Le Parc

Ground Floor

From the gravelled parking area on its eastern side the house is accessed through an entrance door into a wide entrance passageway off which lead:

Kitchen. A large, light well equipped kitchen with generous arched windows looking South towards the swimming pool and garden.  The recently fitted kitchen has work surfaces/units to two sides incorporating a dishwasher, gas cooker (with 5 rings) electric oven, microwave oven, full height fridge, nespresso coffee making facilities and toaster. The centre of the kitchen is dominated by a handsome oak table capable of seating 14.

Downstairs WC and cloakroom.

Utility Room with large double fridge freezer and ice maker, a second fridge, sink, ironing board and iron, washing machine and tumble dryer.

Central Hallway. This hallway crosses the whole house and opens through generous double front doors to the garden and pool on the Southern side. This hallway gives access to both sitting rooms, the kitchen, the entrance passageway and the stairs to the first floor. There is an upright piano (Weber), comfortable seating and sofas and a large woodburner.

Main Sitting Room (South side). A large comfortable sitting room with 3 sofas around a large coffee table. A period marble fireplace contains a gas fire. Windows look south onto the garden.

Second/Children’s Sitting Room (North side) Adjoins the main sitting room and contains two generous sofa’s and 3 ‘bean bag style’ chairs. Another marble fireplace is a feature of the room and two windows face North over the gardens.

Fine wide stairs ascend from the central hallway to the first floor:

First Floor.

Stairs lead onto a first floor landing from which passages lead West and East to bedrooms and bathrooms as follows:

Bedroom 1 ‘The Master Bedroom’. A large double bedroom with double bed (1.8w x 2m) with windows facing South over the gardens. There is a fine white period fireplace, large mirror, dressing table, armchair and

Ensuite Bathroom 1. A large bathroom with free standing rolltop bath (with mixer taps and shower hose over), walk in shower, WC and twin washbasins.

Bedroom 2. Double bedroom with double bed. (beds 1.8m x 2m). Marble fireplace and windows facing North.

Bathroom 2. With shower, washbasin and WC (no bath).

Bedroom 3. Double bedroom with double bed. Beds (1.6 x 2m).

Ensuite Bathroom 3 with WC, shower and washbasin (windows face E)

Bedroom 4. Double bedroom with double bed. Beds (.9 x 2m) can be separated to form two singles/a twin room. Handsome marble fireplace , windows face South over the garden with

Ensuite Bathroom 4.  With WC, washbasin and shower.

Stairs lead up to the second Floor.

Second Floor.

Bedroom 5. An enormous ‘family’ bedroom spanning the full width of the house. Very popular with children and a room which can effectively, if desired, form a dormitory. Double beds (1.8w x 2m and 1.6m x 2m), Queen size bed (1.2w x 1.8) and one single bed (.9 x 2m). Windows on 3 sides to North, South and East.

Bedroom 6. Double bedroom. A large double bedroom with double bed (1.8w x 2m)  Windows face North.

Family Bathroom  occupying the central part of the floor and shared by Bedrooms 5 and 6.

Yoga Room. A large room with South facing windows adjoining Bedroom 6.

Gites

There are two separate gites belonging to the property one of two bedrooms and one single bedroomed.

These are potentially available as secondary accommodation and will never be let to separate parties at the same time to ensure that total privacy and exclusive occupation is always assured.

Le Parc is situated in the small village of Brugairolles (population 280) in The Aude department in the foothills of The Pyrenees.

It is half an hour South West of the famous walled city of Carcassonne (18 miles) and 15 minutes North West of the market town of Limoux (6 ½ miles).

The local village of Belvèze-du-Razès (5 kms) has a butcher, baker, spa shop, pharmacy and hairdresser. In Limoux (15 minutes 6 ½ m) there is a Leclerc and Super U supermarket and a range of shops, café’s restaurants and market.

There are several large supermarkets in Carcassonne along with its traditional market on Saturdays. Also in Carcassonne a superb shop called La Ferme in the centre which showcases and sells the very best of high quality local produce.

The closest airports are at Carcassonne (24 minutes, 17 miles), Toulouse (1hr 5 minutes/63 miles), Montpelier (1hr 47 minutes/111 miles) and Perpignan (1hr 50 minutes/90 miles).

The TGV stops at Carcassonne.

House Information Folder:  The comprehensive House Information Folder contains details of recommended local shops, restaurants, markets, cultural, sporting and recreational activities plus many other suggestions on what to do and where to go in the vicinity. The folder also includes additional maps and brochures Further details of all matters referred to on this website are available in The House Information Folder.

Markets: Normally in full swing by 8am and finished by lunchtime.  Carcassonne (Saturdays), Limoux (Fridays – all day) Mirepoix (Mondays) and the beautiful covered market at Narbonne (every morning) with arguably the best food market in the region. All excellent and easy to reach.

Restaurants:  The local village restaurants sell hearty and authentic local food and are enjoyable local experiences. There are also a number of higher end restaurants in Carcassonne.  A recommended selection of restaurants are contained in The House Information Folder.

Bicycling/Bike Hire: This is excellent bicycling country with a wonderful mix of hilly inland rides and more gentle paths alongside its rivers and wine routes. The Tour de France passes through the area every year. Road, mountain and even electric bike hire can be arranged in advance.

