Languedoc-Roussillon, Hérault, Béziers, France

There is something quite unexpected about this property.

You are in Béziers, close to the Canal du Midi and the city itself, yet at home the feeling is entirely different: gardens, mature trees, a large swimming pool, generous terraces and views across to Saint-Nazaire Cathedral.

It is the sort of house where summer naturally moves outdoors. Breakfast under the covered terrace, afternoons around the saltwater pool, friends staying for the weekend and long dinners outside as the cathedral lights up in the distance.

And unlike many properties offering this amount of outdoor space, you haven't had to choose between privacy and being connected to a real town. Béziers has a lively centre built around the Allées Paul Riquet, with its cafés, shops, events and weekly flower market, while the Canal du Midi and the extraordinary Fonseranes locks are close to the property.

Set in approximately 1,500 m² of landscaped grounds, the villa offers around 265 m² of living space and, importantly, a layout that gives its six bedrooms far more flexibility than the number alone suggests.

The main part of the house includes a generous 45 m² living room and equipped kitchen, together with a principal suite incorporating a dressing room, bathroom with spa bath, walk-in shower and sauna. Two further bedrooms complete this part of the home.

Then there is the independent wing.

Here, three further bedrooms each have their own shower room and WC, with two opening onto a covered terrace and summer kitchen. It creates a wonderful arrangement for grown-up children, visiting family and friends, or simply giving everyone their own space. It could also lend itself particularly well to a guest or tourism activity, subject of course to the appropriate permissions.

Outside is where this property really comes into its own.

The saltwater swimming pool sits alongside around 100 m² of terrace, partially covered for shade, with a pergola, barbecue area and established gardens. There is room to entertain a crowd, find a quiet corner with a book, grow vegetables or simply enjoy the space ? all with the silhouette of Béziers' cathedral forming part of the backdrop.

Practicality hasn't been forgotten either. There is a 55 m² tiled garage with automatic double doors, additional storage and a large multipurpose room suitable for anything from a workshop to a games or hobby room.

Underfloor heating and cooling, solar panels, fibre internet, double glazing, electric shutters, rainwater collection and automatic irrigation add to the comfort of the house.

But the real appeal here isn't a checklist of equipment.

It is the combination that is difficult to find: a substantial home, a pool and gardens, room for guests to have genuine independence, a remarkable view ? and Béziers and the Canal du Midi on your doorstep.