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Details
The
Lou Castel estate: unique in Nature Park, plus that southern French
sphere of rich history, culture, cosy places, markets, squares and bastides,
Golf and other outdoorsports.
Unique
by its situation in the Montagne Noire and right in the Parc
Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc (Michelin roadmap no 83),
Lou Castel offers absolute silence and tranquillity (the closest house
is over 500 m away) with comfortable accommodation in a beautiful, peaceful
setting for large families sharing, of up to 12 (+2) persons.
At
the end of a cul-de-sac road, situated in its own forests and sunny
valley of 100 ha the estate offers a nice mix of forest, hills and green,
with a nice southern garden where delicious perfumes surround the large swimmingpool
with oleander, thimus, laurier, olive- and palm trees. Enjoy the blues
of sky and lavender!
Surrounded by hills and two brooks with clean crystal-clear source water;
tens of kilometres to hike in forest and valleys, giving very nice views
and silence amidst the forests of the Regional Park.
Or, why not go for riding horseback or mountain bike, a scenic drive
on quiet, lovely winding roads, or even a flight (per parasail, glider
or ULM, …). Golf court (9 hole, and 18 hole) at just 15 minutes
drive.
Lou
Castel indeed offers quiet tranquillity, but is not isolated! Set in
its sunny valley and surrounded by low hilly forest the estate enjoys
uninterrupted views over rolling green hills to the northern valleyslopes
to some quiet villages miles and miles away.
Close by it invites you to walk around in those picturesque south French
villages of the 12th - 16th century; or you can go and enjoy the rich
culture and events at Castres, Castelnaudary or Revel; else the bastides
around, or beautiful Cordes-sur-Ciel.
Our central location in the departments of Aude, Haut-Languedoc and
Tarn makes you discover those typical local markets, go for active sports
in mountain or lakes, participate in numerous outdoor activities you
always wanted to do (canyoning, golf, tennis, surfing …).
And more: not even three quarters of an hour away you're standing at
those rich historic sites such as Carcassonne and the chateaux of the
Cathars; the sources of the scenic Canal du Midi (a 15 minute drive);
Andorra and the Pyrenees-mountains (within 5 quarters), and indeed why
not reach out to stylish but oh so indecent Toulouse, the blue Mediterranean with superhot Cap d'Agde, but also quiet
spacious beaches of Béziers (1½ hour away) or beautiful
Barcelona (famous architecture by Gaudi! only 3 hours away). Or Figueras
with famous Dali museum.
And all this via quiet, winding roads inviting you to enjoy those rich
colours of yellow sunflowers, vineyards and blue skies.
The
charming villa: with plenty of space, light, class and comfort
for families totalling 12+2 persons … or up to 8 persons per half
villa
This
stylish master villa with its typical tower was built early 2000's using
quality materials and an architecture that seduces (nice beamed ceiling).
The contemporary furniture and decoration is that of today; the beds
are excellent and large enough (doubles of 1,6 m, or singles of 0,9
m).
The large villa offers ample space for 8 persons when renting the upper
half, but also for 12+2 persons in combination with the separate villa-apartment at groundfloor: in this case you combine the
upper half VILLA with the large, charming four-stars-rooms at the lower level
next to the swimming pool. Indeed, the situation of Lou Castel on a
hill – guaranteeing panoramic views and sun from early morning
to evening – makes that there in fact are visually separated two
ground levels (one on same height as the pool in the east, and one at
the south side). At the lower level with 75 m² (for 4 +2 persons)
for those anxious to make it straight to the pool: two luxury charming
rooms of each min. 25 m² easily accommodating a third bed; decorated
and practical in use; possibly + 1 bed each; they come with a very large
ensuite showerroom, washbasin and separate toilet, a (covered) terrace;
this lower level villa-apartment enjoys separately a 16 m² kitchenette cum
salon when rented separately. Carpark closeby.
