Exquisite French Village House and Garden with View
- Minimum stay:Contact owner
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
La Maison Verte is far more than a rental property, it is a home for living in; warm, well-equipped and welcoming.It is South-facing, in the oldest part of a medieval village. It is set on the original fortified village wall that connects it to the 11th Century Abbey. The tiny little lane outside the house is too narrow to allow more than the occasional car.
The house falls within the conservation area of the village, amongst houses dating back to the 16th century.
La Maison Verte is place of charm and comfort, quintessentially French in its fabrics, furnishings and pictures.The dining room has a wonderful old farm table, and fireplace. There is a very well-equipped kitchen. The house also has a walled garden, tables under the loquat tree, and a tumbling wisteria over the terrace. Glorious at most times, but best enjoyed in the evening sunshine, with a glass of local wine. The view is lovely and looks towards the Pyrenees. There are three good sized bedrooms and two bathrooms.
We were very lucky to stumble across Caunes-Minervois which is one of the most beautiful in the Languedoc. Those who discover invariably love it and some who come for a brief holiday end up staying for good.
La Maison Verte is filled with treasures found in the local antique markets; original French drawings, paintings, posters and photographs. There is an excellent library and masses of CDs.
Of all the hundreds of villages in the Languedoc, Caunes-Minervois is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. And some who come on a visit love it so much they settle here. Besides the famous Abbey, we have good restaurants: a baker, a bank , a working cafe: and no fewer than three wine-makers right within the village. The Black Mountains are outside the door, there is cycling and golf and walking; and the people of Caunes are amongst the friendliest anywhere.
Keywords: Village House in the South of France, with garden and views.
Property Type
- House
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Pets Considered
- Not Suitable For Children
Bedrooms: 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 4-6
Kitchen & Dining
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils
Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Babysitter
- Wood Stove
- Parking Off Street
Entertainment
- CD Player
- DVD Player
- Stereo
- Music Library
- Satellite / Cable
Communications
- Wireless Internet
- Telephone
- Mobile Phone
- Broadband Access
Outdoor Features
- Deck / Patio
- Balcony
- Outdoor Grill
Location & View
Activities
- Kayaking
- Cycling
- Rock Climbing
- Golf
- Massage Therapist
- Groceries
- Mountain Biking
- Tennis
- Hiking
- Golf Privileges Optional
- Freshwater Fishing
- Whitewater Rafting
- Mountain Climbing
- Rafting
- Hunting
- Spelunking
- Fishing
- ATM/Bank
- Ruins
- Museums
- Cinemas
- Winery Tours
- Playground
- Library
- Restaurants
- Live Theater
- Churches
- Sight Seeing
- Antiquing
- Medical Services
- Boating
- Eco Tourism
- Bird Watching
- Walking
- Scenic Drives
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Superb in every way ...
Superb in every way ...
- Guest Alan and Jo
- Date of stay 05/04/13
- Review Submitted 06/09/13
It is not easy to write a review about our stay at La Maison Verte without repeating what everyone else has said already. So perhaps we should simply add that nothing has changed: La Maison Verte is still the most wonderfully charming place to stay; hosts Ingrid and Christopher are friendly, welcoming and informative, and one week was not enough time for us here. We intend to return! There is much to explore and enjoy in Caunes-Minervois and the surrounding area: history; beautiful countryside; great markets; good food; delicious cheeses; superb wines; friendly people, and so the list goes on. But at the end of the day, coming home to the delights and tranquility of La Maison Verte was an absolute treat. We can highly recommend staying here.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
A lovely place to relax after a long period of travel in Europe
A lovely place to relax after a long period of travel in Europe
- Guest David & Lesley
- Date of stay 10/20/12
- Review Submitted 11/21/12
We stayed at La Maison Verte on the recommendation of our daughter who had previously stayed with Ingrid. The house was enchanting and around each corner was a surprise. Our six days there gave us lifetime memories that we hope we can repeat in the future. Choosing not to have a car made us walk and enjoy the village atmosphere in the narrow cobblestone streets and we managed to visit all the eating establishments. The house with all its books and spacious areas to relax in, was perfect. Our hosts, Ingrid and Christopher could not have been more helpful or hospitable. We highly recommend La Maison Verte to everyoneRecommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Owner response: Dear David and Lesley, Thank you so much for your lovely review. I'm thrilled. Best of all is that you had a happy time in our lovely village. Warmest regards, Ingrid.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Charming and Comfy Gite
Charming and Comfy Gite
- Guest Bob R.
- Date of stay 07/29/12
- Review Submitted 08/27/12
My wife and I just spent 4 weeks in the spacious and comfortable La Maison Verte. The owner lives in this house in the off season and that is evident in the tasteful decoration and home-like feel to the accommodations. The house has been featured in a book on French country living. The beautiful vine-covered terrace was a real treat on nice days and afforded a pleasant view over the house's garden (which also had seating) as well as the village gardens (allotments). The kitchen is well-equipped, but there are also an assortment of restaurants in the village within an easy walk. The medieval town of Caune-Minervois, a tourist destination itself, is centrally located to a number of sights and activities in the region, but is also a friendly village with original French inhabitants along with the English speaking expats. Ingrid was always available for friendly assistance when needed (her office is next door) and quickly provided an assortment of fans when the heat became brutal (the house has an air conditioning unit on the living level, but not on the bedroom levels). Prospective renters should be aware that due to the closeness of the historic housing, you are likely to hear a fair amount of people talking as well as the typical French village sounds of dogs barking, roosters crowing, church bells ringing, etc. Highly recommended.Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Beautiful
Beautiful
- Guest Rod R.
