Reviews of Property: Mediterranean 18th Cent Catalan Stone Farmhouse with Own Pool in Private Grounds
Description
Farmhouse, 200 m²,
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10, 2 Bathrooms
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10, 2 Bathrooms
Facilities
near the sea, rural,
pool,
garden,
pets considered,
air-conditioning
Rates
per property
(GBP)
£950 -
£2,325/week
Amanda
+33 (0)468-532133
Speaks: English, French
17 Reviews of Property 87900 in Thuir, France
Comments from Owner Guestbook
Review Submitted: December 6, 2007
Date of Stay: December 2007
There are some lovely comments (and more photos) on a blog, written specifically about Mas Ribère by Simon and Caroline Bucknell, when they came to stay with us in September 2007. These can be found by going to Simon's blog 'Our holiday at Mas Ribere'. A copy of this can be forwarded to you by email if you have trouble finding it. Other guests' comments: Thank you so much for all you've done to make our holiday so relaxing & enjoyable - the DVDs, books & all the toys have been thoroughly played with,& I've enjoyed indulging my magazine habit. This house is gorgeous - the garden, the pool- everything we could have hoped for..and more. Thank you for having us Amanda'. 'On arriving here we were all in desperate need of a rest. Within minutes we felt better. We arrived in Summer and left in the Autumn and enjoyed the warmth and the change in the seasons. Mas Ribère has a wonderful familiar feel, almost like deja vu and gives instant relief (welcome when you have 2 small children).'
Total Bliss
Review Submitted: October 21, 2009
Date of Stay: September 2009
As usual we lost our way despite brilliant instructions; Amanda came to our rescue and found us, a few yards down the road! From the moment we arrived it was bliss; ice cold white wine and nibbles awaiting us, all the essentials in the fridge for our first breakfast, wonderfully comfy beds and bliss, eating outside in the glorious courtyard until 11 at night. Swimming in the pool before breakfast then off, with Amandas suggestions, to visit all the wonderful sights we've always wanted to see. In the 2 weeks we were there various members of the family joined us with their children and just loved doing nothing but chilling and enjoying the beautiful, light, airy house. Amanda is a charming, vivacious hostess and it was really difficult to say goodbye but we're booking again for next year, the family insist!
Our Stay July 2009
Review Submitted: October 15, 2009
Date of Stay: July 2009
We stayed here for 1 week during July 2009. Lovely house.
However when we returned to the UK we were very surpised to not receive the whole of the deposit back. We only received 12% of the deposit back. Considering we paid peak prices, this was a significant amount of money. Apparently this was due to fact we left the place 'filthy' and these were "additional" cleaning charges. I have rented many houses in the past and have never been charged anything extra.
I asked for details on how and in what way it was left filthy, so we could understand more. However 2 months have passed and despite many emails to ask for a detailed explanation i have received nothing - hence my review now.
I think that if signigicant charges are made and taken from the deposit without question or agreement, it is only professional and curteous to give a decent, detailed breakdown of the charges.
Sadly, it has been quite an acrimonious dispute which to this day remained unsettled.
However when we returned to the UK we were very surpised to not receive the whole of the deposit back. We only received 12% of the deposit back. Considering we paid peak prices, this was a significant amount of money. Apparently this was due to fact we left the place 'filthy' and these were "additional" cleaning charges. I have rented many houses in the past and have never been charged anything extra.
I asked for details on how and in what way it was left filthy, so we could understand more. However 2 months have passed and despite many emails to ask for a detailed explanation i have received nothing - hence my review now.
I think that if signigicant charges are made and taken from the deposit without question or agreement, it is only professional and curteous to give a decent, detailed breakdown of the charges.
Sadly, it has been quite an acrimonious dispute which to this day remained unsettled.
Owner's Response: We were shocked and dismayed, at the end of of the week, by the appalling state of the property, and by the general lack of respect shown by some members of this family towards the three rented properties in general, and to us, the owners in particular.
Over a hundred emails were sent (and replied to) BEFORE their arrival regarding the area, weather conditions and properties themselves; all of which received comprehensive and courteous replies (despite the fact that most of this information is available on the site itself).
