La Fraissinède

La Fraissinède is an extraordinary country residence in the heart of the Corbières, incorporating modern style with the ambience and proportions of an ancient wine cuve. It offers an amazing setting and views, six double en-suite bedrooms, open-plan entertaining spaces, terraces, a tranquil courtyard, a tennis court and large heated pool.

The house has been transformed from an ancient wine barn on 120 acres of one of the most beautiful valleys of the French Languedoc. There are six double bedrooms to comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests.

There are excellent views of the valley and mountainsides from the 15 metre swimming pool which has an electric cover and a thermal exchange heating system (not required in summertime). There are also landscaped gardens, an en tous cas tennis court and a sheltered courtyard garden which, together with a variety of other terraces around the house, provides lots of options for outdoor living and dining.

The property benefits from a charming live-in couple who are able to provide housekeeping and concierge services, and excellent chefs can be arranged. There is a further double and a single bedroom available for staff or the young.

In the principal building, there are four bedrooms on the first-floor with beamed ceilings and en-suite marble bathrooms. Two have baths and all have walk-in showers. The bedrooms are situated around a dramatic atrium, from which the staircase sweeps to the main floor and 2500 square feet of living space. The space runs the full length of the building from the grandeur of the sitting room and the intimacy of the bar, to the twin islands of the open plan, professional kitchen and the comfort of the fumoir cinema space. The contemporary feel of the ground floor is complemented by 18th century fireplaces and the ancient wine tanks.

The other two bedrooms are located in the aisle ouest which leads off the first floor and which includes another large sitting room, the salle de jeux, that overlooks the swimming pool and the garden, with the silhouettes of several ranges forming the horizon.

All bedrooms have satellite television and DVD players, and Sky is available in the fumoir and the salle de jeux. Wireless broadband is available throughout. There is an enormous library of DVDs, a ping-pong table, Bonzini Babyfoot and a wide selection of games.

Location

The house has excellent communications. It is an easy 25 minute drive from Carcassonne airport and within 1 ¼ hours from the airports of Toulouse, Montpelier, Beziers, Perpignan and Gerona.

The closest beach is 30 minutes away and the Spanish border which runs along the Pyrenees is just over an hour away.

The closest market town is in Lezignan-Corbières where there are large supermarkets as well as good butchers, fishmongers, patisseries and green grocers. On Wednesday mornings there is an excellent market in the centre of town, another on Saturday mornings in Carcassonne in the main square, and a smaller one in Lagrasse. In Narbonne there is an enormous covered market that is open every morning.

Activities

Culture - the annual Carcassonne summer festival is now established as one of the premier events in southern France. In the summer months music festivals are prolific and the Ceret Museum of Modern Art exhibits the works of Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, Miro and many others.

Food and wine - Unsurprisingly for an area literally covered with vines there are excellent local wines. There is a wide choice of restaurants in the area addressing every level of sophistication.

Golf - there is an international-standard golf course in Carcassonne with great views of the old Cité

Walking - the hillsides are covered with easy trails from which to enjoy the splendid scenery and explore the ancient ruins that dot the area. There are a number of waterfalls and swimming lakes.

Riding - there are a number of commercial stables and equestrian centres nearby and horses can be provided on the property by prior arrangement.

Sea - the beaches of La Franqui and Leucate are nearby and offer great sand as well as wind and kite surfing. Further south there is the classic resort of Collioure and the beginning of the Spanish costas.

Mountain Biking - mountain bikes are available at the house and the terrain ideal for all levels of experience and energy.

Air tours - the Baptême de l'air is a light plane tour from the airstrip by Lezignan-Corbières that lets you see the main castles in hours rather than days.

Acrobranche/ziplining - this amazing but slightly scary sport can be experienced in a number of nearby locations.