Midi-Pyrénées, Tarn, Arfons, France

A great private home, with plenty of potential as a bed and breakfast, chambre d'hôte, stop-off on the GR7 route (see below), or venue for all sorts of activities.

Arrive through the gates and approach along the drive to find a classic converted water mill. Cross the stream via the wooden bridge and walk up the stone steps to arrive at the far side of the house, from where you enter the kitchen/dining room. Fully equipped and with a woodburner for heat.
Through to a cosy yet generous living space where a second woodburner sits in the fireplace. The two stoves comfortably heat the entire house, and a generous stock of wood is provided. The reversible air-conditioning unit in the living room provides instant heat or cooling. On the subject of heating and cooling, the house is of traditional stone construction and regulates its temperature very well in summer. In winter, it stays lovely and warm with the woodburner. Its energy rating is good for a building of this age and construction, with double glazing and insulation.
Beyond, two double bedrooms with shared shower room.
From the kitchen, stairs up to a corridor giving on to a family bathroom (bath and shower), two double bedrooms and a generously-sized master suite with shower room and walk-in wardrobe. Beautiful exposed roof framing on this floor reveals the age and character of this property.

Below the ground-floor, we find a large space currently used as a family party room with enclosed wine cellar, but with many possible uses. As this area backs into the hillside, along one wall, it cannot be counted as habitable space, but rest assured, with wide sliding glazed doors, windows and another door at the far end, it is light, bright, and welcoming. I immediately think of a gym, art studio, course venue, dormitory, workshop or teen hang-out, but its size makes it suitable for many ideas I haven't even dreamed of yet. What is your project? Call me to find out if it could work here!
Through further to a second living space/games room/study/reading room/fill in your preferred use here. This space opens to the exterior via sliding doors. and does not back into the hillside in the same way as the larger room. Access to a utility room and the spring water tank and distribution room,

Outside, we find a large gravelled drive and parking area. There is potential to add a broad balcony to the kitchen here, giving views across the sparkling stream.
Across the bridge, on the right, is a large garage and workshop building on two floors. Upstairs is a space with great potential as a studio, or other use.
Behind the house is a secluded gravelled and tiled area with shaded dining space, hot tub, paved area for the large above-ground pool, where an in-ground pool could be added. Access up to the meadow and woodland beyond. The wide-spreading shade tree is very inviting for picnics or lazy afternoons reading. Space for playing pétanque or ball games, swing frame.
Along the stream, which is healthily full of trout and other species, the land extends further as meadowland and forest, managed to provide a superb woodland garden with easy access to most areas, wildflowers thriving among the lush grass and plenty of habitat for wildlife. The pond is filled with lily-pads and frogs, a paradise for wildlife. Species found here include badgers, wild boar, herons, owls, red kites, woodpeckers, and many more. Don't tell anyone, but the varieties of edible mushrooms growing in the woods are a real treat.

On the opposite bank of the stream from the house, the hillside rises to the stables. Three loose boxes for the horses and a storage space attached. The area is well fenced and ideal for horses. Access to a network of trails directly from the front gate, starting with the GR7, a long-distance path covering much of France, Andorra and Spain. It has its roots in ancient trade lines and is ideal for hacking or hiking. It is rare to find proper stabling in this area of southern France. If you have no need of equestrian facilities, imagine other uses, such as stabling for guests on a long-distance ride.

The village offers a small and popular grocery shop at 1.5 km distance, a pleasant 25-minute stroll or short bike-ride. A number of artists and artisans live in and around the village, and local food production is all about quality. The village fête is a weekend popular with locals and visitors alike, and ends with a fancy-dress party. Whilst the local bar/restaurant has had to close due to building issues, the new premises are set to be built very soon and will offer a great venue. Sports lovers can enjoy a tennis court and sports hall run by the village council/mairie. Several clubs and associations bring life to this small village and the summer sees a rise in activity as people arrive to enjoy the cooler air, the local lakes and walks, the beautiful landscape and a wealth of outdoor activities.

The village is located only 40 km from Carcassonne (nearest airport with links to the UK and other international destinations) and 90 km from Toulouse (larger airport). Toulouse and Carcassonne are also great cities to visit for sightseeing, gastronomic delights and festivals of all kinds.
The area is rich in historic sites and full of stories. There is a real desire to tell these tales and to allow visitors to enjoy the ruined castles, ancient monasteries, waterways and hidden gems without pressure.