Charming stone cottage in lush forest valley

Set in a tranquil forest valley with a clear mountain stream running through the gardens. A truly natural environment. A perfect place to relax and unwind away from the busy world yet with in easy reach of all the attractions, natural and historical that this wonderful area of France has to offer. The cottage has been completely renovated by us using the old stone marble and granite from our land to rebuild some of the walls. Well insulated and double glazed it provides a snug retreat in winter and a cool haven in summer. 2 bathrooms,both on the lower floor, one with a small bath, also a heated towel rail and one with a shower, both have sink and wc. Hair dryer provided.Fully equipped kitchen. Gas Hob, Electric oven, washing machine, iron and ironing board,dishwasher, microwave, fridge freezer,blender, toaster.The kitchen retains it's original rose marble sink. Comfortable living room, with 2 sofa's, coffee tables, DVD player , hi fi and wood burning stove. We provide the wood free of charge, the wood burner feeds the radiators in the other rooms, there is also a gas heater if needed in the colder months. Two bedrooms. Bedroom 1 you have the choice of 2 singles or one large double bed(180cm) bedroom 2 has a mezzanine double bed(140cm) below this is another smaller lounge. This room has the back door that leads to your private garden complete with wooden garden furniture and barbecue.The acommodation is adaptable making it suitable for 2 couples or one family. The cottage and main house at Tourné are situated in the forest valley of the River Artillac. The river is 20 metres from the cottage and there is access for dipping or paddling or plunging, and a few swimming strokes . fishing in season. forest walking from the door.The local village of Castelnau Durban is 2km, it can be walked along the road that follows the river or it can be reached across an ancient footpath which gives views of the mountains and surrounding area. (walking time 25mins)The village has a bakery and epicerie, a very good restaurant open every lunch time through out the year and evenings in the summer. There is a tabac and news paper shop as well as a local craft shop which is open in the summer months. The valley is an area of protected environment in the heart of the Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées ariégeoises. In the park there is virtually no industry (1%) , the population is sparse 1 person for every 2km and consequently traffic minimal, with very few cars passing the cottage.The most noise you will hear in the summer months is us mowing and maintaining the gardens! The cottage has a private garden and a joining are the substantial gardens of the main house for you too explore . In the larger gardens there is a children's play area with swings and trampoline. In the summer months a paddling pool for the younger ones and the young at heart.The larger gardens and facilities may be shared at times with guest's staying the main house. From the kitchen and lower bedroom there are views across the gardens,the vegetable garden, fruit trees and views towards the the forest. All rooms have natural views that are green in summer-these are the foothills of the pyrenees. The GR10 can be accessed directly from the house-but it is about 6 hours on foot. There are many walks of astounding beauty that can be made directly from the house. Beautiful wild flowers in spring, stunning walks in summer cooled by the forest. The voie verte is a recently opened 42km route reserved for cyclists and walkers running from St Girons and Foix accessed at Castelnau Durban and is wonderful at all times of year. In the cottage you will find guides and maps with local attractions and walks. With no pollution the River runs clear and the nights sky bright for star gazers. The cottage at Tourné is fully in natural beauty. The forest of Bellissance is given its name after the Vicomte de Bellissance who built the main house in 1850. It is several hundred hectares and the main house is among one of the finest maison de maitres in the area. Many local activities and historic sites are under 3O mins drive. There is lots to see and do in the area and the cottage provides a very calm and tranquil base from which to experience the different flavours of the region. .Access to 2 and half hectares of formal and informal gardens shared with main house guests. The cottage does have it's own garden with discreet hedges for privacy. River access is shared with main house guests but there is over 500meters of frontage and a private spot is not hard to find. The gardens are arranged in such away that although we live next door your time in the cottage can be spent in solitude if you wish. We are on hand to offer help and advice and provide table d'hotes (evening meals)in the main house if required. The air is clean, nature all around, forest and the foothills of the pyrenees. The river next to the cottage is lovely for a refreshing dip on a warm day. Plenty of walking and cycling routes from the front door. Many historic sites with in a 30 minute drive. A lovely 50 hectare swimming lake 20 minutes drive. The area is calm with virtually no traffic. All seasons are beautiful, snow in winter, abundant spring flowers, hot summers (usually) and lovely warm autumn's with rich colours as the leave change and fall. The stairs to the bedrooms are few but a little steep so not recommended if you have limited mobility. Children are welcome (our son is 9 years old) Minimum stay 3 Days Minimum stay in july and august 6 days The cottage has a 100m2 private garden. There are 2 and a half hectares of forest and formal gardens to share. The larger gardens have a swing set, trampoline and paddling pool in the summer months. Table tennis and bikes are available by reservation.With over 500m of river frontage shared with other guest it is easy to find a secluded place to sit and listen to the river. A meditation and dance studio is available with reservation. We live next door but the gardens and space are arranged so your space can be completely private. We are on hand to help with advice and help if you wish. We can also provide table d'hotes ( evening meals) during the summer season, in the main house by reservation. The cottage is situated completely in tranquility ,natural beauty all around. The clear air, the starry night sky the clean mountain stream beautiful walks and bike rides from the house. Very few cars pass by on the small road that leads to Tournè Even going shopping to St Girons ( the local town) is a pleasure with panoramic views of the mountains. Lots to see and do with in easy reach. hiking, climbing, horse riding , walking historic sites, typical mountain hamlets,wild nature, cascades, mountains and so much more. not so much public transport - but during the week there are buses that run to the 2 nearest towns from the village Children are most welcome. (our son is 10)We have found that children over 5 benefit most from this natural environment . Some people with younger children (under 5) have found the stairs a problem. Most in the last 5 years have not. The stairs to the bedrooms are few but a steep and not recommended to those with limited ability. Although we have had agile 75 yr olds who had no problem. We have friendly cats ,dogs in the main house next to the cottage so you may see them in the gardens from time to time, and children are welcome to play with them if they wish. We also have 2 donkeys near by The cottage is a place to experience the magic of nature and enjoy the outside experience.