Property Overview
- Sleeps: 14
- Bedrooms: Main House - 3 bedrooms sleeping 6 (2 doubles and 1 twin all with ensuite bathrooms).
- Adjoining Cottage - 3 bedrooms sleeping 8 (1 double, 1 twin and one children’s room with 4 bunk beds. Family bathroom and an additional bathroom on the ground floor of the house).
- Rent per week: Rent per week: £2,500 to £4,250
- Key features: Family house sited in panoramic situation
Set in gardens grounds and woodland of 30 acres
Previously two dwellings effectively amalgamated to give a degree of independence
Spectacular scenery, situation and views
17m x 6m outdoor Swimming Pool
Superb floodlit tennis court
Utterly private and peaceful with spectacular views, night sky and peace
20 minute drive from Carcassonne
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Les Hauts
For peace, tranquillity and the most spectacular panoramic situation this six bedroom family house, set in its own gardens, grounds and woodland of 30 acres, takes all the beating. The views from Les Hauts are perhaps some of the most spectacular in the whole region.
In a position of utter privacy, the nearest neighbour being a mile away, the apparent isolation of Les Hauts belies the fact that it is in fact remarkably accessible being only a 20 minute drive up into the foothills from the famous walled town of Carcassonne.
It has huge appeal as a family holiday home with a superb swimming pool and tennis court and easy access to all that this fascinating region offers.
The property, formerly two dwellings which feel as one yet provide a subtle element of division for generations, children or families of different ages if desired.
The main house sleeps six in 3 bedrooms and the adjoining cottage, separated by a matter of yards sleeps 8 in 3 bedrooms – one of which being a bunk room for children.
''All our family of ten ranging in age from nine to eighty agreed that our holiday at Les Hauts was a very special experience. The spacious villa is located in its own estate in the lovely unspoilt Aude landscape of gentle trees, vineyards and sunflower fields with panoramic views to The Pyrénées. The huge pool and floodlit tennis court were star attractions. The owner's suggestions for restauarants and visits proved very popular and we are now diving and white water rafting enthusuists! The villa is a charming home. Thank you so much''
Bruce Hicks, London UK.
'' We had read many positive comments about Les Hauts and having just returned I can confirm they are all spot on, and more. We had three generations ranging from ten months to mid 70's and we couldnt have asked for a better house. You will have to go a very, very long way to get a better view with the panoramic vista of the Pyrénées, while the house has everything you could ask for - swimming pool, tennis court, lots of shady areas for reading and relaxing, lots of books, board games etc. We enjoyed trips in the morning to Limoux, Carcassonne and Mirepoix and enjoyed wine tasting which was all brilliant, but ultimately the joy was getting back to the house and enjoying it and its surroundings. A wonderful location''
Accommodation
A private drive through the grounds leads to a parking area level with the first floor.
There is ample space for parking beside the house.
The entrance leads into a hall on the first floor with Bedrooms right and left. Stairs then descend into a large living room which is the central living space with wonderful natural light orientated to the Pyrénéan views and off which is a separate seating area around a fire and a kitchen and dining area on a raised level.
The cottage is so closely connected that it feels very much one complex but there is an element of separation. The cottage has its own downstairs living area for children if they wish. The two dwellings are effectively joined by acusine d’été with barbecue and dining table that enjoy spectacular views especially at sunrise and sunset.
There is accommodation for 14 in the main House and Cottage.
There is fitted cupboard and hanging space in all bedrooms..
This is an all year round house with central heating in the main house and space heaters in the cottage.
Main House
The main entrance door from the parking area lead into a spacious:
Entrance Hall off which left and right doors lead to Double Bedrooms 1 and 2. This hall effectively also forms a gallery overlooking the main living area accessed by a wooden stairway to the Ground Floor.
