Location: Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, Europe (Carcassonne is 8km from Villegailhenc)
Accommodations: House, 9 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 5 Baths (Sleeps 20-22)
La Maison d'Amiel is a typical French style mansion. It was originally commissioned by a Parisien family called Amiel in 1860, one of their sons, Deny's Amiel who was born in the house in 1888 later went onto be a famous writer and theatre critic. On display in the main entrance are copies of his books, menu cards and many more things that the owners have found whilst renovating the house.
La Maison d'Amiel has been lovingly restored by it's current owners, they have enhanced all its original features whilst bringing it up to a modern luxurious standard. Original tiled floors and cornices have been kept and beautifully restored.
In the dining room there is an original water pump, cooling compartment and sink. The house has a magnificent stone spiral stair case, with detailed wrought iron banisters. Many of the rooms have large marble fireplaces and in the dinning room there is a wood burning stove.
There are also two kitchens in the house, ideal for large groups who might not choose to cook together every night. There are 5 bathrooms and all together 6 WC¹s in the property.
In the house there are plenty of guide books, maps, walking books and a manual written by the owners so that you can enjoy all of the many activities, restaurants, sites and attractions that the Languedoc region has to offer.
There is ADSL/Wi-Fi connection. There is also Sky television in the dining room and lounge with all the free channels such as BBC, ITV, Channel 4/5, kids channels and so fourth. There is also a very large flat screen television in the lounge with DVD and brand new home cinema. There is also a music centre in the dining room.
In the main kitchen, there is a large fridge/freezer, with ice-cube maker on the inside, large range cooker: with two gas ovens, two electric ovens, pan warmer, griddle, wok ring and 5 other rings. Extractor hood, microwave, kettle, coffee maker, pans, toaster, enough plates, cutlery, glasses and cups for up to 22 people. There is also a dishwasher and pantry with washing machine.
In the smaller kitchen there is a microwave, oven, hob, fridge/freezer, sink and enough cutlery, glasses and cups for 6 people. Villegailhenc has fantastic local facilities, so there is no pressure to get in your car on a daily basis, there is a bakers with daily baked croissants, baguettes, wholemeal breads, cakes and so fourth, a reasonably priced supermarket, butchers, tabac, fish shop, wine cave, dentist, hairdressers, doctors and a weekly fruit/vegetable market on a Wednesday morning.
There is also a restaurant/bar in the village which offers a la carte and also pizzas. There are also plenty of walks/mountain bike trails from the house, with over 400 kms of mountain bike trails just 5km away in the village of Aragon.
Exterior
The property has a pretty garden, with a huge variety of mature pine trees and deciduous trees. There are various benches and tables around the grounds to relax and eat on. There is an area with swings, a large sheltered games area (60m2) with bar-be-que and seating area which seats 20 people at one table, an area with washing lines, as well as a courtyard and the exclusive use of two swimming pools, one for toddlers/babies and a large pool with a depth from 1.2 to a maximum depth of 2.2 meters. There is a shelf around the entire pool so children can just swim to the sides for safety.
There is an automatic chlorine and PH regulated dispenser and a cleaning robot which cleans the pool daily. There is also ample chairs and sun loungers to relax on and plenty of shade for hot afternoons. The swimming pool meets all safety regulations and has a secure gate and fencing, as well as a foot bath and shower.
There is also private parking in the grounds. Following activities possible nearby (max 30 minutes by car). Climbing, swimming, golf, walking, mountain-biking, horse-riding, watersports, mountaineering, hang-gliding, para-gliding, tennis
Restaurants, foods & wine:
There are many fantastic restaurants within a 5km radius from the property, the owners have made a guide based on their own personal experiences and preferences over the past 7 years. The house is based in the Carbardes wine region and there is a wine-tasting cave in the village open daily except for Sundays and plenty of other wine caves which you can visit locally.
La Cité is a must see in Carcassonne, a beautiful fortified castle with outside concerts throughout the whole of July and on the 14th of July, Bastille day, some of the most wonderful fireworks in the whole of Europe. The Mediterranean is a 40 mins drive, and there are lovely small beaches such as La Franqui and Argeles, with an superb fish restaurants.
The house is in the heart of the Cathar country, which boasts an enormous amount of Cathar castles. There are also plenty of walks, canal-du-midi: with boat rides, thermal springs, two local lakes; ideal for swimming or boating. Australian animal park, tree-climbing experience, min-golf and so forth.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Washer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Fireplace
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- King Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Bunk Bed
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Music Library
- Private Pool
- Pool Table
- Foosball
- Ping Pong/Table Tennis
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Gazebo
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In Euros)
Low Season ... €2500/week
Mid Season ... €3500/week (including Christmas and Easter)
Peak Season .. €4200/week (including Jul 08-Aug 08)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2002
My husband, Colin and I have been running our vacation rental for six years. We were originally drawn to this area because of the beautiful scenery and stunning surroundings, good local wine and gourmet food.
Why the Owner Chose Carcassonne
We decided to buy this house as it is the most beautiful we have ever seen. Dating back to the 1860's and owned by the writer Denis Amiel, we were instantly drawn to the old features and possibility to bring it back to life. Since then we have lovingly restored the property whilst keeping and enhancing all of the original features. We especially loved the huge spiral staircase, marble fire places and stone floors.
The Unique Benefits of this House
We are in a lively village, but surrounded by beautiful countryside and walks and very conveniently placed for the airport, Carcassonne, the Mediterranean, skiing and black mountains.
Property Photos
- La Maison d'Amiel - Carcassonne, France Vacation Home with Private Swimming Pools
- Swimming pool - Carcassonne, France Vacation Home with Private Swimming Pools
- Living room - Carcassonne, France Vacation Home with Private Swimming Pools
- Main kitchen
- Chambre Rouge
- Outside Dinning
- Triple bedroom
- Stair case
- Dining room
- Living room 2
- Front garden
- Bathroom
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #249496
There have been 1281 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - November 19, 2009
