Three buildings for sale, forming a complex around a small courtyard, in a beautiful little village 17 miles north of Carcasonne. The buildings were once a part of the ancient château, but converted into living accommodation in 1602. Parts of the original turrets can be discerned within the walls.

This was a former home of Pierre-Paul Riquet, constructor of the Canal du Midi, and where he lived whilst building the canal. The feeding springs for the canal are nearby. The village is in the Cabardès winegrowing region on the periphery of the Montagne Noire. It is bordered by the delightful Forêt de Loubatières, a perfect spot for followers of all country pursuits, particularly rambling and fishing.

The small village comprises houses in the typical mountain style, a shop for all provisions, a post office, and a restaurant/bar, situated around a splendid green, itself constructed by André le Nôtre (famous for creating, amongst many well-known landscaped gardens, those of Versailles). Le Nôtre was a friend of Riquet and frequent visitor to the Château.

The complex, which has been significantly renovated by the present owners, comprises a total of 15 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms (some en-suite), large salon, restaurant room and various living quarters for a total surface area of about 500 m² (5300 ft²). It has recently been extensively rewired to contemporary standards and hot water is provided economically by electrically-heated cumulus tanks.

Central heating was originally by an oil-fired thermosyphon system, and a large oil storage tank exists beneath the courtyard. Many radiators are still in place, however the original boiler has been removed and has not been replaced. The best type of heating very much depends upon how the new owner wished to use the buildings, and it might well be considered preferable to install individual electric convectors in the style of many modern French hotels.

The Business Opportunity

This is an ideal business opportunity for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit. A little goldmine of a business waiting to happen which can be up and running and making money quickly. The complex could be operated as gîtes, chambre-d'hôte or, possibly more interestingly and profitably, as a conference centre or retreat servicing the myriad cultural, spiritual, health and sporting associations found throughout France, and indeed worldwide, and which are constantly on the lookout for substantial rural accommodation on a year round basis.

In addition, the buildings are being sold furnished with beds, lounge furniture, office furniture and terrestrial and satellite tv installations. Modest additional investment would be required to get any business here off the ground - a lick of paint here and there, renewal of some of the wallpaper. Thats about it. Just come up with the business idea which appeals the most and roll out the publicity.

Accessibility

The complex is located just 16 miles from Carcassonne airport with its frequent daily low-cost flight connections to London, Dublin  and Brussels. Also just 10 miles from the main motorway linking Bordeaux, Toulouse and the Côte-d'Azur.

Local Attractions

Besides the attractive surrounding countryside of lakes and waterfalls, the history here is also impressive. The region is full of ruined castles, many close by. And of course there is the walled citadel of Carcassonne just a stone's throw away - the site in France most visited by tourists outside of Paris. The Centre for Cathare studies is also based here and day trips can easily be made to the many Cathare fortresses such as Montsegur.

For those interested in the esoteric and mysteries, the tiny mountain village of Rennes-le-Château is only about 40 miles away - made famous by the Da Vinci Code and world renowned as the home of Abbé Saunière and mysterious goings-on in the chapel and local countryside. An ideal setting for both treasure seekers and those seeking something a little more spiritual alike.

And oh yes, did we mention that there are imposing uninterrupted views over Carcassonne and the Pyrénnées to the south? Being located at 600m, there is nothing higher between here and the mountains!

The Sea and the City

Those who simply can't live without a regular dose of sea and of city will be pleased to know that the Mediterranean port of Narbonne and city of Toulouse are each little more than a hours drive away by motorway.

Summary

• Ready-to-go business, furnishings included, in historically interesting property


• Beautiful tranquil village setting on edge of forest and Montagne Noire - ideal for lovers of rural pursuits, walking, fishing ...


• Village has a general store for provisions, restaurant/bar and post office


• Close to Carcassonne and major supermarkets


• Many new en-suite bathrooms, WCs, etc


• Some new double-glazing


• All main electrical wiring is new


• Solid walls and roof in good condition


• Heating system needs installing


• Needs some paintwork and wallpapering

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For further details, see website at:   www.languedoc-property.info