Languedoc-Roussillon, Aude, France

A44828SOM11 - From the road, enter through double gates to a large and shady parking area. Climb the stone steps to the double front doors and enter into a broad and welcoming hallway running the entire length of this light and airy home. Tile floor, central carpet runner.

To the right, the dining room, tiled floor, windows to front and side. Large stone fireplace with wood-burning stove. 32 m²
On the left of the hall, double doors into a grand living room with lovely herringbone parquet floor, marble fireplace, windows to front and side. 41 m²
At the far end of the hall, on the right, is the kitchen with terracotta tile floor, butler-style sink, one short run of cabinets with work-top. Window to side. The very modern heat-pump-based heating system and solar hot water distribution tank takes up one corner of this large space, the rest is almost a blank canvas for you to design and fit as you choose whilst still being functional to start you off. 23 m²
Opposite the kitchen is the broad staircase with central carpet runner. A stairlift is in place for those with reduced mobility. Under the stairs is a lavatory and a large storage cupboard.

First floor
Herringbone parquet floor throughout, except bathrooms.
The broad central hallway gives access to 4 spacious bedrooms, a bathroom and separate WC.
Bedroom 1: Windows overlooking garden to the side of the house. Access to bathroom. 23 m²
Bedroom 2: Windows to front. Access to bathroom. 23 m²
Bathroom shared by bedrooms 1 and 2, bath with shower over, shower screen, basin. Tiled floor. Window to side. 8 m²
Separate toilet with access shared by bedrooms 1 and 2. Borrowed light from window to bathroom.
On the other side of the central hallway we find:
Bedroom 3: Fitted carpet over parquet flooring. Wash hand basin and shower cubicle. Window to side. 18 m²
Bedroom 4: Windows to front. Shower cubicle and wash basin. 24 m²

Second floor
The broad central hallway gives access to two large rooms:
Room 1 currently arranged as a very spacious living room with windows to front and side. 60 m²
Room 2 currently arranged as a bedroom, with windows to front and side. 43 m²
These spaces offer enormous flexibility for working from home, for example, or could be divided to create more bedrooms and bathrooms.

Outbuildings
A large stone building in the grounds, of approx. 90 m² footprint, is currently in use as a garage and store. Formerly a house over two floors, it has lost its first floor but could be restored and once again used as a dwelling. There is also a small ruin with no roof, offering the possibility of building or rebuilding on the same footprint.

Gardens
The house is immediately surrounded by a large, flat garden filled with fruit trees. The enormous cherry tree is very generous! There are plenty of spaces offering shade and privacy as well as an above ground pool and open lawn areas for enjoying the sunshine. Behind the house, the land rises in a series of terraces; higher up, it is more heavily wooded.

Riverside plot
The property is accessed via a very quiet country road. On the other side of this road is a gate leading to steps down to your riverside plot. This area of meadowland leads down to the riverbank for picnics and paddling on hot days.

Neighbours
The tiny hamlet comprises five properties, all spaced out along the road either side of the river bridge.

This property, with high-speed fibre-optic internet connection and just 30 km from the airport at Carcassonne, would make a great base for working from home or hybrid working. The autoroute network is accessible from Carcassonne, making Spain, the Pyrenees, Toulouse and other cities easy to get to by car. Beaches are less than 100 km away, making a day-trip to the Med very feasible.

This area of southwest France is known for its wooded mountain scenery, lakes and rivers. Set out for forest and mountain walks from your front door. A short drive will take you to lakes for swimming, water sports and fishing. Great golf is available at Carcassonne and Mazamet La Barouge, both around 30 km from home. The local village of Mas-Cabardès is two kilometres up the road (an easy walk or bike ride) and offers a very useful traditional grocery shop/épicerie with almost all your day-to-day needs including fresh produce. The village has a primary/elementary school and the nearest middle school is a short drive or bus ride away. School buses serve all the local villages. Mas-Cabardès also enjoys a weekly doctor's surgery, nursing services, visiting mobile shops, a newly built tennis court and community facilities.
Take a drive through the stunning mountain scenery down to the city of Carcassonne, fascinating historic villages and castles or out to other places of interest. Several restaurants are scattered through the mountains, from rustic truckers’ stops to a Michelin-starred gem, and local vineyards offer tastings.

Contact me for plans and more images, to find out more and book a viewing.