Off-grid house amidst the vineyards

The Mas de Villetelle sits nestled amidst the vineyards and the lavender fields, an enchanting little rustic house with an enclosed courtyard garden. The Mas de Villetelle sits nestled amidst the vineyards of the Languedoc region, an enchanting little rustic house with an enclosed courtyard garden. Situated in undulating farmland with uninterrupted views of the distant mountains, Villetelle is part of an ancient “mas” (a farmhouse in the middle of a wine estate). The remainder of this picturesque farm is un-renovated so visitors can enjoy peace and seclusion. Still, civilisation is not far away - just a 15 minute cycle ride to the charming market town of Gignac, and with easy access to the buzzing cultural city of Montpellier. This is the ideal getaway for those who enjoy simple pleasures away from the modern world. At Villetelle, thoughtful consideration has been given to the environment. Electricity for the lights and sockets is provided by solar panels on the roof, natural wood treatments have been used throughout, the cleaning and bathroom products are biodegradable, towels and bedding are 100% natural fibres. Plenty of shopping bags and baskets are provided to discourage the use of plastic bags and there are facilities for recycling and composting waste. The house itself has thick stone walls, keeping it comfortably cool in the summer months. Downstairs is open plan with rustic terra-cotta tiles on the floor. At one end is the kitchen, with a large dining table and at the other end, a living area with a traditional wood-burner, perfect for cosy evenings round the fire. The beautifully crafted staircase is made of ash, locally sourced from the Cevennes, leading to a small landing. Upstairs are two double bedrooms and a shower room, with wooden floors throughout. Outside, an enclosed courtyard provides a semi-shaded outdoor dining area with a barbecue, hammock and deckchairs. Use of a small above ground pool by arrangement with the owners. Villetelle is tucked away down a narrow farm track through the vineyards. It can be a little hard to find the first time so we usually arrange to meet guests in Gignac and from there it is a 5 minute drive to the house where we can welcome you, show you around and make sure you have all that you need. We usually stay in Montpellier, or on a piece of land which is not far from the mas. Villages Wander through the exquisite medieval villages of St Guilhem-le-Désert (a UNESCO Heritage Site) with its narrow winding streets; and St Jean-de-Buèges with its crystal clear pool at the source-de-Buèges. St Jean de Fos has been famed for its pottery for centuries. Potters still work here using traditional methods and materials and the annual Pottery Fair is held in August. Towns & Cities Montpellier: The university town of Montpellier is one of the France's most thriving and dynamic cities and the largest city of the region. Attractions include a wide central square, the Place de la Comedie, theatres, cinemas, a fine old quarter with chic boutique shops, the Arc de Triomphe and the Jardin des Plantes, which is the oldest botanical garden in France Carcassone: Europe's largest medieval fortress and one of the best preserved. Horse drawn carriages provide guided tours or you can explore on your own. Nimes: With its perfectly preserved Roman arena, it is the best example of a Roman city outside Italy. A few kilometers away is the Pont du Gard - a spectacular Roman aqueduct spanning the River Gardan. Markets There is a colourful local market every Saturday morning in Gignac and a flea market every Sunday morning in Mosson, Montpellier. Pezanas is renowned for its antique/brocante shops. Other markets include: Clermont L'Herault - Wednesday mornings St Jean de Fos - Tuesday mornings Montpellier organic market - les Arcaux, Saturday and Tuesday mornings Beaches In summer the beaches get pretty busy and I prefer the river but my favourite beach near to Montpellier is between Carnon and La Grande Motte. It’s a sandy stretch of beach with sand dunes and salt lagoons behind which you may spot flamingoes. The water is shallow for a long way out and so safe for children. (Website hidden by Airbnb) Eating Out From the house you can see the turret of the enchanting Auberge Pelican. The restaurant serves delicious, good value, home cooking with local produce and their own wines, and every Monday evening through the summer, visitors and local wine producers gather in the courtyard for a friendly and informal wine tasting. Tel: (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) La Table d'Aurore, St Guilhem-le-Désert, serves delicious seasonal food on a shaded terrace overlooking the river Hérault. Tel: (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) La Famourette: Located on the road from Aniane to Gignac, on the banks of Herault river. A typical "guinguette" (semi-open air casual restaurant by a river or lake) with terrace, tasty food and tapas. Live music several evenings per week, open everyday in summer (week-ends only in winter). We recommend you reserve in advance and check what music is on offer. (Website hidden by Airbnb) De Lauzon, Gignac. This new Michelin one star restaurant offers a chance to really treat yourself and savour some of the finest cuisine of this area. Open all week except Sunday evenings and Mondays. Booking in advance is recommended. Tel: (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) Other Attractions Lac Salagou: A beautiful lake which makes a great day out for the family. The water is a lovely temperature in the summer and pedaloes, boats and windsurfs can be hired. The Canal du Midi: Constructed (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) , it runs for 235km through the region and its 100 locks link the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. The towpaths offer superb cycling and walking and you can hire a boat or take a cruise between various centres from Sete to Carcassone. Grotte de Clamouse: This underground world is a jewel in the Hérault and southern France. Its amazing abundance of aragonite and calcite concretions have made it one of the most popular caves in France. It is soon to be listed is a UNESCO Heritage Site. (Website hidden by Airbnb) There are frequent buses from Gignac to most of the other towns of the region (including Montpellier and Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert), for a set price of 1.50 €