At
the other side you arrive at the VILLAa, for 8 persons: a ground level of 110 m²
(spacious livingroom and American kitchen, bathroom and 2 bedrooms for
4), and the upper floor (1 huge mezzanine with kingsize bed, and 1 separate bedroom (2 beds): at the groundlevel you can park the car next to the entrance
at that level; you'll enter a huge balcony-terrace with dramatic views
where you can dine and wine or have breakfast at the king-size teak
wooden table and chairs. Via double french doors (else via the large
entrance door to the tower with stairs linking to the other ground level)
you enter a spacious, light living (+45 m²) with big fireplace
and dining place (glass table with nice chairs) linking to the open
equipped kitchen (and annexes in the tower). Around the tower you'll
find a separate bathroom; moreover 1 bedroom (double bed) cum shower
and toilet, linked up to another (smaller) bedroom with 2 beds; as well
as a separate toilet in the corridor. Behind the villa a large terrace
(under starting-up wine ranks). Several barbecues available.
On
The top floor (also 110 m²) is reached via a nice staircase from
within the living room - a huge masterbedroom/mezzanine (in 2 visually
separated parts) with 1 large and comfy king-size bed, as well as a
separate bedroom with 2 beds, and again a separate toilet.
When
renting the entire estate the two half villas are easily communicating via
the open stairs in the tower.
Large enough, with comfort the way you're used to, a lot of space for 12+2p.
The
garden, the park, the private valley: sun and shadow, wood and green,
own stables, clear water in own brooks and on
top the beautiful pool with garden and huge terraces.
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A
wide view … on beautiful nature from garden and villa; the carpark
is at the bend in the private road and cannot be seen from within
the pool or the terraces; contrary to the green valley and the
heroic white statue overlooking it! |
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Nice
to swim with a view, great for dolce farniente: direct access
via the huge wooden tiled terraces and the southern garden to
the new pool (10 by 6 m and a depth of 1,5 m),with Roman stairs,
jet stream and clear water without chlorine (no smells, no irritation
thanks to electrolysis). |
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On
the terraces enjoy the warm sun from early morning till evening,
and relax on teak wooden streamers (soft cushions and large
towels on request), whilst the murmuring sound of the fountains
and the perfumes of the southern plants bring you that great
feeling of being home in the real south. |
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Looking
for a bit more action? golf, canyoning, pétanque, mountain bikes;
but also hikes with horses, jeep, aboard an ULM else parapente;
but also perfect for hiking with nature at its best (tens of
kilometres in virgin woods starting right from Lou Castel). |
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Try
to fish on trout, or catch a river shrimp (take care of a fishing
licence!) in the lakes and rivers nearby. |
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Several
terraces invite for quiet relaxing, sun and shadow, and dreaming
off. |
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From
the balcony you'll enjoy a good glass of local fine wines of
Gaillac else Minervois, and magnificent views, at night under
a great dramatic sky full of stars. |
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Awake
early in the morning? Then try to observe one of our deer! |
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Smell
the strong perfumes of the south: thimus, laurier, lavender
etcetera in the garden; elsewhere on the estate we prefer to
keep it as nature comes, giving you nature at its best with
numerous plants and trees of a variety and diversity many people envy
us for, in all sorts of colours and size, surrounded by clearwater streams cascading down over huge boulders and rocks. |
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For
daydreamers we advise a peaceful stay for secluded, romantic
ambience along the brooks and the pond: the view is free, and the water …
is crystal-clear reflecting the blue skies. |
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the
days are warm but not overdone as a cool breeze and lots of
green make it a very pleasant, comforting temperature particularly
with our unique position at a height of just over 300 m; nights
are cooler, hence the electric curtain covering the pool; your
bed can be covered by …duvet. |
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Also
ideal for off-season (should the weather prove to be chilly
the stove or fireplace, else the airco gets rid of it). |
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Lou Castel comes with (natural) barriers of stylish gate (7x3
m height), the 2 brooks alongside the estate, and the hills
and forests at the back. |
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Note
the absence of nerve breaking noise kilometres around (now and
then some hikers can be noticed in the valley who might like
to discover the ’cascades’ some 45 minutes away
in the hills). |
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And
despite this all should you still prefer to continue to work:
contacts with the outside come easy with you portable cell phone
from almost any point within the estate (or the optional internet
line). |
The full richness of the south for you to discover:
a variety of local information and tourism documentation is available,
ready for you to discover the area around, including a calendar with
events. Anything you like!
