Chateau De Bellecare
Region: Pyrenees Guide Price: £2857 - £3603
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Facilities:
Sleeps: 16
Dating back to the 16th century, the charming Chateau de Bellecare is situated in the foothills of the idyllic Pyrenees on the edge of a medieval village and a stone’s throw from local amenities. You can pick up fresh croissants and baguettes from the nearby boulangerie, excellent cuts of meat from the boucherie for a barbeque on the south-facing patio, which you can accompany with a local Limoux wine sourced from the alimentation, just a few steps across the road.
The Chateau de Bellecare offers breathtaking views of the high mountains, excellent for walking in. Nearby are ancient Cathar castles (Montségur is only 25 minutes drive), picturesque market towns such as Mirepoix and fascinating towns such as Limoux and Rennes-le-Château. The medieval citadel town of Carcasonne is about an hour away with Perpignan and the coast within close proximity.
Set in the Pyrenean foothills, this elegant 16th century property offers 8 large double bedrooms with 6 en suite bathrooms. There is a comfortable living room, dining room and a fully equipped kitchen. There is a patio which faces south and a private swimming pool with safety cover.
The magnificent medieval entrance leads into the spacious hall with access to the living and dining rooms on either side. The large living room runs the full length of the building and is dominated by the traditional French fireplace, installed with a wood-burning stove that can be used all year round. The room is equipped with a sound system with CD and ipod connection. At the opposite end is a self-contained seating area with satellite TV, DVD player and a considerable selection of DVD titles. There is access to the south-facing patio through the French windows where you can spend the evening, overlooking the peaceful village and watching the sun set. The dining room can seat up to 16 and leads in to the kitchen with adjoining utility room. Aside the dining room, in the circular turret is a small office. Here there is broadband internet and computer access for guests. The kitchen is equipped with a large gas stove, sink, storage space and dishwasher. A large utility room sits beyond this with 2 large fridges, a deep freeze, micro wave and a washing machine, as well as an extra WC.
The Chateau has 8 large, attractively decorated and similarly-sized bedrooms leading off a central corridor over two floors. The bedrooms enjoy exquisite views of the surrounding countryside, the courtyard of the property and the pretty village beyond. The rooms offer guests peaceful and private spaces to rest in and enjoy the magic of this majestic building. After a tiring day, guests will enjoy the luxurious and generously sized rooms with huge beds and ample storage offering perfect rest and relaxation away from home. On each floor one twin room, each with two single beds caters for individuals or children who want their own space in beautifully furnished surroundings. Six of the bedrooms have superb en suite bathroom facilities set within the circular towers of the Chateau. The remaining two rooms are ideal for children or close family members with connecting doors through to adjacent bedrooms. The loft is a self-contained apartment not usually available unless specially requested.
The sizeable garden has two patio areas for outdoor entertainment and perfect for al fresco dining. The pool is 10mx5m with a retractable roof and there is a separate self-contained area which is perfect for a game of badminton, boules or table tennis. The chateau can comfortably accommodate parking for several vehicles.
*Please note, locations shown on the maps are approximations only
The nearest airport to the chateau is Carcassonne 80km away. The chateau is situated just a short walk to the local village where you can pick up all the essentials.
At the nearby castle at Puivert you can browse the fascinating museum and Montaillou has an intriguing story attached to it where the whole of the village fell under suspicion of the inquisition! Nearby Perypertuse, Queribus, Puilaurens and Arques are also easily found and well-worth the short trip. Those with a little more time might want to visit to the medieval citadel at Carcassonne, the ancient town of Perpignan, or discover the delightful Collioure and Banuyls-sur-Mer on the coast towards the Spanish border.
Given the recent mania surrounding the “Da Vinci Code”, Rennes-le-Château has been attracting increasing international attention. With its secrets of Cathar gold hidden in the Templar castle which once stood overlooking the Aude river, not only is the area bursting with historical legends, but there are tremendous and spellbinding views of the surrounding area.
For something different, you can try the bustling local markets. Every Monday the ancient and picturesque town of Mirepoix hosts a traditional market, where you can find delicious locally-produced cheeses, wines, meat, fruit and vegetables as well as a myriad of local craft stalls. Then why not stop off for a bite to eat and a glass of wine or a coffee in one of the surrounding cafes or restaurants?
