Superbly Restored Four Bedroom House in Pretty Village

Property description

Built of stone in the 17^th century, this is a house full of character and appeal. Facing south-east, it is light and airy, with views of the surrounding countryside and the Corbieres beyond from the second floor. Complete with garage, courtyard and roof terrace, this is an ideal home for anyone seeking either a primary or secondary residence.

Every room is tastefully decorated and beautifully restored-wherever you turn there are oak and chestnut beams and lintels,stripped floorboards and doors,revealed stone walls,wood panelling,slate and quarry stone floors.

Many floors and walls, ceilings and even roofs have been totally replaced and the plasterwork everywhere has been totally re-newed. The plumbing and central heating system is new, as is the electrical installation. Nevertheless it is never easy to know where, because with attention to detail the restorers have perfectly blended the new with the old… and it really is all so lovely!!

On a technical note, great care has been taken to ensure that all new and existing timbers have been correctly treated. The entire roof space is also insulated either with 200-260mm fibreglass or thermo-reflective sheets equal in insulating properties.

The Villlage of Fontiers

The house is situated in the pretty and unusual village of Fontiers-Cabardes. At its centre it has the most amazing green, surrounded by painted houses on three of its sides and lined with spectacular plain trees providing shade in Summer.

It is also recognised for the quality of its water and dotted around the village are several fountains to which some people travel considerable distances to replenish their stocks.

The house is only 100 meters from the green itself and also from the amenities the village has to offer: grocer’s, post-office, village hall and lovely bar/restaurant. In spring and summer the bar spreads out onto the village green, becoming a favourite and much appreciated magnet for all. Professional musicians make regular appearances at the weekend performing a wide range of music.

Where is Fontiers-Cabardes?

Fontiers-Cabardes is in the very south of France, in the county of Aude. It is so far south you can see the whole Pyreneen chain.

It lies 25 minutes north of Carcassonne and a mere 4kms west of the main north-south artery of the D118. It is an hour or so from the Med and as little as an hour and a quarter from the nearest ski slopes.

Not only is Carcassonne a spectacular, medieval walled city, it is also served daily by flights direct from London, Dublin, Shannon, Brussels, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Nottingham and Cork. The village is also as little as an hour and a quarter from Toulouse, to which head innumerable national and international flights.

A Little More About the Local Area...

For those who do not know the area it is steeped in history. This is ‘Cathar Country’ so the area abounds with ruins of castles in which the tragic story unfolded: Saissac (10 mins), Lastours(20 mins), Minerve (45 mins) and there are thirty more or so, not forgetting Carcassonne, which is one of France’s most visited tourist attractions.

The area is also dotted with lakes and within as little as 5 minutes of the village you can be swimming and boating in warm waters.

The famous tree lined Canal Du Midi (20 mins) is a paradise for canal cruisers and boat and bike hire is an easy option at the ports of Bram (20 mins), Trebes (25 mins), Carcassonne (25 mins) and Castelnaudary (45 mins).

In addition there are gigantic caves to explore: The grotte de Limousis and The Gouffre de Cabresprine (30 minutes away) and fast water rafting and canoeing at various centres on nearby rivers.

For golfing enthusiasts there is also a project underway to create a gigantic golfing centre some 3kms away, although there are already excellent greens at Carcassonne and Mazamet.

The entire area is of outstanding beauty and interest - a paradise for walkers and cyclists alike, but even with so much to do it still maintains its low-key and unassuming status….you can get away from it all whenever you want!!!