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| Property List Languedoc- |
Luxury accommodation with large pool near Perpignan
Sleeps 6,
or 4 and 2 |
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About
our region Department 66, The Pyrénées Orientales (PO), is the most southerly part of mainland France. The Conflent is a particularly special region within the PO. Shielded as it is in a microclimate, the area benefits from over 300 days a year of sun making it a 'year round' delight with long, bright sunny days, clear skies and snow glistening on the mountain peaks. So just where is this magical paradise? 2 hours flying time from the UK - Stanstead and many other UK airports 30 minutes from Perpignan 35 minutes from comprehensive winter sports facilities at Pyrénées 2000 40 minutes from the Spanish border 45 minutes from the Mediterranean beaches 50 minutes from the ski slopes of Font Romeu 1.5 hours from the tax free haven of Andorra 1.5 hours from the fortified town of Carcassonne 1.5 hours from Gerona 3 hours from Barcelona The PO has had a chequered and interesting history that has shaped its people, art and gastronomy. A strong Spanish/Catalan influence can be seen from the colour of the flags, the construction of the buildings and the wide variety of food and drink. Many bloody
battles have been fought over this land resulting in a
wide range of castles (notably those of the Cathares),
forts and fortified towns such as Eus, Villefranche de Conflent and Carcassonne,
all of which are well worth a visit. The dominant
local attractions for many are the most obvious: the
beaches, ports and water-based facilities provided by the
Mediterranean
and the walks, climbs, skiing
and flora and fauna provided by the Pyrénées. We Prades is the capital of the Conflent and a town that displays a number of facets. On the one hand it is a typical, quiet French village where the locals (and our visitors) sit on the benches outside the church or under the plane trees, drinking coffee and watching the world go by. On the other it is a bustling market town (Tuesday and Saturday mornings) offering a wide variety of local produce, wine and character. There again it is a cultural centre with the Pablo Casals museum and festival (July and August) and the largest Baroque altarpiece in France. The annual Pablo Casals music festival is always worth a visit and we can normally arrange tickets if requested. You will also find a wide selection of locally run charcuteries, boulangeries, boucheries, jewellers and small stores as well as two larger supermarkets. Activities ·Walking – Walks of all degrees of difficulty are available in the area. The owners are both keen walkers and can advise you on the most suitable routes. ·Cycling - A national cycle route goes through Prades and for more leisurely cycling the region's back roads are very quiet and well kept. Bikes can be hired locally. ·Ski, Snowboard and Racquet walking- numerous resorts under 40 minutes away providing all the normal winter sports from December through to April. ·Swimming - In the large private pool plus natural ones nearby, with their rockslides, plunge pools. ·Health Spas/Casinos – There are several spas in the area. ·Wine tasting - From 5 minutes drive to 1 hour there are over 30 different caves many labelled as vignobles de Roussillon. ·Activity Holidays - Rafting, canoeing, tubing etc. on the river Tet. At the beach there is water-skiing, jetski, paragliding, banana boat riding. For budding F1 drivers there is the largest go-cart track in the World just 40 minutes drive. Prades has its own Tennis and Petanque courts. ·Bird Watching - With honey buzzards migrating up the valley in May each year and flamingos and other wading birds in the saltwater lakes (étangs) along the coast, this is a bird watchers paradise. ·Golf - In addition to the international golf course at St Cyprien (about 50 minutes drive) there are other, closer, courses in the Prades area. ·Fishing - Numerous specialist sites on the river Tet. ·City, Culture and Architecture - The metropolitan city of Perpignan and the spectacular walled city of Carcassonne are both within easy reach. Barcelona is only about 3 hours drive. Cathare castles are dotted across the area. ·Scenery - The Mediterranean coast is picturesque, especially in the region of Collioure and south towards Roses in Spain. Many spectacular limestone gorges are easily accessible in the area. ·Art and Craft - This is everywhere but two particular locations are Figueres in Spain, the home of Salvadore Dali. Prades itself hosts the annual Pablo Casals international music festival in July/August. ·History and Prehistory - Ansignan, has a spectacular Roman aqueduct longer than the Pont du Gard. Tauteval, about 25 minutes drive, has artefacts and a museum concerning some of the oldest human remains in Europe. ·Markets and Village life - In addition to the market in Prades, many local villages have their own markets on different days. Community activities within and between villages are common, including Boules and Rugby matches. ·Sunbathing – Our facilities are outside your own front door and the Mediterranean beaches are under an hour away. ·Ecology & Landscape - The delicate and fascinating ecosystems of the granite and limestone outcrops are a mecca for the abundant and diverse wildlife. ·Total relaxation - finishing that book, whether reading one or writing one! About Your Holiday Home: Luxury Stone Built House with Large Pool What do you require from your holiday? Whatever the season, if you are seeking to spend your holiday in a beautiful home with its own pool, in a tranquil location, in the mountains but close to the Mediterranean with 300 days of sunshine per year, Mas Cortal is for you. The owners and their two small friendly dogs live on the property and welcome guests and friends who appreciate and respect the special qualities of the house and its location. The Mas is a stone built luxury House and is set, together with a