Languedoc-Roussillon, Aude, Labastide-Esparbairenque, France

From Carcassonne airport a 35 minute drive sweeps you up to the hamlet of Labastide Esparbairenque. Straight out of a Thomas Hardy novel you are in French Dorset and more! This property has served as inspiration to many writers and artists who have stayed here over the years as well as the imediate neighbour's operational and well frequented Writer's retreat.

Enter the gates from the street and park at ground floor level or enter from above at mid floor level where you can park in the ample 47m2 garage and walk down short steps entering the property through the office.

This property has to be experienced in order to appreciate the thought that has gone into creating it. A harmonious staircase ascends from the ground floor up, and is hewn out of rock from behind which - La Source springs naturally and carefully flows down into the Orbiel valley below. There are modern amenities for perfect everyday living. This place is a perfect second home, artists' or writer's retreat, or holiday home for people seeking contemplation and raw nature. A must see.

The house is comprised of three floors. Please see floor plan photos.

First floor: Very large kitchen, dining room, and movie room with adjacent toilet/WC. Front south facing flag-stoned patio off the kitchen. Shaded large wooden terrace off the dining room overlooking a grassy back garden with sweeping views of the gardens into the valley. Eco hemp insulated and tiled floors and walls with large double glazed oak windows. Uninterrupted, panoramic view of the valley and mountains from. Stone stairs built into the mountain rising onto the second floor.

2nd floor: Office with wood burning stove, expansive living room with open, pull down fireplace and artisanal cherry stairs and large cherry book shelves. Terrace with grape arbor. 2 bedrooms with adjacent toilet/WC and walk-in Italian shower and vintage sink and fixtures. Large modern laundry room.

3rd floor: 4 bedrooms, including one master bedroom with walk-in dressing room and small terrace. Bathroom with shower and modern bath. 2 toilets/WCs.

Outside there's a large stone terrace with garden and breathtaking views of the river valley and mountains. In the center of the village, but down a secluded lane, the house also has an entrance from above the 3rd floor, beside the very large garage.

Renovations completed recently, including a wood-fiber insulated roof (Passivhaus standards) and hemp insulation and steel tempered glass entrance doors on all 3 levels.