Historic Vineyard and Manor House near the Mediterranean coast

This beautiful historic estate has been a vineyard since well before 1817 when it was renamed Domaine Saint Hilaire by the first Baron Hilaire.

The Manor House has been renovated to a superb modern standard while still retaining the original features and period charm. Close to the Mediterranean beaches and historic town of Pezenas, Saint Hilaire is the perfect location to explore the Languedoc where the sunshine tops 300 days a year !

The Manor House is very spacious (560 m2 / 6,000 sqft) and comprises 6 luxurious bedrooms (with a 7th also available by agreement) a Grand Salon, cinema room, second living room, dining room, kitchen and library. Outside there is a 2 hectare private park with heated pool (11x5m / 36'x16') and terraces.

Situated in Montagnac close to the beaches (10 min) between Pézenas (15 mins), Béziers and Montpellier. Listed by HuffPost as one of 10 vineyards to visit worldwide. 

Outside of the high season we can offer a partial house rental with 3-4 bedrooms at reduced rates.

We are new to HomeAway but please see our excellent 5* reviews on TripAdvisor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An antique door opens into to the renovated bastide where you will find a fully equipped kitchen with modern equipment and air-conditioning, a breakfast/dining room with access and view to the park, al fresco dining and pool, sitting room with fireplace, well-stocked library, cinema room with a selection of classic and current films and a large state-of-the-art cinema screen with full surround-sound and a downstairs cloakroom.

The 3 luxury bedrooms situated on the first floor all have en-suite shower or bathrooms and air-conditioning. Each room has its own distinctive style that still breathes the atmosphere of 1817, when Baron Hilaire Reynaud - a famous general in Napoleon's army - made his home here. 

Historical art and collections related to the baron and his family decorate each room.

The bastide gives access to the art deco wing that was added in 1934. Of note is its art deco staircase and stunning, light drenched Grand Salon which measures 60m2 (645 sqft) together with its huge fireplace and grand piano.

This wing houses a further 3 bedrooms. A large spacious room is situated on the ground floor and on the upper level there is another spacious bedroom and the master bedroom with balcony that overlooks the park and swimming pool.

Throughout the house you will find antique French tiled floors and chandeliers together with modern comforts and some stylish contemporary touches.

The 7th bedroom is situated in a separate wing of the house that gives access to the winery offices and the house laundry room. (Note: All rates and availability excludes the 7th room which is available by agreement for an additional fee).

Each bedroom has an en-suite bath or shower room and its own distinctive style. All rooms have air-conditioning/heating and are furnished for comfort throughout the year. The wonderfully comfortable beds (double or single) are complemented by luxury down duvets and white percale bed linen. Our designer bathrooms have a bath and/or rain showers, hand basins and wc. They all have heated towel rails, shaver points and hairdryers. Soft white towels, dressing gowns and luxury toiletries are supplied in each bathroom and we have pool towels available. 

The house is set in a beautiful private park of 20,000 m2 (5 acres) and is perfect for walks in the shade of 200 year-old trees or exploring and having fun for the kids There are several terraces and a full size private pétanque court.

The heated infinity pool (11m X 5m / 36'x16') is complemented sun-loungers and a relaxing contemporary sofa set – perfect for an apero before dinner or bbq using the gas powered bbq. Several outdoor dining tables are perfect for al fresco breakfasts, lunches or dinners.

Beyond the park lies 175 acres of vineyard and agricultural land to explore, including our own marked walk through our vines and woodland and also connecting to other neighboring vineyards.

We welcome guests staying in our house with a gift package of our award wining wines and of course a wine tour is included in your stay.

A member of the wine team will be delighted to show you round the vineyard explaining the process of growing and harvesting each of our 9 grape varieties.

Also an in-depth visit to the winery is part of the tour. See how wine is made and see our precious latest vintages in their fermentation tanks and barrels. Finally, we would be delighted for you to sample our wines, children can taste grape juices.

At the domaine you can also buy wines in the wine shop to enjoy during your stay or to take home and visit the vineyards.

There are a whole host of leisure and adventure pursuits to be enjoyed within an hour of the Domaine. And the closest beach is only 10 minutes away. One of our wine team will happily make dinning out suggestions and/or reservations.

Nearby you can enjoy:
. Molière's Pezenas with its winding medieval streets, locally renowned Saturday market, lovely boutiques and many antique shops,
. the pretty harbour lined with restaurants and small beaches at Mèze
. the famous oyster beds (and seafood restaurants) of Bouzigues
. the long white beaches of Marseillan
. Loupian's Roman villa / vineyard and museum
. Montagnac’s Abbey de Valmagne - a former abbey which became a vineyard after the French Revolution complete with wine vats in the nave !
. The Canal du Midi (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
. Water jousting contests at Meze and other nearby villages with harbors (the local sport and a must see)

Slightly further away is:
. The castle city of Carcasonne (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
. Montpellier's marbled Place de la Comedie
. The medieval walled town of Aigues Mortes
. Saint Guilhem le Desert historic village and ilgrimmage site (UNESCO World Heritage site)
. Narbonne's Roman amphitheatre, museum and aquaduct Pont du Gard (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
. Sète's seafood restaurants and panoramic views of the Mediterranean
. Bézier's bull-fighting ring

If you want to be active there are plenty of nearby possibilities for hiking, bike tours, horse riding, golf, water-sports, tree-top adventures, karting, kayaking though the Languedoc gorges and much more. Adventure is waiting for you !

Access
A car is recommended and the domaine is near the International airports of Béziers (30 min), Montpellier (40 min), Nimes (60 min) and Marseille (2 h). Nearest railway stations: Sète, Agde and Montpellier.  

Our host will be happy to provide you with suggestions and tips to explore the region. Activities and excursions can be arranged as part of the service.

All year there is a guardian on site to provide assistance when needed.

In addition we are pleased to offer a customized menu of additional services to make your stay more comfortable and luxurious; the following services can be booked at a supplementary cost:

- Breakfast basket for your first morning
- Lavish breakfast buffet (one or more days)
- Bread and patisserie delivery
- Chef for in-villa catering
- In-villa massages and beauty treatments

Domaine Saint Hilaire is also a great venue for your wedding, anniversary, yoga week or business event.

Celebrate your wedding day in our Grand Salon or a marquee (tent) in the park, or enjoy a picnic lunch around the pool with all your friends and family on your birthday, teach your yoga classes in the park, brainstorm with your team and enjoy a wine tasting after. The possibilities are endless.

We work with wedding planners and caterers that can make your event a memorable one.

We hope to welcome you for a memorable stay.

Patrick and Betty