Maison Fenouil

About this property

Stay in a fully modernised mid-19th century home with views of the rolling countryside from its terraces and heated swimming pool close to walking trails, market towns, Languedoc vineyards and just a 40-minute drive from Carcassonne.

On a clear day you can see as far as the Pyrenees from the light-filled lounge with its designer wood-burner and raised wrap-around balcony. Elsewhere, sit back with a book looking out towards the Montagne Noire before preparing a meal in the bespoke kitchen as friends or family sit by the bar.

The architect owners have created a welcoming home for up to eight guests across its four pretty bedrooms. Upstairs is a master double with a super king-size bed, balcony, dressing area and freestanding bath in its spacious bathroom whilst a second king-size double bedroom has its own separate shower room. A charming little library in the hallway looks out towards the local village from its Juliet balcony. Downstairs are two further doubles, a shared shower room and another relaxing reading area leading out to the garden.

Whether chilling out in the back garden or on one of the many terraces, including a delightful dining pergola positioned just above the poolside terrace, the outdoor space seems vast and enjoys wonderful views of the surrounding farmland and countryside beyond. All ages will adore the heated swimming pool, nature lovers can look out for red squirrels, egrets, eagles and deer across the fields and come evening the sunsets are beautiful.

The Camino de Santiago trail passes nearby meaning there are some fantastic hikes from the house, including a 35-minute walk up to the small historic town of Fanjeaux with its boulangerie, restaurant, café-bar and small Saturday morning market.

The idyllic bastide town of Mirepoix is a must-visit, especially on a Monday morning with its gorgeous market whilst Bram is the place to go for cycle rides, walks and boat rides along the Canal du Midi. Enjoy cassoulet for lunch in Castelnaudary, only half an hour away, with its picturesque position by the canal whilst Revel, by the Black Mountains, is a pretty town with a wonderful Saturday morning market, close to the glorious Bassin de Saint-Ferréol.

Visit Languedoc vineyards, sample the sparkling white wine of Limoux, try oysters by the Mediterranean coast in Leucate and spend the day exploring one of France’s most visited destinations, Carcassonne, with its incredible citadel, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Set in 25 acres of farmland with beautiful countryside views towards the Pyrenees and the Montagne Noire, Maison Fenouil enjoys a tranquil setting in the Aude department of southern France, around a 40-minute drive from the historic city of Carcassonne.

It’s a picturesque setting with one other neighbouring property, 1.5km from a small rural village. The Camino de Santiago passes near the estate meaning there are some wonderful walks direct from the villa including a route to the small and historic town, Fanjeaux, which can be reached within a 35-minute walk (or less than a 10-minute drive). Here you will find a restaurant, café, tabac, grocery store, tourist office and small Saturday morning market as well as summer festivities. Furthermore, don’t miss a lovely farm shop within a 8-minute drive for fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, wine and other regional produce.

This is a fine region for visiting pretty market towns, Languedoc wine caves and even the beaches of the Mediterranean with the seaside resort of Leucate (127km), famous for its oysters, reached in around a 90-minute drive.

Closer to home is Mirepoix (14km), a beautiful bastide town with a gorgeous market on a Monday morning and a summer market on a Thursday. Bram (18km) hosts a Wednesday morning market and it is a great place to hire bikes for cycling along the Canal du Midi which passes to the north of the town or you could even take a boat trip. Furthermore, look out for waterskiing, wake-boarding and swimming at Lac de Buzerens, usually open weekend afternoons in the French holidays.  

The Canal du Midi also passes through Castelnaudary (27km), a delightful place to visit – take time to dine out and try cassoulet which is said to originate from the town. Once again, boat trips are available here as well as cycling and walking opportunities along the towpath.

Heading south-east, Limoux (25km) is another highlight of the region, famed for its delicious sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux, and its charming Friday morning market in the picturesque main square. Market lovers may also wish to spend their Saturday morning in Revel (50km), close to the Black Mountains, before enjoying a summer afternoon by the magnificent Bassin de Saint-Ferréol.

The famous Cathar castle, Château de Montségur (46km), is less than an hour away and even closer is the grand city of Carcassonne (40km), one of France’s most popular destinations thanks to its incredible citadel, now classified as a unesco World Heritage site.

Accommodation

Maison Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Lounge and dining area (45m2) with log-burner, Smart TV and various French doors leading to raised wrap-around balcony
-    Bar and kitchen, well-equipped including double oven and gas hob. Door leads to raised decked terrace
-    Utility room with dishwasher, fridge/freezer, microwave and washing machine
-    Bedroom (15m2) with double bed and mountain view. Opens to stairwell with sofa, reading area and French doors leading outside
-    Bedroom (12m2) with double bed and French doors leading outside
-    Bathroom with shower

First Floor (via open-tread stairs)

-    Master bedroom (25m2) with super king-size double bed, balcony with pool view, dressing room and en suite bathroom with free-standing bath and large shower
-    Bedroom (25m2) with king-size double bed, sofa and Juliet balcony with garden view
-    Bathroom with shower
-    Hallway with library and Juliet balcony with village views

Outside Grounds

-    Heated saltwater swimming pool (10x5m, depth: 1.5m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately May to September
-    Poolside terrace
-    Covered pergola and dining area (on open terrace with poolside area below)
-    Raised wrap-around balcony (drop below)
-    Raised decked kitchen terrace
-    Rear garden
-    Barbecue
-    Car parking (several cars)

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating
-    Log-burner
-    Smart TV 
-    Books
-    Security cameras (x2 outside)
-    Washing machine