Le Jardin Secret

About this property

Le Jardin Secret is in a beautiful part of France, spectacularly unspoilt by the rigours of time, in a small, protected Cathar hilltop village surrounded by rolling hills of woods, fields and wilderness. Yet the grandeur of Carcassonne is just a 30-minute drive away alongside plenty of neighbouring villages and towns nestled in the surrounding landscapes.

Once upon a time, Laurac Le Grande was a key fortified stronghold and the capital of Lauragais – you can still see the remains of the old castle walls of this resplendent historic village.

The front door of this 18th-century house opens onto the village’s Grande Rue (with all of about 12 houses). Indoors lies a beautifully restored and very comfortable family home with stunning open views over the countryside. There are thick, stone walls keeping it fresh in the summer and there is a Jotul wood-burning stove in the living room for cooler nights. It has a breathtaking south-facing terrace as well as a spacious yet cosy open-plan kitchen, dining and living area alongside four carefully styled bedrooms with their own contemporary bathrooms.

There is a separate charming and private walled garden enclosing the fabulous pool, sun terrace and shaded dining terrace with its idyllic panorama of the untouched hillside. The scent of wild lavender, rosemary and thyme is abundant in the air and you can hear the occasional chime of the old church bell in the background.

Surrounding the hamlet, discover seemingly endless walking and mountain bike paths with views of the Pyrenees, Black Mountains and the Corbières. Beautiful market towns and vine-covered villages can be found in every direction.

If you can bear to leave this rural idyll, the Cité de Carcassonne (a UNESCO World Heritage site) awaits. You could also venture to the pink city of Toulouse, only an hour by car, or taste some of the finest sea-food near Narbonne and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean. If staying in the winter months, some of the best skiing in France is less than a 90-minute drive away.

Back at Le Jardin Secret, enjoy leisurely lunches made with fresh produce from nearby markets, washed down with local wine. Stroll through pine forests and cypress groves, cycle along the Canal du Midi or simply rest at home – there are plenty of books to read beside the swimming pool before taking a refreshing dip. This is where worries float away, replaced by a stunning sense of the good life.

Le Jardin Secret is one of those rare finds where history and nature, alongside the personal touch of the artist-owners, have created a tranquil paradise in the sun-drenched Languedoc where the foothills of the Pyrenees begin.

Le Jardin Secret is located in the hilltop village of Laurac in the Languedoc, close to the famous town of Carcassonne. With a population of about 150 in habitants, this charming village is a totally unspoilt and peaceful destination full of history and beauty. Castelnaudary is the nearest town (20mins away) with three large supermarkets, many bars and restaurants and many other shops, including a weekly market held on Mondays. There is plenty of free car parking within 250 yards of the house.

Within the surrounding area, there is much to see and explore on foot, by bicycle, in a canoe or kayak, or in the car. There are equestrian centres for horse riding in the local area. Similarly, bicycles can be hired in the nearby town of Bram. The cycle route along the Canal du Midi is ideal for all abilities and ages, making a perfect day out for the whole family with a picnic stop along the way! The Languedoc is abundant with hiking trails too, and exploring the region on foot is a lovely, leisurely method to discover the beauty of this region of France.

Vineyards sprawl across the land, and the famous region of Minervois is just beyond Carcassonne. Many local winemakers welcome groups for tours and tastings, and it is said that the best white wines from the South of France are produced here.

It goes without saying that the fortified city of Carcassonne is a must see, there are guided tours and medieval shows throughout the summer to entertain all visitors. There are also many of spectacular castles, abbeys and caves to visit in the area, especially the Grotte de Niaux with its pre-historic drawings.

Toulouse, known as ‘La Ville Rose’ (the pink city) is a vibrant city full of history and culture with many cafes, restaurants, museums and shops. Mirepoix is only 25 mins away and has a beautiful market square and the town of Albi boasts formidable architectural features.

Accommodation

Villa Interior
The villa is located over 3 floors with a separate private garden.

Ground Floor
- Utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer, walk-in hot drying room. iron and ironing board
- Back door leading down the road to the garden and pool

First Floor
- Large entrance hall with a selection of books
- Double bedroom (14m2) with hand basin and private bathroom across the landing
- Bathroom with bath/shower, wash basin and WC
- Double bedroom (16m2) with en-suite bathroom with bath, shower, wash basin and WC
- Twin or double bedroom (10m2) with en-suite bathroom with shower, wash basin and WC
- Twin or double bedroom (14m2) with en-suite bathroom with shower, wash basin and WC

Second Floor

Open-plan living space of 56m2 comprising of:
- Sitting area with comfortable sofas, armchairs, Jotul wood burning stove, plasma screen TV with UK channels, DVD player and a large selection of books.
- Dining area with large table for 10 guests with glass sliding doors opening up onto the terrace.
- Fully equipped kitchen with fridge, electric oven, microwave, electric hob, dishwasher, double sink and separate vegetable sink
- Large landing (14m2) with freestanding freezer and wine fridge
- Guests WC with wash basin
- Terrace with wooden table and chairs, reclining sun loungers and gas barbecue with views over the pool.

Outside Grounds
- Separate fully fenced private garden (30m from the house down an almost unused road)
- Private swimming pool (8x4.5m) open from 1st May to 7th October (cooler months may not be suitable for swimming)
- Wooden terrace
- Sun loungers and parasols
- Al-fresco dining table
- Fridge in the small garden cabin
- Off-site parking (approx. 200m away)

Facilities
- Walk-in drying room
- Hairdryer in each bedroom
- Wood burning stove and logs
- DVD player and DVDs
- Eco-friendly electric radiators
- Fans
- Books
- 5 bicycles