This large apartment is located within the ramparts of historic Lagrasse. We love its cool, understated elegance, the combination of bare stone walls and hand-polished concrete floors, with ornate wrought-iron furnishings and other vintage pieces. It's also in a great location, overlooking the river of this lovely little French village.

This spacious three-bedroom apartment was created with three ideas in mind: simplicity, elegance and calm. Cool whites and an uncluttered feel combine to create a lovely space evocative of times past, but with enough design savvy to make it feel right up to date.

Interiors are pared down, with a monochrome theme, high ceilings, large windows, bare stone walls and polished concrete floors. But the space is brought to life with fun accents such as ornate wrought-iron beds, chandeliers and candlesticks, a claw foot bath, aged wooden furniture, and splashes of local art. The kitchen has a lovely country feel, and opens onto a terrace which overlooks the courtyard, one of the two terraces with this property. The other overlooks the river, the medieval humpbacked bridge, and the hills and sunset opposite.  

The home is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and the scent of pine, thyme and rosemary from the surrounding hills. The internal courtyard stays cool and shady, even on the hottest summer days.   

ADDITIONAL FEATURES  

Each of the three bedrooms has en-suite facilities. The apartment also has under-floor central heating ideal for winter breaks. The main living area opens onto both the river and courtyard, with two of the bedrooms also overlooking the river. The kitchen has a gas hob, oven, dishwasher, large fridge/freezer and microwave. There is also a washing machine available.

AROUND  

Lagrasse is located in the beautiful Corbière Hills on the banks of the Orbieu River, which is directly behind the property. It is usually shallow and provides a safe place for paddling and fishing. A little further upstream, the river has a natural pebbly beach. During the summer months it is a lovely swimming spot, and a lifeguard is present. Swim in the river, go for a leisurely walk or a bike ride in the hills, eat produce from the local market, or simply relax on the terrace and watch the sun go down.  

The village is famous for Abbey Sainte Marie d’Orbieu, founded in 799 by Charlemagne, its picturesque weekly covered market (selling delicious organic and local produce including cheese, olive oil, fruit, vegetables and bread), the 12th-century humpback stone bridge, and its labyrinth of medieval streets. There are six restaurants, two bars, an epicerie, a boulangerie, a pharmacy, a post office and numerous pottery shops and galleries, all only a short walk from the front door.  

The owner recommends hiring a car to explore nearby attractions, including the medieval city of Carcassonne, the Cathar castles of Queribus and Peyrepertuse, Fontfroid Abbey, and the cities of Montpellier and Toulouse. Mediterranean beaches are only 40 minutes away, so guests can spend the day windsurfing, sailing or sampling fresh oysters and sparkling wine from Limoux.   

LOCATION  

Lagrasse, France. Nearest airport: Carcassonne (42km). Otherwise Beziers or Perpignan are other nearby options. The larger airports of Toulouse, Montpelier and Girona are about 90 minutes' drive.