The former servants’ quarters of Chateau En Gineste, the cottage has been transformed into a charming three-bedroom holiday home. The open-plan ground floor includes a spacious lounge / dining area and fully-equipped kitchen, while upstairs comprises three double bedrooms each with en suite bathroom. All rooms are fitted with reversible air conditioning and there is free wi-fi throughout.

The gite is surrounded by En Gineste’s stunning six acres of private grounds. The beautiful garden is made up of lawns, gravel walks and box topiary, cultivated beds bursting with colourful shrubs, and pockets of wooded shade.

A heated salt water swimming pool, open in the summer months, with poolside patio and barbecue area, and full-size tennis court are at guests’ exclusive disposal.

In July and August bookings are from Saturday to Saturday only (7 night minimum).

En Gineste is situated at the foot of the famous Black Mountains - the south-westernmost spur of the great European Massif Central and part of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park. Walkers who wind their way up its forested slopes are rewarded with some of the region’s most stunning views.

The surrounding countryside offers exceptional excursions for cyclists, with access to the Tarn cycle path just a few minutes’ ride from the house.

Around fifteen minutes’ drive away are the quaint village of Sorèze, with its famous abbey and monthly antiquarian book fair; the medieval market town of Revel, renowned for its weekly food market; and the idyllic Lac de Saint-Ferreol, whose cluster of lakeside restaurants buzz with diners during summer evenings.

Art lovers have close to hand both the Goya Museum in nearby bustling Castres and the outstanding Musée Toulouse-Lautrec in the historic prefecture town of Albi.

A little further afield (each about an hour by car) are the extraordinary medieval fortress citadel of Carcassonne and France’s sublime ville rose, Toulouse. Both cities have airports with direct UK connections.

British owners Peter and Tom, who live adjacent in the chateau, welcome families and groups of up to six people. There is also the possibility of accommodating an additional two guests (plus child) in an adjoining room with en suite bathroom. Please ask for details.

Pool open and heated end of April !