Property Description
Located in a small, exclusive, residential development in the Corbieres hills, Villa Matisse has the most superb views over the surrounding countryside. Completed in 2008, this modern villa is built using local stone and wood and blends well with its idyllic surroundings offering you serene moments relaxing in the sun and cooling off in the swimming pool.
The well-equipped and nicely furnished property is open plan and covers 2 storeys. As the property is built on a slope, you enter the villa on the first floor level. An open staircase leads down to the spacious living/dining room and fully fitted kitchen.
Above this room is a partial mezzanine where you'll find the master double bedroom with en-suite shower room. A further double bedroom with twin beds is located on the first floor along with the main bathroom.
The property is ideal for 4 people and especially lends itself to a couple, two couples holidaying together or a family of four.
From the living room, doors lead out onto a south-facing private terrace and then onto a decked area where you'll find the lovely turquoise swimming pool.
On the terrace, a dining table and comfortable chairs are provided plus a large parasol to shelter you from the direct sun in the heat of the day. You'll find two sun-loungers for sunbathing and relaxing.
This attractive outdoor area combined with the superb views make this property perfect for that lovely holiday in the sun.
Whilst in a rural setting the villa is just ten minutes walk from the village of Durban Corbieres, a 30 minute drive from the beaches on the Mediterranean coast and less than 1 hour's drive from both Perpignan and Carcassonne. The lovely town of Narbonne is within easy reach, as is the border with Spain.
Property Features
Open-plan living area: Stylishly decorated and furnished, and with a high beamed ceiling, this comprises a large comfortable lounge area with two leather sofas, a coffee table, a flat screen TV with UK channels, a DVD player and a Bose Sound dock for your iPod. There is a wood burning stove to keep you cosy on cooler evenings. In the dining area, there is a large wooden dining table with four dining chairs. From this area through the glass doors, you can walk onto the attractive terrace area and towards the swimming pool.
Kitchen: A modern fitted kitchen with a hob and an oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, iron and ironing board, kettle, and toaster. There's an attractive range of crockery, glasses and cutlery and everything you need for cooking. .
Bedrooms: The lovely master bedroom is on a mezzanine floor overlooking the open space of the lounge and dining room. There's a double bed with bedside tables, lamps, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and WC. The second bedroom is located separately on the first floor and has two single beds, bedside tables, lamps and a wardrobe.
Bathrooms: There is an en-suite shower room to the master bedroom and also, on the first floor, a family bathroom with a bath and shower attachment, a hand basin and a WC. An additional WC is located in a separate cloakroom near to the kitchen.
Outside: From the living area, through the glass doors, there's a private terrace furnished with a table, four chairs, a parasol and a barbecue. Beyond the terrace, there's a private swimming pool in a decking surround. Two sun-loungers are provided. The garden area looks out onto the Corbieres hills and the village.
There is a parking space for one car, and further parking just a short distance away from the property.
Suitability Note: This property has a terraced garden and the owners feel that any children you have should ideally be 5 years and above or otherwise babies.
Swimming pool: The private swimming pool is 2.5m x 5m and a pool security alarm is fitted.
Internet: There is a WiFi internet connection here for use with your own laptop.
Telephone: There is no landline here, though mobile phone signals are normally good in this region.
Baby Facilities: Sorry - there are no facilities for babies here.
Winter Heating: Is provided by modern electric wall heaters and is included in the rental price. If you require logs for the wood burning stove these can be supplied for a small additional cost.
Electric and Water: Are included in the rental price.
End of Stay Cleaning: Is included in the rental price.
Bed and Bathroom Linen: Are included in the rental price. A pool/beach towel is also provided per person.
Taxe de Sejour: Included here in the rental price. Damage Deposit: The owners request a damage deposit of 300 euros or £250. This is payable to Joie de Vivre by authorisation on your credit card at least 2 weeks before your arrival. This will be refunded to your card within a week of your departure less the replacement cost of any breakages or damage.
Change Over Day: Saturdays normally from June to the end of September. Outside those months alternative arrival days may be possible, subject to availability and agreement.
Pets: Sorry - pets are not permitted here.
Smoking: is not permitted at this property.
About the local area
The property is located a short walk from the centre of the well-kept village of Durban Corbieres which has a small supermarket, a boulangerie, a bar and a restaurant, a pharmacy and a post office. The old part of the village leads up a hill through narrow, winding streets to the old chateau and the ancient church at the summit. The newer part of the village is on the opposite bank of the River Berre.
Sports Facilities: The immediate area lends itself to walking and mountain-biking, in fact the 'Cathar Way' a popular long distance footpath which crosses through Durban. There's also tennis courts in the village and a municipal swimming pool. All types of watersports are available at the Mediterranean coast e.g. Leucate is especially popular for wind-surfing and kite-surfing.
Activities: Durban is superbly situated to make the most of your holiday in Languedoc Roussillon, from its long fine golden beaches, the ancient Cathar castles, the medieval city of Carcassonne, historical monuments and abbeys, to the famous Canal du Midi, and acres and acres of vineyards producing great quality wines. For children, there's the African nature reserve near the coast at Sigean. You can even go for a day trip to Spain as the border is only about 75 minutes drive away
Markets: In the village there's a small market once a week selling fresh fruit and vegetables and other local produce. There's a big market every Saturday both in Carcassonne and in Lagrasse. Nearby Narbonne has an excellent indoor food market in Les Halles, open every day of the week until lunchtime, and an outdoor market on a Thursday and a Sunday morning.
Restaurants: There's a bar and a restaurant in Durban Corbieres and a Michelin star restaurant in Fontjoncouse, the Auberge du Vieux Puits. Joie de Vivre will be pleased to provide you with some restaurant recommendations.
Supermarkets: There's a small supermarket in the village, and a large Intermarche in Sigean and in Lezignan Corbieres.
