Maison des Hirondelles, Impressive French Manor House, Walking Distance to Amenities and the Canal-du-Midi [HE131A]

Stunning South of France Maison de Maitre to sleep 12, ideal for a large family group

A magnificent 'Maison de Maitre' nestles close to centre of the lively village of Capestang near Beziers, there is a quintessential central square surrounded by cafes, bars and restaurants and it is very close to the Canal du Midi.

This huge 500m2 house has been renovated with style and panache retaining lots of original features. The attractive subtle interior decor, splendid open living space, high spec kitchen and 6 bedrooms (3 en suite, and 2 with air-conditioning) beautifully balance character with modernity. In this village location the pool and garden are the icing on the cake.

Just two steps from the village centre and easily accessible to Beziers and the Mediterranean beaches this fabulous house lends itself perfectly to your South of France family holiday.

Splendid South of France Holiday Rental to sleep 12

The traditional front door leads you into an attractive hallway, with beautiful original tiled flooring and an original staircase leads you to the upper floors.

Off the entrance is a small Reception room with fireplace, sofa and armchairs - perfect for a few quiet moments to read your book. A second room houses the pool table and book shelves and has a view to the garden.

A sunny corridor conservatory with parquet flooring gives access to the garden and pool.

The 'piece de resistance' is the vast living open plan living space that looks out onto the garden. The comfy sofas are positioned around the fireplace, with a chaise longue and 2 other armchairs close by. The original vaulted brick ceiling is stunning.

At the other end of the living space is the contemporary kitchen with bespoke wooden counter and bar stools and the dining table. There is another dining table on the terrace for outdoor eating.

The modern styling, grey and taupe colour scheme and charming decoration complement the traditional feel of the property.

Independent wc on the ground floor.

The grand wooden staircase (18 steps) leads you to the first floor landing of noble proportions.

Bedroom 1 - double bed (150cm)

Independent wc in the corridor

Bedroom 2 - double bed (150cm) with en suite shower and wash hand basin

A huge family bathroom with bath and wc.

From here there is a door to access another wing of the house

Bedroom 3 - double bed (150cm) with an en suite shower, wash hand basin and wc. Air conditioning.

A door in the bedroom gives you access to a balcony - ideal for a quiet breakfast a deux!

Further along the corridor is a dressing room and a laundry room with washing machine, iron and sink, this also gives access out to the balcony.

Bedroom 4 - (Master) - south facing with sliding doors to the terrace.
Double bed (150cm) with enormous en suite bathroom with sunken bath with independent shower, two wash hand basins and wc. Air Conditioning.

From here there are stairs to the second floor (19 steps) to 2 further bedrooms with large mezzanines, each has a wash hand basin.

Bedroom 5 - 2 single beds

Bedroom 6 - double bed

Shower room with wash hand basin (shared by bedrooms 5 and 6)
Independent wc.

Air conditioning in 2 south facing bedrooms, fans for the other north facing 4 bedrooms available.

7th room is an Excercise loft with a Yoga mats and an exercise equipment

There is the possibility of a sofa bed should you wish to have the option of a bed in one of the bedrooms (maximum number of guests remains at 12).

This South of France Holiday Home is well equipped

American Fridge
Electric Oven
Gas Hob
Microwave
Cafetiere
Electric kettle
Toaster 
Iron and board in the laundry room

Hairdryer (3)
Washing machine
Dishwasher

TV - Satellite - Freeview with UK channels

Wi-Fi throughout
Ping-pong table
Pool table

Charcoal BBQ

Sun loungers on the pool terrace

There is free parking close to the house in the village
(The property does have a garage, however the entrance is in a narrow side street and requires careful manoeuvring).

South of France Holiday Home in the centre of the village with 300m garden and pool

The private garden has some high walls (not overlooked) and rooftop views, a lawn area and mature trees. ( the palm tree shown has unfortunately died) new planting will be in place for 2019.

A 10m x 4m x 1.8m pool is surrounded by a terrace with sun loungers and there is a shaded abri should you want to stay out of the South of France sunshine for spell. The pool is split - a shallow end with a ledge that drops to the deep end, there are Roman steps at the shallow end and a ladder to enter the deep end if preferred.

