You’ll walk into a comfortable sitting room overlooking the terrace and garden. It contains a 3 seater sofa, 2 armchairs, a well-stocked bookcase and satellite TV. The tiled floor character dining room boasts a beamed & panelled ceiling, a dining setting for 6 and the Gascon fireplace is fitted with a wood stove. This room overlooks neighbouring fields and has stairwell access to the 1st and 2nd floors. The kitchen is fully equipped and contains a tiled worktop, twin sink, refrigerator, freezer, microwave, electric oven and cook top. A dishwasher ensure you don’t spend all your time at the sink and of course the convenience of self-contained living means there is a washing machine and clothes dryer. There’s even a picnic set to allow you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors with goodies purchased in the local village.
The first flight of stairs takes you to the main bedroom which carries the character of the area with half timbering and exposed beams. South and West facing windows ensure a lovely outlook and there is an en-suite bathroom and toilet. It is fully carpeted and furnished with a double bed, a cupboard with handsome period wooden doors, 2 occasional tables and armchairs. The second bedroom contains 2 single beds and ample cupboard space and the family bathroom has a cork floor, bath, basin and toilet and a hairdryer is provided for your convenience.
The third bedroom is one more flight up and is a character attic room with sloping ceiling, carpet on boarded floor and is painted & papered with half timbering. It is furnished with 2 single beds, night table and lamp and a basin and toilet.
One of the bonuses of self-contained living is the privacy of your own outdoor area and here you will find a spacious terraced garden shielded from the road by a tall hedge. A 6 person outdoor setting, sun lounges and umbrella are all there to enjoy the balmy summer evenings and there is parking for 2 cars.
There is also a small BBQ kettle and 4 place picnic setting for you to use.
The cottage has been described as ‘tout en finesse’ which best translates to quirky. Reputedly built in the 15th century the cottage oozes features from that era and immediately transports you back in time with its exposed timber beans and external columbage (timber uprights packed with stone, clay and straw). In fact a previous guest once claimed a friendly ‘non-paying’ guest came for a visit, perhaps a previous owner? No panic necessary – just another nice story to tell!
Wild boar pay occasional visits to the garden overnight as they pass through the neighbouring woodland and during the la Chasse (hunting season) September to February a great sense of history is felt as the hounds and hunters can be heard chasing their prey.
Wireless Internet is available at the cottage free of charge. Guests without a laptop can access the Internet at Mielan Informatic - across the town square or at an Internet shop in Mirande. Address and operation times can be found in the information folder on arrival.
TV
If you find time in your busy schedule of exploring the village and the region there is a Television with a wide range of channels available in English language. Four French channels are also available which are valuable for local news and weather and to practice your French language skills.
The Markets
You simply must explore the local markets and experience the fresh food and other local produce.
Books
There is a small collection of books in the bookcase for you to read on site. If you arrive with your own book and finish it during your stay we would be grateful if you left it behind to share with a future guest. Our collection has built up over the years and we would like to keep it that way so we ask you don’t use it as a swap mart, just help it grow.
Outdoors
Bring out the outdoor setting, including lounges and umbrellas and enjoy! There is also a small BBQ kettle and 4 place picnic setting for your use.
Bikes
To help you get into the French spirit we have supplied 2 bicycles for your enjoyment. You’ll find them a great way to explore the local area. They are located in the shed and although we check them annually if you notice any problem please let Michael or Nelie’s know.
Petanque
Speaking of French spirit this is a must! - The Mielanese Petanque Club is located behind the Office de Tourisme – walk down the stairs to the right. Locals play most evenings and several of our guests have enjoyed a game with them.