separate Maison de Guardiér, a 40 ft Pool, in wooded gardens with outstanding south facing views of Mt. Canigou and the Pyrénées, near to Prades in the Languedoc Roussillon region of Southern France. Mas Cortal is ideally located for spring blossom, summer sun, autumn colours and winter sports holidays or for longer house hunting trips. Peace, tranquillity and a high level of comfort await you at this small estate. Mas Cortal can accommodate up to six people in comfort. However the options are flexible with a variety of possibilities depending upon your requirements. It comprises a self contained Pool Suite with two double bedrooms and the 'Maison de Guardier' sleeping two comfortably. The Pool Suite and Maison de Guardier can be rented separately or together. In renting Mas Cortal your accommodation will comprise the Pool Suite and Maison de Guardier and you will have exclusive use of the pool. If the Pool Suite and Maison de Guardier are rented separately then the pool will be shared use. Please see the individual sections below for a full description of the accommodation. Both properties have been recently renovated and finished to a standard you would not expect in the normal holiday home. This is not the normal holiday property! An extensive refurbishment program was undertaken in 2002 to exacting standards. Only the highest quality furniture, furnishings and accessories have been used to create its individual style and character whilst continuing to reflect that of the owners. You will find both the day-to-day necessities as well as those 'little extras', like oriental rugs, ornaments, vases, books and pictures, that make such a difference between 'somewhere to stay', 'a home from home' and 'somewhere truly special'. The Mas is also built to make the most of the exceptional climate in that it is south-facing but due to the typical French design and construction it offers a beautifully cool interior if you wish to rest 'out of the midday sun'. For the very few 'winter weeks' the owners have used a combination of a large wood burning stove with ducted heating to the bedroom and reception areas combined with thermostatically controlled radiators to ensure year round comfort. Both the Maison de Guardiér and Pool Suite have their own Television and hi-fi equipment with a selection of CD's, books, games etc. Satellite TV is available if required and there is also a full size multi-gym and exercise bicycle. A laundry service can be provided upon request as can an iron and ironing board. Other optional extras include the ability to organise transport to and from local restaurants or concerts. The
Pool How often can you swim in 'your own' luxury pool? Imagine that 'first thing in the morning' refreshing swim before using the poolside power shower and then sitting down on a large, paved terrace for 'café et croissant'? All the time with an azure blue sky above framed by the brilliance of Mediterranean trees and listening to the exotic birds such as the Hoopoe. On the other hand after a hectic day sight-seeing how about a relaxing evening swim with underwater floodlights and terrace lanterns, followed by an aperitif and dinner by the pool. The pool area is totally enclosed and has ample tables, chairs and sun beds. Both the large upper and lower terraces have dining tables allowing a choice of location for alfresco dining. The summer kitchen facilities are superb and include a large BBQ, American fridge freezer, hob, microwave and dishwasher. Other poolside facilities include a power shower and gymnasium. Grounds
The grounds have been fully landscaped including both oak and eucalyptus woods, a large lawn surrounded by clipped conifers, terraced shrubbery and a wide variety of conifers, flowering trees, shrubs and a rose garden. As you wander through this Mediterranean paradise you have spectacular views of Mount Canigou (2,785 meters) as well as finding shady places to sit and pass a pleasant few hours in tranquil surroundings. Accommodation in the Pool Suite - Sleeps 4 This self contained Luxury Suite comprises a small lounge, a 'state of the art' kitchen, two double bedrooms with a separate dressing area and a fully equipped bathroom. ·The lounge, with its cool, tiled flooring, rugs and seating, forms the central part of this Suite with direct access to the kitchen, the bedroom suite and the magnificent pool with its fully equipped kitchen, barbecue and alfresco dining. It contains a comfortable sofa and armchairs together with a television, CD player and a good selection of books, CDs and games. ·The bedrooms contain full size twin beds that can be formed into super king size if required. Individual quilts are provided with high quality cotton linen. Soft, fluffy pillows and additional cushions add to the air of luxury. Both rooms are light and airy, decorated in matching tones but with a distinct and individual style. Wood block flooring and oriental rugs provide both style and comfort. Bedside tables, lamps, mirrors, plants and accessories continue the theme of a luxury home from home. · Both rooms have direct access, via typical double French doors, to the south facing pool terrace and, of course, the magnificent pool. If you feel the need for a lazy siesta you can do so either in a light, airy room with the white voile drapes blowing gently in the breeze, or you can close the exterior shutters for a more secluded and darkened room. Each room also benefits from electrically operated, exterior canopy blinds. · On leaving the bedrooms you enter a self contained dressing area, containing two double wardrobes, one for each guestroom where you will find plenty of hanging and shelf space. · The full size bathroom is accessed from the dressing area and contains a washbasin, with a well-lit mirror and shaver point, a WC, bidet and bath with shower. Naturally you will find a hairdryer and large, high quality, absorbent towels for your use together with individual bathrobes. There are separate towels for use by the pool.