During their stay we were innundated with text messages and telephone calls at all hours of the day (and once at 11 o'clock at night), sometimes just for something as trivial as directions to places to visit in the area. Again these were dealt with promptly (despite our incurring the cost of calls to english mobiles here in France) as we wished to be as helpful as possible.
A full and comprehensive list of breakages, damages and dirt WAS sent to the head of this party. The security deposit was to cover all three properties and that portion which we were obliged to retain was allocated entirely to additional cleaning of the houses themselves, professional cleaning/ dry cleaning of soft furnishings and in some instances the actual replacement of certain items which were either broken entirely or damaged beyond repair.
We have since learned of another rental property in the UK, which was left in a similarly disgusting state by the same family where, on that particular occasion, the cleaners had 'threatened to walk out' as a result.
In light of the fact that most of our reviewers have given us 5/5, we hope that this review will be taken in context.We have been blessed in the fact that 99% of our visitors have been charming and considerate people. Sadly there will always be the 'odd' individuals who seem to have no respect for other people or their property.
Over a hundred emails were sent (and replied to) BEFORE their arrival regarding the area, weather conditions and properties themselves; all of which received comprehensive and courteous replies (despite the fact that most of this information is available on the site itself).
During their stay we were innundated with text messages and telephone calls at all hours of the day (and once at 11 o'clock at night), sometimes just for something as trivial as directions to places to visit in the area. Again these were dealt with promptly (despite our incurring the cost of calls to english mobiles here in France) as we wished to be as helpful as possible.
A full and comprehensive list of breakages, damages and dirt WAS sent to the head of this party. The security deposit was to cover all three properties and that portion which we were obliged to retain was allocated entirely to additional cleaning of the houses themselves, professional cleaning/ dry cleaning of soft furnishings and in some instances the actual replacement of certain items which were either broken entirely or damaged beyond repair.
We have since learned of another rental property in the UK, which was left in a similarly disgusting state by the same family where, on that particular occasion, the cleaners had 'threatened to walk out' as a result.
In light of the fact that most of our reviewers have given us 5/5, we hope that this review will be taken in context.We have been blessed in the fact that 99% of our visitors have been charming and considerate people. Sadly there will always be the 'odd' individuals who seem to have no respect for other people or their property.
Heavenly Holiday Home
Review Submitted: October 5, 2009
Date of Stay: August 2009
We all very much enjoyed staying at the Villa and the wonderful surrounding area. It is the best of both worlds with mountains and beachs both within easy reach. Amanda's recommendations were extremely helpful too. Many thanks.
A Romantic Idyll
Review Submitted: September 21, 2009
Date of Stay: September 2009
We had a wonderfully romantic and relaxed holiday at the Mas and were very sorry not to have been able to stay for longer. Everything was laid on to make us feel most welcome and the owner, Amanda, was extremely helpful and infomative in advising of local attractions and places of interest - especially those secret gems that usually only the locals know about.
The rooms were beautifully laid out and had everything one could wish for - from the huge flat screen TV and eclectic DVD collection to a wonderfully diverse selection of books.
The kitchen was well-appointed and clean and with every facility one could wish for.
The weather was perfect and we loved eating outdoors under the shade of the plane trees as well as soaking up the sun by the beautiful pool. The local town of Thuirs is pretty and we enjoyed our laid back morning coffees at one of the many local cafes.
The highlights of our trip were visiting the home of Dali at Port Lligat - just over the border in Spain - and especially the day spent at Collioure, eating fresh,local anchovies and mussells at a beachside restaurant. A day to remember!
We can't wait to return to this lovely house and have recommended it to our friends - though we would prefer to keep it all to ourselves!
The rooms were beautifully laid out and had everything one could wish for - from the huge flat screen TV and eclectic DVD collection to a wonderfully diverse selection of books.
The kitchen was well-appointed and clean and with every facility one could wish for.
The weather was perfect and we loved eating outdoors under the shade of the plane trees as well as soaking up the sun by the beautiful pool. The local town of Thuirs is pretty and we enjoyed our laid back morning coffees at one of the many local cafes.
The highlights of our trip were visiting the home of Dali at Port Lligat - just over the border in Spain - and especially the day spent at Collioure, eating fresh,local anchovies and mussells at a beachside restaurant. A day to remember!
