HIGHLIGHTS
- Stylish converted barn
- Spectacular mountain and rural views
- Large private pool
- All weather tennis court
- Superb for entertaining
- Beautifully furnished & decorated residence
Available exclusively all year round, from the hot sun in summer to the nearby Pyrénées in winter, La Fraissinède is the equivalent to your very own boutique hotel.
Transformed from an ancient wine barn on 120 acres of one of the most beautiful valleys of the French Languedoc, the house and garden wing have been decorated to exacting specifications, providing a holiday with a standard of living you are comfortable with and benefitting from a charming live-in couple who can help with everything from housekeeping to providing concierge services.
The living space in the main house runs the full length of the building, from the impressive entrance hall, the grandeur of the salle des fêtes and the intimacy of the bar, to the twin islands of the open plan, professional kitchen and the comfort of the fumoir cinema space. The contemporary feel of the ground floor is complemented by 18th century fireplaces and the ancient wine tanks. The light, airiness of the ground floor is assured by the large windows and doors that bring the outside in during the balmy summer days and evenings.
There are also smaller salons and sitting areas for those cosy, quiet moments we all need for a good book. With two open fires and underfloor heating, the house always feels warm and welcoming. The kitchen has been designed for those who love to cook and be cooked for. Should you wish to have some help preparing your meals, or a chef to do the job for you, arrangements can easily be made.
The six double bedrooms can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests. In the main house, there are four bedrooms on the first floor, each with beamed ceilings and marble bathrooms, two with baths and all with walk-in showers. The bedrooms are situated around a dramatic atrium, from which the staircase sweeps to the main floor and 2500 square feet of living space.
The other two bedrooms are located in the garden wing which also has a less formal sitting room and the spacious salle des jeux, a snug and play area to get away from the crowd. The bedrooms overlook the swimming pool and garden, with the silhouettes of several ranges forming the horizon. There is a further twin bed and double bunk-room, and further double bedroom, which would suit your staff or teenagers.
From every window and the many terraces surrounding the house, la Fraissinède offers excellent views of the valley and mountains beyond. The large swimming pool benefits from a thermal exchange heating system (not required in summertime). There are also landscaped gardens, an all-weather tennis court and a sheltered courtyard garden – perfect for dining al fresco.
There is plenty to occupy you in the surrounding area all year round. From the annual Carcassonne summer festival - now established as one of the premier cultural events in southern France - to the international standard golf course in Carcassonne. There is a wide choice of restaurants in the area addressing every level of sophistication.
The hillsides are covered with easy walking trails from which to enjoy the splendid scenery and to explore the ancient ruins that dot the area. There are a number of waterfalls and swimming lakes nearby and some mountain bikes are at the house, with others easily available. Horses can be provided on the property by prior arrangement for exploring the local area. Within 45 minutes are the recommended beaches of La Franqui and Leucate which offer great sand, as well as wind- and kite-surfing.
2010 PRICE IN GBP sterling from:
Low season £7,000 per week
Mid season £8,000 per week
High season £10,000 per week
