Languedoc-Roussillon, Aude, Carcassonne, France

Step through the gates of this iconic 10th Century Benedictine monastery straight into the pages of a fairy tale.

This thousand year old property is totally secluded, surrounded by equally ancient trees in an elevated position over one of the prettiest villages in France.

Despite dating back to the Dark Ages, this property is unexpectedly bright and luxurious. The cloistered layout, high vaulted ceilings and arched stone windows throughout allow light to flood through the property.

Light is amplified and reflected by the worn flagstones, the wide stone staircases, decorated walls and plastered ceilings.

Spread over 3 floors and with a vast living area of 1,700m2, the property includes 3 dining rooms, 7 reception rooms, 17 bedrooms with decorated 18th Century stretched canvas walls, delightful artwork and wonderfully individual layouts making the most of the space.

As well as the guests suites, the property houses 2 separate apartments in the main building itself providing a genteel lifestyle for the owners' family as well as high end accommodation for staff or family.

There are numerous kitchen areas to cater for groups as well as providing the possibility of dividing the property into multiple independent living accommodation.

The cloisters, library space, Medieval galleries and cellars are also echoed in the landscaped gardens that also provide plenty of room for private reflection. The garden also has a large pool and beautiful trees that are equally ancient and well preserved.

All living areas are tastefully decorated with period furnishings and artefacts that will remain with the property. Typically the bedrooms are grand in volume, boasting unusual and unique features, with commanding views over the lush pastoral landscape it sits over.

There is a separate, large residential gatehouse situated at the entrance to the chateau. You enter into a large open-planned kitchen, dining/living area which has feels modern yet still boasts the enormous flagstone castle walls out of which it has been built.

A secluded private garden overlooks the old Medieval ramparts making this a historian or romantic's dream spot.

On the first floor, a large main bedroom and an enormous second room across the landing, large enough to create a master suite boast open fires and high ceilings.

This is one of the best known and most romantic locations in this part of the world making it an ideal venue for wedding parties, an exceptionally special venue or someone looking for a property that is truly exceptional steeped in the history and romance of Medieval France.

REFERENCE: 244099