Virtually on the doorstep of the Chateau are paths leading into the mountains, maps of which are provided. On these walks you can experience the beauty of the natural surroundings and wildlife. Dramatic scenery can be found along the way where gorges split the craggy landscape, home to eagles and vultures.
Adventure sports such as white water rafting and canoeing are available nearby and in winter, the nearest ski fields are a 45 minutes drive away in Ax Les Thermes. Every year in mid-July the Tour De France passes by a mere 20 minutes away, which is an enjoyable and fun day out to watch the cyclists complete one of the more mountainous stages.
Catering is available at the chateau by local catering companies (traiteurs) - typically this will cost from 30 euros per person for a 4-course meal. Alternatively it is possible to hire a cook from the local village/town who can do any cooking that you wish during your stay – they are also usually happy to buy the food and clear up afterwards. Costs are typically between 10 and 15 euros per hour. Maid service is available for between 10 and 15 euros per hour.
Capacity
Indoor reception capacity: 50
Outdoor reception capacity: 150
A marquee is possible in the grounds.
Availability
All year round
The Service
In the grounds of the chateau a blessing ceremony can be performed.
Catering
Can be arranged - range of options.
Other Services
To be organised by client.
Accommodation
18 guests can be accommodated in the chateau(more possible after consultation). Various hotels locally can sleep the rest of the party.
Travel
Carcassonne – 1hr 15 min. Perpignan - 1hr 40 min. Toulouse - 1hr 45 min.
- Security deposit: A deposit of £500 will be required on arrival. The deposit will be returned to you on departure or not later than a week after you leave minus any replacements for breakages or extra cleaning etc. Please leave the château in the manner it was entrusted to you.
- Linen & towels: Included except swimming towels.
- Energy costs: Included in the rental price.
- End of stay cleaning: Included. Please leave the property in the state that you found it.
- Arrival time: 4pm onwards.
- Departure time: 10am.
- Pets: No pets allowed.
- Smoking: No smoking in the property.
- It is recommended that all guests take out insurance to cover against potential cancellation and any accidental damage caused during your stay at the property.
I have been meaning to let you know for the past couple of weeks what an incredible time we had at the chateau. The place was SO impressive - really spacious and very tastefully presented... We all had a great time - it was my mums 70th and my parents have been going on about it ever since. Finally I cant believe what good value it was - incredible. Well done, you run an excellent business.
Anonymous
Beautiful Chateau, beautiful views, beautiful owners!
Sherwood & Catherine
A lovely house in a beautiful countryside. A tribute to all your vision and hard work. Congratulations!
Norah, Henry and Graeme
A wonderful stay in this beautiful building; very memorable and an ideal location for total relaxation and to welcome in 2009. Thank you so much!
Katie & Craig
An amazing house with real charm. A beautiful place and a wonderful holiday! Thank you!
Neil and Tammy
An amazing house with a very personal touch! Congratulations on your hard work for a beautiful location for the wedding. A fantastic time has been had by all of us and we hope to be back! Thank you.
Jon, Emma, Thomas and Toby
Had a fantastic time in this beautiful part of France. The chateau is amazing. Thank you!!
David and Christelle
Thank you for an amazing week. This was the perfect place for our wedding and we shall treasure the time we spent here for ever.
Sarah and Iain
Your lovely chateau has exceeded all our expectations! We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to stay in such a special place during our visit to this beautiful area of France. Thank you for your hospitality and best wishes for the future.
Betty, John, Wyatt & Rowan
We never imagined how special the chateau makes you feel! And the fantastic surrounding countryside and activities added to make a very memorable holiday. Kids, parents are beaming. Thanks for everything. Merci!
Carolyn, Devin
Merci pour ce superbe séjour en pays cathare. Magnifique souvenirs de votre château pour les enfants et les parents!
Lynne et Warren
Thank you very much for letting us stay in your lovely château. It was fabulous! And what a lovely location!
Ellie
Almost unbroken sun, no rain. A lovely setting for cycling, walking and visiting castles and markets. The children loved lounging by the pool.
3 families from Bristol
What a wonderful place – we have so enjoyed living in such superb surroundings. We’d so love to return. Do try the white water rafting – took our breath away!! Thank you.
Family
