La Pinede

About this property

Set in a spacious garden with pine trees in a small Aude village, La Pinède is a delightful holiday home that brings together the comforts of modern living with the gentle rhythms of rural France. Thoughtfully arranged as two architect-designed villas just 20 metres apart, this spacious abode is tailor-made for extended families or groups of friends seeking both connection and privacy.

Within the expansive grounds, manicured lawns unfurl beneath mature pines and fruit trees, offering dappled shade and space to roam. At the centre, a private swimming pool glistens beneath the southern sun, flanked by a sun terrace with loungers. There’s also outdoor dining areas by both houses.

Each villa is fully self-contained, complete with modern open-plan kitchens, a living-dining space and French doors that invite the outdoors in. In total, there are five bedrooms and four bathrooms (three en-suites) offering ample flexibility for different group dynamics.

La Pinède lies just outside the tiny village of Bellegarde-du-Razès, perfectly placed between the market town of Mirepoix and the legendary medieval city of Carcassonne, both rich in history and local flavour. Sample world-class sparkling wine in Limoux, explore ancient abbeys along the Cathar trail or cycle beside the Canal du Midi beneath leafy canopies.

Whether you’re here to explore the region’s culinary riches, trace its fascinating past or simply spend slow days beside the pool, La Pinède offers a welcoming base for your Occitanie adventure.

Located in the small village of Bellegarde-du-Razès, La Pinède offers an attractive base for exploring the richly historic and gastronomically gifted Aude region of southwest France, just 40 minutes from the fortified medieval splendour of Carcassonne and close to the pretty market towns of Limoux and Mirepoix.

A short drive brings you to the village of Belvèze-du-Razès, where you’ll find convenient local amenities for day-to-day needs. Just 20 minutes away, the bustling bastide town of Mirepoix (16km) delights visitors with its colourful arcaded square, vibrant weekly market every Monday and array of excellent restaurants. Slightly closer to home, food and wine lovers will be drawn to the celebrated Domaine Gayda (13km) in Brugairolles for refined dining and award-winning wines in a spectacular vineyard setting.

Venture further afield and you’ll be rewarded with a host of captivating excursions. Limoux (20km), famous for its Blanquette sparkling wine and picturesque central square, is a must-visit, offering a more relaxed take on French café culture.

Meanwhile, Bram (21km) is your gateway to the Canal du Midi, a unesco World Heritage Site, where leafy towpaths invite leisurely bike rides or waterside lunches at traditional auberges. Cycling lovers note that the cyling route between Bram and Montsegur passes through the village, with access just around the corner from La Pinède.

Carcassonne (36km), a crown jewel of the region, promises an unforgettable day out. Explore its double-walled citadel, sample fine dining and experience medieval pageantry through festivals, concerts and dazzling night-time illuminations. Golfers will appreciate the nearby 18-hole course, complete with driving range and club hire. For those drawn to history, the Cathar trail offers evocative sites like the ancient abbey of Saint-Hilaire, just half an hour away.

Accommodation

House I Interiors

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Entrance hallway
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Open-plan living and dining room with dining table and chairs, lounge area with two sofas, TV (with UK satellite channels) and Wi-Fi internet. Four sets of doors open to terrace and garden
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Open-plan kitchen with electric hob and oven, microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine
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Separate WC with sink
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Bedroom 1 with double bed, terrace access and ensuite WC, shower and sink

First Floor

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Mezzanine landing overlooking the living area
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Bedroom 2 with double bed, door to balcony and ensuite WC, bath, separate shower and sink
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Bedroom 3 with double bed and ensuite WC, shower and sink

House II Interiors

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Entrance into open-plan living and dining area with Wi-Fi internet, TV and DVD player. Three sets of doors open to terrace
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Open-plan kitchen with electric hob and oven, dishwasher, fridge, freezer and washing machine

First Floor

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Bedroom 4 with double bed and doors to balcony
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Separate bathroom with WC, shower and sink
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Bedroom 5 with double bed, single bed and doors to balcony

Outside Grounds

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Swimming pool (8x4m, depth: 1.5m)
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Poolside terrace and loungers
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Dining terraces with table, chairs and parasols (outside both houses)
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Barbecue
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Large lawned garden with fruit and pine trees
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Private parking