Maison Collines

About this property

A traditional stone maison with stylish interiors, Maison Collines is a gorgeous holiday home in a perfect setting close to historic villages, Cathar castles, swimming lakes, forest hikes and the most magnificent natural scenery in the foothills of the Pyrenees.



With views of the surrounding hills and mountains, this family home exudes historic charm and there is a genuine atmosphere of warmth throughout. Exposed stone walls, wood beams and pretty shuttered windows add to the character alongside attractive furnishings and modern touches including Smart TV and Bluetooth speakers. Two pretty doubles and a twin sleep up to 6 guests and the fourth bunk-bed bedroom, decorated so lovingly, welcomes three additional children. The spacious bathroom has been brilliantly designed with a jacuzzi bath and rain shower - you can tell that the owners have a great eye for detail in their beautiful home.  

This is the type of place where you can get away from it all; there is so much space outside whether swinging on the bench by the water garden, sipping coffee on the terrace balcony or enjoying an aperitif perched by the summer kitchen bar before preparing family meals by the barbecue and plancha. Down a few pretty steps, the swimming pool is ready for the warm summer afternoons of southern France. As the evening approaches, gaze at the stars in the clear night sky above you.

Set in a hamlet with walks on your doorstep, drive to the local historic village with its craft-ale bar that hosts occasional pizza nights, a 12th century Cathar castle and a peaceful lake with beaches, pétanque, a playground and, in the height of the summer, a weekly evening market with good food, wine and live music.

Elsewhere, visit the atmospheric morning markets in Espéraza and Mirepoix, sip sparkling white wine in picturesque Limoux, admire the riverside setting of Quillan and visit the impressive châteaux of Chalabre and Montségur amongst many others.

With the Tour de France passing close by in previous years, discover the undulating Aude landscapes as you cycle past vineyards, lakes, forests and Cathar castles. Enjoy summer watersports and nature walks by Lac de Montbel, take advantage of the thermal baths of Ax-les-Thermes and catch Le Train Rouges from Axat for yet more spectacular scenery of this incredible and varied region.

In the foothills of the Pyrenees, just under an hour south of Carcassonne, Maison Collines enjoys a wonderful location close to charming villages, Cathar castles, cycling trails, hiking paths, swimming lakes and even skiing stations, as well as stunning mountain vistas. The south-facing house is in a little hamlet with hill and mountain views in various directions, situated in the Aude department of southern France, not far from the Ariège border.

A 4.5km drive away is a small yet historic rural village, a pleasant place to stroll around. Pop in for a drink at the pub which produces its own craft ale (open five days a week) and usually offers pizzas on a Friday and Saturday evening (book ahead). To the south of the village is a picturesque lake for swimming and a well-regarded restaurant open from May to September (check opening days/times in advance). In the height of the summer on Wednesday evenings, there is an atmospheric market by the lake with live music and food trucks selling all sorts of local delights. If you are staying in mid-July then look out for the amazing Bastille Day fireworks.

The village is also known for its impressive 12th century Cathar castle which is classified as a French monument historique. In the heart of Cathar country, historians of every age can also visit strongholds at Château de Montségur (29km), Château de Puilaurens (41km) and Château d’Arques (40km) amongst many more.

Meanwhile, visit nearby villages and towns such as Espéraza (22km) with its Sunday morning market and picturesque Quillan (21km), a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking with its riverside setting by the Aude. The fortified village of Camon (20km) is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ whilst idyllic Mirepoix (34km) is well known for its beautiful main square and wonderful Monday morning market.

Wine connoisseurs should appreciate a glass of sparkling white wine on a pretty café terrace in Limoux (33km). Another great highlight of the region is the incredible city of Carcassonne (60km) with its medieval citadel, now a unesco World Heritage site.

Keen cyclists can pass Aude landscapes of vineyards, lakes and ancient castles, knowing you are cycling close to one of Tour de France’s stages (in 2022) through Chalabre and Lavelanet. There are plenty of running and hiking trails as well as summer swimming in lakes, bathing in the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes (44km) and canoeing, kayaking, wind-surfing or simply fishing at Lac de Montbel (18km). Fishing is also available at the village's nearby lake.

To the south, the Gorges de l’Aude are also a paradise for walkers and cyclists. Furthermore, if staying in the winter then there are various ski resorts within a 30 to 90-minute drive from Les Monts d'Olmes to Les Angles in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Meanwhile, the most adventurous of guests note that there is an gliding club just a couple of minutes from your holiday home.

Accommodation

Maison Interiors

Main Floor

-    Open-plan lounge with TV, wood-burning stove, books, board games, one set of French windows leading to courtyard and another set of French windows leading to terrace and summer kitchen. Steps lead up to another sitting area with sofa, armchairs and mountain views
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped with dishwasher, fridge-freezer, toaster, kettle, coffee maker, two ovens, induction hob and filter tap
-    Dining room with table for 6 guests
-    WC

First Floor

-    Master bedroom with European king-size double bed, travertine marble fireplace, large windows with dual-aspect mountain views and walk-in wardrobe
-    Bedroom with double bed
-    Children’s bedroom with one set of bunkbeds and single trundle bed
-    Bathroom with jacuzzi bath, rain shower and two sinks
-    WC

The bunkbed bedroom is not suitable for adults

Top Floor (beneath the eaves)

-    Bedroom with twin beds, TV, DVD player and small workstation with desk

Lower Ground Floor (step-free access from front garden)

-    Gym with weights bench, yoga mats and sauna (open at certain times of year)
-    Laundry room with washing machine, dryer, sink and ironing facilities

Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (8x4m) with alarm and safety cover. Open approximately May to September
-    Poolside terrace with loungers and sun parasols
-    Courtyard with al-fresco dining area (6 guests)
-    Balcony terrace with chiminea and dining area (8 guests)
-    Summer kitchen with charcoal barbecue, plancha, fridge-freezer and bar
-    Water garden with pond, bistro table and large swing seat 
-    Pool inflatables
-    Mini trampoline
-    Car port (2 cars)

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating
-    32-inch Smart TV
-    DVD player
-    Bluetooth speakers
-    DVDs and books 
-    Board games
-    Electric sauna with music system
-    Small gym (weight bench and yoga mats)
-    Hairdryer
-    Bed rail (for bottom bunk)
-    Children's cutlery and dinnerware
-    Changing mat
-    Ironing facilities
-    Washing machine and dryer