Accommodation in the Maison de Guardier - Sleeps 2 Completely
re-furbished in 2002, the Maison de Guardier is ·The spacious lounge with wood burning stove and typically Catalan chimney opens directly onto a sunny, east-facing terrace, that benefits from the early morning sun all year round. It has been furnished in keeping with its cottage style and retains the original stone walls. ·The newly fitted kitchen has a full range of appliances for you to prepare your own meals should you wish to. State of the art Oven, Hob, Dishwasher, Freezer, Fridge, Microwave, Washing Machine.There is a full size dining area with glazed French doors leading to its own south-facing patio. ·A large double bedroom upstairs, equipped with full size twin beds that can be securely joined together, including zipped mattresses, to create one super king sized double bed if required. As with the rest of the accommodation no expense has been spared in selecting the bedding and linens which are all of the highest quality. The double pine wardrobe, bedside cabinets and antique chest of drawers reflect the warmth of the natural stone walls and provide ample storage space for guests. Once again a selection of oriental rugs is scattered across the tiled floors providing both character and comfort under foot. ·An en-suite shower room is completely tiled and comes with a WC, wash hand basin with a large, well lit vanity mirror and shaver point and a large, purpose-built, walk-in shower. Cupboard space is ample and there is, of course, a hairdryer. A separate, thermostatically controlled radiator doubles as a towel rail. The luxury continues with large, soft and absorbent towels and beautiful piqued cotton bathrobes. Separate pool towels are also provided. The house is completely separate from the Mas and has an independent access to the pool, sun terrace, gymnasium and summer kitchen. External tables, chairs and parasol are provided on its private terrace. Prices and booking information
Click here for currency converstion Please arrange to arrive after 4.00 pm on the first Saturday and to vacate before 10.00 am on the final Saturday. Normally our rates run from Saturday to Saturday but, subject to availability, for dates outside of the high season of July and August we are happy to discuss alternative arrival/departure days e.g. mid week to allow you to obtain the most advantageous airfares. Please telephone or email to discuss availability and options, including longer lets. Payment can be accepted in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars (Please call for current exchange rates). Additional information Long Weekends for 2 people are available in the Maison de Guardiér between Thursday 6th October and Tuesday 13th December and between Thursday 12th January 2006 and Tuesday 4th April. These are priced as follows: Friday
- Sunday - £100/€150.00 The Maison de Guardier is available for Long Winter lets - please enquire Room only, Bed & Breakfast The bedrooms are available individually on a room only bed and breakfast basis, with shared bathroom and lounge facilities. Guest staying on this basis also have use of the pool and gymnasium facilities. Please contact the owner for details and availability. No Hassle Option Too
tired or too busy to plan your holiday? There are a variety of ways to travel to Mas Cortal. Fly Ryanair flies to Perpignan (25 minutes drive to Mas Cortal), Carcassonne (one and a half-hours) and Gerona (one and a half hours drive) from London Stanstead, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Glasgow, Brussels and Dublin. Many more major airlines fly to Gerona and Montpellier (one and a half hours), Toulouse (two and a half hours) and Barcelona (three hours) from all over Europe. There are also daily flights from Paris (Orly) to Perpignan and with Easyjet from Luton to Barcelona and Gatwick to Toulouse. FlyBe fly to Perpignan and Toulouse from many regional airports such as Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Southampton and Belfast. Drive Either by ferry then drive, approximately 14 hours from the Channel Ports of Calais and Boulogne, or put the car on the TGV to Narbonne, then drive - under and hour and a half. Train A daily TGV
rail service from London, Brussels and Paris now
terminates in Perpignan. There is a local service from
Perpignan to Prades. To book, please contact the owner:
When booking this property please mention Relax in France |
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