Maison Collines
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Overview
A traditional stone maison with stylish interiors, Maison Collines is a gorgeous holiday home in a perfect setting close to historic villages, Cathar castles, swimming lakes, forest hikes and the most magnificent natural scenery in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
With views of the surrounding hills and mountains, this family home exudes historic charm and there is a genuine atmosphere of warmth throughout. Exposed stone walls, wood beams and pretty shuttered windows add to the character alongside attractive furnishings and modern touches including Smart TV and Bluetooth speakers. Two pretty doubles and a twin sleep up to 6 guests and the fourth bunk-bed bedroom, decorated so lovingly, welcomes three additional children. The spacious bathroom has been brilliantly designed with a jacuzzi bath and rain shower - you can tell that the owners have a great eye for detail in their beautiful home.
This is the type of place where you can get away from it all; there is so much space outside whether swinging on the bench by the water garden, sipping coffee on the terrace balcony or enjoying an aperitif perched by the summer kitchen bar before preparing family meals by the barbecue and plancha. Down a few pretty steps, the swimming pool is ready for the warm summer afternoons of southern France. As the evening approaches, gaze at the stars in the clear night sky above you.
Set in a hamlet with walks on your doorstep, drive to the local historic village with its craft-ale bar that hosts occasional pizza nights, a 12th century Cathar castle and a peaceful lake with beaches, pétanque, a playground and, in the height of the summer, a weekly evening market with good food, wine and live music.
Elsewhere, visit the atmospheric morning markets in Espéraza and Mirepoix, sip sparkling white wine in picturesque Limoux, admire the riverside setting of Quillan and visit the impressive châteaux of Chalabre and Montségur amongst many others.
With the Tour de France passing close by in previous years, discover the undulating Aude landscapes as you cycle past vineyards, lakes, forests and Cathar castles. Enjoy summer watersports and nature walks by Lac de Montbel, take advantage of the thermal baths of Ax-les-Thermes and catch Le Train Rouges from Axat for yet more spectacular scenery of this incredible and varied region.
What you should know…
- The villa can sleep up to 9 guests – a maximum of 6 adults across three bedrooms and 3 children in the fourth bedroom with bunk-beds and a trundle bed. The bunk-bed is not suitable for adults.
- There is a small gym on the lower floor which is accessed step-free from the garden – it’s also a good space to store bikes and skis if needed.
- Please note there is an additional charge of €10 per guest per night for groups >4 people (excluding infants age 0-2).
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
- may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
- may have some simple amenities and features
- mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
Property Features
Maison Interiors
Main Floor
- Open-plan lounge with TV, wood-burning stove, books, board games, one set of French windows leading to courtyard and another set of French windows leading to terrace and summer kitchen. Steps lead up to another sitting area with sofa, armchairs and mountain views
- Kitchen, fully-equipped with dishwasher, fridge-freezer, toaster, kettle, coffee maker, two ovens, induction hob and filter tap
- Dining room with table for 6 guests
- WC
First Floor
- Master bedroom with European king-size double bed, travertine marble fireplace, large windows with dual-aspect mountain views and walk-in wardrobe
- Bedroom with double bed
- Children’s bedroom with one set of bunkbeds and single trundle bed
- Bathroom with jacuzzi bath, rain shower and two sinks
- WC
The bunkbed bedroom is not suitable for adults
Top Floor (beneath the eaves)
- Bedroom with twin beds, TV, DVD player and small workstation with desk
Lower Ground Floor (step-free access from front garden)
- Gym with weights bench, yoga mats and sauna (open at certain times of year)
- Laundry room with washing machine, dryer, sink and ironing facilities
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (8x4m) with alarm and safety cover. Open approximately May to September
- Poolside terrace with loungers and sun parasols
- Courtyard with al-fresco dining area (6 guests)
- Balcony terrace with chiminea and dining area (8 guests)
- Summer kitchen with charcoal barbecue, plancha, fridge-freezer and bar
- Water garden with pond, bistro table and large swing seat
- Pool inflatables
- Mini trampoline
- Car port (2 cars)
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- 32-inch Smart TV
- DVD player
- Bluetooth speakers
- DVDs and books
- Board games
- Electric sauna with music system
- Small gym (weight bench and yoga mats)
- Hairdryer
- Bed rail (for bottom bunk)
- Children's cutlery and dinnerware
- Changing mat
- Ironing facilities
- Washing machine and dryer
Location
About the surrounding area of Maison CollinesIn the foothills of the Pyrenees, just under an hour south of Carcassonne, Maison Collines enjoys a wonderful location close to charming villages, Cathar castles, cycling trails, hiking paths, swimming lakes and even skiing stations, as well as stunning mountain vistas. The south-facing house is in a little hamlet with hill and mountain views in various directions, situated in the Aude department of southern France, not far from the Ariège border.
