest of drawers, and impressionist Mediterranean scenes painted by Raoul Dufy.
Le Fauve is 12 sqm, with two single beds and green Massif pine furnishings including wardrobe and chest of drawers.
Le TinTin, is a light and airy 10 sqm room with children's bunk beds and a wardrobe with shelves.
The bathroom is 10.5 sqm, with a large shower, wash basin and toilet.
NEARBY AMENITIES
There is a small grocery store, bakers, butchers, newsagents, pharmacy and wine shop in nearby Puicheric (5mins drive). Larger supermarkets are within 15 mins drive. There are several local markets in the nearby villages with the one at Olonzac being particularly popular for its food, crafts and clothes on a Tuesday morning.
SIGHTSEEING AND ACTIVITIES
The iconic Canal du Midi is just 1km away and the historic Carcassonne Cite is a 25 mins drive. The beaches of the Mediterranean are just under an hour away, with the Pyrenees 90mins away. From Puicheric there is kayaking on the River Aude, with white water rafting on the higher reaches of the Aude an hour away. There is a wealth of vineyards and historic sights to visit in the surrounding Minervois region and a fabulous safari park within an hours reach.
GETTING THERE
Le Sarment is located 15-20 minutes off the A61 (the Autoroute between Toulouse and Narbonne). The closest airports are Carcassonne (30mins drive), Toulouse (1hr 15mins), Perpignan (60mins). All of which have car rental facilities.