Languedoc-Roussillon, Aude, Couffoulens, France

A26645JKB11 - A private drive through the wooded grounds leads to the central esplanade, the hub of the property. To the left lie the houses and barns, with the large winery to the right.

Buildings:

• Maison de Maitre and garage. This large house could either be restored to its former glory, with, on the ground floor, study, shower room, sitting room / dining room, kitchen, utility room, WC, and, on the first floor, 6 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, or divided into 2 houses each with 4 bedrooms, study, sitting room of 40m2, plus kitchen and dining room.

• Houses 2 & 3 are currently connected, but would be better returned to their original design as independent 2 / 3 bedroomed houses.

• House 4, with garage, for conversion to a larger house.

• House 5, small character property with tower.

• House 6 could be created including the rest of the garage space linked to house 4.

• Barn 1 is in good condition, secure., and is currently used for storage of bottled wine.

• Barn 2 has 2 levels with an annexe on the lower level.

• Winery, agricultural building with metal roof, on 4 levels.

• Pigeonnier could be converted to a small 1 bedroom house.

• Stone tower.

• Open barn used as a vehicle store, in good condition

• Small building on the lower part of the land with water pump.

There is a second access road from the main drive to the rear of the houses.

The current owners have carried out a lot of preparation work, drawing up plans and commissioning site studies to establish the feasibility of their proposed project.
Their intention has always been to safeguard the heritage of the property by creating a hamlet of 14 to 16 homes.
Each dwelling would have its own private garden area, and the hamlet would benefit from joint ownership of a park of more than 2 and a half acres and another acre for small vegetable gardens and a collective orchard.

The ground has been marked up by a surveyor and they have consulted the relevant authorities about electricity and draining requirements. A right of access for the neighbouring vineyard has been altered and a new access road along the side of the land will be created.

Planning permission has been granted, but has now lapsed. It is envisaged that this would be renewed without problems. The local Mairie in Couffoulens are keen to encourage development in the commune and acknowledge that there is a shortage of available housing.

All in all, this is a great project just waiting for a new and dynamic owner to turn it into reality.