A 4.5km drive away is a small yet historic rural village, a pleasant place to stroll around. Pop in for a drink at the pub which produces its own craft ale (open five days a week) and usually offers pizzas on a Friday and Saturday evening (book ahead). To the south of the village is a picturesque lake for swimming and a well-regarded restaurant open from May to September (check opening days/times in advance). In the height of the summer on Wednesday evenings, there is an atmospheric market by the lake with live music and food trucks selling all sorts of local delights. If you are staying in mid-July then look out for the amazing Bastille Day fireworks.
The village is also known for its impressive 12th century Cathar castle which is classified as a French monument historique. In the heart of Cathar country, historians of every age can also visit strongholds at Château de Montségur (29km), Château de Puilaurens (41km) and Château d’Arques (40km) amongst many more.
Meanwhile, visit nearby villages and towns such as Espéraza (22km) with its Sunday morning market and picturesque Quillan (21km), a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking with its riverside setting by the Aude. The fortified village of Camon (20km) is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ whilst idyllic Mirepoix (34km) is well known for its beautiful main square and wonderful Monday morning market.
Wine connoisseurs should appreciate a glass of sparkling white wine on a pretty café terrace in Limoux (33km). Another great highlight of the region is the incredible city of Carcassonne (60km) with its medieval citadel, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Keen cyclists can pass Aude landscapes of vineyards, lakes and ancient castles, knowing you are cycling close to one of Tour de France’s stages (in 2022) through Chalabre and Lavelanet. There are plenty of running and hiking trails as well as summer swimming in lakes, bathing in the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes (44km) and canoeing, kayaking, wind-surfing or simply fishing at Lac de Montbel (18km). Fishing is also available at the village's nearby lake.
To the south, the Gorges de l’Aude are also a paradise for walkers and cyclists. Furthermore, if staying in the winter then there are various ski resorts within a 30 to 90-minute drive from Les Monts d'Olmes to Les Angles in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Meanwhile, the most adventurous of guests note that there is an gliding club just a couple of minutes from your holiday home.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Carcassonne Airport
(63km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Perpignan Airport
(90km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
(133km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Limoux
(34km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Small historic village
(4.5km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
Craft ale pub with pizza on Fri/Sat evening
(4.5km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
By the nearby lake - seasonal opening
(4km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Carrefour Express, Chalabre
(13km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Quillan/Lavelanet
(22km/24km) |
||
Region
Languedoc-Roussillon is one of those areas of France where you can feel like you’re totally cut off from the rest of the country. Commercial tourism has been very slow to capitalise on the region, meaning you can still enjoy a slice of authentic French rural life at its finest. A mixture of landscapes also makes it a great place to visit, with a good stretch of coastline offering a totally different experience to more bucolic interiors. Whatever you’re looking for, our range of villas and chateaux in Languedoc means you can get exactly the kind of holiday you want with accommodation that’s perfectly tailored to you, your friends and your family.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesThe owners are able to provide on request a travel cot with bedding, a bed rail (for the bottom bunk), a changing mat, children's dinnerware and cutlery.
