Name of the Property: 'La Dame Blanche'
Location The village of Puivert, the Aude, Languedoc, France
Number of Bedrooms Four bedrooms - sleeps 8 people

Short description
'La Dame Blanche', a house for all seasons, is a delightful 16th century village grange, renovated and stylishly furnished to create a comfortable and luxurious holiday experience. It is situated in Puivert, a beautiful historic village, set in the tranquil and picturesque foothills of the Pyrenees.

Pictures

Description of the Property
Coordinated throughout the interior, is the use of birch timber combined with bold colourful furnishings giving a fresh contemporary feel, with comfort as a priority.

Whilst retaining the ancient exposed oak beams, rafters and rustic stone walls, 'La Dame Blanche' offers a spacious and modern open-plan ground floor, with a split-level living and dining area, an open fireplace, TV-DVD player, stereo, gas heating, a fully equipped modern kitchen, including d/washer, h/plates, oven, m/wave and fridge/freezer and bathroom/laundry with toilet, tiled shower and w/machine.

Double French doors lead from the dining area to a large south-facing terrace, paved with sandstone flags, which blend into a pebbled landscaped garden. Outdoor entertaining under the shade of umbrellas, surrounded by spectacular rural views, is only a step away from the kitchen, making it a great place to relax on those endless balmy evenings.

The open stair-case leads to the second floor which consists of three large double bedrooms, a twin bedroom and a second bathroom with toilet, tiled bath/shower. The bedrooms have been arranged in the European style enabling the choice of king beds or pairs of single beds, each made up with separate all-season duvees. Each bedroom offers splendid rural views through shuttered windows.

Location
Puivert is located in the deep south of the Aude, an area of profound beauty and history and one that has yet to be invaded by the tourist hordes.
Ideal for those seeking the thrills of an active holiday, the Aude is a paradise for all seasonal activities: in summer, white river rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and abseiling, all centred around the gorges of the Aude river as well as horseriding and hiking; and in winter, there are a variety of ski stations in the Pyrenees to choose from.

It is possible to drive through the country side along the 'Route du Payes Cathar', and discover the famous fortresses and Chateaux throughout the region: the most famous of them all, La Cite in Carcassonne, (the largest medieval fort in Europe), and, only a short drive from Puivert. Puivert, itself, has its own XIth century castle, Puivert Chateau. Of all the Cathar castles this is certainly one of the best preserved, dominating the plain of Puivert.

From the house, short excursions can be made to the mountains of the Pyrenees, the beaches of the Mediterranean, the waterways of the Canal du Midi, the vineyards of Limoux, (famous for its Blanquette, the forerunner to Champagne), the colourful markets of Mirepoix (a medieval town), Couiza, Espereza and Quillan, the countryside of Spain (with Barcelona just over the border) and the ski fields of Andorra.

Closer to home, Puivert has its own Le Lac. With clean water, sandy beach and Buvette serving tasty meals throughout the summer months and only 5 minutes walk from the front door, it is just the place for relaxing in the sun. Behind the beach, there is a tennis court, volley ball court and a boule-a-dome. The Gliding Club is nearby Le Lac, on the plain, where horse riding can also be arranged. Cycling, mountain bike riding and hiking are ideal for naturalists and photographers, alike.

Puivert has an excellent boulangerie and just up from the village square there is a mini-supermarket offering everything that you may require. There is also a café/bar/tabac, restaurant and post office. The charcuterie and primeur visit the market square twice weekly and during the summer months, Puivert has a Wednesday evening market. The charming village of Chalabre is 10 minutes away and has markets, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, banks, chemists, doctors, dentists and a petrol station, all to suit your needs.

Rates: Saturday to Saturday
High June July August Sept €680 £470 * AUD$1090 *
Mid April May Oct Nov' Xmas, New Year €535 £370 * AUD$860 *
Low Dec Jan Feb Mar €425 £295 * AUD$680 *
*Exchange rates may fluctuate but are correct at the time of press.
Linen and bath towels included.

Additional costs
A charge of €10 for laundry per bed, discounted to €15 for a 2 pax rental
An optional charge of €60 for cleaning at the end, or, at any time during the rental period

Conditions
A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the full payment is required to secure a reservation at the time of booking.
The balance of the full payment is payable 8 weeks prior to check-in at which time detailed instructions will be sent on how to find 'La Dame Blanche' and arrival arrangements.

A refundable Bond of €150, payable at the time of full payment to the owners, is required as guarantee against breakages/damage to the property. The bond will be fully refund no later than 14 days after Check-out and inspection has be made.

Check-in Saturday 4.30pm
Check-out Saturday 10am

Well behaved pets are allowed.
No beach towels are provided.

The owners suggest, that due to the open plan layout, the house is unsuitable for children under the age of 5 years, however they will leave it to the discretion of the guests to determine. In all events the owners accept no responsibility for injury or accidents occurring within the boundaries of the property.

The weekly rental includes our 'welcome pack', heating, wood supply, electricity, gas and one set of bed linen and bath towels per guest.

Names of Owners Telephone
Bridget King After hours +61 3 9818 6816 Bridget
Meredith King +61 3 9886 9560 Meredith
Mobile +61 412 9999 41 Bridget
+61 418 3674 25 Meredith
Fax +61 3 9818 6816 Bridget
Email bridgetking59@yahoo.com.au
meredith@dk2.com.au