Luxury arts holidays at private villa with pool.
Property Description
All-incl. vacations - tutored arts courses, cookery with award-winning chefs and active breaks. Relax and explore this lovely region where Holy Grail myth originated. Cookery, Creative Writing, Movie-making. Ideal as part of a longer European break.
Property Details
Latest news: French House Party Featured in National Geographic's “100 Best Worldwide Vacations” book by Pam Grout.
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The house is a stunningly-converted 200-year-old stone barn situated in a peaceful rural area on the outskirts of the medieval World Heritage site of Carcassonne (France's second most popular tourist city - not to be missed). We have a large pool, tennis court, petanque (boules) arena and lovely gardens.
In the house and grounds, guests can enjoy five days wallowing in the arts, whether as part of a book club, drama group, creative writing workshop, group singing with inspirational coaching, a textile art or painting class. Groundbreaking movie-making course. Cook in France! Gastro Academy Cooking and Wine courses with Michelin * French chefs start 2010.
We also operate exclusive Golf and Gourmet holidays and custom-built corporate training/reward breaks and our Breaks for Broads - ideal for groups of friends who just want to escape for a few days, maybe with some massage and beauty treatments to help along the chill-out factor.
We have a supply of bikes for a leisurely cycle along the banks of the nearby Canal du Midi. Chill out with fantastic food, lots of wonderful wine and some cultural exploration
All transport is provided and all meals are contained within the price - that includes dinner with free-flowing local wines, either at home or at superior restaurants. We also include an in-house wine-tasting. Degustations at local vineyards may also be arranged.
There are eight en-suite double or twin bedrooms. With an optimum of 16 guests per weekend, there's a houseparty atmosphere which promises the formation of new friendships or cementing of old ones. Discount for group bookings. Transfers from airports (Toulouse or Carcassonne) included in price.
The open-plan living space has an Art Deco design, with floor-to-ceiling arched windows, a central, glassed-in staircase and indoor plants and trees which reach almost to the roof. There is an indoor games salon with pool-table and a classic 1950s juke-box for those who hanker after the Beatles, Elvis and Chuck Berry, and an outdoor covered games area with table-tennis. There is also a large pool and all-weather tennis court.
* Dining area - a galleried landing running around the perimeter of the first floor overlooks the raised dining area. Double glass doors at the rear open into the pool and its surrounding areas.
* Sitting area - has comfortable sofas and an open fireplace for log fires.
* Kitchen - large, bright and airy, St Raymond's kitchen has plenty of storage space, electric oven and hob, additional six-plate gas and electric cooking range, a dishwasher, microwave and two refrigeration/deep-freeze units, together with a four-metre central island and breakfast-bar.
* The eight individually-designed, roomy bedrooms are double or triple-sized. All have en-suite shower-rooms, hairdryers and CD players and air-conditioning. Two are at ground-floor level, making them suitable for people with mobility difficulties.
* Outside: several terraces and covered BBQ area for alfresco dining and drinks.
Rental Policy
Prices quoted are on two people sharing twin/double room. £65-200 single-occupancy supplement may apply on some courses depending upon group numbers. A French House Party staff member present at all times to assist and advise. Cycles are available for use at own risk.
Arrival Times
Various depending upon course dates.
Additional Rate and Deposit Information
Arts course prices from £750 per person.
Cookery course prices from £495 per person
Reduced rates for group booking, depending upon group numbers.
Bespoke break prices (eg. corporate groups) also available.
Amenities
- Air Condition
- Phone
- Radio
- Washer and Dryer
- DVD Player
- Fishing Near By
- Stove
- TV Satellite
- Hi-Speed Internet
- Fireplace
- King bed
- Queen Bed
- Pool
- Tennis
Accepted Payments
- VISA
Rental Rates
Owner Details
Name: Dr. Moira MartingalePhone: 01299896819
Date Added: 6/8/2006
Type: House
Sleeps: 12-15
Bedrooms: 8+
Bathrooms: 8+
Pets Allowed: No
Children Allowed: No
Pool: Yes
Smoking: No
01299896819
