Languedoc - Merchant’s House

15th Century Merchant's House in Historic Montagnac

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (Sleeps 4)

A stroll through the streets of Montagnac, a village of 3000 inhabitants, takes you back through the ages, with its many 14th through to 17th century buildings and superb 11/12th century church (photo left). Over time the shops have changed of course and you will find several mouth-watering boulangerie/patisseries, mini-markets, bar/ cafes, etc. The gourmet take-away food shop is perfect for a gastronomic treat and you can buy wine to compliment your meal at the specialist wine shop. Or opt for a take away pizza and local wine from the cave co-operative! There is a small vegetable street market nearly every morning and an interesting large market on Friday mornings.

This region, the Languedoc, is France's best kept secret. With its sleepy villages of sun-warmed stones and red tiled roofs, surrounded by magnificent scenery and herb scented hills, it is ideal walking country. It is France’s largest, up-and-coming wine producing region and there are many opportunities to taste its excellent wines. In less than 10 minutes’ drive is the pretty little port of Meze, ringed with super seafood restaurants and a sandy beach. Mediterranean beaches are 25 minutes’ drive and sophisticated Montpellier, with an international airport and main train station, 20 minutes. There are restaurants and supermarkets at Pézenas, 5 kms, which is also famous for its antique dealers, also a public swimming pool.

Accommodation:

We have spent over a year restoring the house to as much of its original beauty as was possible, removing layers of plaster and paint from the magnificent local stones. Whilst installing all modern comforts we’ve kept the charm of the house intact and furnishings include some antiques.

On the ground floor is the spacious sitting/ dining room and fully equipped kitchen which has a superb, elegantly vaulted stone ceiling supported by stone columns at each corner.

The stone spiral staircase has a stairwell of large, expertly cut stones where ancient doorways (now closed up) and windows have been rediscovered during the renovation.

On the first floor is a large double bedded room of 35 sq m with high ceiling and exposed beams, sitting area and French doors opening to a tiny balcony. A 4m x 1.50m Florentine tapestry and 18th century fireplace (non-working) complement the wall of exposed stones featuring a mullioned window. A ‘secret passage’ (NB: the entrance is narrow) leads to the ensuite shower room with shower, WC and hand washbasin.

There is another large bedroom on the second floor, with a charming 19th century fireplace (non-working) and twin beds. One wall is of exposed stones where the former mullioned windows can be clearly seen. The ensuite bathroom features a big corner bath, shower, WC and hand washbasin.

On the top floor is the private terrace/loggia with wonderful views over Roman-tiled roofs to the nearby hills. As it receives full afternoon and evening sun, it is an ideal place to lounge in the sun with a cool drink to hand! A summer kitchen (fridge, sink etc) plus stylish gas barbeque make al fresco dining easy. Quality equipment includes a radio/CD/cassette player and washing machine. PARKING: You can park outside the door to load/unload your car. There is plenty of designated parking on the ‘Esplanade’, 2 minutes’ walk from the house plus in nearby streets.

2010 Merchant's House French Country House Rates

 
The above quoted rates are per week in AUD. Rates include linen. Rates are subject to change without noitce and subject to currency changes. Security Deposit additional. Where indicted by ** electricity is additional. Please note this property is not suitable for children under the age of 7.

Latitude Vacations also offers a range of Hotel Barge Cruises and Yacht Chaters in the South of France. Why not team your French Country House stay with a yacht or hotel barge cruise.

Packages are also available with return airfares from your nearest capital city and car hire. Please contact Latitude Vacations for further information.