Converted Barn/Artist Studio w/pool

Located in the sleepy village of Bouriege in the Languedoc, the heart of Cathar country. Exposed stone walls, luminous large open plan living room and kitchen . Sleeps 4. Shared solar heated pool, 2 gardens and a terrace. A rustic and peaceful haven. The studio as befits a converted barn where travellers used to leave their horses, is a rustic but lovely place to stay. The walls are all old stone and the floors wide pine floorboards. The studio has two bedrooms with separate full bath on the ground floor level. It sleeps up to four people comfortably. Up a steep flight of stairs is the main studio/living space with a large skylight and complete working kitchen. Copper pots, complete set of dishes cutlery and cooking utensils, herbs and spices, nespresso coffee machine and milk frother, microwave and fridge. In the center of the living space is a wood burning stove that is not only a cozy treat for the winter months but also heats the radiators. French doors open onto a small balconette and the stairs down to the the shared solar heated pool. Up one more staircase is an internal balcony that opens out onto the outdoor shared large terrace. On this balcony is a single bed/banqette that could be used if for example you have two children who don't want to share a bed. Just opposite the studio is a small walled garden with a large table and chairs and 2 BBQ's- one gas and one traditional wood and coal. We store our bikes here that you are welcome to borrow to take out for a spin. We even have a tandem bike for your use. Further down the village is another garden by a stream where we play badminton or just laze in the hammock or sit under the cherry tree with a good book. There is a simple cafe in the village where you can have a drink. We are 11km from Limoux- known for its wine and Blanquette. This is our local market town with all the super markets as well as traditional butcher bakers etc and a farmers market on Friday mornings. We are in the middle of Cathar county- lots of chateaux to visit Peyrepertuse, Queribus, Puilarans and of course the famous medieval walled city of Carcassone just 45 minutes from us Our village is in the foothills of the Pyrenees so lots of places for beautiful walks and if you are courageous bike rides as well! We live just a bit further up the street and are around if you want any suggestions or help- restaurants, wine tastings, walks, lakes, farmers markets or our favorite picnic spots. Guests have shared access to the terrace, the solar heated swimming pool as well as the two gardens- one just opposite the artist studio- a small walled garden with 2 BBQs tables and chairs for meals al fresco- the other is further down the village by a small stream also with a gas bbq, table and chairs for eating out,and badminton for those who want to be more active as well as a hammock for those who want to enjoy the quiet. We are on hand if you need us and are happy to help when you need us - from making restaurant reservations locally, or wine tastings or just advice for where to take a good walk, bike ride or a good picnic spot or local market. Our favorite farmers market is on Sunday morning in Esperaza. We always make sure to get there buy our fresh fruit and local produce for the week and then hang out and have our coffee or Pastis and watch the world go by. The artist studio is located in the sleepy village of Bouriege in the region of the Languedoc- famous for its Cathar chateaus, stunning landscapes and vineyards This traditional small french village is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees. It has a population of 140 people and 142 when we are in residence, so if you want loud, bustling, lots of night life, loud discos, our place is not for you! We love it for its peace, the traditional village life and of course lovely local food and wine that we can have so much fun cooking and then enjoying with friends out on the terrace or in one of the gardens or just inside in the large main open plan room of this old converted barn. We are forty minutes from Carcassonne, an hour and a half from Toulouse and four and half hours from Barcelona if you fancy taking a couple days to visit this most amazing city. We are also in the middle of Cathar country. Alvin is always happy to give you routes for the perfect day trip out to see Perpeyteuse and Queribus or closer to home Rennes le Chateau. Because we are in such a small village, you will need a car to get around and truly benefit from seeing what is on offer in the area. We have had guests stay who just used our bicycles, but you have to be pretty hardy for that as we are located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, so lots of hills. There is outdoor parking in the village. Either up further on our street or one street parallel or else up by our bigger garden. if you are flying into Toulouse, you can take a shuttle bus to the train station and take a train to Carcassonne where you can pick up a car rental if you are not picking one up from the airport in Toulouse. There is also a small train that runs from Carcassonne to Limoux but this train doesn't run as often, so you are probably best off renting a car from Carcassonne or Toulouse. There is street parking only. No private garage. Most shops are closed on Sundays. So if you are arriving on a Sunday keep that in mind.We recommend you bring at least some groceries with you if arriving late on Saturday as nothing is open. Our favorite Sunday morning farmers market is in Esperaza but do keep in mind that it closes up at midday. There is a supermarket - Super U in Limoux that is open on Sunday morning until midday if you need. Most places except supermarkets and restaurants are closed between 12 and 2pm so plan your day accordingly.