For sale
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Set in beautiful mountain scenery near Axat in the Pyrenees, this large semi-detached 8-bedroom house is ideal for a large family or gite.
The house is in a hamlet of 3 other properties. Local services (boulangerie/ epicerie) are about 1.5 miles away, with supermarkets, etc. a further 3 miles.
The 10th century Cathar stronghold, the Chateau de Puilaurens, is viewable from the garden. Perpignan and Carcassonne airports are 45 minutes away. Ski resorts are 50 minutes away. Locally, lovely walks abound, along with climbing, caving and water-rafting for the more adventurous.
The house was built in about 1910 and is in excellent decorative and structural order. The roof is sound, having been inspected on behalf of the current owners when purchased in 2002. The plot, which borders a small river (good for trout fishing), is about 1000mē and is mainly grass. There are flower borders and a rockery and 3 species of orchid (bee, lizard and giant) grow in the garden.
On the ground floor, thereīs a large, airy living room (28mē); a dining room (18mē) with open log fire; large fitted kitchen (17mē) with gas and electric cookers, fridge, washing machine and chest freezer; large utility room/office; shower room; w.c.; cave; and two double bedrooms (14mē) and (12mē). Both bedrooms retain the beautiful high ceilings and elegant dimensions found in French Maisons des Maitres.
On the first floor, there are 6 double bedrooms (between 11 and 13mē); a bathroom with w.c. The first floor has oak floors throughout, matching a superb original circular oak stair-case. Thereīs also a terrace, which has stunning views of the local mountains, eagles and izards.
The enormous (68mē) attic could be used for further accommodation.
There are two large cellars (with electricity) and a garage.
Services: Mains water (eau de source); Cesspit drainage; electricity; oil-fired central heating; broadband connection available.
The house is sold fully furnished (to the last teaspoon), including a French-registered RHD Volvo 440 which comes complete with 18 months MOT (the French version lasts for 2 years).
The local flora and fauna are amazing, including golden, short-toed and Bonelliīs eagles; lammergeier; eagle owl; rock bunting and citril finch heading a hugely impressive bird list. Butterflies and moths are equally spectacular, including some Pyrenean specialities such as Cardinal and Cleopatra.
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