Villa Dendrane, is situated in the stunning panoramic valleys of forest and vineyards, near Quillan, in south Aude, Occitanie, with the backdrop of the Pyrenees to gaze over as you relax on one of the terraces, by the recently re-landscaped garden and heated pool.
The property, purchased in Sept. 2017, has had several upgrades since, including to the pool, security fencing and gates, with new pergolas, and artificial grass garden now available to view, and internal redecoration to all rooms and facilities which has now been completed.
A significant attraction of this holiday Villa, in its 1250m2 estate, with its rural setting, is the tranquillity and the varied activities and destinations that the location offers, plus the access to a number of airports, with the beach, mountains or rivers just a drive away.
The external area of the villa, offers 3 different terrace settings, the main terrace, which is a covered tiled area at the front of the villa, overlooking the garden and pool, with table and chairs to seat 6, and a useful area to eat or retreat from the sun.
The second sitting area is adjacent to the main terrace and is situated under a wooden pergola and offers a different aspect to the pool view, from the comfort of a 12 seat Rattan effect cushioned chairs and table, for afternoon snacks and evening drinks.
The third pergola is situated at the back of the property, a large 20 sq.m. area, that makes a perfect children's play area, with secure fencing, artificial grass, a locked gate, and a playhouse. This area can be accessed from the main living area through French doors, and is a perfect place for children to play, whilst the adults can supervise whilst enjoying the shaded area and the 8 seat Rattan effect sofa and table.
The garden area comprises of 1250m2 of land, the most significant garden feature, must be the newly re-tiled swimming pool. Its a 10 m x 5.5 m pool, approximately 1.5m deep across its length, with shallow step access. It also has a summer bubble wrap cover, which assists the pool heater to maintain a temperature that is inviting to all, and underwater lights. It also has a full length night time/winter security cover. The pool is not open from mid Oct to May.
It is surrounded by a 1.2m high safety fence, with a safety gate access to the pool and a separate security gate for access to the secured pool pump/filter/heater station.
Artificial grass is now widely incorporated in the garden, providing a comfortable passage from the Villa's terraces to the pool and sunbathing area and BBQ. This has been incorporated to enhance the comfort of moving around the garden. This also provides a large flat area for sunbathing on the loungers or on your towel. At the side of the sunbathing area, is the newly built outdoor cooking area, complete with new BBQ and utensils.
The garden is surrounded on all 4 sides with tall conifers, providing sun shelter and privacy, and a lockable set of main gates.
Access to the Villa has been enhanced by building a new pathway from the driveway, to allow easier mobility for those in wheelchairs, prams, or for those unable to handle steps comfortably.
The property of 127 m2 living space, boasts 4 bedrooms, split between both ends of the Villa.
In the "East wing" there is a double bedroom, known as the "London Room" , with a fitted wardrobe and dressing table and side cabinets, and the "New York Room" which has a single bed and a bunk bed, with side table and chair and fitted wardrobes.
In the "West wing", there is another double bedroom, the "Paris Room", with fitted wardrobes and chair, and the 4th room, the "Barcelona Room" also has a bunk bed, with a single bed being accommodated too. Thus maximum sleeping capacity rises to 10. However, there is also a camp bed, that can be made up, and the sofa, will open up into a bed and take 2 or 3 people, if required, thus the villa could sleep 14.!! Plus there is 2 cot beds available to host the smaller members of your family.
Electric radiators are sited in each of the rooms for the colder weeks, and free standing fans are provided for the warmer months.
There are 2 bathroom/shower rooms, one on either side of the Villa. The "East wing" has the main bathroom with a bath/shower arrangement, with a separate toilet. The shower room in the "West wing" is accessed via stairs, it is a wet room walk-in shower with toilet and hand basin facilities.
The main room in the Villa, is a large 55sqm open plan lounge and dining area, with a separate kitchen area offset too. The living area has undergone an updating and now boasts a new large 7 seat sofa, coffee table and a 49" Smart TV, linked up to English and French TV. Although reception can be compromised and we recommend you use a Firestick or similiar. A DVD player is also provided, along with a selection of DVD's to help entertain. English language reading books, maps, and Tourist Information guides are also provided to utilise. A book swap system is in place too.
