'La Prade' is a beautifully renovated farmhouse, traditional and cosy yet spacious with many of its original features all set in unspoilt countryside. At La Prade is also a one bed cottage. During the June, July and August we only rent out the farmhouse either on its own or with the cottage. For groups of up to 8, the farm house is sufficient but extended families or friends of up to 12 can easily be accommodated with the addition of the cottage for just £250 more per week. We know that exclusivity for the garden and pool is critical for families and groups holidaying in a rural location, which is why we have done this. We are very happy to discuss your needs should you wish to book our beautiful Farmhouse and/or cottage. Outside July and August we are happy to be flexible with rental rates and accommodation.
Our beautiful kept Mediterranean gardens looked after by our passionate gardener are simply stunning being south facing with amazing views of the Pyrenees, fields and hills all providing Peace and tranquility and feeling of total escapism. The private heated 12m x 6m pool is beautifully maintained and deal to relax by. The climate is that of the Mediterranean but at 330m above sea level so rarely gets too hot in the summer. People of every age have found something to enjoy at La Prade with its unspoilt beauty. Walking from the house is beautiful through tracks, fields, forests and along the hilltops which abound with wild flowers and wildlife, amble through surrounding sleepy villages with the constant amazing views with the backdrop of the breathtaking Pyrenees.The voies-vert (green-ways or non-motorised paths) are converted disused railway lines which passes near the house, this provides wonderful level walking and almost perfect road free cycle into mirepoix. La Prade ' is also just a 10 minute drive to the delightful medieval market town of Mirepoix, which has excellent shops, supermarkets and bakeries, as well as plenty of good cafes and restaurants. The regular Monday market is a must to visit, full of colour and sells a huge variety of food, traditional Provencal fabrics , locals playing instruments and singing and much more. The pretty river a short walk away is lovely for picnics and paddling where everyone of every age finds endless pleasure.
We have been fortunate to be booked up in July and until 18th August this year but there is still plenty of availability from then on. June can be a wonderful month especially for those people and groups that can travel outside the summer holiday/school holiday period. the weather is fantastic to enjoy all that France has to offer in a less crowded post-summer holiday environment.
During the peak periods, we let out the farmhouse and cottage together creating the ideal stay for larger groups of up to 12. This ensures exclusivity, privacy and flexibility.
Outside the peak season when exclusive use of the heated swimming pool is less critical and perhaps La Prade might become more of a base from which to explore the area, we will rent out the cottage separately. The cottage is ideal for couples that can holiday at off-peak times and families with pre-school children.
There is also ample opportunity to taste some of the many excellent local wines and to buy them direct from the local vineyards (we would ecommend trips to Limoux and Montreal for their local degustation so)
The Mediterranean is easily accessible (1¼ hours). Carcassonne and all the main Cathar chateaux are within easy driving distance. It would also suit those looking to ski on a daily basis (the resort of Ax Bonascre is just over an hour away; Mont D'Olmes is just over 30mins away) or to walk the GR7 or one of the many local routes. A perfect place to relax in and explore from.
La Prade is a fully updated 4 bedroom farmhouse. We have also a cottage on site, that used to be part of the old farm outbuildings. The latter is a one bedroom property (see separate details) that we will rent out in addition to the farmhouse but only together with the farmhouse to ensure exclusivity to our guests. This combination with be ideal for extended families, such as groups including grandparents and/or two sibling families coming together. This gives the option of increasing the capacity from 8 people to 12.
Alongside the farmhouse is also a one bed cottage with a large integrated living room with wonderful views of the garden.
In the past five years in which we have rented out our farmhouse, exclusive access to the gardens, pool, bbq ,swings, slide and games on site has been a critical issue for almost everyone that has asked during the peak season. By extending the farmhouse to include the cottage, we can offer the same level of privacy and opportunity to extended families and friends in this wonderful setting. We hope but believe you will enjoy holidaying here.
What have we done while being here that we would recommend to others? A visit to the coast (Leucate plage, for example) and then dinner within the old city in Carcassonne is a wonderful day out. A trip to Sigean wildlife safari park is amazing for adults and children. In addition to the huge drive-through settings, there is also a large zoo. The underground river near Foix is amazing - it takes the boat about an hour to traverse the cave. Friday nights at the street BBQ in Leran is a great evening. A day boating/picnicking on Lac Montbel is really fun - the lake is full in the Summer noting it is a reservoir so tends to be at a seasonal low level in Winter. For the more adventurous, there is canyoning from about May until midsummer and then rock-climbing - we can provide the details. There is also a championship gokarting track, which is seriously fun. I was recently well beaten by a friend's 15 year old son. We had to have a return match as a result - and he still beat me. Such is life. Mirepoix's Monday market is an absolute must - cheese, specialty sausages, olives, fresh veg and fruit, meats and wonderful local wine are all on offer. The offerings during the summer months can include lots of artisan-type stalls in addition to the regular food stalls. There are many walks from the house - its hard to get lost as the views from the top of the hills are so good. Clearly, though a key reason for staying at La Prade is to relax at the poolside with family and friends and perhaps the odd glass of wine. And we will always be just a telephone away if you need advice, help or to address a problem.