Wild swimming: The Pyrenees is one of France’s increasingly popular destinations for wild swimming. Limitless choice but in the region South of Narbonne, overlooked by ruined hilltop Cathar Castles are hidden beautiful waterfalls and gorges such as those at Termes

Walks/Walking: There are wonderful walks all over the area some starting from Les Hauts itself and a massive choice locally. You can follow the footsteps of the ancient Cathars at any point along the ‘sentier Cathar’ which links nine of the Cathars’ famous fortresses through countryside and high mountain ridges.

Riding: This is an excellent way to explore the region. A number of local riding schools offer treks tailored to both beginners and more experienced riders.  If interested this does need to be arranged in advance.

Trout Fishing: The fishable waters in The Pyrenees are exceptionally diverse, ranging from small mountain streams to fast-flowing rivers to high altitude lakes accessible only by foot. Some of the lakes and rivers are stocked, but those higher up contain mainly wild, brown trout.

Tennis.  There are tennis courts in Limoux which can be booked.

Golf: There is an 18 hole golf course at Domaine d’Auriac surrounded by vineyards and open all year round. Perfectly maintained and offering an exceptional panorama of the local landscape it has an excellent reputation. Clubs and buggies can be hired on site.

Ski ing:  During the winter months the Pyrénées offers excellent skiing. Unspoilt and arguably more intimate, family friendly and definitely more affordable than the Alps. The ski resort of Mont d’Olmes is 1hr 12 mins drive from the house and makes an excellent day trip. The Ax 3 Domaines and Carmurac ski resorts are also within easy reach and have pistes for all levels. Day passes and ski equipment can be rented on site.

Wildlife: There is much of interest.  In May and June cuckoo’s can be heard and often a hoopoe in the garden. Nightingales sing with amour at this time.  

Music and festivals: During the summer months the region is alive with events ranging from local village festivals and fairs to music concerts. The Festival de Carcassonne in July is established as one of the ten biggest in France and in an unrivalled location in the medieval City. There are over a hundred performances through the month of July including theatre, opera, ballet and music. These music festivals attract some of the best artists in the world.

The Carcassonne firework display on 14^th July (Bastille Day) is a highlight of the year and visible from miles around.

Local villages: An abundance of beautiful Southern French villages are scattered across the region. A scenic trip through the Minervoix with its deep gorges and meadows is a lovely day out with perhaps a stop at the beautifully preserved little medieval village of Minerve perched on the side of a cliff and surrounded by a network of cliffs, natural bridges and canyons. More locally the village of Limoux holds popular wine tasting events through the summer.

Towns and Cities: Carcassonne, world famous for its most impressive medieval citadel, the largest in France, is a must. (It is on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites). With its 3kms of ramparts which can be walked and its centre, full of restaurants, cafes and shops.

Mirepoix and Narbonne are also a feast of local/regional interest, culture, history, architecture and French life.

Toulouse has many art galleries, museums, world class opera and music, as well as top quality shops and restaurants. Its also renowned for its Space Museum, plus the fascinating tours of the nearby Airbus factory.

The Cathar Heritage. For which this area is famed. Many of the ruins and fortresses of the wars against the Cathars are visible today some of them perched in the most dramatic locations. Notable examples include Quéribus and Montségur. 

Vineyards and Wine. With 700,000 acres of vineyards the Languedoc is the largest wine producing region in the world and the first region in France to be introduced to winemaking by the Romans.

The Corbières area now produces some outstandingly good value quality wines. Interesting whites and roses are also emerging. The region is also known for its sparkling wines, the precursors in fact to champagne notable of which are ‘Blanquette’ and Crémant de Limoux.

On the doorstep literally 5 minutes walk from the house are the offices, visitor’s centre and (one of) the vineyards of Domaine Gayda. Here you can taste a wonderful collection of local red, whites and rosé’s. There is also a restaurant with panoramic views over the vineyards.

Slightly further afield the Minervoix region is known for its reds and sweet whites.

A fabulous choice of these vineyards offer tours and on the spot tastings and purchases.

Beaches:. Many may simply be happy to relax by the pool at the house but in an hour you could be in the sunshine of the Mediterranean coast. The Languedoc coastline is rich and varied. Its mix of lovely sandy beaches, marshlands, and rocky outcrops are celebrated by artists and poets.  The beaches at Narbonne, Gruissan and Port la Nouvelle are all within easy reach for a day trip.

Children, sports and adventure: For the more adventurous and those with children there are plenty of activities in the area ranging from go karting in Carcassonne, an acrobatic forest centre with eight courses and nearby Cavayère Lake with its recently opened Aquapark.

On nearby rivers you can also enjoy kayaking, canoeing, rafting, rock climbing and canyoning. For more extreme excitement tandem skydives can be booked near Lezignan or an afternoon of hot air ballooning or paragliding.

A delightful day can be enjoyed hiring a barge and navigating quietly down the Canal du Midi, interspersed with beautiful bridges and an aqueduct. Those wanting to cycle the same route can do so.

Tourist Office: There are excellent tourist offices in Limoux and Carcassonne.