This is such a stunning part of southern France with hiking trails through the forests, horse-riding, cycling, skiing stations, summer swimming in nearby lakes as well as watersports, Cathar castles and so much more.
How wonderful to be so close to a lake, around a 5-minute drive away, with its playground, pretty beaches, picnic benches, pétanque court and an area to play football. In the height of the summer the Wednesday night market by the lake is so atmospheric for all the family with delicious local food and live music.
The local village is also home to a 12th century Cathar castle whilst other amazing châteaux across the region include Château de Montségur, Château de Puilaurens and Château d’Arques. Adults and children alike will adore Château Chalabre (13km), an interactive and amazing castle with pony rides, tree-top trails, ziplines, archery, plenty of places to play and medieval-themed activities.
Around a 20-minute drive away, Parc St Bertrand is perfect for lakeside picnics, walks, volleyball, football, skate-boarding, fishing as well as summer swimming and watersports. Lac de Montbel is a similar distance away, a beautiful lake with yet more lakeside beaches, walks through the forests, fishing and watersport opportunities in the summer including canoeing, kayaking, sailing and pedalo hire.
Dinosaur lovers of all ages should visit the museum Dinosauria in Espéraza whilst train enthusiasts can admire the stunning natural scenery on a trip on the Le Train Rouge which departs from Axat, around half an hour away, in the summer months.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Changing mat
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- <1hr to Airport
- Watersports
- Sailing
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Skiing
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Trampoline
- Board games
- Child-Safe Pool
- DVD
Extras
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Extra services available at this property, payable locally:
- Pre-cooked dinners/catering
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | €300 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €300 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Extra €120 to be paid to Oliver's Travels at time of balance payment. Mid-stay cleaning for stays of 14+ nights included. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Minimum stay | 5 nights. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open May to September inclusive. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is included. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The villa can sleep up to 9 guests – a maximum of 6 adults across three bedrooms and 3 children in the fourth bedroom with bunk-beds and a trundle bed. The bunk-bed is not suitable for adults. |
| Other Ts and Cs | A travel cot (with bedding), bed rail (for the lower bunk), changing mat and children's dinnerware and cutlery can all be requested. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note there is an additional charge of €10 per guest per night for groups >4 people (excluding infants age 0-2). |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 6 people:
| Rental period | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| May 3rd 2024 - Jul 1st 2024 | £1,385 | £1,938 |
| Jul 1st 2024 - Sep 1st 2024 | £1,953 | £2,734 |
| Sep 1st 2024 - Oct 1st 2024 | £1,385 | £1,938 |
| Oct 1st 2024 - Dec 23rd 2024 | £1,113 | £1,558 |
| Christmas & New Year | £1,385 | £1,938 |
| Jan 6th 2025 - May 1st 2025 | £1,113 | £1,558 |
| May 1st 2025 - Jul 1st 2025 | £1,385 | £1,938 |
| Jul 1st 2025 - Sep 1st 2025 | £1,953 | £2,734 |
| Sep 1st 2025 - Oct 1st 2025 | £1,385 | £1,938 |
| Oct 1st 2025 - Nov 4th 2025 | £1,113 | £1,558 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
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Equipped with everything you could need. Highly recommend
We spent a week in this fabulous house, nestled into a hillside hamlet, an oasis of peace and serenity. Gorgeous private garden with generous sized pool, perfect to lounge by, read, enjoy the view and pop in for a dip. The house is equipped with everything you could need on a holiday, immaculately clean and aesthetically lovely. Beds and furniture were incredibly comfy, very peaceful nights sleep had all round. Huge bathroom with an oversized bath and stunning view from the window, great for a soak after a days hiking. Puivert village is a just a couple of minutes drive away with two lovely restaurants where we enjoyed very tasty and reasonably priced meals. The area is beautiful, with great hiking trails nearby, spa towns within an hour or so away, stunning mountain drives and scenery and a great place to explore the Cathar region and hilltop castles. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and would highly recommend!!!!