- Date of stay 07/21/12
- Review Submitted 08/13/12
What a beautiful stay we had. The house is every bit as charming as in the photos and we were immediately taken back when we arrived by the wonderful decor and period feel. We were looking for a place that would be a part of our France vacation and the home was indeed a joy. It was very well appointed, comfortable, had all the amenities one would need and more. Owners Ingrid and Chris were very kind and helpful during our stay. Caunes was a beautiful town and off the tourist path, which we really enjoyed for a true local feel. If you are looking for that something special for your France experience look no further, highly recommended.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest icki and Ed Starr - Charlotte , NC , USA
- Date of stay 07/18/09
- Review Submitted 09/30/10
"It is a rare surprise when a destination is even better than expected, and this is certainly how we felt on entering your beautiful home. It is obvious that much talent, time, thought and love went into the design of this wonderful house. You have created a welcoming, warm and very personal retreat. Thanks for everything and best wishes." Vicki and Ed Starr - Charlotte , NC , USADid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Terry and Marilyn Moore , Ontario , Canada
- Date of stay 07/04/09
- Review Submitted 09/30/10
We are having a last glass of wine on your beautiful terrace in the sun. We both feel that it is the warn friendships we have formed with the citizens of Caunes that have made it such a wonderful experience.Thank you Ingrid and Christopher for all your advice and being there when we needed anything." Terry and Marilyn Moore , Ontario , CanadaDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Johanna Rahim - London , England
- Date of stay 06/27/09
- Review Submitted 09/30/10
Where do we start? This is a perfect house in a wonderful location. Ingrid, this is probably the loveliest interior design I've encountered; how you have turned what could have been a cottage into something so spacious and light, while being filled with beautiful and quirky objects is wonderful to experience. \nThen there are the books - a treat and a priviledge. \nOur first week was a constant source of surprise at the different types of lanscape and their beauty. The swallows, the poppy strewn lanes, wildflowers in the fields of corn are all things to remember. \nEverywhere we were greeted with kindness because we were guests of yours This is an arcadia of your making and we are grateful to have been part of it." Johanna Rahim - London , EnglandDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Paula Billiter - Evanston , Illinois , USA
- Date of stay 06/27/09
- Review Submitted 09/30/10
"A perfect week! We only wish it was a few weeks longer. Our favourite thing, besides this house and the village, was driving through the mountains. We are grateful to have had the chance to enjoy this part of the world in a house so rich in history and beauty. " Paula Billiter - Evanston , Illinois , USADid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Lesley , Knavesborough , UK
- Date of stay 06/20/09
- Review Submitted 09/30/10
"Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful house with us. I loved it and could have stayed for ever." Lesley Henderson , Knavesborough , UKDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Butch Rice. Cape Town
- Date of stay 06/20/09
- Review Submitted 09/30/10
"We have had one of the best weeks ever in France. I already have plans in place for our next visit. I loved the peace and the tranquility and the unfailing friendliness of the locals. And the home itself; charming, tasteful and stylish. " Butch Rice - Cape Town , South AfricaDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Rates
Winter: November 01 2012-March 31 2013 .. €693/week ($903.00) Spring: April 01 2013- to May 31 2013 €850/week ($1104.00) Summer: June 01 2013 to September 30 2013 €994/week ($1293.00) Autumn: October 01 2013 to October 31.... €805/week ($1104.00) Winter: November o1 2013 to March 31 .. €693/week ($903.00) Spring: April 01 2014 to May 31 2014 .. €805/week ($1104.00) Summer: June 01 2014 to September 30 2014 €994/week ($1293.00) Autumn: October 01 2014 to October 31 2014 €805/week ($1104.00)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
- Nearest Airport: Toulouse or Cacassonne at 55 Miles
- Nearest Train: Carcassonne at 20 Kilometres
- Nearest Motorway: Carcassonne at 20 Kilometres
- Nearest Beach: Narbonne Plage at 70 Kilometres
- Nearest Barpub: Le Grande Fonteine at 40 Metres
- Nearest Ski: Pyrennees at 150 Miles
- Nearest Golf: Carcassonne at 20 Kilometres
- Nearest Restaurant: Caunes at 45 Metres
Owner info
Year Purchased: 1998
About the owner: The house is owned by Ingrid Hudson, a photographer turned restorer, with a passion for finding old ruins and making them breathe again. Christopher Hope is a writer of novels and stories.
Why the Owner Chose Caunes Minervois:
We fell in love with this beautiful part of France with its Cathar castles, ancient villages, great wine, food markets and abundant sunshine. Both the World heritage sites of the Canal du Midi and La Cite in Carcassonne are less than twenty minutes away. Albi, too, has been declared a World heritage site and has the Toulouse Lautrec Museum.
The Unique Benefits at this House:
An hour's drive to the Mediterranean coast and a bit more to Spain. Carcassonne is just twenty minutes away, Albi and Toulouse and Carcassonne are within easy reach.What is wonderful about this peaceful village is that it has four restaurants, bank, butcher, two bakers, chemist, 3 doctors, a tapas bar in summer, concerts in the abbey and an ever-helpful tourist bureau. Three private wine estates right in the village.
Contact us
- Primary: +33 (0) 686 306 744 (France)
- Secondary: +33 (0) 46878 4222
Links to more information:
- CLICK HERE - Ingrid Hudson website
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
-
French Country Dining-Room
-
En Suite Bathroom
-
Second Bedroom
-
Well Equipped Kitchen
-
Preparing a Picnic
-
Magical Evening Light in the Garden
-
-
-
-
-
-
Bedroom with Double Bed
-
Sunny Terrace
-
La Maison Verte
-
Tranquil Garden
-
One of Two Sitting-Rooms
-
Third Bedroom with Two Single Beds
-
-
-
-
There have been visitors to this page since
the counter was last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2010.
Date last modified - Wednesday, May 22, 2013