THE VILLAGE:
Montagnac is a village of 3000 inhabitants with many 14th to 17th century buildings, an 11/12th century church, restaurant, internet cafe, boulangerie/patisseries, mini-markets, café/bar etc. and a large weekly street market. It is less than 10 minutes' drive to the pretty little port of Mèze, ringed with super seafood restaurants and a sandy beach. Mediterranean beaches are 25 minutes' drive and sophisticated Montpellier, with an international airport and main train station, 20 minutes.
Our house provides a perfect, peaceful base to relax at the end of a busy day's sightseeing. It is situated in a quiet street, yet you have shops and a café for simple meals literally at your doorstep. The gourmet take away food shop is perfect for a gastronomic treat 'at home' and you can buy wine to compliment your meal at the specialist wine shop. Or opt for a take away pizza and local wine from the cave co-operative! Park outside to unload your car; plenty of parking 2 mins away.
THE HOUSE:
Step into the 15th Century! A unique vacation rental experience. The ground floor of the Merchant's House has a superb, elegantly vaulted stone ceiling supported by stone columns at each corner and houses the spacious sitting/dining room and fully equipped kitchen.
The wide stone spiral staircase has a stairwell of large, expertly cut stones where ancient doorways and windows were rediscovered during the renovation. It leads to the bedrooms and terrace.
On the first floor is a large double-bedded room of 35 sq m with high ceiling and exposed beams, sitting area and French doors opening to a tiny balcony. A 4m x 1.50m Florentine tapestry and 18th century fireplace (non-working) complement the wall of exposed stones featuring a mullioned window. A ‘secret passage’ (NB: the entrance is narrow) leads to the ensuite shower room with shower, WC and hand washbasin.
THE HOUSE:
The large bedroom on the second floor has twin beds and features a charming 19th century fireplace (non-working) and twin beds. One wall is of exposed stones where the former mullioned windows can be clearly seen. The ensuite bathroom has a big corner bath, shower, WC and hand washbasin.
Top floor: The private terrace/loggia gets full afternoon and evening sun and has wonderful views over Roman-tiled roofs to nearby hills. It is the perfect spot to lounge in the sun, cool drink to hand!
A Summer Kitchen (fridge, sink etc) and a gas BBQ make al fresco dining easy.
Equipment includes washing machine, microwave, TV with Satellite (UK free to air channels), DVD player, CD/radio, some CDs, books.