L'Ecurie

About this property

Beyond the stone walls of Saint-Marcel-sur-Aude, L’Ecurie reveals itself as a masterful reimagining of an 18th-century barn, where character and charm meets modern architectural flair. Thoughtfully designed and impeccably restored, this superb village home offers a spacious escape just half an hour from the Mediterranean coast.

At its heart, a vast open-plan living space stretches across 90 square metres, framed by soaring ceilings, exposed stone and large glass doors. These open directly onto the terrace overlooking the swimming pool below, where days unfold between leisurely swims and al-fresco feasts. The open kitchen is superbly equipped for entertaining, with a range oven, wine fridge and a sleek central island for casual breakfasts or sunset apéritifs. Each of the five bedrooms has its own charm, including a family room with a mezzanine level and a master bedroom with its porthole window and a beautifully appointed ensuite.

Outside, admire the Mediterranean garden, dotted with flowers, herbs and a central olive tree. The 11-metre infinity pool glistens beneath the southern sun, flanked by a summer kitchen with bar stools, pizza oven and barbecue, ideal for long lunches or evening gatherings under the stars. Children can paddle on the pool’s gentle steps or unwind in the shade in a characterful corner of the garden.

L’Ecurie’s location invites guests to explore the charm of local life. Just a short stroll away lies the village centre, with its bakery, wine outlets, café-bars and an excellent restaurant. A little further afield, the historic town of Narbonne offers bustling markets and cultural sights, while the Canal du Midi’s atmospheric restaurants at Le Somail are only 3km away. The beaches of Gruissan, Narbonne-Plage and Saint-Pierre beckon just half an hour from the door.

Whether you're sipping wine beside the olive tree or exploring Carcassonne, Cathar castles and coastal villages, L’Ecurie promises a stay full of warmth, space and effortless southern French living.

In the Languedoc village of Saint-Marcel-sur-Aude, L’Ecurie offers a great base for discovering the very best of southern France. Just 11km from the historic city of Narbonne and a mere 30-minute drive from the Mediterranean coast, this superbly located house blends village authenticity with easy access to cultural landmarks, sandy beaches and renowned wine country.

Saint-Marcel-sur-Aude itself offers everything needed for a relaxed and convenient stay. Within walking distance, guests will find a selection of excellent amenities, including a bakery for fresh morning croissants, a grocery store, newsagent, pharmacy and even a couple of local supermarkets. Dining out is a pleasure, with a popular restaurant, café-bar, pizzeria and several wine outlets on hand to sample the region’s celebrated vintages. The heart of the village is around 900m from the house.

Just a short drive away, the enchanting hamlet of Le Somail (3km) is a true gem on the Canal du Midi. With its waterside restaurants and even a floating grocery store moored on a barge, it’s a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or afternoon stroll. Meanwhile, nearby Narbonne (11km) beckons with its imposing cathedral, bustling covered market and boat trips along the canal - ideal for a day of sightseeing and shopping.

For those craving the coast, the golden sands of Narbonne-Plage (28km), Saint-Pierre-la-Mer (31km) and the cinematic charm of Gruissan Plage (29km), famous for its stilted beach houses, are all within easy reach. Nature lovers will also delight in exploring the Parc naturel régional de la Narbonnaise en Méditerranée, with its diverse landscapes, water-based activities and walking trails.

Wine aficionados are spoiled for choice with tasting opportunities in neighbouring villages, while history buffs can explore the dramatic Cathar trail and the medieval marvels of Carcassonne (53km). For those who wish to venture further, the spectacular coastal drive towards the Spanish border offers unforgettable views and hidden seaside villages waiting to be discovered.

Accommodation

House Interiors

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Entrance hall with fireplace, antique sofa and staircase
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Open-plan living and dining space with sofas, flat-screen TV and dining table. Large glazed doors open to dining terrace, outdoor lounge area, pool and garden
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Open-plan kitchen with American-style fridge freezer, range oven and hob, wine fridge and central island with preparation counter and designer bar stools
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Back kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine, microwave and butler sink
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Separate WC and hand basin

First Floor

- Large hallway with original flooring
- Master bedroom 1 with queen-size double bed, complex beamed ceiling and large port-hole window overlooking garden and pool. Dressing room and ensuite WC, bath, separate shower and hand basin
- Bedroom 2 (family room) with double bed and spiral staircase to large mezzanine with two single bed
- Bedroom 3 with two single beds and large French doors overlooking courtyard and fountain
- Separate bathroom with WC, walk-in shower and hand basin
- Second hallway with encaustic tiles
- Bedroom 4 with queen-size double bed, French windows overlooking courtyard and fountain and ensuite shower, hand basin and WC
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Bedroom 5 with double bed and ensuite shower room, hand basin and WC

Outside Grounds

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Infinity swimming pool (11x6m, depth: 1.5m max) with pool safety alarm and double set of steps
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Poolside terrace and loungers
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Summer kitchen with bar and stools, fridge, plancha, barbecue and pizza oven and ice-maker
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Raised dining terrace with barbecue
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Shaded hammock and walled seating area
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Private grounds (1,000 m² ) with lawn, Mediterranean plants, flowers, herbs, central olive tree and other mature trees
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Different levels and some steps
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Gated courtyard entrance (shared with two other properties) and parking for several cars
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Courtyard fountain