Gite Alya - Calm, beauty and nature.

A magical home with huge picture windows overlooking a wild and beautiful valley. With a secluded roof terrace and a large covered balcony there is ample outdoor space to relax in the shade or sun, away from prying eyes. Renovated with taste and simplicity. Well equipped and comfortable. A perfect getaway if you are in search of peace and nature, while remaining accessible to local markets and tourist attractions. Attentive owner always ready to help. Suitable for one couple with children. Escape to the tranquility of this lovingly restored home in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. Situated in a peaceful French hamlet, 600 m above sea level, my home makes for a perfect base from which to explore the wild and beautiful Ariege. Over a decade Akasha has been sensitively restored using ecological building techniques and materials. Roof top yoga is available and retreats can be assisted if required. Akasha resonates a beautiful energy, full of light and warmth; cozy in winter and cool in summer. The old wood and natural stone are offset by the beautiful curves of the simple plastered stone walls. The ground floor is made up of a large open plan kitchen and sitting room, with woodburner. It is a beautiful space, cool in summer and cosy in winter. A large comfortable corner sofa faces the wood-burner. The kitchen is well equipped with small electric oven, 5 gas rings, washing machine, dishwasher, toaster, kettle, breadmaking machine, rice maker, juicer, iron, ironing board, blender and 12 complete place settings. Please enquire if anything else is needed. The dining room is light and peaceful with large windows and balcony overlooking the forested valley. There is an antique desk positioned with views over the valley and plenty of light. A perfect spot for writing. On the north side of the first floor is a second bedroom, with a single bed . The master bedroom is high up on the second floor. The entire south wall of the bedroom is glass and opens onto a large private covered balcony, with breathtaking views over the enchanting, ever changing valley below. Passing through a stone opening, there is a bathroom, bright reading/resting area and the fabulous roof top terrace. This is a wonderful, totally private space, away from prying eyes. Guests sleeping in the second bedroom pass by the corner of the master room to reach the bathroom, so this is not suitable if guests in the master bedroom need total privacy from their travel companions. There is a wonderful raised bed in the second bedroom, like in a tree house. This is only suitable for children or young adults so I do not accept bookings from 2 couples traveling together. Ground floor, first floor, second floor with balcony and roof terrace. If you have any questions or need of help during your stay you are most welcome to get in touch with us and we will do our best to make sure you have an unforgetable stay in our home. Laborie is a very peaceful hamlet set in the midst of forested hills, away from the sound of traffic and the bustle of modern life. There are a few horses, a small flock of goats who leave for the summer for the mountains, a couple of pigs and some chickens who add to the population of 12 inhabitants. There is fresh cow and goats cheese and milk for sale in the village for 8 months of the year. The Immediate Area Situated in the midst of the Séronais National Park, Akasha lies between Foix and St Girons, conveniently placed close to some of the most spectacular views of the Pyrenees and to many of the attractions mentioned above. Within a radius of 30 minutes from Leela there is: Foix, with its magnificent castle and various museums; St Lizier, a UNESCO site and host to a multitude of fabulous classical concerts which take place in its cathedral, St Girons with one of France's most colourful, vibrant markets; Le Golf de Ariège, a challenging and beautiful golf course; Le Maz D'Azil with its impressive grotto and buzzing market; Labouiche, Europe's longest underground river trip; Le Merens Equestrian centre; the cycle path that runs between Foix and St Girons, which can be accessed 2.7 km from the front door; rivers and lakes to swim, many walks to explore, including the ancient tracks in the hills immediately around Laborie ............. Le Golf de l'Ariège, only 20 minutes away, is a championship 18 hole golf course with magnificent views of the Pyrenees. It also has a fabulous compact 9 hole course for a more leisurely round, a driving range, putting green, club house and restaurant. Castelnau Durban, situated at 2.8km from Akasha, is as far as you need to go to enjoy the traditional French ambiance, sitting under the plane trees watching the petanque matches being fought out by all ages. Here you will also find two bars, an excellent traditional restaurant, Chez Victor, busy with local people, a small Tuesday market, a tiny post office, an antique tennis court, a small village store and a shop selling local produce. Just 2.8km from the old railway line cycle path, which runs between Foix and St Girons, with horses nearby and nestled in beautiful walking countryside, Leela is the perfect location from which to explore by foot, horseback, bike or car. The Midi-Pyrenees / Ariège region Wild and beautiful the Ariège, 'France's best kept secret'. Situated in South-Western France it is the most untouched and magnificent part of the French Pyrenees and is home to a vast population of plant, insect, bird and animal life. The possibilities to dive into the natural environment are endless, from river and lake swimming, to walks for all levels of fitness, (including the Chemin de la Liberté, the pilgrims route to Santiago Di Compostela and the well know GR routes) to horseback riding, canoeing, painting .... With the wealth of historic, archaeological and cultural interest found in the Ariège it's so easy to feel transported to another age long ago. Prehistoric man left his mark in various grottos and caves, including Niaux and Le Maz D'Azil. Fantastic medieval settlements include Carcassonne, St Lizier and Mirepoix. There is a legacy of religious history seen in the cathedrals and churches throughout the area, not to forget the story left by the Cathar people, with castles including Monsegur open for viewing. Various picturesque ski resorts can be reached within 90 minutes, including Ax Bon Ascre and Guzet Neige and the higher resorts found in Andorra are easily accessible. For winter holidays it is not unknown to be able to play golf in the morning in beautiful sunshine and ski in the afternoon. Fabulous! Private transport is essential as there is no public transport from the hamlet of Laborie. We are 3 km from the cycle path which runs between Foix and St Girons. This was the old railway line and offers gentle excercise, but of course there are many steep hills and mountains for a more challenging ride.