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Unforgettable
scenic views and nature at its best in the departments around
Lou Castel (Aude, Tarn, Haut-Languedoc, Midi-Pyrenees, Herault):
all within easy reach via winding scenic roads including almost
deserted beautiful lakes for surfing or sailing/swimming; or the
vineyards (Gaillac, Minervois), the castles of the CATHAR, medieval cities rich in culture
such as Albi, Castres, Toulouse, Carcassonne; the charming locks
of the Canal du Midi, beautiful Cordes or Lautrec. Since we are only 2 hours drive from superhot Cap d'Agde, quite a few guests pass at Lou Castel on their way to or from it. |
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Your
local bakery at Escoussens (2,4 km) offers on demand very tasty,
huge croissants as well as your beloved pain français (here you
can buy the newspaper, or next to his door purchase local vegetables). |
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Just
a 10 minutes drive away you'll find local shops for all of your
day-to-day purchases in cosy Labruguière (wine shop, doctor, Intermarché
and all other shops; Friday market); or on the other side of Escoussens
in Revel with its fine Saturday markets; every day local markets
close by, including brocante and antiques or fine books; also
at the town of Castres (15 minutes drive). |
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moreover,
lots of events (fireworks, local festivities, games and concours
de pétanque under the platanes-trees; dance and music festivals
(from jazz to classic, Latino etc. (for instance in the abbey
at close-by Sorèzes), le 14 juillet (national day of France),
…. |
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Great
food around abound: small bistro's serving typical regional
meals ( canard or duck, or famous cassoulet), but also the very
best French cuisine in still to be discovered restaurants with
great price/quality! |
Lou
Castel, also unique for …
Lovers of hunting:
From early September you could join the local hunters association for
hunting deer, wild pigs, guinea fowl, rabbits. Also directly from the
estate! Rent per half week (and separate bill for heating).
Lovers
of mushrooms-in-the-wild :
Autumn also brings loads of great cèpes: sacs full of those delicious,
full-sized mushrooms can be found just a few kilometres away ! Rent
per half week (and separate bill for heating when needed).
Lovers of discounts when renting the entire estate
in top season:
Early bookings before 15/12: -150 €, before 15/1: -100€. Renting
+2 weeks: -150 €, (low and midseason -100 €/week).
You bring another family who rent at Lou Castel in separate weeks? Enjoy
3 bottles of Grenache aperitif.
You rent in top season AND in another period as well: -50 €/period.
TOTAL:
5 grandbedrooms + masterbedroom/mezzanine of 65m², 3 spacious showers,
bathroom with bath; 5 WC.
Max. 2 different families: ideal for a smaller family at the groundfloor
(4 à 5-6 persons), whereas the uppervilla will easily accommodate
for 8 p; or combine all floors and you can perfectly enjoy Lou Castel
with max. 12 +2 persons at a time.
Renting
conditions:
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New
washing machine, dishwasher, and dryer, microwaves, fridge and
freezer: available when renting the entire estate at no charge
(unless repairs due to maltreatment) |
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Weekly
bed linen available (12€/person/week); large poolside towels and
streamer cushions at 5€/person/week; towels available at 5€/person/week |
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Cleaning
up and daily cleaning by yourself; ENDcleaning obligatory! We
expect you to look after the house and its materials & equipment
as if it were your own, 'as a good house father', and this also for the
swimming pool (with an excellent, very easy to use in/out automatic
robot, easy electrical curtain, excellent watertreatment built-in;
so the pool requires but a minimum of daily attention) |
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Daily
cleaning possible upon request, or even cooking (for a max. of
2 hours/day , separate bills) |
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warranty
in cash |
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within
top season the (half) villa can only be rented for a period of
15 days. |
Book
now and enjoy!
More
information by email: loucasteltarn@yahoo.com
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