Brugairolles, nr Carcassonne
A wonderful family house in the Pyrénéan foothills between Carcassonne and Limoux in a friendly village location with excellent access to this delightful area.
In a position of privacy, yet in a small rural village, Le Parc is genuinely rural and yet remarkably accessible being only 30 minutes from the famous walled city of Carcassonne.
It has huge appeal as a family holiday home with a lovely swimming pool and garden and easy access to all that this fascinating region offers.
Overview
Sleeps: 14
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
2 double bedrooms
3 twin or double bedrooms
1 family bedroom
More information on the bedrooms and bathrooms.
Rent per week
€3,465 – €5,775 per week depending on the season. Saturday to Saturday.
Key features
8m X 4m swimming pool
Possibility of adding a neighboring single or double bedroom gite.
Family house sited in a large garden
Peaceful and private yet within a quiet village
30 mins drive to Carcassonne
Testimonials
The House and Accommodation
The 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.
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.
Yoga Room
A large room with South facing windows adjoining Bedroom 6.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
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 it has an ensuite Bathroom. 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. It has an ensuite with shower, washbasin and WC (no bath).
Bedroom 3
Double bedroom with double bed. Beds (1.6 x 2m). It has it’s own ensuite bathroom with WC, shower and washbasin (windows face E)
Bedroom 4 – Double room
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 an ensuite Bathroom. With WC, washbasin and shower.
Bedroom 5 – Family bedroom
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. This bedroom shares a bathroom with bedroom 6.
Bedroom 6
Double bedroom. A large double bedroom with double bed (1.8w x 2m). This bedroom shares a bathroom with bedroom 5.
Garden and Grounds
Electronically operated double gates between two handsome pillars open off the quiet village road to a wide gravelled driveway that leads straight to the house beside a line of mulberry trees.
The front/southern side/garden is accessed from the central hallway through a pair of French doors onto a gravel terrace that runs the full length of this side of the house and shaded by two mature lime trees and an acacia. Adjacent to the kitchen on the terrace is a dining table that seats 14.
Swimming Pool
Immediately beyond this and surrounded by extensive lawns (with its own irrigation system) with wooded boundaries is the swimming pool. The swimming pool measures 8m x 4m and is 1.4m deep throughout with steps in from the house end. There is a shaded/decked/dining area off to one corner of the pool. Sun loungers and parasols surround the pool.
Location
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.
How to get there
Carcassonne (24 minutes, 17 miles)
Toulouse (1hr 5 minutes/63 miles), Montpelier (1hr 47 minutes/111 miles)
Perpignan (1hr 50 minutes/90 miles).
TGV stations: Carcassonne.
Things to see and do nearby
Local produce amid colourful hustle and bustle. 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
There are tennis courts in Limoux which can be booked.
There are excellent tourist offices in Limoux and Carcassonne.
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.
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.
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.
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 14th July (Bastille Day) is a highlight of the year and visible from miles around.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arrival welcome and departure: Tenants will be met on arrival and shown how everything works, both inside and out.
Wifi and Broadband: There is WiFi broadband internet access throughout the main house and immediately adjoining Telephone: There is a house telephone which will receive all incoming calls and on which guests can make local calls. Mobile phone signal is generally good.
Housebook: There is a housebook kept at the property that gives further information as appropriate on all aspects relating to the property and surrounding areas.
Additional entertainment: There is a table tennis table. There are a number of English language books and an excellent choice of family board games and playing cards for the use and enjoyment of guests.
Music and TV: There is a TV in the sitting room/s.
Services included: 3 hours of cleaning will be carried out on two week days days per week and included in the rental. The garden, grounds and pool are the responsibility of Dom who will make the occasional discreet appearance to attend his duties. Grass cutting is normally carried out on Saturdays during the period between guests departing and arriving.
Optional / additional services available: Provided sufficient notice is given, a part time cook/private chef can be found. His/her wage will be the guest’s responsibility and can be ascertained in advance should guests wish.
Utilities: There is a utility Room with large double fridge freezer and ice maker, a second fridge, sink, ironing board and iron, washing machine and tumble dryer.
Air conditioning and heating: It is an all year round house and there is central heating throughout. There is also a wood burning stove in the fireplace in the Sitting room.
Children: There is 1 cot for children and 1 high chair.
Car Parking: There is ample space adjoining the house for parking.
| Period | Weekly rate |
| 27th April – 29th June | €3,465 |
| 29th June – 31st August | €5,775 |
| Other Months | £POA |
The Booking Process: A deposit of 25% of the rent will be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement, with the 75% balance to be paid 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the tenancy.
Security Deposit: A Booking and Security Deposit of £750 will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement. This will secure the booking and will cover (a) the cost of telephone calls made on the landline during the tenancy, (b) the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental, and (c) any exceptional cleaning work which may be required at the end of the tenancy. It will be refunded (less any deductions as outlined above) within 4 weeks of the conclusion of the tenancy. Tenants should advise Anglo French Properties Ltd at the end of each rental of any breakages, losses and/or damages. This is in lieu of an inventory. The housekeeper will also check and advise of any damage/loss.
Minimum stay: Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week and will begin and end on a Saturday.
Arrival Time & Departure times: Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 4pm on the commencement day. They will be welcomed on arrival, given a tour of the property and shown how everything works. Tenants should leave by 10am on the agreed day of departure.
Number of People: Unless otherwise agreed, there should not be more than 14 people (plus babies) staying in the property at any one time.
Security: The owners’ insurance policy requires that all doors are locked, and that all windows and shutters are closed when tenants are away from the property.
Energy costs are included: The energy costs are included in the rental price.
Heating costs are included: The heating costs are included in the rental price.
Linen and towels: Linen and towels, and the cleaning of the linen and towels are included in the rental price. These will be changed on a weekly basis.
Smoking: No smoking allowed inside the property. Caution should be taken when smoking outside during the summer months as the risk of fire can be extremely high.
Internet access: yes, included in the rental price.
Optional / additional services available: any additional services, if available, (eg extra cleaning or cooking) will be agreed in advance at a pre-agreed rate per hour. These costs will be the sole responsibility of the tenant.
