Once a humble outbuilding nestled within a former sheep farm, this vacation home rental in France is part of an expansive estate run by an expat Dutch family who emigrated from Holland. More than 300 years old, the property became a winery at the beginning of the 19th century and is now a chic retreat with an adjacent (and separate) bed and breakfast in the main chateau. 

Transformed from the former wine cellar, the building's oversized tractor gates have been replaced by large arched windows, flooding the interiors with natural light and offering views over the village of Villedaigne. The expansive loft-like spaces are divided into two great rooms with the sturdy original timbers and limestone walls updated with industrial concrete floors. 

Designed with an eclectic mix of sleek modernism and a nostalgic nod to its past, the interiors are a colorful blend of vintage and contemporary style.

Overlooking the panoramic rooftop views of the village of Villedaigne, this vacation home rental in France is an eclectic blend of rustic  and contemporary style.

The main loft-like spaces have been repurposed from expansive former wine cellars and are spacious and bright, with two sitting areas, and a fully equipped modern kitchen and bar with a billiards area. Adjacent to the kitchen is a dining area for up to twelve guests, and a smaller separate TV lounge. There are  six bedrooms that can accommodate up to twelve guests and three bathrooms along with a luxurious infrared sauna.

Through the large doors is a huge garden with a heated and secured swimming pool with sunbeds and a luxurious outdoor lounge corner. There is a large dining terrace with a BBQ for al fresco dinners, and a separate garden terrace with atmospheric outdoor lighting, under the thatched parasol and in the olive trees  that lends a special atmosphere in the evenings.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Wifi throughout, large screen SmartTV, library with Dutch/English and French books and magazines, kitchen and bath amenities, laundry facilities, billiard table, infrared sauna, children's cot and high chair, parking space for three cars. 

AROUND

Famous for its Cathar castles (especially Montsegur) and historic cities, the region of Aude is also home to the stunning fortified city of Carcasonne with it’s imposing citadel, narrow cobbled stone streets and medieval beauty. The area is also known for its picturesque countryside of lakes, forests and vineyards and rolling hills with walking trails in all directions for all levels. The nearby town of Limoux, situated on the banks of the river Aude has a lovely central square with cafes and a Friday market, and a little further afield is the medieval market town of Mirepoix. The slopes of the Pyrenees are within an hour and the Mediterranean beaches and Narbonnaise National Park can be reached in 30 minutes. The Spanish border is a short day trip away.

LOCATION

Aude, France. Nearest airport: Carcassonne (20 min) or Toulouse (1 hr)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through fall