Free WiFi is provided ,with the codes being available at the Villa. The TV also has internet connection.
The kitchen area boasts a large area of worktops and cabinets, with microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, toaster, kettle, hob and main oven, ventilation hood and a central smoke and CO2 alarm.
There is a separate utility room with a fridge, chest freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer, ironing board, camp bed [ if required] and a mobile airer. A retractable washing line is also sited outside by the garage.
For those choosing to stay in the colder weeks, there is a log burner in the lounge and a supply of logs is kept outside in the shed.
An "Enhanced Welcome pack" is now included, comprising of, soaps, dishwasher tablets, washing machine tablets, shampoo sachets, cotton wool, tea bags, coffee sachets, sugar sachets, sweeteners, Plus water, wine, ham, cheese and bread. Plus a variety of cleaning products, toilet and kitchen roll are available.
2 Supermarkets are available, all approximately 5 kms away, in 2 different directions, all opening on Sunday morning too.
ACTIVITIES:
Rafting/canoeing/kayaking along the River Aude between Axat and Quillan is popular, Lake beaches at Puivert and Lake Montbel, indoor and outdoor pools in Quillan and other local towns, the African park, Dinosaur museum, several traditional museums, Water and fun parks, the Red Tourist train from Axat, Horse riding, Climbing walls, Jungle Jim type parks, Airbus museum, Canal cruises, Futurscope, Space museum, Karting, Fishing, Bicycle tours and hire [ can recommend 2 rental sites], Mountain biking along 870km of tracks in Aude, Road cycling along previous Tour de France routes, on relatively quiet roads, Hiking/walking through forests or mountains on paths, beach activities, quad bike and motor bike hire, and of course skiing at several different locations, the nearest is Camurac, Mijanes, and Ax-les-Thermes, Les Angles, Puyvalador and Formigueres are not far away too.
ACCESS:
Having a car, either your own, or a hire car, is essential for access to the Villa, and for getting around the area. But motorways and good local roads, make travel to the Villa comfortable. The final few kilometres are undertaken climbing up to 350m and offer some breathtaking views when approaching Granes via St. Ferriol. There is onsite, off road parking for 2 cars available.
Train travel to the area is possible, the nearest station at Quillan, is accessible from Perpignan and Carcassonne, but your own transport is required to get from the stations. Quillan, being the nearest town to the Villa, is about a 12 minutes drive.
Airports, there are several within a short drive to the area, but the closest is Carcassonne, which is only 40 minutes away by car. Car Hire is available at the airport. Other airports that can be considered are Toulouse, Beziers, Perpignan, Montpellier, Barcelona and Girona, although car travel from there is longer.
PETS:
Are allowed.
SMOKING:
Allowed outside only.
HISTORIC PLACES:
Carcassonne is the nearest city, a UNESCO world heritage site, with medieval wall and fortifications over looking the Aude river.
Toulouse, a modern city but with medieval architecture, home to aerospace and the bustling Place du Capitole.
Narbonne, an area with a combination of a city, with Roman history and beaches, fishing villages, islands and lagoons.
Perpignan, a blend of Catalan culture and history, near the Spanish border and Pyrenees, with a reputation for great feasts and produce. Montpellier, a cosmopolitan city with plenty of nightlife and a history of medical schools and education.
Andorra, a small mountainous country , combining great skiing and scenery with low cost shopping centres and museums.
BEACHES:
Accessible via train, but preferably a car or motor bikes would be required for the journey. The beaches of Languedoc tend to be golden sands and more attractive than the pebbly beaches of other areas of the south of France. The nearest beaches are situated between Narbonne and Perpignan. The best beaches near Narbonne are at Le Franqui, Leucate, and Gruissan, which are about 90 minutes away. Just further South near Perpignan, there is Argeles, Colliure and Banyules, a bit further again near where the Pyrenees meet the beaches, there are several miles of craggy inlets offering secluded retreats. If its a naturist beach you need, then just North of Narbonne, near Beziers, is the renowned Cap d'Agde.
MOUNTAINS:
A motorised form of transport is definitely required to access the vast mountain ranges of the Pyrenees, and the views and towns on the way are beautiful, Ax-les Thermes being a favourite on the way to Andorra. There are several skiing sites in close proximity, the nearest just being 44km away