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Gorgeous location and helpful owner
Gorgeous location surrounded by foothills of Pyrenees, lots of history and local walks. House very comfortable, kitchen very well equipped, beds comfortable, outside areas and pool were ideal for a very sunny week. The owner was really helpful by email and when we had a flat tyre she was quick to come up with suggestions for help. We (family of 4) had a lovely week- thank
you!
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Recommend
Very beautiful place in a lovely quiet village. Had a lovely time there and would recommend.
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Amazing
Amazing property, amazing hosts, beautiful scenery. Everything you could ask for. We will be back!
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Aperfect mountain retreat!
The house is set in a beautiful, calm, relaxing environment. Absolutely beautiful scenery. Sitting by the pool, the air full of birdsong, this is a great place for deep chill. The kitchen is very well equipped.
The owner is very communicative, answering all questions promptly. The beds are extremely comfortable. There are a couple of great restaurants in the
area. It's a perfect mountain retreat!
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We'll be back
We had the most wonderful time in Maison Collines in France. I highly recommend this villa if you are looking for a trip that has it all. The house sleeps 7. Our group flew to Carcassonne and we hired cars do drive do the beautiful town of Puivert. We swam in the beautiful crystal clear lakes followed by hot coffees and chocolate crepes by the lake. It was just bliss. We ate out in two local restaurants one being Dorival which was divine from start to finish. The other place I can highly recommend was BDQ Taproom & Kitchen which had yummy pizza and brilliant live music. Maison Collines house itself is to die for. The home is so well equipped with everything you would need in the kitchen; by the pool and in the garden. We relaxed on the sun loungers and read our books to the beautiful sounds of the birds and the lovely long spells of spring sunshine. I loved the gorgeous window shutters which did a fabulous job of keeping the house nice and cool. Merci beaucoup beautiful Maison Collines we will be back.
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Beautiful house, rural location and wonderful owners
Such a great stay, five days of de-stressing. Beautiful stone built house with swimming pool. Quiet rural location in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Great ski slopes within easy reach. Several medieval towns steeped in history nearby. Swimming lake, along with numerous mountain walks and treks on your doorstep. Gliding facilities within 1 km. Great pub nearby with food and own brewed beer. Wonderful hosts, we'll be back.
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We loved it…!
Very pleasant, comfortable stone house as described. The house offers several different areas to hang out & atmospheres throughout the day ideal for vacations with family or friends. We loved it…!
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Absolutely gorgeous in every way!
Absolutely gorgeous in every way - super calm, beautiful hills nearby, amazing comfortable space with everything you need. Would love to come back as soon as poss in any season!
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We recommend it!
Beautiful property – very satisfied with our stay. Nice pool, very nice house, the charm of the old, well decorated. The environment is calm, a magnificent view. We recommend it!
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The house is lovely
Thank you for all your information and helpful guiding. The house is lovely. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
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The house was spotless
Really peaceful place to get away from it all and chill out. The house was spotless and comfortable, and the decor was gorgeous. The BBQ in the outdoor kitchen was great too, and we were able to have drinks & food out on the balcony when the weather was nice. We also used the sun loungers to stargaze, as coming from a light-polluted city, the dark skies were a treat for us.
The host was quick to reply to any of our queries, and not only sent us on a really helpful guestbook, but there was a lovely welcome gift too, including bubbles and snacks, which was such a nice touch.
The closest town Puivert didnt have a supermarket, but Chalabre did so best to stock up on food there when driving through. Puivert did have a really cool bar called BDQ, where we accidently arrived to a pizza and jazz night - definitely reccommend checking that out.
We would definitely like to visit again when the weather is warmer, so we could relax by and use the swimming pool. Definitely a great spot to decompress from city living. -
It is quiet and it has amazing views
Beautiful location with a good price-for-value. It is quiet and it has amazing views. The host pays attention to detail and welcomed us with great care.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
