Situated just outside of Montlaur village in the Languedoc region, this vacation home rental in France is one of three homes on a storied family estate.

Initially owned by one of the Belle Epoque’s most famous architects, Edouard Niermans, the property was first developed as a vast vineyard known at the time as Domaine de Montlaur. The estate remains in the family to this day and has been restored to maintain and preserve its history.

Located at the domain entrance, the pavilion house was once the former home of the estate's wine and vineyard master and has been respectfully restored paying great attention to detail. Altering the original materials and enlarging the spaces slightly, the house is simple and modern with gray slate and oak parquet floors paired with cool white for a minimalist and contemporary feel.

The large living room on the ground floor has an open fireplace and dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen with large french doors that open onto a sunny terrace overlooking a small private garden with herbs, fruits, and grapes for guests' use. Upstairs are two spacious double bedrooms that sleep up to four.

Outside along a stone wall, runs a sand pathway leading to a summer dining area and an ancient stone staircase leads from the front door onto the village street. 

The gardens are considered among the most beautiful in Aude with a spectacular design and variety of species. There are ample outside living spaces as well as shady dining areas where you can sip the estate wines, BBQ or play in the pool.

CATHAR COUNTRY

Located in the Languedoc Roussilon region of southern France, the charming village of Montlaur is surrounded by vineyards, rivers, and forests in the lower foothills of the Pyrenees in the heart of Cathar country. A typical provincial village, it’s a welcoming slice of local life with good cafes and markets (don’t miss the organic market every Tuesday) and is within a short stroll from the property. 

Situated within a beautiful valley, the area is ideal for mountain hikes (the nearby GR36 is within two miles) horse riding, wine tasting, and exploring the Cathar castles and the abbey of Fontfroide. The UNESCO sites of La Cite and Carcassonne with it’s imposing citadel, narrow cobbled stone streets and medieval beauty are just thirty minutes away where you can take in the amazing views from the ramparts. You are just over an hour south from Toulouse and an hour north of the Mediterranean. 

LOCATION

Montlaur, France. Nearest Airports: Carcassonne (27km), Toulouse (100km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall for the best weather

You can also rent the suite or the cottage at BoutiqueHomes.