Ground Floor: The ground floor is dominated by a large open plan
Living/Sitting Room flooded with natural light and orientated to the panoramic long views south towards the Pyrenees. There are two comfortable seating areas with sofas and chairs, one of which around a wood burning fireplace. There is a flat screen TV with UK freesat, French TV and hundreds of videos. There is also a Steck mini grand piano.
Three steps leadup to the kitchen and dining area.
The Kitchen is very well equipped and has two ovens, two hobs, a Belfast double sink, American fridge freezer, coffee machine, dishwasher, washing machine and large walk in pantry to one side. Adjoining the kitchen, separated by a bar with stools is:
The Dining Room with long dining room table and generous seating again enjoying spectacular views over the garden and hills to South and East.
A link from here leads into the Cuisine d’été which is partially built into the hillside. This provides a haven of cool from the heat of the day and a delightful spot from which to eat, drink and enjoy the view.
On the cottage end of the main house an internal door leads through to a small room which forms a games room with table football, a Shower Room off, a washbasin and a downstairs WC.
First Floor
From the entrance hall on the first floor a passage leads to:
Bedroom 1 The Master bedroom. A spacious light room with kingsize double bed (6’w x 6’6”) and large sofa. French windows open onto a small balcony with the most spectacular views over the swimming pool and to the hills. This room has a TV.
Its Ensuite Bathroom 1 contains a bath, twin washbasins walk in shower and WC.
From the other side of the Entrance hall a passage leads to:
Bedroom 2 with twin beds (3’w x 6’6”) and windows facing North and East.
with Ensuite Bathroom 2 with walk in shower, washbasin and WC.
Bedroom 3 Accessed separately from its own outside door with Double Bed (5’w x 6’6”) and Ensuite Bathroom 3 with bath, washbasin and WC.
Main house and cottage are effectively linked by a generous south facing Cuisine d’été (forming one of four outside eating areas around the house) with a large built in barbecue and separate bread/pizza oven, a fridge, separate dishwasher and dining table that comfortably seats 14. A superb site for relaxing lunches and dinners.
The Cottage
The Cottage has its own kitchen with electric hob, microwave, sink and equipped base units and large hooded fireplace dividing a comfortable seating area from the rest of the kitchen.
Down a short passage from the kitchen is a family Bathroom 4 with bath/shower combination, twin washbasins and a separate WC.
A short passage leads on to:
Bedroom 4 with 2 single beds (3’w x 6’4”). A door leads out to its own outside terrace and seating area.
Bedroom 5 with double bed (5’w x 6’6”). Windows look South to the hills and West onto the garden. An outside door leads on to the terrace linking back to the main house.
Stairs from the kitchen downstairs lead up to a mezzanine landing off which is a children’s Bedroom 6 with bunks (each 3’w x 6’) for four children
Garden & Grounds
The drive approach to the house has a parkland feel with mature Corsican pines, smaller mountain oaks and olives spaced to allow a view through to the valley side and mountains beyond.
The gardens around the house are filled with lavender, rosemary, agapanthas, verbena and Buxus. The lavender in particular attract the beautiful hummingbird hawkmoths which come in numbers during the summer. In spring and early summer the garden is alive to the amorous song of the nightingales. Hoopoe are occasional distinguished visitors.
Outside the open plan sitting room and below the verandah is a large inviting solar heated and alarmed swimming pool (with diving board) with ozone/UV water treatment/filter system. The pool measures 17m x 6m and is 14' deep at the deep end. Sunbeds and parasols surround the pool and a pagoda provides shaded seating poolside below the terrace with a dining table for 14.
Beyond and beneath the pool is a superb all weather tennis court overlooked by another pagoda from which to watch the game. The court is brilliantly floodlit at night enabling play in the relative cool of the evening.
There are a variety of walks possible from the gardens in and around the hillside woods and throughout the grounds.
