Chateau Dufont

Lying just outside the village of Tarabel, 25 kms from the centre of Toulouse, the Chateau Dufont faces the Pyrenees and is surrounded by a hectare of picturesque gardens. Recently restored in keeping with the original style – using red brick typical of the architecture so often featured around Toulouse – the house was originally built in 1810. Chateau Dufont is flanked by two towers and a dovecote, the large windows give a well lit, airy feel to the building.

Nearly all of the bedrooms are en suite, and a private pool with extensive outdoor terracing to dine on is a feature of the property. The local landscape is somewhere between the gentle hills of Aquitaine and the Mediterranean feel of Languedoc. The area is sometimes referred to as “Little Tuscany” on account of winding country lanes and a sprinkling of hillside houses.

Comprising a main house (seven bedrooms) and neighbouring apartment (two bedrooms) rented together; the property is suitable for groups up to 18. Fourteen adults plus children would be comfortable.

On the ground floor in the main house there are five double bedrooms that are spacious and tastefully furnished. Three of these have en suite bathrooms and there is one additional family bathroom. There are two entrances into the house; the first leads from the terrace through French-windows and leads into a long hallway; the second, sheltered by an old cedar on the opposite side of the house, leads to a bedroom with stunning, old tiled floor and large wardrobe. The sitting room is furnished with armchairs and two sofas and contains a piano, wide-screen TV, music system and many books. It features a fireplace, soft yellow walls with white painted panelling and lovely pine wood floors. A real sense of space is provided by the exposed stone and brickwork, and a framework of beams in the living/dining room and kitchen. Two large farmhouse style tables can seat ten each. Windows open out onto a terrace where you can sit on hot summer days and gaze out over the hills and Pyrenees beyond. All modern amenities can be found in the kitchen – a Lacanche cooker with five gas rings and a large oven, large refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and coffee maker. The adjoining pantry also holds washing machine and dryer and can be used for storing groceries.

On the first floor a mezzanine that was previously used as an office but which has room for extra beds is reached by an old wooden staircase. There are also 2 further bedrooms that share a bathroom. A single bed, armoire, wooden floors and a black marble fireplace can be found in the old billiard room.

In the self contained apartment the living room is well furnished with two sofas, armchairs and a pedestal table. It has terracotta tiled floors and a marble fireplace. French windows open out onto the south and west of the garden, with panoramic country views beyond. A fully equipped kitchen includes farmhouse table seating eight on assorted chairs, microwave, washing machine and a dryer. There are two further double bedrooms each with their own bathroom and one of the rooms has a fireplace and stairs leading to an office on the first floor with a day bed. Television and cot are available on request.

Outside, shaded by an ancient Sophora tree, Sycamore and Catalpa trees, the terrace is furnished with sun loungers, teak tables and chairs and extends along the south of the house. It also overlooks the terraced swimming pool measuring 10x5 metres, which ensures the safety of children by being surrounded by a hedge.

*Please note, locations shown on the maps are approximations only

The property is situated only 40km from the airport at Toulouse.

Restaurants like the Auberge du Poids Public in St Félix Lauragais (15 km), Tirou in Castelnaudary (35 km), La Table du Marché in Castanet Tolosan (15 km) and the Auberge du Bout du Monde in Verdun-en-Lauragais (45 km) are in the vicinity of the property, as are the very reasonably priced, huge selection of restaurants in Toulouse.

Essential shops are situated nearby and within 30km you will find four golf courses, tennis courts within 4kms and many places to walk and cycle. Especially good for hiking and riding is the Montagne Noire (30km)

Boats can be hired along the Canal du Midi, while swimming and windsurfing on the Lac de St Ferréol. Only 45mn drive from Tarabel is Carcassonne and its medieval City. The old town of Toulouse is particularly inviting, alongside the university and excellent shopping available.

Jérôme Roussillon is available for any catering that you may wish to have at the property itself.

Maid service included in the rental price (two hours per day Monday to Friday).

- Capacity: The property comfortably sleeps 16 adults and 2 children or teenagers.
- Security deposit: €1500. This is paid on arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection.
- Linen & towels: All linen and bath towels are included in the rental price.
- Energy costs: Extra charges outside of the summer.
- 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.