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A 13th-century fairytale castle that continues to serve, awe-inspire and captivate till this very day - introducing the fabulous and magical Chateau Des Cathares that is set within 4 hectares of a beautiful parkland. Located in the amazing Cathar country, in this enchanting part of the Languedoc, this castle was originally built by a Cathar Lord in the 13th century before it was extended some 300 years later. It is currently owned by a sculptor whose artsy imagination translates into works evident across the grounds as her labor of love in welcoming guests who come to stay here. Consisting of 14 grand bedrooms that can accommodate a whopping number of 29 guests maximum, the interiors evoke a traditional and classical ambiance that harken back to the centuries of yore though there are contemporary elements and spaces to provide an excellent juxtaposition. An equally delightful 18th century cottage sits on the grounds of the chateau with its own entrance and gardens too.
The 14 bedrooms available at Chateau Des Cathares are split across the main chateau as well as its accompanying cottage, which can be rented on their own depending on the group of pax or number of guests. Of the total 14 rooms, 10 of them are in the main chateau (for 20 guests) and the other 4 in the cottage (for another 9 guests maximum), each with their own stories and tales, personified by charisma, beautiful art pieces and furnishings collected and retained from over the centuries. Over at the main chateau, the rooms are located on the ground and first floor, mostly with double bedding, while some come with twin bedding and another with single or queen-size bedding. An additional 4 folding single beds and 2 cots can be provided upon request. At the cottage, the rooms are also found on the ground and first floor, namely a double bedroom below and 3 more twin bedrooms upstairs, with 1 cot also available for use by guests.
The outdoor grounds of the chateau are made up of a vast parkland and private forest spanning 4 hectares in acreage, which is the ideal setting to host parties or even a wedding reception. Guests can also relax by the immaculate lawns next to the splendid swimming pool, in the shade of ancient trees or any of the mesmerizing sculptures created by the owner. The pool measures 10m X 6m and is equipped with a safety alarm, while open to guests between May and early October. There is also a BBQ facility available and North and South terraces that make for awesome spaces to savor the lush surroundings.
Indoors, guests will truly be awed by the opulent and magnificent furnishings and decor, starting with the grand reception rooms that allow for guests to dine by the fireplace during the cooler months, or enjoy the garden views by the summer salon. The befittingly-named Knights’ Hall on the first floor with its rich design can be used as a thematic venue to host a banquet or wedding dinner, while the well-appointed kitchen measuring 23 sq meters in space alone has all the amenities to whip up a storm of a gourmet or your everyday meals. Other available spaces include a billiard room with its own fireplace and an upstairs dining room, while over at the cottage, guests here also have their own dining room, living room with doors leading out to the front garden, as well as its own kitchen with a breakfast table.
The team offers an extensive range of services for guests, ensuring that their needs are well-taken care of and they receive the most hospitable treatment. Among the services offered are maid service or extra cleaning, a private chef for hire or catering, pre-stocking of the fridge, local day trips and tours, airport transfers, and also babysitting and childcare services. Even a gourmet dining experience can be hosted here with the services of a full personal butler at guests’ disposal.
The chateau is located near the delightful and historical market town of Mirepoix here in the enchanting part of Languedoc. Mirepoix is famous for its ancient timer-framed houses with a lovely market showcase on Monday mornings at the pretty square. There is also a local village within a 5-minute driving distance which consists of a bakery, butchery and a little grocery store. For guests with a taste for foie gras, there is a farm just across the chateau which produces this delicacy, while stunning wines are available for samplings at vineyards all across this Languedoc region. Here in Cathar country, there is an abundance of spectacular castles and ruins to explore, such as the famous one in nearby Montsegur, while the incredibly fortified city of Carcassonne is just 45-minutes away.