Location
Les Hauts is discreetly hidden in the hills between Carcassonne and Limoux, the site having originally been identified with great care to take best advantage of the spectacular panoramic views. Less than an hour from the Mediterranean and in the foothills of the Pyrenees it is in The Languedoc Roussillon region of France in the department of Aude. Its closest village is Roullens. It is only 20 minutesSouthfrom Carcassonne.
The local village of Preixan has a good little restaurant and nearby Cavalatte has a good butcher and a mini supermarket.
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 (20 minutes,10 miles), Toulouse (1 ¼ hrs/62 miles), Montpelier (1 ¾ hrs/100 miles) and Perpignan (1 ½ hrs/80 miles).
The superfast TGV stops at Toulouse and Narbonne with connecting trains to Carcassonne.
Additional Information
- House Information Folder: There is a comprehensive House Information Folder with 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 maps, brochures and contact details of local doctors, dentists, plumbers, electricians and services. Further details of all matters referred to on this website are available in The House Information Folder.
- Arrival: Tenants will be welcomed on arrival and shown how everything works, both inside and out.
- Additional Housework: Any additional hours of housework should be agreed in advance and paid direct by guests at €15/hr.
- Cooking Services: Provided sufficient notice is given, a private chef can be found. His/her wage will be the guest’s responsibility, and can be ascertained in advance should guests wish.
- Telephone: There is a house telephone which will receive all incoming calls and on which guests can make local calls.
- Mobile Phones: Mobile phone signal is generally good.
- WIFI/Broadband: There is WiFi broadband internet access throughout the main house and Cottage.
- Laundry: There is a washing machine and dryer in the kitchen.
- TV’s and Home Cinema: TV’s are provided in The Sitting Room and the Master Bedroom in the main house.
- Table Tennis:There is a table tennis table, exercise bike, football table and cross trainer.
- Bed linen, bath and pool towels: Are provided free of charge and changed on a weekly basis.
- Garden and Pool Maintenance: The garden, grounds and pool are the responsibility of Dave 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.
- Heating: It is an all year round house and there is central heating throughout. There is also a woodburning stove in the fireplace in the Sitting room.
- Children: There is 1 cot for children and 2 high chairs. There is a good selection of games and toys for children. There are also a number of English language books and and an excellent choice of family board games and playing cards for the use and enjoyment of guests.
Things to See & Do near Les Hauts
- 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 Pyrénées 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 Cathare’ 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 Pyrénées 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.
- 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 1 hr 40 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. The frogs strike up a fine chorus in Spring and early summer. Wild boar may pass through at night – occasionally heard but rarely seen.
- 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.
- The Carcassonne firework display on 14th 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.
- Slightly further afield the Minervoix region is known for its reds and sweet whites.
- There are a choice of these vineyards offering tours and inviting on the spot tastings and purchases.
- Beaches: Many may simply be happy to relax by the pool at the house but within 50 minutes 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 is an excellent tourist office in Carcassonne.
Rents & Terms
2021 Rents and Terms
July & August |
£4,250 per week |
June and September |
£2,950 per week |
All other months Christmas and half Term |
£2,500 £3,500 per week |
Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week, and will begin and end on a Saturday.
Tenants should arrive at 4pm or as soon as possible thereafter on the commencement day, and should leave by 10am on the agreed day of departure. They will be welcomed on arrival, given a tour of the property and shown how everything works.
A deposit of 30% of the rent will be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement, with the 70% balance to be paid 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the let.
A Booking and Security Deposit of £750 will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing this Rental Agreement. This will secure the booking and will cover the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental and 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.
Unless otherwise agreed, there should not be more than 14 people (plus babies) staying in the property at any one time.
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.
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.
Pool safety. Children must be supervised at all times. The pool alarm to be turned on whenever the pool is left unoccupied.
Water can be scarce in the summer months so guests are asked to ensure they do not leave taps running.
Please close and tie all sun umbrellas at night and on windy days as they are easily blown over and are expensive to mend/replace.
Pets are allowed on request but incur a charge of £20 each
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