Under a shaded area from the living space is an outdoor dining table to enjoy those al fresco meals. There is a charcoal BBQ.

There is a table tennis table outdoors and a pool table inside -  take your pick!

From one of the first floor bedrooms there access to an 84m2 terrace - a perfect spot to watch the swifts and swallows crossing the skyline.

South of France areas to explore during your Holiday

Capestang is on the Canal du Midi. The quintessential French square in the centre has Cafes, Restaurants and a few small shops.

St Chinian 16km. Small market town, renowned for its AOC wines. Restaurants. Excellent market on Sundays.

Beziers 16km. The cathedral dominates this busy market town, rising majestically above the river Orb. The lively Feria in August lasts five days; Paellas, flamenco dancing, and partying in the streets until the early hours of the morning.

Mediterranean beaches apprx 25km

Parc Naturel du Haut Languedoc appx 30km North of Thezan are the mountains and rocky gorges of the Caroux mountains. Great canoeing on the river Orb.

Minerve - apprx 30km a perched village with many ateliers and restaurants

Narbonne 20km. Once the capital of Roman Gaul. Famous cathedral.

Montpellier 85km. Large university town.

Carcassonne 61km. Largest fortified medieval town in Europe - a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nimes 135km. Roman temple and arena.

Perpignan 84km Palace of Kings of Mallorca.

For more information about this South of France region, please refer to our Languedoc Regional Guide

ACCESS

For information on reaching Languedoc, please refer to our South France Travel Information Guide

International airports in the South of France are:

Beziers - Ryanair from Bristol, Luton, Manchester, Edinburgh.

Carcassonne (Ryanair to Stansted - London, East Midlands, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Dublin).

Montpellier (international flights worldwide). Flights from Gatwick and Luton via Easyjet, Leeds/Bradford on Ryanair.

Perpignan (Ryanair to Stansted, Birmingham and Flybe to Southampton).

Nimes (Ryanair to Stansted, Luton, East Midlands and Liverpool).

Gerona (Spain) Ryanair

Toulouse and Barcelona (Spain) also have international and transatlantic flights.

South of France by rail:
Beziers has a railway station with nearby car rental.

Capestang village centre is literally two steps from the house where you will find:

Bakers - there are 4! The Owner recommends Palais des Saveurs on the square
Cafe/bars
Tabac
Florist
Pharmacy
Vegetable shop
Small Spar type shop
Bank
Restaurants - several to choose from in the village - the Owner recommends La Galiniere just off the square and Cafe de la Grill on the square.
Also recommended is the pizzeria, Le Provence, next door to the property which offers eat in or take away pizzas including vegetarian options.

Skatepark

Intermarche Supermarket (with fuel) is on the edge of the village - 5 minutes walking

In Capestang, next to the Capitanerie on the Canal du Midi, it is possible to hire electric boats, small canoes and bicycle hire. The Tourist Office in the village has all details on these activities, together with the walking and local wine tours.

Cycle the Canal du Midi - La Voie Verte (the converted old rail line) between Caspestang and Cruzy is 14km and is great for exploring the countryside - why not stop for lunch at Le Terminus Restaurant in Cruzy or alongside the Canal at the Pouquoi Pas at Malvies.

Saint Stephens Church in the village centre dates from the 11th and 13th Century and is worth a look, as with all French churches the bells are operational. Tours of the church tower in Capestang take place twice a week during high summer. The tour of both the church and tower is in French and English and the views over Capestang from the top are breathtaking.

Lots of Village Festivals throughout the year

Tennis courts - possible to reserve at the Capestang Tennis Club
Canoe hire in the Orb Valley - apprx 20 minutes
Horse riding - several stables locally - Argeliers, Montouliers and Creissan
Golf - Beziers St Thomas - 18 hole and Lamalou-les-Bains - 9 hole

Mediterranean Beaches - apprx 25km
Plage Des Cabanes De Fleury
Valras Plage
Vias Plage
Narbonne Plage
Gruissan

L'Oppidum Enserune an archaeological site at Montady is worth a look - great view from Restaurant de la Tour at Montady whilst having lunch!