Some of the photographs (this page only) are of the owners accommodation and are not included in the rental.

 

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a magnificent 18th Century private country estate. A rare and unique find that stands out as an exquisite private paradise in the South of France.

 

Nestled in a prestigious location with fabulous views. Known locally as a most stunning and proudly positioned manor house within the sought after and desirable Razès area in the Aude. Befitting such an elegant residence is a long, pretty and winding tree-lined private driveway that opens out to reveal acres of space around the spectacular residence. The property is large, open, bright and beautiful and encircled by 4.85 hectares (12 acres) of stunning land with no public rights of way

 

The property has a large, sparkling, secure, flood lit in-ground pool which is completed by generous sun bathing terraces. There is complete privacy with the nearest neighbours over 1km away and yet the estate is very near to pretty medieval towns. Over twenty restaurants are in a 15 minute radius. Carcassonne airport is 35 minutes away and Toulouse airport is 90 minutes away. Primary and secondary schools nearby.

 

Either a turn-key business opportunity or a spacious residence for a large family. An excellent property for people who delight in entertaining. The effective layout allows the property to be used as either one sumptuous home or split into 3+ rentals as a unique live/work business opportunity. Used by the previous and present owners for 25 years as a top end guest house and also as exclusive holiday rentals which enjoyed excellent reviews. The income in peak season can exceed €3000 Euros a week for a part of the property and could be doubled should you wish to rent out more of the estate

 

The accommodation includes a French oak lined gallery library above a spacious living room with a large, traditional wood-burning fireplace (The oak woodland at the property can be managed and used for fires). A beamed dining room can hold a table for a large party to dine. There are 2 kitchens (one custom built with solid wood doors and one in contemporary style) along with 2 oak beamed living rooms on the ground floor with gleaming tiled floors throughout. The magical character of the ground floor is mimicked upstairs with 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms including a master suite with a stunning dressing room. A third floor is waiting for you to make the finishing touches to convert from an attic to several attic bedrooms or whatever else you decide! There is also a lovely guest apartment with a further bedroom, shower room and American Kitchen/living room with easy access for those with reduced mobility along with wide doors that glide inside the walls.

 

The 5 room vine workers cottage opposite could also converted to provide further accommodation and currently includes a wine room and workshop.

 

The estate has been lovingly maintained over the past centuries by the previous and present owners. Some say it dates back to Roman times with dressed stone water systems in evidence. This is not an estate that has been previously abandoned and recently refitted like most, it is a property that has been loved for generations. The roof was replaced entirely and insulated in 1998 and is in good condition, the woodwork throughout was treated 11 years ago, a recent heating system (condensing boiler 2013), 2 refitted kitchens (2012, 2013), a check of the electrics and additions made in 2012, 2 bathrooms recently refitted along with further insulation work and plastering.

 

Outside there are magnificent sun drenched terraces and ample parking for several cars as well as a garage. The house and the pool face due South. There is a cut stone deep well and a summer kitchen. The automatic watering system for plants can be connected to the well for free water rather than paying for the mains water, which is also available. You can walk along many private pathways on the estate including one which winds through pretty woodland with wild strawberries and mushrooms in season. At the end of the woodland you can sit at the top of the gardens and spend hours admiring a breathtaking and wide vista of the Pyrennees with eagles overhead. There are 18 types of wild orchids and fresh herbs all around. Just a few of the tasty things to eat and preserve - plums, figs, dark cherries, damsons, greengages, wild strawberries, mushrooms, fennel, sage, thyme, juniper berries, walnuts, almonds, rosemary, bay and lavender (never buy another bouquet garni!). The current owners have grown much of their own food and a greenhouse with electricity is on the property along with outbuildings and a vegetable garden (a black sweet pea flower that was initially grown on the property is being trialled at a National Trust property and should be released soon and have Midnight Couchet as it's name). There is also acreage for animals, including two separate wooden horse stables. The estate could allow for both self sufficiency combined with idyllic and elegant country living.

 

WIFI speed 15-23 mbps throughout the property

Excellent C banding for energy - see below

Taxe Fonciere - approx €2000 pa

Mains water and well for garden watering

Drainage – septic tank with conformity report

Heating – gas central heating and electricity

Double Glazing

UK/International TV system installed

Orientation – South facing

Schools - Primary 5 minutes, Secondary 14 minutes

 

The current owner speaks fluent French and will be moving within the Aude and therefore available to provide free advice (before and after moving in, should you wish) on paperwork and running this prime piece of property as a lucrative business. Various agents have been appointed should you prefer to work through an agent.

 

See websites (transfer of these included in the offer) for more information – www.domainedecouchet.com and www.holidaylettingsfrance.com

 

A must see !