We can't wait to return to this lovely house and have recommended it to our friends - though we would prefer to keep it all to ourselves!
Our stay at Mas Ribere
Review Submitted: September 14, 2009
Date of Stay: August 2009
We had a fanastic week at Mas Ribere.
Cold beers in the fridge for our arrival and a beautiful farmhouse to stay in.
We made the most of the lovely shady terrace and outdoor kitchen complete with BBQ, spending plenty of time chilling out with great local wines and cheese.
The areas also offers plenty of scope for exploring if you can pull yourself away from the lovely pool.
Cold beers in the fridge for our arrival and a beautiful farmhouse to stay in.
We made the most of the lovely shady terrace and outdoor kitchen complete with BBQ, spending plenty of time chilling out with great local wines and cheese.
The areas also offers plenty of scope for exploring if you can pull yourself away from the lovely pool.
loved every minute
Review Submitted: August 30, 2009
Date of Stay: August 2009
This was our best villa holiday yet (and we've done a few!). The property is just as described and did not disappoint. We thoroughly relaxed with the help of the pool, which was very much appreciated as it was very hot (up to 36-38). For that reason, the air con downstairs was also extremely beneficial. The house is gorgeous and very comfortable. It's true, you don't need to take any books or films because there's a plentiful supply. Although rural, you are within easy driving reach of many places of interest, my favourites being Ceret and Collioure, though there really is something for everyone in this beautiful part of France. We took Amanda's tip and went very early to Collioure to beat the crowds. Other things we enjoyed: the wine from the Co-operative in Fourques, restaurant Con Marty in Thuir, the trees over the outside dining area, mountain lake swim at Lavalle followed by fab restaurant in Sorede (can't remember name, opposite car park), cove beaches south of Port Vendres with diving platforms, partic Pauliles. We flew into Barcelona, a lovely journey to Thuir, but the motorway north was badly affected by traffic jams on both Saturdays. We had time to visit Dali Museum at Figures on way back , well worth a visit even with children. Hope to return.
relaxing stay
Review Submitted: August 17, 2009
Date of Stay: July 2009
the location was lovely for the two families that stayed there. it was our first time renting a house and found it fabulous, having the pool to ourselves was a real bonus, saved going down in the mornings to put our towels on the sunbeds like on other holidays. amanda was fantastic she helped us in any way she could. we were the first irish to stay there and will definatly tell others about staying there
Mas Ribere
Review Submitted: July 29, 2009
Date of Stay: July 2009
We had a wonderful time at Mas Ribere and loved exploring the surrounding country side and culture-packed towns. The setting among the peach and nectarine orchards and at the foot of the Pyrenees was spectacular, and we loved getting to know the little town of Thuir and attending all the summer festivals it had to offer.
We enjoyed swimming in the clear pool and dining at the huge marble outdoor dining table.
Our party consisted of four adults (two couples) and it was perfect for the house. It may have felt a little crowded if we had filled the house to capacity due to the presence of only one bathroom upstairs.
We enjoyed swimming in the clear pool and dining at the huge marble outdoor dining table.
Our party consisted of four adults (two couples) and it was perfect for the house. It may have felt a little crowded if we had filled the house to capacity due to the presence of only one bathroom upstairs.
Never too old to climb!
Review Submitted: June 30, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2009
As this year saw our 40th wedding anniversary, we had a whole-family holiday for a fortnight at Mas Ribere. 5 adults, two children (1 toddler, 1 crawler) and 2 springer spaniels. It was just right - the fully enclosed garden with automatic gates meant we didn't have to watch the children, or the dogs, every second. The house itself is both charming and comfortable, and very well equipped (even down to kiddies' loo seats, stair guards etc). Set well away from the road, it's peaceful, but very convenient for local shops, the beach, the mountains and for all sorts of sightseeing. Amanda could not be more helpful and is full of good advice about the area. There's lots to do and see in the immediate area for all ages and interests - we went to great beaches, lovely villages (Castelnou especially), on boat trips, spent a lot of time chilling out in and around the pool (still can't work out how to stay on the inflatable seal!), and eating and drinking under the mulberry trees - the big barbecue area came in very handy. And my son and I surprised Amanda by getting to the top of Mount Canigou (9,133') complete with dogs.
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